Friday, 30 December 2011
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Top 5 strikers of 2011
Top 5 strikers of 2011
We pick out the five forwards who found the mark, again and again, for their respective sides in 2011.
You've got to love lists. They provide fodder for debate, discussion and a whole lot of pub conversations. We've brought you the top five footballers in 2011 in three categories including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and now it is time for the strikers.After that - we'll go on to our 2011 Team of the Year.
Please take these lists in the spirit they are written in i.e. to have a bit of fun and cheer as we usher in the New Year.
Van Persie had been tipped for greatness ever since his arrival at Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004. Six frustrating, injury-laden years later, the Dutchman finally delivered on that early promise with 34 goals (and counting) in the Premier League this year. In a year when Arsenal have been unsettled by high-profile departures and some shattering results, Van Persie has provided relief, joy and excitement to Gunners' fans - ensuring they'd have something to cheer about.
If one were to pick the best out of his 34, it would have to be the volley against Everton where he allowed a chipped pass from Alex Song to drop over his right shoulder before smashing the ball off the post, into the net. Intelligence, technique, power, precision. Suitable adjectives for a world-class striker.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, Portugal)
Few players in world football divide opinion as fiercely as the man from Portugal. Some can't stand him for his showboating, perceived selfishness and tendency to go down whenever there's a strong gust of wind. Others swear by him for being the most complete player of his generation. Whichever camp one belongs to, it's difficult to argue with the numbers Ronaldo has piled up since his move to Real Madrid. He took the Pichichi Trophy for the 2010/11 season, and has continued to score by the bucketloads this season, having notched up 25 goals in 23 matches in all competitions.
Love him or hate him, you simply cannot ignore him. If you haven't yet, check out Ronaldo - Tested to the Limit, to get an insight into the workings of this truly remarkable athlete.
La Liga is fortunate to have two of the best players on the planet. Ronaldo may be able to play with both feet, head the ball and take free-kicks, but a combination of supreme balance and perhaps the best left-foot in the history of football makes Messi equally good, if not better. The Argentinean was once again at the forefront of it all, as Barcelona won La Liga and the Champions League to continue their domestic and European domination. The only disappointment would have been the failure of the national side to win the Copa America. Despite that though, Messi wowed the world yet again with some breathtaking goals that had pundits, journalists and fans alike scurrying for the Thesaurus.
Unfortunately, there are not enough words in the English language to describe the diminutive forward. Until someone comes up with more adjectives, genius will have to suffice.
At first glance, his may be an underwhelming name. In a world dominated by the Ronaldos and the Messis, a striker from the Bundesliga, even though he may play for Bayern Munich, has to perform truly exceptionally to be noticed. In 2011, Gomez did just that. He finished the 2010/11 season as the top scorer in Germany, even edging out Miroslav Klose in the pecking order, and continued where he had left off in the new campaign. To date, he has smashed in 24 goals in all competitions for the Bavarian giants as they look to wrest back the title that was snatched from them by the young turks from Borussia Dortmund last season.
A quintessential poacher, the 26-year-old is just about hitting the peak of his career; expect bigger and better things from him next year.
Edinson Cavani (Napoli, Uruguay)
In the space of a year, Cavani has made himself into one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. With a dominating presence in the opposition penalty area, one that has earned him the moniker El Matador, the 24-year-old helped himself to 26 goals in the 2010-11 campaign, helping Napoli earn a third-place finish and a Champions League place. With four Champions League goals and nine Serie A strikes so far this season, the Cavani has been in great form yet again. There was also the small matter of a Copa America winners' medal in July - all of which points to a seminal year for the long-haired marksman from Uruguay.
Bayern names first team players for Bhutia farewell match
Bayern names first team players for Bhutia farewell match
Top German football club Bayern Munich, on Wednesday, announced a 24-member squad for the Bhaichung Bhutia farewell exhibition match against India XI, in New Delhi, on January 10 with all the first team players being named.German World Cup captain Philip Lahm, who will lead the Bayern side, 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner Thomas Muller, star striker Mario Gomez, midfield general Franck Ribery , Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger were among the 24 players named.
