India-Australia: The mother of all battles

It's billed as the mother of all cricket battles, greater than the Ashes for many Australians and bigger than any Pakistan rivalry in the eyes of many Indians.

The four-Test series between India and world champions Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting in Bangalore on October 9 has caught the imagination of the cricket world like never before.

Batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar justifies the media hype before the series as an indication of how important matches against Australia have become for the cricket-mad public in both countries.

"We have played some of our best cricket against Australia," says Tendulkar, who is just 77 runs away from surpassing Brian Lara as Test cricket's leading scorer.

"It is because of the competitive nature of cricket that an India-Australia series is bigger than the one against Pakistan."

The series prize, named after two distinguished former captains and batting greats, Allan Border of Australia and Sunil Gavaskar of India, has provided fascinating cricket since its inception in 1996.

Of the 22 Tests played for the Trophy, Australia have won 10 and India eight, with four draws. The last 15 Tests have seen Australia hold a narrow 6-5 advantage.

The upcoming contests follow an ill-tempered, but enthralling, four-match series in Australia earlier this year that the hosts won 2-1 amid deteriorating relations between the two sides.

Anil Kumble's Indians, already seething at umpiring errors in the acrimonious second Test in Sydney, almost abandoned the tour when all-rounder Andrew Symonds levelled racial abuse charges against spinner Harbhajan Singh.

When officials brokered a compromise, the Indians hit back with a brilliant win in the next Test in Perth, often regarded as a no-hope venue for touring teams due to its fast wicket.

India are the only team to win a Test match on Australian soil since January 2003, and they have done it twice following the Adelaide win by Sourav Ganguly's men in 2004.

Australia regarded India as the final frontier after Mark Taylor's tourists lost 1-0 here in 1996 and 2-1 in 1998 and Steve Waugh's team went down 2-1 in a thrilling series in 2001.

All seemed lost for India when Waugh's men wrapped up the first Test in Mumbai in three days and made the hosts follow on 274 runs behind in the second match in Kolkata's Eden Gardens.

India, however, conjured a remarkable fightback on the back of Venkatsai Laxman's extraordinary 281 to win the Kolkata Test by 171 runs and then clinced the series with a two-wicket humdinger in Chennai.

Australia finally conquered the Indian frontier under Adam Gilchrist in 2004 as injured captain Ricky Ponting watched from the sidelines, but not before the Indians took the final Test in Mumbai on a treacherous wicket.

"Given India and Australia are the powerbrokers of contemporary cricket it is appropriate they provide the game's most competitive and compelling Test match cricket," veteran Australian journalist Mike Coward said.

"The rivalry between these two superpowers now generates an intensity and excitement once reserved for Ashes and Indo-Pakistan matches."

Australia, who played just one Test series in India between 1980 and 1995 -- in 1986 which featured only the second tied Test in history in Madras (Chennai) -- now can't wait to get to India.

The upcoming series will be their fifth on Indian soil in the last 12 years.

INDIA'S GOLDFINGER

My dream to see India win an individual gold at the Games before I die has been fulfilled: Olympian Milkha Singh on BIndra’s feat

Abhinav Bindra looked surprisingly calm and composed on the podium when the Indian Tricolour went up and the national anthem was played at the shooting hall here on Monday. There was just that small wave of the hand, and a smile which was there and yet not there.
In contrast, the Chinese shooter Zhu Qinan, who won the silver medal, wept on the podium and shed buckets of tears later at the press conference. Bindra looked unfazed, untouched by it all. It did not seem as if he had done the impossible. It was, as if, impossible is nothing. But he has always been that way.
Chased by the media all through the complex — from the main hall, to the mixed zone, to the doping lab, to the bathroom, Bindra kept repeating his words. “I've trained very hard. It has paid off.”
He did not want to talk about the pain he went through in the past two years. He did not want to talk about his back injury, the surgery, the rehabilitation and the continuous grind. He just kept telling veteran shooter Mansher Singh, who was there with him after the victory, “Joey, I want to go home. Please help me getting an early booking. I just want to be with my parents.”
It's no secret that his parents have supported through very difficult times. His father, a wealthy businessman in Chandigarh, even built his son a shooting range at home.
Abhinav never went to college though he did complete his MBA from US through distance learning. “This medal belongs to my family,” he said.
When asked by a European correspondent what he does for a living, he shot back: “I have been drilling holes on a black paper for 10 years. That’s what I do for a living.” Bindra has no patience for run-of-the-mill questions. He has no patience for unwanted criticism either. He simply clams up. He has been criticized often for his attitude, his arrogance, his tendency to simply switch off during interviews. Talking about the Athens disappointment and the fight later, he said: “I finished seventh at Athens. It shattered me. It was hard for me to take the plunge back. I kept telling myself, be at it, be at it'. It has all fallen into place now.”
However, he did show a flash of humour when world media wanted to know more about him. How excited was he thinking about going home now? “I really don't like planes, you know.” Straight and simple. Don't ask him the obvious, he'll s t i n g back.
On his way out of the complex, he was again mobbed by India media. He stopped and obliged. “I'm pretty exhausted but happy with my good job.” Why are you so serious all the time? Even now? “I was born with a poker face.”
Does he remember Rathore's silver in Athens? “Yes, I was there. It was very motivating. It was a great moment. Inspired me to work hard for four years,” he said and then put his win perspective.
“I shot better at Athens but got nothing for it. Sport is like a gamble. Anybody else could have won today. It was my day.” So, Abhinav Bindra, cool as a cucumber, played the gamble of his life and won. Should we call him the man with the golden gun now?

