Harbhajan ignored for first two ODIs Vs England

Harbhajan ignored for first two ODI's

Harbhajan Singh was ignored in the ODIs against England while the youngsters Sreenath Aravind and Rahul Sharma were present in the 15-man squad for the first two ODIs against England.

Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Rohit Sharma were not picked in the Indian squad because of their injuries.

The 15-man squad for the first two games of the five-match ODI series against England will be played in Hyderabad on October 14, New Delhi on October 17 and the remaining matches will be held in Mohali (Oct 20), Mumbai (Oct 23) and Kolkata (Oct 25). The Indian players will be picked under Kris Srikanth in Chennai.

Suresh Raina, Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel are back to their places while Manoj Tiwary got place in final 15 and Ajinkya Rahane are also in the game as they impressed all with their performance in England. In the Indian team Ravindra Jadeja was only the all-rounder.

Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel were out of the game due to injuries while Praveen Kumar was present in the game. R Vinay Kumar, Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron also present in the game.

The selectors in Chennai decided not to pick Ashish Nehra as he himself declared fit. When coming to the spin department anyway Harbhajan was ignored R.Ashwin occupied the place as the main off-spinner and Rahul Sharma was the Leg-spinner as he proved himself brilliantly in the IPL 2011.

Indian Squad: MS Dhoni (capt and w/k), Gautam Gambhir, Parthiv Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Manoj Tiwary, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul Sharma, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Sreenath Aravind, R Vinay Kumar, Varun Aaron, Umesh Yadav.

England squad announced for India's tour

The England selectors announce 15-man squad for the forthcoming tour of India. England will be in four weeks and is scheduled to play 5 One-Day Internationals and 1 Twenty20 game against India. Kevin Pietersen made his come back to one-day side and the squad also features an uncapped player from Surrey, Stuart Meaker. James Anderson has been rested and Jade Dernbach retained his place.

KP got place in 15-member squad

The 15-member England squad includes Durham's Scott Borthwick and Warwickshire all-rounder Chris Woakes, while Ben Stokes has not been selected in order to undergo a rehabilitation programme on a finger injury. England made few changes for only Twenty20 international two players joins the squad, Jos Buttler (Somerset) and Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire) on October 29.

England National selector, Geoff Miller, said that the 15-memeber squad is well balanced with exciting and experienced international cricketers along with some very talented younger players A number of injuries and a decision to omit James Anderson in line with their policy of sensibly managing player workloads and also at the same time giving opportunities for other very talented players to continue to develop as international cricketers. They had a promising One-Day series win over India earlier this month and this squad will be looking forward to the challenge the India in its homeward as well.

England T-20 captain Stuart Broad, who is undergoing a period of rehabilitation for a shoulder injury, however Broad will join the squad if he completes his rehabilitation process. Graeme Swann will lead the Twenty20 side in the absences of Stuart Broad.

England ODI squad:

Alastair Cook (c), Jonathan Bairstow, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Scott Borthwick, Tim Bresnan, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn, Craig Kieswetter (wk), Stuart Meaker, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott, Chris Woakes

Jos Buttlerand and Alex Hales joins the squad for only T20 fixture games.         

England Schedule:

Date	Match Details	Timings (IST)	Venue
Oct 14, Friday	Ind Vs Eng, 1st ODI	14:30, D/N	Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Oct 17, Monday	Ind Vs Eng, 2nd ODI	14:30, D/N	Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Oct 20, Thursday	Ind Vs Eng, 3rd ODI	14:30, D/N	Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Chandigarh
Oct 23, Sunday	Ind Vs Eng, 4th ODI	14:30, D/N	Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Oct 26, Wednesday	Ind Vs Eng, 5th ODI	14:30, D/N	Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Oct 29, Saturday	Ind Vs Eng, only T-20	20:00, D/N	Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Ajinkya Rahane: Any batting order will do for him

Mumbai batsmen Ajinkya Rahane, who showed a glimpse of hope for India in upcoming future, Rahane played as opener in recently finished disastrous England summer. Ajinkya Rahane says he cannot afford to be choose about his batting position in the India team and added that any batting position will do for him.

Rahane's sound technique and temperament on his debut tour earned him two half-centuries and impressed entire nation and cricketing fans. However, the tourists failed to win even one out of the five one-dayers and a lone Twenty20 match after a 4-0 whitewash in the preceding test series.