All the 24 players named were in the Bayern Munich side playing in the current Bundesliga season.
Meanwhile, Indian football coach Savio Medeira named a 23-member squad for the exhibition match to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
The team, to be led by Bhaichung, will miss the services of striker Sunil Chhetri as he is recovering from an ankle injury.
Defender Mahesh Gawli, who on Monday, announced retirement from international football, was not named in the squad, just like his Dempo team-mate Anthony Pereira.
Winger Steven Dias, who was carrying a niggle during the SAFF Championships here earlier this month, was also omitted.
The Squads:
FC Bayern Munich:
Goalkeepers:
Manuel Neuer, Jorg Butt, Maximilian Riedmuller, Rouven Sattelmaier;
Defenders:
Holger Badstuber, Jerome Boateng, Breno Borges, Diego Contento, Philipp Lahm, Daniel Van Buyten, Marcio Rafael Ferreira de Souza (Rafinha);
Midfielders:
Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Takashi Usami, Danijel Pranjic, Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba, Toni Kroos, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk;
Forwards:
Mario Gomez, Thomas Muller, Nils Petersen, Ivica Olic;
India XI:
Goalkeepers:
Karanjit Singh, Subhasish Roychowdhury, Felix;
Defenders:
Jaspal Singh, Sameer Naik, Gouramangi Singh, Govin Singh, Nirmal Chhetri, Syed Rahim Nabi, Adil Khan, Gurjinder Singh;
Midfielders:
Reisangmi Vashum, Jewel Raja Shaikh, Climax Lawrence, Rakesh Masih, Baldeep Singh, Clifford Miranda, Lalrindika Ralte, Rocus Lamare;
Forwards:
Jeje Lalpeklua, Bhaichung Bhutia, Sushil Singh, CS Sabeeth.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
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Monday, 26 December 2011
BOXING DAY : Australia vs. India
Boxing Day : Australia vs. India, 1st Test, Day 1
Australia finished on 277 for six at the end of a controversial first day of the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The much-awaited Gavaskar-Border Trophy between the two sides who are in similar phase of their progress as Test sides started with a keenly contested first day at MCG. It is almost Australian-bowling-versus-Indian-batting contest, but the team which takes the pressure better may turn out to be the winner of this 4-match series.The much-awaited Boxing Day started with light drizzle but there was pleasant sunshine when the two captains strolled out to the middle for the Toss. For Australia, Ed Cowan made his debut, while Shaun Marsh replaced Usman Khawaja. Ben Hilfenhaus too made a come back. India went with Ashwin and preferred Virat Kohli and Umesh Yadav for the starting Eleven. Zaheer Khan was back with a hope to complete a tour Down Under in his third attempt.
On a green, moist pitch, Michael Clarke decided to bat first, a move that surprised many. Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan got the ball to move and zip on a helpful pitch, but Australian openers weathered the storm admirably. Ed Cowan was ultra cautious but Warner lashed onto any opportunity that came along. His huge six off Yadav over midwicket was a special one as Australia seemed to grab the initiative.
After a brief rain-stoppage, Yadav took his revenge, with hosts on 46. He deceived Warner with another short one, but this was higher and towards the body, which the batsman could only glove as far as Dhoni. Shaun Marsh came and went quickly without disturbing the scorers, as he nicked Yadav behind in his next over. Ricky Ponting looked in good touch, and before another drizzle halted the play, Australia were hopeful of a decent partnership. They were 68 for 2 at Lunch.
The rain delayed the start post Lunch, but Ponting and Cowan were into the thick of things right away. Boundaries flowed freely after Lunch as Australia crossed hundred and gained the momentum back. Ponting reached his 50 first but had a couple of nervous moments against Ishant and Yadav. Would Punter break the century jinx? The question was answered soon when Yadav surprised Ponting with a sharp back-of-a-length ball which ended in Laxman’s hands in the slips. His attractive 62 runs were laced with 6 boundaries.
The 100-plus runs stand between Ponting and Cowan had put the Indians on the back foot. Clarke continued the trend - Cowan playing safely as the Captain tried to score runs. Zaheer was brought back for an important spell with the old ball as Australia moved past two hundred. He had immediate success by getting two in two, bringing his team at par, with a bang.