Pakistan crush hapless Bangladesh

KARACHI, AFP: Pakistan crushed a hapless Bangladesh by ten wickets in the inconsequential last Super League match in the Asia Cup after paceman Abdur Rauf took a career-best 3/24 at National Stadium on Friday.

The 29-year-old rattled Bangladesh's top order to help Pakistan bowl out the visitors for just 115 in 38.2 overs after the tourists won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions.

Pakistan openers Nasir Jamshed scored 52 not out and Salman Butt made an unbeaten 56 to see the home team through at a canter.

INDIA EYEING FINAL SPOT

Asia Cup: Dhoni’s Men Take On Pakistan In Super Four Tie Today

Karachi: Having got three full days to recharge their batteries, a rejuvenated India will take on arch rivals Pakistan in a Super Four match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament here on Wednesday, fully aware that a victory will ensure them a berth in the final.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was visibly miffed when he complained about the tight schedule of the tournament that required his team to play three matches over four days. Much to his relief, a three-day break allowed the side to get over the fatigue and the players should be raring to go when they have the traditional rivals at sight.
Irfan Pathan has recovered from a nagging side strain and would be available for selection for the tie. “Irfan has worked very hard with the trainer for the last few days to make a comeback and his availability is a definite plus point for us,” coach Gary Kirsten told reporters after the Indian team’s nets session.
Though predicting the outcome of an India-Pakistan match can be inviting embarrassment, Dhoni’s team seems to have a certain edge, having beaten the hosts in the group stage.
The Indian batting line-up, especially the top order, has been firing on all cylinders and though the tight schedule made it quite taxing for them, runs have not stopped flowing from their blades.
“It was tough out there for us. But I am happy we have kept going. Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag have batted really well in the tournament and I hope they keep on doing the same,” Dhoni said.
Raina has hit a purple patch with two centuries against his name and his impressive strike rate suggests he is yet to get over the Twenty20 mode.
Sehwag has been among the runs too, as is Gautam Gambhir and the Delhi duo would walk out to once again lay the perfect foundation for a mammoth total so that they can bury the opponents under the run mountain.
In fact, the top order has made it look so easy that neither Yuvraj Singh nor Dhoni got much of a chance to strut their stuff.
The lone worry surrounds the form of Rohit Sharma, whose run drought is all the more baffling considering his sublime shot in the Indian Premier League. But even though Rohit continues to struggle to the ODI format, his batting colleagues are doing enough to ensure that the team does not suffer from his slump.
The lack of firepower and sting in the bowling attack, however, would remain a worry for Dhoni. In their previous meeting too, Pakistan managed to post 299 for four against a lacklustre Indian attack.
Meanwhile, the game is crucial for Pakistan who face a do-or-die situation as a defeat would put them out of the final. Keen to sort their bowling woes, Pakistan have decided to include paceman Abdul Rauf and off- spinner Saeed Ajmal, replacing Wahab Riaz and Mansoor Amjad, in the team for the crucial tie. Shoaib Malik who has been suffering from dehydration, has declared himself fit as the skipper is keen to play. Pakistan will also have to rise above internal conflicts and put up a vastly improved show to stop the in-form Indians, even though it would not be an easy task. The team already looks a house divided with coach Geoff Lawson and the senior players at the loggerhead, while the Australian is also under tremendous media pressure after his bust-up with the press.
Teams (from): India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Piyush Chawla, Manpreet Gony, Ishant Sharma, R P Singh, Pragyan Ojha, Praveen Kumar. Pakistan: Shoaib Malik (capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Anjum, Mansoor Amjad, Mohammad Yousuf, Nasir Jamshed, Saeed Ajmal, Salman Butt, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, Sohail Tanvir, Wahab Riaz, Younis Khan. AGENCIES
LIVE: STAR CRICKET 3:30 PM