Will Rahanr be the future of Indian cricket

The 23-year old right-handed batsman, made his debut as key players in the team were injured. Rahane says that he must give way to regular opener Virender Sehwag makes returns from a shoulder injury. He insisted that he can open to batting anywhere in the order. During the first few years in Ranji Trophy, he had opened the innings but the next two years he played at the number three position in domestic level.

Rahane believe that if you are playing international cricket, they must be ready to bat at any position. Any player’s ultimate dream is to play for Team India and he is not any exception, it his dream too. When Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir remain India's first choices for the top three batting spots and there is so much competition for other slots in the batting order with likes of Yuvraj, Raina, Yusuf and Rohit.  Rahane said that it’s difficult to get selected for the Indian team and to stay there and play consistently for a long period is more difficult.

The 23-year-old batsmen said that he thinks he still have to work hard than he is working now and have to keep my complete focus only on cricket. Rahane cherishes the memory of interacting with some of the great players, he grew up idolising.  

On his debut the Master Sachin Tendulkar came up to him after the match and said 'well played, very well done and you have batted very well'. Later, Rahul and MS also gave me some tips, Rahane quoted that when such stalwarts themselves come forward and give him tips it  was a huge thing for a youngster like him.

Rafael Nadal set for Asian exhibition, begins practice

World No.2 Rafael Nadal has decided to play in Asia for 2011 Shanghai Masters and China Open, which will begin on next month in China. The Spaniard is just coming after minimal rest; he is ready to plays an exhibition with compatriot David Ferrer in tennis-starved Taiwan.

The 25-year-old Nadal, who has lost his Grand Slam final to World No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the 2011 US Open tournament final in four sets with 6–2, 6–4, 6–7(3–7) and 6–1. Nadal also played a crucial role in Spain’s Davis Cup tie match against France last week. Nadal posted on his Facebook wall that, he has begin training session along with his country mate Arnau Brugues, who won seventeen ITF tournaments on hard courts in his career.

Nadal will play in the 2011 Shanghai Masters tournament, which will begin from October 11th to 18th, held at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 of the Association of Tennis Professionals. Spaniard also schedule to play in the China Open, an ATP 500 Series of the 2011 ATP World Tour, which will begin from 1st to 9th October at  the Olympic Green Tennis Center in Beijing.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is likely to seed No. 1 in the upcoming Shanghai Masters, where World No. 1 Novak Djokovic and 16-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer were pulled out of the event, due to injuries.

Glenn McGrath: England deserved to be No.1 Test team

Australian former fast bowler Glenn McGrath admits that England team deserves to be No.1 in Tests rankings. McGrath speaking at event organised by charity The Lord's Taverners they are the team to beat in Test cricket at the moment. And the paceman also said that England have the bowling attack to potentially stay at the top for the next few years.

McGrath says Strauss led-England to be No.1

Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath expects the Andrew Strauss-led England Test side to continue in their bid to become the country's most successful side in coming years. England claimed the No.1 Test ranking for the first time in 32 years after winning the recent four-match Test series against India with 4-0.

McGrath quoted that it has been an interesting time, especially with the way England have played thorough out the summer. He think England have a great bowling attack and when you have that, it gives a lot of confidence and they deserve to be number one. Now, it’s all about maintaining the consistency and longevity of the winning habit is necessary. If they can keep the same team together then they'll be tough to beat in upcoming Ashes as well.

The ‘Piegion’ McGrath further believes that quality bowler James Anderson has helped transform England's fortunes. He always had a lot of respect for Jimmy and always thought he was a quality bowler. Now Jimmy is showing that he can be impressive outside of England which is a great sign of good bowler. McGrath added that it shows he is developing into the quality bowler.

The bowling unit of England Jimmy Anderson as spearhead along with Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett has proved to be very strong at present and they have been great. Those fast bowlers along with Graeme Swann are working well. When you have the same bowling attack game after game it really does fill you with a lot of confidence. According to McGrath England are placed as No.1 Test team for their solid bowling performances.

Mark Boucher is eyeing to make his return in one-dayers

Mark Boucher is desperate of making his come back to South African one-day. Boucher came to India to play in Champions League T-20 where he represents Warriors. He has drenched in the questions towards the end of press meat earlier this week. Media throw some interesting of topics like migration of South African cricketing talent to his decision to move to Cape Cobras next season, and whether he could make as wicket keeper for Proteas in future.

Boucher eyeing for ODI comeback

The wicket keeper said that he had made it absolutely clear that he considered himself the man who should don the gloves for South Africa. He also insisted that there are some young talents who are fighting hard to gain there place in squad and giving him tough competition. 