Clarke played on for 31, while Hussey was extremely unlucky to be given out caught behind, although he had sleeved the ball while trying to back away. Indians, nonetheless, were ecstatic. It soon became 214 for 5, when Cowan’s dogged vigil came to an end and that again was an unfortunate dismissal. He was given caught behind off Ashwin but HotSpot did not show any edge. He made 68 on debut with 7 fours.
Brad Haddin (21*) and Peter Siddle (34*) put on unbeaten 63-run 7th wicket stand to end the day on a high for Australia. But at the end of the day, it was India who had their noses slightly in front on a wicket which traditionally is a good batting track.
Umesh Yadav confirmed he belonged there, by picking up three important wickets, while ZAK too made a good come back to the side. Ponting would have loved to have a hundred under his belt in order to quash the doubts over his Test future, but after today’s knock one feels he will get one soon. Ed Cowan made an inspiring debut, but Warner would have liked to go on after the start he got.
A score of 350-plus will give the home side a chance to put strong Indian batting line-up under pressure. Indians, however, would hope to wrap up the lower order cheaply tomorrow.
Summarised Scores:
Australia 277/6 (Cowan 68, Ponting 62; Yadav 3/96) on the first day
Heroes of the Day: Umesh Yadav, Ed Cowan
Flop of the Day: Ishant Sharma
Disappointment of the Day: Absence of UDRS
Sunday, 25 December 2011
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AUS vs IND, 1st Test, Day 1
AUS vs IND, 1st Test, Day 1
India and Australia have resumed play after tea, with the hosts enjoying commanding position.
Tea: Australia 170 for 3 in 51 overs
India were earlier able to finally make a breakthrough when Ponting became their third victim.48.3: Ponting c Laxman b Yadav (62) Caught at slips! A deserved wicket for Umesh Yadav, his third in the match! He hurled down a back of a length delivery outside off and it shaped a tad away after landing. Ponting is caught inside the crease as has a tentative poke inside the line. The ball comes off the outside edge and Laxman at third slip makes no mistake.
Weather gods had earlier given way to some audacious stroke play from Ponting. He had earlier carted India's Zaheer Khan for a spectacular four. A pull shot with a Ricky Ponting trademark. Meanwhile, my friend just asks - Who said he was out of form?
Good news. Conditions better now and play will start shortly.
Rain stops play and it's LUNCH
Australia are 68 for two
Over 15.1: Another one for Yadav and Marsh departs this time- for a duck. Easy catch for Virat Kohli. Spectacular comeback by the Indians after an ordinary first hour. Ricky Ponting in the middle.
Over 13.1: Umesh Yadav strikes right after the rain break - simple catch for MS Dhoni behind the stumps. David Warner goes. That break worked like magic for the Indians.
Rain stops play
Just a passing shower, it seems. The players are already back on the ground, waiting for play to resume.
LIVE: As it happened...
Over 4: Ian Chappell believes that Aussie grounds are bigger than what it is in England and the likes of Ishant will be tested. Australia are 15/0 after the end of over four at the MCG.
Over 3: Big appeal from Zaheer Khan turned down. Commentators feel good decision to start with. Zaheer goes back on the balling mark. India's request turned down. David Warner gets his fisrt boundary. End of an eventful over. Zaheer poses some questions, but not that serious. Warner survives.
Ishant Sharma has posed one or two questions but alas! India go without luck after the second over.
It's a good crowd at the MCG and it is a priviledge for Himanshu and Rajarshi to take you through the LIVE action. Billl Lawry on air ...with Ed Cowan and David Warner with the bat. Welcome folks with Zaheer Khan with the first over.
Three slips, a squarish gully and a point in place.
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The magnitude of this series is monumental. The rivalry is riveting as it goes deep into the roots from Bradman XI's 4-0 victory over Amarnath's team post-independence, to the latest 2-0 solicitation of Dhoni's army versus Ponting's soldiers in 2009 in India.