Clinical Sri Lanka storm into final

As birthday bashes go, this was pretty special, with Sanath Jayasuriya bludgeoning Bangladesh into submission as Sri Lanka sauntered into the Asia Cup final. Kumar Sangakkara's elegant 121, just 24 hours after a century against Pakistan, was the supporting act, and with Muttiah Muralitharan at his supple-wristed best with the ball, Bangladesh were brushed aside by a massive 158 runs. Nazimuddin and Raqibul Hasan showed some defiance, but even against an attack missing Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof, 333 was never on.

Some of the Bangladesh players were still in diapers when Jayasuriya made his debut, and they must have felt as helpless as babies when he celebrated his 39th birthday with the fluent shot-making and power-hitting that typified his halcyon years. He raced to a century off only 55 balls, and though it turned out to be a two-man show, Sri Lanka still had enough to pull off their fourth successive win of the tournament.

Having added 201 with Sangakkara in only 27.5 overs, Jayasuriya finally ran out of puff in the Karachi heat. A poor delivery from Alok Kapali was lofted to deep cover where Tamim Iqbal took the catch. There was scarcely any joy from the fielders, because by then Jayasuriya had pounded 130 off only 88 balls, with a heady rhythm of cuts, pulls and drives.

Sangakkara carried on though, having been reprieved by Kapali off his own bowling on 51. He drove beautifully down the ground and made good use of both the orthodox sweep and the slogged version. Occasionally, he would also come down the track and loft the ball over the infield, and Bangladesh appeared bereft of options.

When Jayasuriya lashed Mashrafe Mortaza's opening delivery past point for four, it appeared to be a sign of things to come, but with Shahadat Hossain bowling a maiden first-up, Bangladesh conceded only 20 in the first five overs. The trouble started after that, with Jayasuriya dusting off his pull stroke and driving over the infield with immense power.

Sangakkara wasn't to be left behind, piercing the packed off-side field cleverly occasionally, but after a while he gave up trying to keep pace. Jayasuriya was unstoppable. When the bowlers dropped short, he would pull over midwicket. If they were too full, the disdainful flick was unveiled. Too much width and the hoardings behind the point boundary were battered with short-arm cuts. And if all that wasn't punishment enough, he would also jump down the pitch before lashing the ball over the covers.

The half-century took only 31 balls, and when Abdur Razzak came on, he was taken for 19 runs in his second over. Two crisp fours off Farhad Reza and a single to long leg later, he had a century, the 26th of an illustrious career. Sangakkara, who had caressed some lovely drives himself, was the perfect foil, and Bangladesh's cause wasn't helped when Mushfiqur Rahim fluffed a catch behind the stumps off Razzak right after Jayasuriya had got his hundred.

SPAIN ENDS 44-YEAR PAIN

EURO ROCKS! In a pulsating final which kept the football aficionados on tenterhooks, Spain’s indefatigable spirit prevailed over the mighty Germans to clinch Europe’s coveted football title after a gap of 44 years. In a close fight, Germany also looked dangerous on the counterattack. Fernando Torres scored the all-important goal for Spain when he latched on to a through ball from Xavi Fernandez and beautifully lifted it over the diving German keeper Jens Lehmann. Spain, playing the cultured football and swift inter-passing that has marked them as the most-entertaining team, carved out several other chances they could not convert

HEAD TO HEAD

WILL GERMANY JIVE OR SPAIN REIGN?