He added that there are some fine contenders but it is actually up to the guys to put their hands up and say, that is his position. Boucher added that tit is tough but till he is good enough to represent his country, he still passionate enough to want to play for country. So he don't want to look too far behind and rather look in front. 

The 34-year-old Boucher, has last played for South Africa's limited-overs in last year against West Indies. He failed to perform which cost his losing his place, Boucher made only 60 runs in his last five innings and last made half century in 2008 October. Earlier, a year ago, South Africa's then coach Corrie van Zyl had said that Boucher needed to improve his game to make a limited-overs comeback.

However Boucher feels that he has improved and quoted that he have been working really hard on game and his fitness levels this last off season. 

South Africa team has been experimenting with wicket keepers like Kuhn in Twenty20s and AB de Villiers turned into full time wicket-keeper for one-dayers. Boucher will be facing much tough completion as de Villiers is in good form in recent past.

Akhtar's autobiography 'Controversially Yours' launch cancelled

Shoaib Akhtar has made controversial comments of Pakistan team and his teammates of making tampering with ball and targeted all Indian greats, is under lot of criticism for his irritating comments. Akhtar is scheduled to release his controversial book 'Controversially Yours' on Sep 25, 2011 has suddenly been cancelled without any reason being given. 

Akhtar made some remarkable comments of Indian greats

Former India skipper Dilip Vengsarkar is schedule to release Akhtar's autobiography 'Controversially Yours' at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). However, this event has been cancelled, without any confirmation a CCI official, without assigning any reason. 

Reportedly, the event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. The sudden cancellation of releasing the book has generated speculation that it may be making remarks about India's batting stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. 

In his autobiography, Akhtar has made many controversial claims including one where he says that the Indian batsman Tendulkar did not have the ability to finish matches in the initial stages of his career. Even he made the comments that Dravid and Sachin are not match winners. Wasim came hard at Shoaib saying that little master Sachin has no fear in facing any bowler. Protesters carried Akthar's posters on donkey-backs following the comments made on Tendulkar. 

Serena Williams appointed as UNICEF Ambassador

The 13-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams has been appointed as the UNICEF’S new international Goodwill Ambassador. UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake announced the appointment of Williams as NNICEF new face, saying that she is also known as a philanthropist and champion of children.

Serena Williams is new face of UNICEF as Ambassador

The American tennis star, Serena Williams has earlier teamed-up with UNICEF in 2006 and also traveled to Ghana for biggest health crusade. Indeed which turned out to be the biggest African’s health campaign. Where the volunteer health workers vaccinated children against childhood diseases and distributed free mosquito bed nets to prevent malaria.

The 29-year-old Serena Williams said that, she wants to support the United Nations agency assignment to afford a quality education for helpless children for their bright future is UNICEF aim, and she will be helping them to get their dream come true and she will be fetching herself as far she could. The UNICEF ambassadors’ members also including, England soccer star David Beckham, pop singer Shakira, British actress Audrey Hepburn and actor Orlando Bloom.

Serena said that she wants to change something in their lives, during the ceremony at the Social Good Summit in New York. Recently Serena lost his Grand Slam final at US Open to World No. 7th ranked Samantha Stosur of Australia in two-straight sets.

Geoff Marsh named as Sri Lanka's new coach

Former Australia batsman and coach, Geoff Marsh has been appointed as the new coach of the Sri Lankan team. Geoff Marsh has filled the vacum created by Trevor Bayliss, who has left his duites after ICC 2011 World Cup. Marsh has agredd for a 2-year deal with Sri Lanka which begins on September 27 and he will be skippig the coaching duties for the Pune Warriors in IPL.

Marsh has worked as the head coach for IPL 4 debutant Pune Warriors. Marsh said that he told Pune Warriors franchise and they received it ine very positive and they were very good about it. He added that coaching an international team takes a lot of time and being able to fit both of them and it just wouldn't have happened. The franchise were very comfortable receiving in positive way, he enjoyed his year at Pune Warriors. They could see that coaching an international team is an honour, so it was all good.

Marsh represented Australia in 50 Tests and 119 ODIs, and he was also a member of the World Cup winning side in 1987. After his retirement, he became a level 3 qualified coach and was at the helm of the Australian side from 1995 to 1999. Marsh became the first and so far only cricketer to win the World Cup both as player and coach. However, he took over as coach of Zimbabwe from 2000 to 2004. He was also a national selector for the Australian team.