Lunch: Yadav makes early breakthrough
An impressive start from India's attack reduced Australia to 68 for two at lunch on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
Umesh Yadav took two for 25, dismissing David Warner (37) and Shaun Marsh for a duck, as the tourists began brightly.
India's bowlers were seen as the team's weakness heading into the tour, but 24-year-old Yadav proved anything but with two wickets in the space of seven balls.
The breakthrough came after a brief rain delay in the middle of the morning session and handed the tourists the early ascendancy.
Opener Ed Cowan made a cautious start to his debut as he reached the break unbeaten on 14, while Ricky Ponting was on 15 not out.
Lunch was taken a ball earlier than scheduled when the third and heaviest shower of the session swept across the ground five deliveries into Zaheer Khan's ninth over.
Zaheer and Ishant Sharma could consider themselves unlucky not to be rewarded for their efforts as they consistently troubled Warner and Cowan in particular.
Zaheer was the most threatening of the bowlers in the first half of the morning session with his lovely late swing missing Warner's outside edge on numerous occasions.
But despite a few near-misses, Warner was more prepared to take on the opening bowlers than the circumspect Cowan.
Warner broke the shackles with a cracking off drive for four off Zaheer at the start of the seventh over.
Cowan was more than happy to bide his time and was only on two off his first 27 balls.
It took until the 12th over of the day for him to play the first genuinely attacking stroke of his 61-ball innings, a glorious off drive for four off Yadav.
Incredibly, that boundary enabled Cowan to notch the highest score by an Australian opener on debut since Matthew Hayden hit 15 in 1994.
And it turned out to be the most expensive over of the morning, yielding 16 runs, as
Warner also hit a boundary and a magnificent six over square leg when Yadav decided to bounce him.
But Yadav responded with the very first ball after a brief rain disruption when he tempted Warner into a hook shot with another short delivery.
Warner only managed to glove the ball and lob it up to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni for an easy catch behind the stumps.
Yadav's tail was up and the very next ball, Shaun Marsh survived an extremely confident lbw shout from the paceman.
The young paceman did not have to wait long before he got his man, though, and in his next over Marsh miscued an off drive and was caught by Virat Kohli just behind point for a duck.
That brought the under-fire Ponting to the crease and two balls into his knock a short Yadav delivery hit the former Australia captain in the neck and fell towards the ground before Ponting kicked the ball away from the stumps.
Yadav continued to test the out-of-form Ponting, who slipped over after he successfully dug out a yorker on the last ball of the over.
But Ponting brushed off the early nerves and produced a trademark pull shot for four from a poor Zaheer bouncer.
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Himanshu Shekhar and Rajarshi Gupta will take you through with all the action from the venue were the Test match first began way back in the year1877. The MCG is Australia's largest and ranks among the top ten in sheer size to accomodate the number of cricket loving fans. The 'G, as it is colloquially called, has also witnessed the 1956 Olympics and was the venue were Imran Khan hoisted the prized World Cup in 1992.
A lot has been said about India-Pakistan as the biggest rivalry, but that more often than not, enhances the cultural shock and the historical background concentrated in it. When it's a Border-Gavaskar series, it's a battle of mettle, an unsettling roller-coaster which dangerously poked around a certain off-field issues to Ganguly's nervy reply of late arrival to the toss against Waugh, patching up layers of anger deep into the Aussie's skin.
It is like the end of an era this time for three of the Indian stalwarts Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman who would tour Oz probably for the last time together, that the world awaits to see them tee off with a fitting finale. Australia come off with an action-packed double drawn series against the Proteas and Kiwis.
The result would not portray the tainted picture, but let's face it, Australia after a monastic reign over the cricketing world for more than a decade are facing a huge turmoil since the departure of the legendary likes of Hayden, Warne and Mcgrath. With Ponting and Hussey in a do-or-die situation, the rookies under Clarke's patient captaincy would need to steel themselves. India last completed a practice match stereotyped series win against a depleted West Indies side. Playing with the correct blend of youth and experience this time, they shall hope to brim with much needed gutso and confidence Down Under.