GRIT VS FLAIR: EURO 2008 HEADS FOR A FITTING FINALE

SPAIN
STRENGTHS: Technical quality,
confidence in each other and a
system that has taken them on a
21-match unbeaten run.
WEAKNESSES: Little aerial power either in attack or defence, though it has not troubled them unduly so far.
KEY PLAYERS: Cesc Fabregas (left), David Silva, Marcos Senna.
HISTORY: Spain's sole previous success on the international stage came in 1964, when as hosts they defeated the USSR to win the UEFA European Championship. Romania is the last side to beat them in a friendly, 1-0 in Cadiz, Spain in Nov 2006.
CHANGES: David Villa, the tournament's leading scorer, will miss the final with a thigh injury. Fabregas should start in his place with coach Luis Aragones opting to play Fernando Torres as a lone striker.
GERMANY
STRENGTHS: As they showed in the lastgasp semi-final win, they are formidable right till the final whistle.
WEAKNESSES: Unusually ragged for long spells against Turkey. Keeper Jens Lehmann, 38, looked past his sell-by date.
KEY PLAYERS: Michael Ballack (right), Lukas Podolski, Bastian Schweinsteiger.
HISTORY: In a record sixth final. Aiming to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy for the fourth time after triumphs in 1972, 1980 and 1996.
CHANGES: Midfielder Torsten Frings is set to return in place of Simon Rolfes.
I’m very happy for the team because they deserve to be champions but there's one more hurdle because there are the Germans.
— Luis Aragones, SPAIN COACH
Throughout the tournament they (Spain) have played at a high level and been technically strong. Compared to the Portuguese they play a more variable game.
— Joachim Loew, GERMANY COACH

Euro 2008: Germany under no pressure, says coach

Vienna: Germany are the only team to have won three European Championships and a fourth is just a match away. Call it typical German efficiency or the hunger to succeed by a new generation; the present German team has the arsenal to sink the Spanish Armada.

The pictures of Germany celebrating a hard-fought win against Turkey in Basel are inspiration for a new generation of German footballers.

There has been a remarkable turnaround for a team which many called lackluster before the last World Cup.

Coach Joachim Loew was then assistant to the charismatic Juergan Klinsmann and he has built on the success of a third place in the World Cup. Now with a place in the final of Euro 2008, history beckons for Loew and his team.

"We are happy. It was our aim to reach the final. And actually now, there's no more pressure left. At the moment, we're only enjoying this and are looking forward to the final with a lot of fun and joy, because it is very special that we'll take part in it. And we're looking very much forward to Sunday," Loew said.

Turkey shock Croatia in penalty drama

VIENNA, Austria (CNN) -- Turkey will play Germany in the semifinals of Euro 2008 after winning a dramatic penalty shootout against Croatia in Vienna.

Croatia, who largely dominated Friday's match, looked to have won in the final minute of extra-time as substitute Ivan Klasnic headed hone from Luka Modric's cross.

But never-say-die Turkey responded with a sensational last gasp equalizer from Semih Senturk which stunned the Croatians ahead of the shootout.

Modric and Ivan Rakitic missed two out of the first three penalties for Croatia to give Turkey a 3-1 advantage, confirmed as Recber Rustu saved from Mladen Petric to spark wild celebrations.

Turkey coach Fatih Terim was overjoyed by the unlikely outcome.

"What has happened to us is unique in our history," said Terim.

"We have become one of the great footballing nations. Our people can rejoice. And if our people are proud of us then we are proud of them," he added.

It was hard lines on Croatia who carved out the best chances from the start of the match in the Ernst Happel stadium with Darijo Srna denied early by the timely intervention of Hakam Balta.

Croatia's midfield maestro Modric became steadily more influential and from a typical forward run down the right he crossed for Ivica Olic to slam his shot from close range against the crossbar.

Niko Kranjcar was following up and headed the rebound over, leaving Croatia coach Slaven Bilic an exasperated observer.

Croatia looked the more menacing and 35-year-old Turkish keeper Rustu had to be sharp to get ahead of Olic from a cross by the ever dangerous Rakitic.

But Turkey enjoyed more possession near halftime and had their best opportunity as Mehmet Topal was not closed down and sent a 25 meter shot narrowly wide.

The second half was barely five minutes old when Olic came close again as he headed over Rustu and after sloppy defending had a second chance which was hacked off the line.

Turkey were offering no attacking threat and another great chance fell to Rakitic who played a neat one-two with Olic only to blaze over under pressure.

Rakitic returned the favor moments later with Rustu left scrambling as Olic's header looped wide.

The veteran keeper kept his side in the game with seven minutes of normal time on the clock as he brilliantly turned away Srna's free-kick after Petric had been fouled on the edge of the area.

Rustu was again called into action as Modric crossed for Olic, but it was the last significant action in regulation play.

Extra-time started with Turkey showing more ambition as Croatia lost their grip on the match and near the end of the first period Sanli Tuncay went desperately close with a low shot.

Then came the late goal drama with Rustu at fault as he unnecessarily dashed from his line allowing Modric to cross for Klasnic to head home neatly.

But Semih's dramatic strike gave the giant keeper a chance of redemption he seized with both hands.

It was another remarkable show of resilience by Turkey, who had started the match with seven regular first teamers either injured or suspended, but a formidable test awaits in Germany next Wednesday

I wasn't caught with any drugs, insists Asif

KARACHI: Back home after 19 days of detention in Dubai, Pakistan pace spearhead Mohammad Asif stuck to his guns, insisting that he was not caught with any contraband drugs by the authorities there.

