Cricket

Australian Captain Ricky Ponting says it is up to him and other senior players to ensure the next generation of Australian players aren't blinded by the riches of Twenty20 cricket. One of Ponting's gravest fears is that the financial opportunities associated with T20 have weakened the resolve of youngsters to represent their country. But the current rash of injuries suffered by Australia has allowed Ponting and acting vice-captain Mike Hussey to instil their values in newcomers Clint McKay, Jon Holland, Burt Cockley and Moises Henriques. "I've made no secret that I'm a bit worried about some of the attitudes of younger players ... with ... Read Full Story

Australian captain Ricky Ponting on Friday lauded Indian master Sachin Tendulkar even as the injury-plagued world champions celebrated a brilliant one-day win. The second-string Aussies, depleted by injuries to nine players, warded off Tendulkar's magical 175 off 141 balls to snatch a thrilling three-run win here on Thursday night. Tendulkar, faced with Australia's daunting total of 350-4, smashed 19 boundaries and four sixes in his 45th one-day century to bring India agonisingly close to an unexpected win. Ponting, delighted at how his young team responded to the challenge to take a 3-2 lead in the seven-match series, praised Tendulkar's effort as "one of the ... Read Full Story

Captain Andrew Strauss hit one of three half-centuries as England made a solid start to their tour of South Africa, piling up 294 for seven in their 50-overs match against the Diamond Eagles franchise team in Bloemfontein on Friday. Strauss hit 72 and shared a second wicket stand of 123 with Jonathan Trott (85) as England took advantage of good batting conditions after being sent in to bat. Eoin Morgan slammed a quick 67 not out off 52 balls as the innings ended with a flurry of scoring. Eagles opening bowler CJ de Villiers took an early wicket when he bowled Joe Denly for ... Read Full Story

Font size: PTI MELBOURNE, November 7 (PTI): The void created by the retirement of spin legend Shane Warne can never be filled in the Australian cricket team, feels chief selector Andrew Hilditch. Hilditch, who was recently reappointed Australia's chief selector until the 2011 World Cup, created quite a stir by trying at least seven spinners since Warne retired after the Ashes series in 2006-2007. "The reality is when we lost Warne, it couldn't have come at a worse time. Moving forward I think we have made a lot of progress. We will never replace Warne, that is a non-existent possibility. There is always going ... Read Full Story

A 12-year-old has scored 439 runs in a school cricket tournament in Mumbai that was used as a launch pad for the career of current Indian superstar Sachin Tendulkar, local media reported on Thursday. Sarfaraz Khan faced 421 balls and hit 12 sixes and 56 boundaries for his Springfield Rizvi school against a hapless Indian Education Society in a three-day Harris Shield match on Wednesday, the Times of India reported. It was in this tournament in 1988 when Tendulkar, then a prodigal 15-year-old, made 329 during a 664-run partnership with childhood friend Vinod Kambli, who also went on to play international cricket. Tendulkar made ... Read Full Story