Australia: David Warner, Ed Cowan, Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Ricky Ponting, Shaun Marsh, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin
India: Ajinkya Rahane, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ishant Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Vinay Kumar, Zaheer Khan, MS Dhoni, Wriddhiman Saha
Thursday, 22 December 2011
AVB hails Terry, talks up title bid
AVB hails Terry, talks up title bid
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas hailed John Terry for his performance and character amidst verbal abuse from Tottenham fans in the 1-1 draw on Thursday.
Tottenham 1-1 Chelsea
The Blues captain, playing his first game since learning that he would be charged for his alleged racist comments towards Anton Ferdinand, was barracked with abusive chants by the home crowd throughout the match.But it did not appear to affect the 31-year-old as he went on to produce a valiant display, leading his side to a point after Daniel Sturridge cancelled out a eighth-minute Emmanuel Adebayor opener.
Speaking after the match, Villas-Boas praised the defender for his strong character and performance amidst the difficult situation.
"Since the situation he has improved. He has grown in terms of performance," he was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper.
"He's a reference point for this team. It shows his character and strength and personality - his effort for the collective is extraordinary."
"We speak all the time. What happened, his level of performance increased. His commitment and concentration increased as well. His performances have increased since the incident happened.
"His commitment, quality and talent are never in doubt. He's completely focused to the cause of this football club."
The draw did both title hopefuls little favour, with Chelsea now 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester City in fourth.
But when asked if his side are still in the title race, the Portuguese coach believes so.
"I think so. If we take the six points from the home fixtures, against Fulham [on Boxing Day] - a team that has revolted from this last result against United, and another emotional derby - and Aston Villa [on New Year's Eve], as we expect, we are pretty much in it," he was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper.
"We came to Tottenham, a side who are title challengers, so it's a good point to get. We've been in worse situations before and recovered to seven points. I'm sure we can shorten the distance."
"Today [Thursday] showed our character, personality, excellent levels of resilience and adaptation to circumstances.
"Our passing game exploded today to wonderful levels.
"It's fantastic to watch this team play when they find each other in possession as they did and create opportunities. It's remarkable, outstanding.
"It should have been a Chelsea win."
Chelsea host Fulham next on 26 December.
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Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Ponting Is Still A Great Player : Dravid
Canberra, Dec 21: Rahul Dravid has come out in support of Ricky Ponting, who barely made it to the Australian squad on Wednesday, insisting the Indian team fears a resurgence from the struggling batsman in the upcoming Test series, starting on December 26."From our perspective I hope he can start a golden run after our series. When you read his name on the sheet he is still one of the most feared, there is no doubt about it," he added.
Dravid's assessment came close on the heels of former players Ian Chappell and Geoff Lawson's observations that Ponting should call it quits now.
The 37-year-old Tasmanian has not scored a century for the last 32 innings spanning almost two years.
The former Australian skipper's most successful series in recent times was against India in October last year, when he scored 224 runs at 56 in a two-Test series.
While scoffing at suggestions that Ponting is too old to recapture his peak form at Test level, Dravid said, "I have been through all this myself, and can easily relate to him. I was watching those Test matches (in South Africa) and was in some way hoping that he would score runs.
"I hoped he would score runs in the next Test (against New Zealand) and then take a bit of a break against us."
The 38-year-old Dravid has scored 1067 runs this year with five centuries.
Chappell had on Tuesday admitted that the Ponting is currently struggling to find his feet in Test cricket and believed that the time has come for him to bid goodbye.
Lawson had said that if Ponting doesn't retire, the selectors need to make the tough decision.
"He's been out of form now for a couple of years. The average is down 35% in the last two years; that's a big drop.
"The previous selection group couldn't (make tough decisions). We know they were very poor and very poor at making tough decisions. You can't play forever ... it's just about that time."
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
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Monday, 19 December 2011
Ganguly: Greg Chappell is mad
Ganguly: Greg Chappell is mad
Sourav Ganguly and Greg Chappell never enjoyed a healthy relationship, but the ex-captain has further made it worse by calling the Aussie "mad".
Reacting to reports that Chappell would 'demystify' Sachin Tendulkar and other Indian greats for the Australian bowlers during the upcoming Test series, Ganguly said "this was good news" for the Indian team.