The pacer claimed he was innocent which is why he was eventually released.

"I never took any drugs or banned substances. I have never used drugs in my life and I challenge anyone to prove I do drugs. If I had taken any drugs I would have tested positive during laboratory tests in Dubai and also when I gave a random test during the Indian Premier League," he said in Lahore after returning from Dubai via Karachi.

He also rubbished reports that drug were recovered from his possession in Dubai.

"It was not drug but a substance given to me by a local Hakeem."

Asif, who is due to meet Pakistan cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Nasim Ashraf later on Friday, thanked the PCB Chairman for securing his release.

"They (dubai authorities) kept me well but it was detention after all. I am thankful to the PCB Chairman and officials that they didn't abandon me and kept on supporting me and fighting my case," the pacer said.

Meanwhile, Ashraf said in Lahore that after meeting Asif he would appoint a three member fact finding committee to look into the case documents which would be released by Dubai authorities.

"We will have our own inquiry and first determine what really happened. If he is guilty of any offence he will face severe penalties. But let us get to the facts," Ashraf said.

He said an internal inquiry would be held but he was happy to see Asif back in Pakistan.

Asif, meanwhile, also denied misbehaving with airport authorities prior to his detention.

"All such reports are fabricated and I will be taking up this issue with the people who gave this story. I never even spoke to any journalist during my detention," he said after reaching Lahore from dubai via Karachi.

Asif said two persons had approached him in Dubai posing as securitymen and said they wanted details of why he was being detained.

"But I never told them I was drunk or misbehaved, yet next day this story was carried in sections of the media."

Germany edge Portugal 3-2, in last four

June 20, 2008 02:19 IST
Last Updated: June 20, 2008 02:31 IST

Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger scored the first goal and set up two more as his team beat Portugal 3-2 in their Euro 2008 -final on Thursday.

Two goals in four minutes midway through the first half from Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose put them on top and captain Michael Ballack gave them a 3-1 lead just past the hour.

Nuno Gomes had pulled one back for the battling Portuguese just before halftime and substitute Helder Postiga put late pressure on the Germans when he made it 3-2 but they held on.

In the semi-final in Basel on Wednesday, Germany will meet the winners of Friday's match between Croatia and Turkey.

Two of Germany's goal came from Schweinsteiger's free kicks which exposed poor marking by the Portuguese and goalkeeper Ricardo's failings at dealing with high balls.

Germany struck first in the 22nd minute after a brilliant break down the left wing. Ballack sent Lukas Podolski away and he crossed low to the near post where Schweinsteiger got ahead of marker Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo to smash the ball home.

Four minutes later Armando Petit fouled Christoph Metzelder about 40 metres out. Schweinsteiger floated the free kick to the far post where Klose beat the offside trap to head past Ricardo.

Portugal, who had come close twice before the German opener, got back into the match five minutes before the interval when Deco began a counter-attack deep in Portuguese territory with a long ball forward to Simao.

Cristiano Ronaldo took Simao's pass but his shot was blocked by keeper Jens Lehmann only for the ball to run free for Nuno Gomes who swivelled and shot left-footed past the stranded keeper with the ball going in off Metzelder's outstretched leg.

Ballack increased Germany's lead just past the hour when Pepe gave away a free kick on the left which Schweinsteiger took and Ballack headed home past the badly positioned Ricardo after a little push from behind on Ferreira.

Postiga came off the bench to give Portugal hope when he headed powerfully past Lehmann in the 87th minute after winger Nani escaped Ballack on the left and provided a perfect cross.

The Portuguese threw everything at Germany in the closing stages but despite their best efforts could not find a way past a determined defence and the Germans were into the last four.

Euro 2008 Quarter Finals Schedule:

1st Quarter Final
Thursday, 19th June 2008
Portugal vs Germany
at 20.45 - St. Jakob-Park - Basel
12:15 am IST

2nd Quarter Final
Friday, 20th June 2008
Croatia vs Turkey
at 20.45 - Ernst Happel - Vienna
12:15 am IST

3rd Quarter Final
Saturday, 21st June 2008
Netherlands vs Russia
at 20.45 - St. Jakob-Park - Basel
12:15 am IST

4th Quarter Final
Sunday, 22nd June 2008
Spain vs Italy
at 20.45 - Ernst Happel - Vienna
12:15 am IST

Rain washes out chase one over short

June 18, 2008

New Zealand 127 for 2 (McCullum 60*) v England 162 (Wright 52, Collingwood 37, Elliott 3-23) - No result

New Zealand were denied the chance of a series-levelling victory, and the patient crowd left without witnessing a close finish, as rain had the final say at Edgbaston one over before Duckworth-Lewis would have been able to calculate a result. With Brendon McCullum marshalling the chase, New Zealand would have needed seven runs from the 20th over to be at the winning score of 134, but the umpires finally decided the rain was too heavy and everyone trooped off.