Marsh continues the trend of Australians coaching for Sri Lanka after Dav Whatmore, John Dyson, Tom Moody, Bayliss and Law.

Marsh had been in talks with Sri Lanka Cricket when he was in the country during Australia's recent tour. He is looking forward to the challenge of helping rebuild Sri Lanka's side after the loss of several veterans over the past two years. Marsh said that it is quite exciting to see the young talent on display during the recent Test series against Australia, when he was in the country watching his son Shaun play for Australia.

Stuart Broad: unlikely to play for England in 2011

England T-20 skipper, Stuart Broad has admitted that he is unlikely to play again for England in 2011. Broad picked shoulder injury during the series against India. Broad said that he will not be playing this year as he recovers from the shoulder injury, although he has confirmed that there will not require any surgery.

Stuart Broad had already been ruled out of the matches against West Indies, earlier Broad has a hope retuning to team for one-day series in India, by saying that he might be fit to play in the Twenty20 at Kolkata at the end of October. Now, it appears to be he is unlikely make his tour of UAE in January which includes 3 Tests, 4 ODIs and 3 Twenty20s.

The fast bowler Stuart broad said that the shoulder is still quite sore and it is a two-month injury so he is concentrating on making sure that he is in the best possible shape for the games against Pakistan in January. Broad said that it is not 100% confirmed that he will not play in tour India but he will only play if the rehab goes fantastically well.

Broad's injury meant that England to appoint new Twenty20s captain fro West Indies tour, off-spinner  Graeme Swann, who is leading the lead the side in his absence. Broad will lead the T20 as a defending team at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka next September. However, it is good news that Broad doesn't need surgery to his shoulder. 

Roger Federer withdraws out of Shanghai Masters

Roger Federer has withdrawn form next month's Shanghai Masters to take rest and recuperate after a exhausting summer. 

The 16-times Grand Slam champion suffered a five-set loss to Novak Djokovic in the US Open semi-finals at Flushing Meadows earlier this month. Federer then travelled to Australia to aid Switzerland's return to the Davis Cup World Group.

The Swiss Maestro said that he have some irritating injuries that he after consulting his Davis team, he have unfortunately decided to pull out of the Shanghai Masters in order to take some necessary time to rest and recuperate after a long summer. And he is looking forward to returning to the ATP World Tour as soon as possible.

World No. 3 Roger Federer will not participate in the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2011. The 30-year-old has reached the final of Shanghai last year where he lost to world no.4 Andy Murray. He have fond memories of Shanghai so he will miss this amazing tournament and all his loyal Chinese fans, but I look forward to returning to China next fall said Federer.

Federer quoted he was very sorry to disappoint fans, tournaments, and sponsors and he was looking forward to coming to Asia but unfortunately my mono is not completely cured yet an so I have to take another month off. 

Shoaib Akhtar: Almost all Pak pacers tampered ball

Controversial Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has created a excitement by openly admitting that he, along with all his contemporaries in the team, have regularly indulged in ball-tampering.

Pakistan fast bowlers over generations have always been under scanner for ball-tampering whenever they have got the ball to swing more than usual but Akhtar is the first to admit that he indulged in the malpractice, which is banned in international cricket.

Rawalpadi Express said that almost all Pakistani fast bowlers have tampered with the ball. He may be the first one to openly admit to it but everybody is doing it. The rebel fast bowler has revealed in his just-published in his autobiography ‘Controversially Yours’.

Shoaib added to be honest, every team in the world tampers with the ball. They probably started it but today ‘koi team doodh ki dhooli nahin hain’. No team is innocent and virtually every fast bowler does it. That is the only way to survive because the wickets are so slow.

The former Pakistan pacer Akhtar was twice suspended by International Cricket Council (ICC) for ball tampering during his career. He defends himself for indulging in this illegal cricketing activity. After years of not allowing bouncers, in 2001, the ICC ruled that only one would be allowed per over. The pitches are dead and slow and made to order for batting. It was the bowlers who are condensed and it is like giving match practice to people.

In his autobiography, Akhtar openly admitted that he has done ball tampering. It was in a three-nation tournament in Sri Lanka after 2003 World Cup, the bowler recalled an incident in Dambulla while playing against New Zealand.

Akhtar wrote that he remembers it being very hot and humid in Dambulla and as is customary with the pitches of the sub-continent, it was an awfully slow track. They were playing New Zealand and they needed results badly. Out of desperation, he began fussing with the ball. And yes he know it's against the rules and not something to be proud of lastly Akhtar apologized for it. 