"He has been a selector and also the head of their academy (Australian Centre of Excellence in Brisbane) and he has been thrown out from there as well. When he came to India, it was said that his Australian mindset won't work here but he couldn't work in the Australian set up as well," Ganguly said.
The former India skipper said Chappell has proved to be a failure in every coaching-related assignment he has taken up, which is enough proof that the fault lies with him.
"The people should realise that the problem lies with him, he is the one making mistakes. A person can be wrong once but if he commits the same mistake again and loses his job for that, then that man to me is mad," said Ganguly.
"So, I am glad that he is getting attached to the Australian team, it is good news for the Indian team. I am not surprised," he added.
Recalling Chappell's rein, Ganguly said such was the Australian's dominance that the then skipper Rahul Dravid just didn't have the courage to speak up against him.
"Rahul Dravid is the sort of person who wanted everything to be good. He knew that what was happening was wrong but he did not have the guts to revolt and say that it was wrong because after what happened to me during the Zimbabwe tour, any captain would have wanted to maintain peace in the dressing room which is quite right," he said.
Ganguly, who was instrumental in getting the Aussie batting great the coach's job (2005-07), came under severe criticism from Chappell in his autobiography in which he was called a "panicker". The Australian said he had refused to be Ganguly's "henchman".
Ganguly said Chappell never really had the welfare of Indian cricket on his mind and was too focussed on implementing his plans.
"You can say that Greg Chappell's foresight and thinking was not cricket-oriented. He came here with a personal vendetta and it didn't work with Indian cricket. His mind used to work in a different way. His rule in life was my way or the highway," he said.
'Dinda will fly in as Ishant's cover'
Sourav Ganguly says Bengal pacer Ashok Dinda will fly to Australia as cover for injured Ishant Sharma, who is ruled out of a 3-day practice match, starting Monday.
"Ashok Dinda will fly to Australia as a cover for Ishant in next 24 hours. My sources have confirmed this," Ganguly revealed on a special show, which also included 1983 world cup-winning captain Kapil Dev, on a news channel.
"Dinda is India's best pace bowler right now and should have been on that plane to Australia in the first place with rest of the squad," he said.
Ishant is recovering from injury on his left ankle which forced him to leave the field after bowling only 5.3 overs against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI on Thursday.
However, the team management sounded optimistic on Ishant's participation in the series opener from December 26.
"The doctor has advised him rest till Monday. So we would have a fresh look at him on Tuesday. But the work on him is going on and he's improving," said media manager GS Walia Monday morning.
The lanky fast bowler did come with the rest of his team-mates to Manuka Oval this morning but spent the entire duration either strolling at the ground or turning his arm over from a stationery position at the nets.
Ganguly said Ishant should not figure in the team if he is not 100 per cent fit.
"This is a very long tour. If Ishant has pain in his ankle, then he should be rested for the first Test. The final Test of the series will be very crucial. You cannot play a bowler having even 50 per cent of fitness level. It will put immense pressure on the team like we saw in England where Zaheer broke down in the fist Test at Lord's and India never recovered," he said.
"The Indian team management, be it skipper or the selector, if he is touring along, has to take a decision immediately. If Ishant isn't fully fit and has little chance of recovering, then he should be sent back home," he added.
The mystery surrounding Ishant has also irked Kapil.
"What is the need to hide anything in this age when there is so much of media presence and everything is being watched so closely," Kapil said.
"Him bowling just 5.3 overs in the practice match is definitely worrisome. Good if he is given rest and time to get fit again, but if his injury is serious, then I am very worried about the Indian team's pace department," he added.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Friday, 16 December 2011
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Thursday, 15 December 2011
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Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Dhoni and Co. reach Australia
The remaining members of the Indian cricket team, led by skipper MS Dhoni, Tuesday arrived in Australia to play the Test series starting December 26.
The players, including Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Zaheer Khan and coach Duncan Fletcher had left Chennai for Australia on Monday.
As soon as they landed in Melbourne, the team left for Canberra on a bus.
India are scheduled to play two warm-up matches against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI at Manuka Oval in Canberra -- first on December 15-16 and the second a three-day game from December 19 to 21.