It was an unsatisfactory end to a frustrating day, which began with a four-hour delay for steady rain, included a 30-minute dinner break when the priority should have been to complete the match, and finished with New Zealand wondering if they will ever get a stroke of luck on this tour. England wouldn't have given up their hopes of winning either, but will clearly be the happier side at the late abandonment.

For much of New Zealand's 23-over chase, England appeared second favourites as McCullum played a calm innings, adding 54 in seven overs with Ross Taylor. However, as the light faded even more and the rain began to return, the gap between runs required and balls remaining grew wider. Scott Styris, not accustomed to the murky conditions, found it difficult to force the medium-pacers away.

Crucially, though, 10 came off the 19th over, bowled by Luke Wright, but McCullum was left to see his undefeated 60 off 51 balls come to nothing. Although it won't be at the forefront of New Zealand's minds in the immediate aftermath, they will reflect that they played a good deal better than at Chester-le-Street.

Their fielding held up well throughout England's innings - Daniel Flynn and Gareth Hopkins both holding fine diving catches - and the bowlers remained cool as the batsmen began flexing their muscles. This was especially true of Grant Elliott, making his ODI debut as New Zealand tried to cover for the absence of Jacob Oram, and his three wickets were some of England's most dangerous hitters. When Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah added 46 in five overs after the rain interruption, England were on course for around 175, but the last six wickets fell for 36 runs.

England's major positive came from Wright, who struck his second ODI fifty off 33 balls and his first as an opener to show why the selectors want to give him an extended run in the position. Michael Mason's second over cost 20, including a clean straight six and an even mightier blow, down on one knee, high over midwicket.

Wright's half-century came in the next over when he drilled Elliott through mid-off. Flynn came within inches of losing his front teeth for the second time on the tour as a horrid bounce took the ball flying past his face. Elliott, though, held his nerve and collected his first ODI wicket when Wright carved a catch down to long-off.

The innings had given the crowd plenty to cheer after Kevin Pietersen couldn't reproduce his Chester-le-Street thrills. Ian Bell, the hometown star, fell for a duck to third ball of the match but the crowd didn't appear too disappointed as Pietersen entered to huge cheers. He was quickly using his feet to the seamers and mowed an early boundary over midwicket. The expectation will be on him to repeat his feats from Sunday each time he walks out, but it won't always happen. On this occasion he struggled to find his timing and drove straight to mid-off for 13.

Two of England's young allrounders were now in charge of the innings, but Ravi Bopara was run out shortly after the resumption when he cut to cover and raced down the pitch, only to see Collingwood hadn't responded. Bopara turned, but Collingwood suddenly put his foot down and almost caught up. The run out was clear, although TV was needed to decide who departed. Bopara lost out by a few inches.

However, the wicket may have been a blessing for England as it brought in Shah, who hit the ball as cleanly as he did during his 49 off 25 balls at Chester-le-Street. It continued here with an effortless flick over deep square-leg before he was deceived by a good slower-ball from Elliott, who also removed Collingwood thanks to an excellent diving catch by Flynn at deep cover.

An intriguing chase was set up and for 19 overs it kept everyone interested. In the end, though, the feeling wasn't a rush of excitement at a close finish but at a lot of effort for nothing.

INDIA TOUR OF SRI LANKA schedule

India in Sri Lanka, 2008 Fixtures
July 2008
Date	Time (GMT)	Match Details	Venue
Fri 18 - Sun 20	04:00	Sri Lanka v India, Three-day warm-up match	Colombo
Wed 23 - Sun 27	04:00	Sri Lanka v India, 1st Test	Colombo (SSC)
Thu 31 - Mon 04	04:00	Sri Lanka v India, 2nd Test	Galle
August 2008
Date	Time (GMT)	Match Details	Venue
Fri 08 - Tue 12	04:00	Sri Lanka v India, 3rd Test	Colombo (RPS)
Fri 15	03:00	Sri Lanka v India, One-day warm-up match	Colombo (RPS)
Mon 18	04:00	Sri Lanka v India, 1st ODI	Dambulla
Wed 20	04:00	Sri Lanka v India, 2nd ODI	Dambulla
Sun 24	08:30	Sri Lanka v India, 3rd ODI	Colombo - RPS (D/N)
Tue 26	08:30	Sri Lanka v India, 4th ODI	Colombo - RPS (D/N)
Fri 29	08:30	Sri Lanka v India, 5th ODI	Colombo - RPS (D/N)

AUSTRIA vs GERMANY

Michael Ballack booked Germany's place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 after his thunderbolt free-kick earned a 1-0 victory in a hot-tempered clash against co-hosts Austria.