West Indies squad announced for Bangladesh tour, Gayle ignored

West Indies team has been announced for upcoming Bangladesh tour, where they will play One Twenty20, 3 ODIs and 2 Tests. The tour is scheduled to begin on October 7 with the first of two warm-up matches.

Darren Sammy will continue to lead the side, but Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Dwayne Bravo are missed out in the West Indies Test and ODI squads while wicketkeeper batsmen Denesh Ramdin has been recalled to both Testa and ODI squads. Shane Shillingford, offspinner who underwent remedial work on an action that was deemed illegal last year, has made the Test side.

Chris Gayle has last played for West Indies in the 2011 World Cup, he was failed to respire Windes colors as he breakdown his relationship with the West Indies board. He chose to participate in the IPL in April, after being left out of a training camp ahead of the home series against Pakistan. During an interview, Gayle had questioned his treatment by members of the board, including chief executive Ernest Hilaire, and the coach Ottis Gibson, after he picked up an injury during the World Cup.

Darren Bravo was not picked, while Sarwan was left out due to injury and Shivnarine Chanderpaul retained his spot in the Test. Ramdin's return has stated that there is no place for Carlton Baugh in the ODIs, though Baugh was included in the Test side. 

Openers Kieran Powell and Kraigg Brathwaite, who made their Test debuts in the home season, also found places in the touring party. Barbados all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite was the only new face in the West Indies team touring Bangladesh. 

ODI and T20 squad: Darren Sammy (c), Adrian Barath, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Danza Hyatt, Anthony Martin, Kieron Pollard, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons

Test squad: Darren Sammy (c), Adrian Barath, Carlton Baugh (wk), Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Kirk Edwards, Kieran Powell, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Shane Shillingford.

It will be end of Federer-Nadal era?

The greatest rivalry of modern era tennis is between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, but now it seems there is the of this modern era rivalry.

The 16-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, 10-time Grand Slam winner has the upper hand in all grand slam finals as it witnessed them in all the finals of majors. Recently, the present world no.1 Novak Djokovic has ended the greatest rivalry in the games history.

Swiss Mastero Roger Federer and Spanish player Rafael Nadal have fight hard for the top spot from several years, as the pair’s supremacy, since 2004. Both modern greats have paired up six consecutive calendar years as the top two ranked players on the ATP Tour. In the period of 2005 and 2010, Federer was ranked No. 1 for a record 237 consecutive weeks beginning in February 2004. While Nadal spent 4 years and 10 months at No. 2 in July 2005 and held this spot for a record 160 consecutive weeks before surpassing Federer in August 2008.

Finally, the 24-year-old Novak Djolkovic has ended the supremacy of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal era. The Seriban has dream year of 2011 as he won three majors of Wimbledon, French Open and recently finished U.S. Open. However, Rafael Nadal is World No.2 and Roger Federer is palced at 3 in ATP rankings.

Let’s hope that both Fedex and Rafa raise their game and be at their top to entertain their fans and add more gand slams to their tally!

Shoaib Akhtar admits Sachin feared him

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has admitted that Indian star batsman little mater Sachin Tendulkar has feared the paceman.

Shoaib had a very good record against the Master Blaster, dismissing him on many occasions in international cricket. The most famous dismissal Shoib will be keep saying may time would be when Tendulkar was clean bowled by the express pacer in a Test match in Kolkata. He claimed that Wasim Akram did not encourage new fast bowlers and went on to add that Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were not match winners to begin with.

The Rawalpindi express opened up that he had been working on his biography for the past one and half year. Shoaib opened up to Times of India, he stated, that he life is going on very peacefully post-retirement. He explained about his autobiography saying that he went to book a whole year and a half and have written is his experience, put as honestly for others to know. 

The 36-year-old claimed that every thing mentioned in the book was true. He added this is the truth for the world; it may be a big controversy. It saddens him to hear all kind of stories about Pakistani cricket in the world. People should know what we go through and why we are the way we are.

Akhtar last played for Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2011. He did not feature in all the games during the ICC World Cup 2011, but proved his fitness and consistency towards the end of his career.

He was expected to play the Semi-Final match of the World Cup against their arch-rivals India, but replaced by left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz.

Wasim Akram: Gambhir is a captaincy material

KKR bowling Coach Wasim Akram feels that Indian opening batsmen Gautam Gambhir is a captaincy material. Akram feels that Gambhir has leadership skills are at par with those of MS Dhoni and he will be future skipper of India. 