"Different vibe in Australia. Lovin it though! Off to Canberra 3 hour drive. Not good after 13 hours of travelling," tweeted Kohli.
The batsman even posted a rather tired-looking picture of himself on his account. " On the way to Canberra!!! Sleepy as you can see," he wrote.
Seven members of the Indian squad -- Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Wriddhiman Saha and Pragyan Ojha -- are already in Australia in a bid to get acclimatised to the conditions ahead of the gruelling Test series which begins on December 26.
They had left India on December 8 and were training in Melbourne.
India are scheduled to play four Test matches, beginning from December 26, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, besides two Twenty20 Internationals and a triangular ODI series involving Sri Lanka.
The remaining Test matches are going to be held in Sydney (Jan 3-Jan 7), Perth (Jan 13-Jan 17) and Adelaide (Jan 24 to Jan 28).
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Monday, 12 December 2011
Dhoni sees "best chance" Down Under
Dhoni sees "best chance" Down Under
Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni reckons that the upcoming four-Test series is his team`s "best chance" of upstaging Australia in their own backyard.
India and Australia will square off from December 26 in a highly-anticipated series in which the visitors seem to have a good chance given the transition struggles being endured by Michael Clarke's men.
On the day the Indian players headed Down Under, Australia were upstaged in a Test at home by New Zealand for the first time in 26 years.
"Even last time we had a very good chance and we did perform well. It is not like that the opposition is not doing well (but) it will be the best chance for us," Dhoni told reporters in a pre-departure press conference here.
"We have to play to the kind of talent that we have got and not worry about such things. We need to work on our strengths and weaknesses. We are more concerned about where we need to work on and not worry about what kind of opposition we are playing," the skipper stated.
India's two first- choice pacers -- Praveen Kumar and Varun Aaron -- were ruled out even before the tour started but Dhoni insisted that led by the experienced Zaheer Khan, the bowling will click Down Under.
"Our bowlers are talented. Of course, when you do not have your main bowlers you need a bit of time. Once the youngsters play more and more games, that is how they get experienced at the top level.
"I think talent wise we are there. We have a good exposure for the youngsters who are part of the side now touring Australia," he said.
Dhoni took a break from cricket by opting out of the just-concluded ODI series against the West Indies at home and he said he is back a rejuvenated man.
"I needed the break and I am happy that I got it. The team also did really well. I am looking forward to the Australian tour," he said.
"We had enough time for some preparation also before the start of the first test match that we play. Looking good as of now. Hopefully we do not have too many injuries before the start of the Test series," he added.
Asked which aspect of the game the Indian team needs to improve on, Dhoni said, "You want to improve in all departments always. You have seen cricketers who have been part of international cricket for more than 10 years still believe in improving and they keep improving. It is a constant process and everyone is part of it."
But he did hope that Indian fielders, certainly not the best on the circuit by their own admission, would latch on to catches that come their way in Australia.
"We would like to improve in all the three departments. Catching will be very crucial. Last series that we played in India we did not have so many catching fielders. We need to have a bit more catching fielders. They say catches will win matches.
"It is true so that will be one of the areas where we have to work on. On big grounds, running between wickets and trying to keep the batsman on strike are also necessary. All these small things help you put pressure on the opposition,"
he explained.
Despite the couple of injury setbacks before the tour, Dhoni hoped that players would remain fit through the gruelling tour, which also features a tri-nation ODI series in February-March.
"If you see the injury list, it is quite blank as of now. More often than not, the 15 or 16 who are in the team will be ready for selection to play. That takes a bit of pressure off and you need not worry about the playing eleven that much and most of players get their berths on merit.
"Apart from that, if you see, the batting lineup is quite the same. Bowling wise we have got Umesh Yadav who can bowl over 140 kmph. I think it looks like a good pack. We need to do well on the field rather than looking at it as to how we look on paper," he said.
Tours to Australia almost always include a bit of controversy, the ugliest of which was perhaps the 2008 'monkeygate scandal'.
The two protagonists of the drama -- Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds -- are both not part of the series this time and Dhoni hoped that there wouldn't be any face-offs of that kind.