The Chelsea midfielder has been unhappy with his performances in the tournament so far but returned to the form of the last six months of the domestic season, lashing into the top corner just after the break at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.

It sets up a last-eight clash against his new club boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will fulfil his Portugal duties before being unveiled at Stamford Bridge later this summer.

Ballack's national coach, however, may not be in the dressing room at Basel's St Jakob-Park on Thursday.

Joachim Low, along with Austria counterpart Josef Hickersberger, was sent to the stands four minutes before the break after bickering among themselves and with the fourth official. UEFA are likely to review the incident, with dismissals normally carrying a touchline ban.

It was one flashpoint in a match full of needle, with confrontations dotted around the pitch to produce another clash to add to the rich history in the fixture between the neighbouring countries.

Meeting Germany has sparked the country's interest in the tournament they are co-hosting, not long after an online petition from Austrians objecting to such a poor national team taking part.

Around Vienna there were supporters in "Cordoba" t-shirts, urging Austria to repeat what they managed in Argentina at the 1978 World Cup by upsetting the odds and sending Germany home early.

After pushing Croatia all the way and earning a point against Poland, there was genuine hope of Austria getting the win they needed - this was never going to be a repeat of the farce of 1982 when these two countries strolled around to "conveniently" knock Algeria out of the World Cup.

Such was the belief in Austria, one newspaper's front page super-imposed Ballack's head onto a naked body, with the headline urging Hickersberger's men to "rip their trousers off".

Over the page there was a plane ticket home for Ballack to get back to Germany - but he will be staying for at least another few days.

Their path to the last eight would have been clearer had Mario Gomez not wasted an open goal earlier on.

Gomez's amazing blunder came in the fifth minute after Miroslav Klose had composed himself in the area and crossed to present the chance to his strike partner.

The Stuttgart forward would not have been given an easier opportunity in his career but he spooned his finish, allowing just enough time for Gyorgy Garics to get back and head off his own line.

After weathering the storm from Germany, Austria created danger of their own.

Erwin Hoffer, an unused substitute in Austria's first two games, had a penalty appeal turned down when Christoph Metzelder wrestled with him in the area.

Then Hoffer's touch betrayed him when Martin Harnik crossed to find him beyond Germany's defence.

The game was always close to boiling over, and Lukas Podolski went down after an off-the-ball clash with Rene Aufhauser, then went eyeball-to-eyeball with Emanuel Pogatetz.

The constant bickering on the sidelines got the coaches dismissed just before the break, with Low picking up his blazer and heading for the stands as if sent out of class.

From his seat with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the other VIPs, Low watched Ballack open the scoring four minutes after the break, after Andreas Ivanschitz had fouled Philipp Lahm 25 yards from goal.

Goalkeepers have complained about balls moving in the air too much but Ballack's free-kick was pure power and was still rising as it hit the top corner.

Despite belying their position of 92nd in the FIFA world rankings, Austria's campaign then ran out of steam, with Germany surviving the couple of late scares to progress.

AUSTRIA vs GERMANY

Monday 16th June 2008

Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion

Kick-off: 19:45

Michael Ballack booked Germany's place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 after his thunderbolt free-kick earned a 1-0 victory in a hot-tempered clash against co-hosts Austria.

The Chelsea midfielder has been unhappy with his performances in the tournament so far but returned to the form of the last six months of the domestic season, lashing into the top corner just after the break at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.

It sets up a last-eight clash against his new club boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will fulfil his Portugal duties before being unveiled at Stamford Bridge later this summer.

Ballack's national coach, however, may not be in the dressing room at Basel's St Jakob-Park on Thursday.

Joachim Low, along with Austria counterpart Josef Hickersberger, was sent to the stands four minutes before the break after bickering among themselves and with the fourth official. UEFA are likely to review the incident, with dismissals normally carrying a touchline ban.

It was one flashpoint in a match full of needle, with confrontations dotted around the pitch to produce another clash to add to the rich history in the fixture between the neighbouring countries.