Wasim Akram hints Gambhir is future Indian skipper

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram, was impressed with the way Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders in the last season of IPL. Akram added that he has looked and worked with Gautam Gambhir as the bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders and I have no doubts in saying that Gambhir is a world class cricketer. He even quoted that Gambhir is a fighter and very committed individual, he is at par with Mahendra Singh Dhoni when it comes to leadership and man-management.

The left hand pacer, who captained Pakistan in 25 Tests and 109 ODIs, said Gambhir has almost recovered from his head injury that he sustained during India's disastrous tour of England and could soon be playing. Akram added that Gambhir is a strong boy but concussion after the head injury took a toll on him. Gambhir suffered a head injury during the Oval Test in London while trying to take a high catch off Kevin Pietersen's bat.

That injury sidelined Gambhir from the lone Twenty20 International and the ODI series against England. He also missed the two qualifying matches for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Champions League Twenty20. However, KKR has qualified for the Champions League Twenty20 main tournament for the first time even after losing their qualifying round match to Somerset.

Swann excited to lead young England team

England new T20 skipper, Graeme Swann is excited to lead the young English team. Swann will be leading the England in two T20 series against West Indies in the absence of regulat T20 skipper Stuart Broad was sidelined due to shoulder injury. 

Swann is excited to lead young England team

The off-spinner and the stand-in captain said that he was really excited to lead some of the brightest and upcoming young talents like Jonny Bairstow who played an impressive hand against India in the final ODI. Swann added that these young guys are coming into a pressure situation, but they believe they were good enough to cope and outcome the pressure. 

Graeme Swann is the 5th captain who is leading England team in last one month, following up Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss, Stuart Broad and Eoin Morgan. Swann said that he is sure that the young talent will very excite and they will feel some pressure and sure they will enjoy it once they get on to the park. The have got lads like Danny Briggs and Scott Borthwick coming into this squad who are superb young spinners with exceptional records in Twenty20.

However, the 2 matches will be a part of England's preparation for next year's world T20 championship to be held in Sri Lanka. 

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi passes away aged 70

Indian legendary Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi passed away in Dehli at the age of 70, suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung infection for which there is no cure. The Nawab of Pataudi, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi married to Sharmila Tagore and survived one son Saif Ali Kahn and his two daughters Soha and Saba Ali Khan.

pataudi passes away at 70

Pataudi played 46 Tests between 1961 and 1975 and was debatably he is India's greatest captain. He had chance to lead Indian team in his fourth Test, when he was 21, in Barbados in 1962. He became youngest test captain in Test history, a record that stood until 2004. Pataudi led India in 40 Tests and had a successful career despite damaged the vision in his right eye, which was damaged in a car accident. He also captained Sussex and Oxford University.

Tiger Pataudi makes his Test debut England on December 13, 1961 and played his farewell match against against West Indies on January 23, 1975. He scored his maiden test century 113 against England in his 3rd Test and his highest score was 203 not out against England. Under Pataudi captaincy India won their away series win defeating New Zealand 3-1.

Pataudi has scored 2793 runs at an average of 35 and made 6 centuries, Pataudi served as a match referee between 1993 and 1996, officiating in two Tests and ten ODIs. Pataudi Trophy was named for the bilateral trophy for India and England series. Pataudi was also a consultant to the BCCI from 2007 and part of the first IPL governing council but refused to continue in the role in October 2010.

At the opening ceremony of the 2011 Champions League Twenty20, Ravi Shastri called for a minute of silence in honour of Pataudi.

ICC World T20 2012 schedule unveils

The World Twenty20 Champions England will enter the tournament with a tag of defending champions.  The 2012 World Twenty20 is scheduled from September 18 to October 12, 2012 in Sri Lanka. ICC has confirmed Colombo, Pallekele and Hambantota as the venues for the tournament.

ICC WORLD T20 scheduled released

The World Twenty20 2012 all 12 teams are divided into four groups and each group is having 3 teams in a preliminary round. England, the defending champions, and India are in Group A and will be joined by one of the Associate teams that qualify in the qualifiers. The other second qualifier will join with West Indies and Australia in Group B. While Sri Lanka, South Africa and Zimbabwe make Group C, and Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh finishes up the Group D.