"We will try to keep the fireworks off. It is not about the fireworks that go on on-the-field but still you know there are chances like we have seen that both the sides have talented players. Someone like Virender Sehwag start showing there will be fireworks on the field."
"Not on the verbal side but with the bat. And if the bowlers are going the ball will do the talking. Hopefully, we will keep the controversy away," Dhoni said.
Indian coach Duncan Fletcher, who was also present at the media interaction, said having around half a dozen players including Sachin Tendulkar early in Australia will work to India's advantage.
"...we have some of the players early to Australia. By putting up two warm-up games you hope that they adapt during that period of time. Probably it is not easy enough. Perhaps at the nets if they give us the same set of quality and from that they will be able to adapt enough. We will see when we go in to the first Test," he said.
On Zaheer`s fitness status, given his history of breaking down on long tours, Fletcher said, "From the reports that I get, Zaheer had come to Mumbai and bowled at the nets there and he looked impressive."
"I think it is very important that he looked to be in very good condition from what we saw in him even when he came to England.
"Secondly, he has got these two games. It will be preparation for him. We do not want to rush him too quickly. The one three day game there will be important for him before the first Test," he added.
PROTEIN POWDERS
PROSTAR WHEY
- Protein is probably the most crucial supplement for all athletes.
- It is the fuel for the build-up, mass and toning of the muscle.
- The manner in which the body utilizes protein during and after exercise is considerably different from the way it uses carbohydrates or fat for energy.
- In the hours directly after exercise, the body begins to construct the so-called structural proteins from amino acids for muscle repair and growth, and remodeling the tissues necessary for performance.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Fitness CD
SHILPAS YOGA DVD
- Product Overview
- Censor Certification U/A
- Language English
- Studio/Banner : Shemaroo
- Title : Shilpas Yoga
- Genre : Education
- Cast : Shilpa Shetty
""Everyone wants to feel and look good. I discovered something that did both, Yoga and I'm completely overwhelmed by the beauty and power of it. Yoga is a lifestyle choice. It's a management system for life and it is the most holistic approach to life that I have ever come across. It strengthens, tones and cures. It works on body, mind and soul. Yoga has had a spectacular impact on my life. I'm hoping it does the same for you"" - Shilpa Shetty - Workout: 35 Asanas (Postures)
Back Asanas, Stomach Asanas, Standing Asanas, Sitting Asanas,
Neck & Shoulder Asanas, Pranayam (Breathing).....
Friday, 9 December 2011
El clásico
There is often a fierce rivalry between the two strongest teams in a national league, and this is particularly the case in La Liga, where the game between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid is known as El Clásico. From the start the clubs were seen as representatives of two rival regions in Spain, Catalonia and Castile, as well as of the two cities themselves. The rivalry projects what many regard as the political and cultural tensions felt between Catalans and the Castilians.
During the dictatorships of Primo de Rivera and (especially) of Francisco Franco, all regional identities were openly suppressed (e.g. the peripheral languages were officially banned). So FC Barcelona became more than a club (més que un club) for Catalonia as a defender of freedom and one of its greatest ambassadors. On the contrary, for most of the Catalans and many other Spaniards, Real Madrid was representing the sovereign oppressive centralism.
However, during the Spanish Civil War itself, members of both clubs, like Josep Sunyol and Rafael Sánchez Guerra, suffered at the hands of Franco supporters.
During the 1950s the rivalry was exacerbated significantly when the clubs disputed the signing of Alfredo Di Stefano, who finally played for Real Madrid, thanks to the help of Franco, who transfered him to Real Madrid by "royal decree" after playing three games with Barcelona's shirt, who was the key in the subsequent success achieved by the club. The 1960s saw the rivalry reach the European stage when they met twice at the semi-final stage of the European Cup.
As nowadays FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two biggest and most successful clubs in Spain, the rivalry is renewed on an almost annual basis with both teams often challenging each other for the league championship. The latest Clasico was played in the Camp Nou and ended with a 3-3 draw, with Lionel Messi scoring his first hat-trick in his Clasico debut at the Camp Nou.
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