India - Sri Lanka - Warm Up Match, Day II

Despite a gutsy knock by Sachin Tendulkar on the 2nd Day of the Warm up game the Indian famed batting lineup was made to struggle on the difficult track as the Sri Lankan side left the visitors gasping to alow total on a rain - truncated day. Brief Scores : Sri Lanka BdXI 1st innings 224. India 1st innings 196/8 (49 overs). Sachin 69, Kathik 58 n.o. Bowling, Prasad 3/30, Fernando 2/27.

India v Sri Lanka Board XI : Warm Up Match

India started their tour of Sri Lanka on an impressive note with their bowlers putting up a tidy performance to bundle out Sri Lanka Board XI for a mere total. Electing to bat first the home team never really recovered from a shaky start and could have been skittled out for a much lower first inings total had it not been for a resolute 100 run partnership for the 5th wicket. Brief Scores : Sri Lanka Board XI 1st innings 224 all out (71.5 overs), Kandamby 84, Silva 68. Bowling, Kumble 3/30, Khan 2/35. India 1st innings 4/1 (0.4 overs), Gambhir 4. Bowling, Fernando 1/4.

England v South Africa, 2nd Test, Day I At Headingley

After the drawn Test Match at Lord's its the 2nd Test Match at Headingley between England and South Africa. Day 1 was completely dominated by the South African Bowlers as England were put on a backfoot. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 203 all out (52.3 overs), Pieterson 45, Bell 31, Strauss 27. Bowling Morkel 4/52, Steyn 4/76. South Africa 1st innings 101/3 (29 overs), Smith 44, Amla 18 n.o., Bowling Anderson 2/39, Flintoff 1/24.

Murali A Bigger Threat : Harbhajan Singh

Harbhajan Singh does not doubt the mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis potential but the star offspinner believes it is old trickster Muttiah Muralitharan, who would pose a bigger threat for the Indian batsmen in the forthcoming Test series.

" It will be Muralitharan who will pose a bigger challenge and do well in the series and not Mendis. You cannot compare Mendis and Murali. Oh come on, Murali has been doing it for so many years whereas Mendis has just started." said Harbhajan.

Harbhajan Singh : All Focus On The Game

After three months in the wilderness following the slapgate episode, controversial offspinner Harbhajan Singh is back to what he does best and eager to prove his match winning mettle. Harbhajan lamented on missing the tri-series in Bangladesh and the Asia Cup in Pakistan but said he was now looking forward to the Sri Lanka series.

" Every cricketer wants to play each and every game and I also wanted the same but things obviously didn't go well for me. But I have learnt a lot from whatever happened and looking forward to starting well. Harbhajan said."

Shoaib in The 30 Probables

Contoversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar made a comeback while while senior batsman Mohammad Yusuf was left out of the 30 member Champions Trophy preliminary squad. There was much speculation about whether Shoaib would make the Champions Trophy preliminary squad since last week, after the selectors confirmed he was on their list for the tournament.

But the board has made it clear that Shoaib would only be considered if he paid the fine of 7 million rupees imposed on him by the appelate tribunal last month.

Kapil Dev Falls ill in Calcutta

India's only World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev was taken ill during a trip to the city and returned home to New Delhi on Tuesday. Kapil Dev who was to have spent atleast a couple of days here, was laid down by food poisoning. In the evening he was reported to be better. We wish Kapil Dev to recover very soon and get back to his work shortly.

Pakistan Board Bans Mohammad Asif Indefinitely

The Pakistan Cricket Board suspended Mohammad Asif from all cricket activities following his positive dope test in the Indian Premier League and also dropped him from the probables list for the Champions Trophy even as the embattled pacer decided to seek a B sample test. PCB COO Shafqat Naghmi said the PCB has zero tolerance policy towards doping and condemns such practice in all forms and manifestations.

The board shall offer every reasonable assistance to ICC and other ICC members as they may require for the implementation and enforcement of their anti - doping regulations. He added.

Lord's Test Ended In A Draw

The first Test Match between England and South Africa ended in a draw. Ian Bell was declared the Man of the Match for his magnificent knock of a 199 runs. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 593/8 dec. South Africa 1st innings 247 all out. South Africa 2nd innings 393/3 (167 overs). McKenzie 138, Smith 107, Amla 104. Bowling Anderson 2/78, Sidebottom 1/46.

Sachin Tendulkar Fully Fit For Sri Lanka Series

After missing 2 ODIs because of an injury the liitle master Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said that he is fully fit and ready to go and do well in Sri Lanka Test Series starting this month. " I am fully fit and eager to give my best in the Sri Lanka series." Tendulkar told. The Anil Kumble led side is scheduled to leave for Colombo on Tuesday afternoon. Tendulkar also expressed optimism over the team's chances in the upcoming series.

Counter Attack By South Africa At The Lord's Test

South Africa captain Graeme Smith came to his side's rescue on the fourth day of the first Test Match against England, with a brilliant century. Smith was in a partnership of 204 runs with Neil McKenzie who also reached to a wonderful century. Both these batsmen were rocksolid at the crease and replied positively after following on. South Africa need 104 more runs to make the home team bat again. Brief Scores : England 1st innings 593/8 dec. South Africa 1st innings 247. South Africa 2nd innings 242/1 (96 overs). Smith 107, McKenzie 102. Bowling, Anderson 1/52.