The top two teams from each group will make it through the group stages, after which there will be a Super Eight stage, featuring two groups. The format is same as the last edition of 2010. The tournament will include two teams qualifying from the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2012, the qualifying tournament, which features 16 teams held in the United Arab Emirates from March 13-14 2012.

However, as everyone can expect top eight teams will reach Super eight’s until some miracles happen and the super eights will be interesting fight to see as all the teams will be fancying their chance to clinch the trophy.

ICC World Twenty20 2012 Schedule:

Group A: England, India, Qualifier 2

Group B: Australia, West Indies, Qualifier 1

Group C: Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zimbabwe

Group D: Pakistan, New Zealand, Bangladesh

Super Eight Groups (S8)

Group 1: A1, B2, C1, D2

Group 2: A2, B1, C2, D1

Group Stage

Sept 18

Sri Lanka v Zimbabwe, Hambantota (19:30 local time)

Sept 19

Australia v Q1, Colombo (15:30)

India v Q2, Colombo (19:30)

Sept 20

South Africa v Zimbabwe, Hambantota (19:30)

Sept 21

New Zealand v Bangladesh, Pallekele (15:30)

England v Q2, Colombo (19:30)

Sept 22

Sri Lanka v South Africa, Hambantota (15:30)

Australia v West Indies, Colombo (19:30)

Sept 23

Pakistan v New Zealand, Pallekele (15:30)

England v India, Colombo (19:30)

Sept 24

West Indies v Qualifier 1, Colombo (19:30)

Sept 25

Pakistan v Bangladesh, Pallekele (19:30)

Super Eights

Sept 27

C1 v D2, Pallekele (15:30)

A1 v B2, Pallekele (19:30)

Sept 28

D1 v C2, Colombo (15:30)

B1 v A2, Colombo (19:30)

Sept 29

A1 v D2, Pallekele (15:30)

C1 v B2, Pallekele (19:30)

Sept 30

B1 v C2, Colombo (15:30)

D1 v A2, Colombo (19:30)

Oct 1

B2 v D2, Pallekele (15:30)

A1 v C1, Pallekele (19:30)

Oct 2

B1 v D1, Colombo (15:30)

A2 v C2, Colombo (19:30)

Oct 4

Men’s semi-final: Group 1 winner v Group 2 runners-up, Colombo (19:00)

Oct 5

Men’s semi-final: Group 2 winner v Group 2 runners-up, Colombo (19:00)

Oct 7

Men’s final, Colombo (19:00)

Somdev Devvarman received Arjuna Award

Indian star Somdev Devvarman has been recognized for his efforts in tennis as he was awarded the Arjuna Award. The World number seventy Somdev Devvarman was noticed for his national tennis successes on Tuesday.

Somdev Devvarman was awarded the Arjuna Award by Indian sports Minister Ajay Maken. Built up in the year 1961, the Government opinionated Arjuna Awards recognise exceptional achievement in national sports.

Somdev rewarded with Arjuna Award

The Indian number one Devvarman won singles gold medals for India at both the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China. He also joined with Sanam Singh to win gold in the men’s doubles at the Asian Games.

The 26-year-old Devvarman, one of 19 awardees of the prestigious awards in 2011, is the first tennis player to be honoured since WTA star Sania Mirza in 2004. Mahesh Bhupathi won it in 1995 and Leander Paes received the honour in 1990. Devvarman was unable to attend the official ceremony hosted by President Pratibha Patil on 29 August as he was contesting for the US Open 2011.

Murali says India will soon regain No. 1 position

Team India has just finished off disastrous tour of England, where they had lost Tests, ODI’s and T-20 and ended the England summer without a win.

Murali is confident that India to regain No.1 spot

The retired Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan feels the Indian cricket team will soon bounce back to regain its number one position in Tests. India went to England as the number one in Tests, but gently surrendered their top ranking after a 4-0 whitewash.

The World Champions has nothing to cherish off from the England tour as they failed to win a single match in the rain-marred five-match series, where they lost to 3-0. Murali said that India has a very good team and they were at their best prior to this series. And it was just one bad series. He added that many key were injured and rested in the series and team is not at its best. Murali is sure that MS Dhoni-led Indian team will clinch the number one ranking in Test cricket very soon.

The leading wicket taker went to explain the factors that India’s pathetic tour as players like Sehwag, Yuvraj and Gambhir are key factors of their winning combination but they had to meet full fit and roaring England team in their home soil. While Murali backed the Indian off-spinner who is going through a rough patch.