Meeting Germany has sparked the country's interest in the tournament they are co-hosting, not long after an online petition from Austrians objecting to such a poor national team taking part.

Around Vienna there were supporters in "Cordoba" t-shirts, urging Austria to repeat what they managed in Argentina at the 1978 World Cup by upsetting the odds and sending Germany home early.

After pushing Croatia all the way and earning a point against Poland, there was genuine hope of Austria getting the win they needed - this was never going to be a repeat of the farce of 1982 when these two countries strolled around to "conveniently" knock Algeria out of the World Cup.

Such was the belief in Austria, one newspaper's front page super-imposed Ballack's head onto a naked body, with the headline urging Hickersberger's men to "rip their trousers off".

Over the page there was a plane ticket home for Ballack to get back to Germany - but he will be staying for at least another few days.

Their path to the last eight would have been clearer had Mario Gomez not wasted an open goal earlier on.

Gomez's amazing blunder came in the fifth minute after Miroslav Klose had composed himself in the area and crossed to present the chance to his strike partner.

The Stuttgart forward would not have been given an easier opportunity in his career but he spooned his finish, allowing just enough time for Gyorgy Garics to get back and head off his own line.

After weathering the storm from Germany, Austria created danger of their own.

Erwin Hoffer, an unused substitute in Austria's first two games, had a penalty appeal turned down when Christoph Metzelder wrestled with him in the area.

Then Hoffer's touch betrayed him when Martin Harnik crossed to find him beyond Germany's defence.

The game was always close to boiling over, and Lukas Podolski went down after an off-the-ball clash with Rene Aufhauser, then went eyeball-to-eyeball with Emanuel Pogatetz.

The constant bickering on the sidelines got the coaches dismissed just before the break, with Low picking up his blazer and heading for the stands as if sent out of class.

From his seat with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the other VIPs, Low watched Ballack open the scoring four minutes after the break, after Andreas Ivanschitz had fouled Philipp Lahm 25 yards from goal.

Goalkeepers have complained about balls moving in the air too much but Ballack's free-kick was pure power and was still rising as it hit the top corner.

Despite belying their position of 92nd in the FIFA world rankings, Austria's campaign then ran out of steam, with Germany surviving the couple of late scares to progress.

Pietersen switch-hit given all-clear

Marylebone Cricket Club
Cricinfo staff
June 17, 2008

The MCC - the guardian of the laws of cricket - has concluded that the controversial left-handed shot that Kevin Pietersen successfully executed during the first ODI between England and New Zealand at Chester-le-Street on Sunday is "exciting for the game of cricket" and conforms to the laws of the game, and consequently will not be legislated against.

The issue was raised during a scheduled MCC meeting, which was attended by Keith Bradshaw, the club secretary and chief executive, and John Stephenson, the head of cricket. The committee concluded that the "superb execution" of the stroke should not disguise its difficulty. "It incurs a great deal of risk for the batsman. It also offers bowlers a good chance of taking a wicket and therefore MCC believes that the shot is fair to both batsman and bowlers."

In a statement, the MCC pointed out that such a shot had already been acknowledged in the 2000 revision of the laws, in which Law 36.3 defines the "off side of the striker's wicket as being determined by the striker's stance at the moment the bowler starts his run-up."

However, the success of Pietersen's strokes could lead to two significant alterations to the laws. As things currently stand, under the provisions of Law 36.1.b, a batsman cannot be given out lbw if the ball pitches outside leg stump, an issue which will clearly require some review if leg and off stumps are to be swapped in this manner mid-delivery. And Law 25, which relates to wides, will also require some scrutiny, particularly in one-day cricket when anything that drifts past leg stump is liable to be called.

Some commentators, notably the former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding, had questioned the double standards at play, seeing as bowlers are not allowed to switch their style mid-over without informing the umpire. The MCC acknowledged this, but added: "They do not provide a warning of the type of delivery that they will bowl (for example, an off-cutter or a slower ball). It therefore concludes that the batsman should have the opportunity - should they wish - of executing the 'switch-hit' stroke."

Pietersen, naturally, was delighted at the news. "I'm very pleased by the MCC's decision and I think it's the right one not just for me or England but the game as a whole," Pietersen told PA Sport. "It's important that we as players are innovative and if this shot helps make cricket more exciting and entertaining for spectators then that has to be good for the sport.

"It's an extremely high-risk shot and there will be plenty of bowlers out there who will think that it gives them a great opportunity to get me out," said Pietersen. ""But overall I'm glad that MCC have recognised that cricket is always evolving and that this particular shot brings something special to the game."

TCHNOLOGY UPDATES