Sourav Ganguly: seniors should take call on retirement

Sourav Ganguly, India's most successful Test skipper says the time is not right for senior players to retire and selectors should not force them to quit the game.

Sourav says that senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman should decide on their retirement on their own while coming to quit the game. The day their performance drops, they will leave on the field, and there is no need to pressurize them.

The former skipper said that Indian greats like Dravid and Laxman have already phased out from ODI cricket. Sachin also plays very less ODI’s these days. Now It is good to see youngsters perform so well in the shorter format but he is really more worried about Tests. Ganguly said that the nation hasn’t seen anyone who can fill these big shoes and challenge these seniors. He also added that definitely, the time hasn't come to phase out seniors in Tests.

who will ablt fill big shoes of Sachin & Dravid?

However, India’s finest all-rounder ever Kapil Dev, felt selectors should take the decision and proposed an orderly phase out of the seniors. The 1983 World Cup winning captain said that all three seniors Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and V V S Laxman should not play together. As one of them will be  rested and two of them will be playing so that a youngster can be tested in his place. Kapil said that this rotation method of players will help Team India to find out a youngster who can meet these greats.

Everyone knows that it is not going to be easy job to find replacements for the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman. Meanwhile, Madan Lal said that there was lack work ethics in the current young players.  They have to raise their fitness levels. Players like Kohli, Pujara and Rohit will have to be given chances. Suresh had plenty of chances thrown at him and it’s now time for Yuvi to prove he belongs to Test arena.

Indian top players skips off CLT20

All the top players of Indian cricket are planning to skip ongoing Champions league T20, where World’s top T20 teams form will be in battle for Nokia CL T20 2011. In CL T20 four franchise representing India Mumbai Indian (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

Fist it was turn of Kolkalta Knight Riders captain Gautam Gambhir, who ruled out of CL T20. Gambhir has gone through constant injury blows in the England summer where he had to return home without playing one-dayers.  The left handed batsmen skipped qualifiers of CL and have to wait whether, Gambhir will gain fitness and able to play the tournament.

Indian top players to skip CL T20

Coming to Mumbai Indians, their skipper Sachin Tendulkar has headed back to India while the one-dayers were in progress due to toe injury. Sachin said that he will be not playing in CL due to injury. MI middle order batsmen Rohit Sharma also retuned India after fracturing his finger was also doubtful. Meanwhile off spinner stated that he was ready to roar in the CL T20 is now considering him to stay out of the tournament.

Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Zaheer Kahn was never expected to return of playing for the franchise in the Champions League. The IPL Champions Chennai Super Kings key players were also thinking of to skip CL T20. CSK skipper MS Dhoni, ho has been playing all the three formats of international cricket for India without any rest is considering taking rest and same with Suresh Raina as well. Although it was unknown yet who will be playing for their franchise as there is pressure for the management to represent their clubs.

However, the tourney lost its charm as all the top guns of local team was not being part of CL T20. 

Roger Federer the most respected, trusted player

Roger Federer the Swiss Mastero was the second person in the list of most respected, admired and trusted personality, after the former South African president Nelson Mandela.

According to the new global study, more than 50,000 in 25-countries all around the globe show their respect and admire Roger Federer. The 16-times grand slam champion, Roger Federer has been one of the most famous tennis celebrities in world.

Roger Federer is the 2-most respected man in the world

Swiss Maestro has is the number two on the list of the most respected and admired personalities in the world. Behind the tennis champion, the other celebrities, who are most respected are, Queen Elizabeth, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. While, England soccer star David Beckham finished on the 24th place. Roger Federer has updated a comment on Face Book saying that, Leaving Australia. I had a great time in Sydney; I love Australia and can’t wait to be back in January for the Australian Open.

The 30-year-old Roger Federer is at 2nd position with a 72.1 average, second to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who had 78.5. Federer finished in front of other public figures known for their philanthropic work, including Bill Gates, Warren Buffett and Bono.

The world No.4, Federer was actively involved in charitable activities on the ATP World Tour, of the Rally For Relief to support Queensland flood victims. Earlier this season and through his own foundation, Federer Foundation supports education and sports projects in Ethiopia, South Africa, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Switzerland.

Rank	Name	Rating
1	Nelson Mandela	78.5
2	Roger Federer	72.1
3	Bill Gates	71.7
4	Warren Buffett	69.7
5	Richard Barson	68.3
6	Steve Jobs	68.3
7	Orpah Winfery	67.7
8	Bono	67.7
9	Ratan Tata	66.3
10	Elizabeth II	64.9