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Half-centuries from Alex Hales and Samit Patel eclipsed a brilliant hundred from Wes Durston as the Nottinghamshire romped past Derbyshire by five wickets with three overs to spare

11-Jun-2010

ScorecardHalf-centuries from Alex Hales and Samit Patel eclipsed a brilliant hundred from Wes Durston as the Nottinghamshire romped past Derbyshire by five wickets with three overs to spare. Durston hit 111 off 59 balls, with seven sixes and 11 fours for the first century of this season’s Friends Provident t20, as the Trent Bridge visitors amassed an intimidating 192 for six.But Hales smashed 69 from just 25 balls – including three sixes and 11 fours – in partnership with Ali Brown as Nottinghamshire raced to 99 off the first seven overs of their reply before both batsmen fell in consecutive overs. Patel ensured there was no chance of the momentum being lost with a classy innings containing seven fours and three more sixes and was there at the close to complete the victory, finishing on 62 not out.Former Somerset batsman Durston had earned himself a short-term contract with Derbyshire after a terrific hundred for the Unicorns against Sussex in the Clydesdale Bank 40 earlier in the season and the 29-year-old demonstrated all his talents in commendable style.In partnership with South African Loots Bosman, who made 39, Durston got the visitors off to a great start before Bosman was bowled by Steven Mullaney in the eighth over to break the partnership. While the home bowlers kept a tight rein on the other Derbyshire batsmen, Durston continued to find the boundary at will, including a reverse-swept six off Patel before being run out in the 18th over.Despite being asked to chase down their sixth highest total in Twenty20, Notts openers Hales and Brown blitzed the powerplay overs with a stunning display of hitting. Hales, 21, dominated the strike and brought up his fifty with a pulled six off Garry Park in the fifth over off his 16th delivery – the fifth fastest Twenty20 half-century ever – to set the platform for the win.He was eventually bowled by Robin Peterson but Patel showed plenty of class to hit the Derbyshire spinners repeatedly into the gaps over cover, finishing proceedings by taking 15 off the third over from seamer Steffan Jones – who conceded 53 in three overs.

AB de Villiers and Ashwell Prince dug in to scupper a West Indian fightback by Sulieman Benn and put South Africa in a position of control in the deciding Test

The Bulletin by Siddhartha Talya27-Jun-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Hawk-eye
Kemar Roach’s appeal against AB de Villiers was turned down, and West Indies opted against the review•Associated Press

AB de Villiers and Ashwell Prince dug in to scupper a West Indian fightback by Sulieman Benn and put South Africa in a position of control in the deciding Test. Benn’s probing left-arm spin had given the hosts a massive boost with the wickets of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, who had forged a threatening stand, but an approach combining patience and determination from de Villiers and Prince, backed up by a bit of luck, helped South Africa lay the stage for a potentially decisive lead on a track expected to deteriorate.The West Indies spinners were able to extract both turn and bounce in good measure, keeping the close-in fielders interested throughout. Smith and Kallis, however, ensured a steady flow of singles and found the boundary by employing the sweep. The pair had settled in well after seeing off the early pressure created by the loss of nightwatchman Paul Harris and a phase where Dwayne Bravo frustrated South Africa with four consecutive maidens. But Benn kept on creating chances, and a wicket remained in sight.He altered his lengths to Kallis, who was rapped on the pads while attempting the sweep and given out by Simon Taufel. A review resulted in the decision being overturned for height. His persistence was rewarded when Smith, surprised by the sharp turn and extra bounce from the footmarks, offered a catch to short leg. Benn’s victory against Kallis would have been more satisfying. Given the ball in the first over after lunch, Benn beat the outside edge with one that spat away and followed it up with a delivery that just angled in, didn’t turn and crashed into the off stump with Kallis shouldering arms. South Africa were 145 for 5, and the game had evened out.While reflecting on their performance today, West Indies will perhaps look back at three opportunities they squandered, enabling South Africa to recover. Twice could they have had AB de Villiers dismissed, but erred in judgement and opted against the review. When on 8, de Villiers bottom-edged Kemar Roach to the wicketkeeper as he tried to leave the ball, and the appeal was turned down by umpire Steve Davies. A long discussion followed, and the decision went uncontested. There was a chance again after tea, when de Villiers, now on 42, appeared to be trapped in front by debutant Brandon Bess, but the umpire’s call again stood. And, once more, when the two had been well set, Prince’s call for an ill-judged single could have resulted in his run-out, but Brendan Nash at point missed by a mile.It was slow going initially by de Villiers and Smith, cautious against Benn who kept attacking with five fielders around the bat. Prince was beaten more than once with the extra bounce, while de Villiers’ uncertainty was evident in his initial attempt to constantly step out of the crease irrespective of the lengths. But time spent in the middle brought with it more confidence. When there was width available, they pierced the field through point and cover and turned the face to work the ball through square and midwicket when the line was straighter. de Villiers broke a 135-ball boundary drought, driving Shane Shillingford past mid-off, and Prince brought up the half-century partnership with a push to point in a post-lunch session that yielded just 58.The challenge from the hosts appeared to be tapering off after tea, with the spinners doling out long hops, promptly dispatched for boundaries, and Bess adding to the frustration with his indiscipline with the second new-ball. He bowled seven no-balls, provided width, strayed on the pads and dropped short to be dealt with by the batsmen who gradually had begun to loosen up. de Villiers’ drive to point, which resulted in a missed run-out and overthrows, raised his half-century and took South Africa into the lead; Prince reached his own with a sweep off Benn.However, just as West Indies seemed to be drifting out of contention, Benn struck again to remove de Villiers shortly before stumps, nicking one straight to Denesh Ramdin. West Indies may have pulled things back slightly, but they still need to confront the depth of South Africa’s lower order to limit the damage already caused.

Adam Lyth continued his impressive form as Yorkshire replied to an Essex total of 399 in their County Championship Division One clash at Chelmsford

21-Jul-2010
ScorecardAdam Lyth continued his impressive form as Yorkshire replied to an Essex total of 399 in their County Championship Division One clash at Chelmsford. The 22-year-old left-hander, the first player to reach 1,000 runs this season, provided further evidence of his potential with a well-constructed 75.It was the 11th time this summer he had passed 50 in the Championship, three of which he has converted into 100s. Lyth looked on course for a fourth when he was bowled around his legs by paceman Chris White after an innings which contained 11 boundaries.Yorkshire, the Championship leaders, reached the close on 227 for 5, which represented something of a disappointment after Lyth and Jacques Rudolph had launched the innings with a partnership of 81.That ended when Andy Carter, a fast bowler on loan from Nottinghamshire and making his Championship debut for Essex, made a delivery climb on the opener to have Rudolph caught behind for 32. But it was left-arm spinner Tim Phillips who was the pick of the Essex bowlers.Varying his pace and flight well he has so far collected 2 for 72 from 29 overs. He had Anthony McGrath caught at short leg by Jaik Mickleburgh and then bowled Jonathan Bairstow as he pushed forward. The other Yorkshire wicket to fall was that of Andrew Gale who was within three of his half-century when he was caught behind cutting at offspinner Tom Westley.Earlier, Essex added a further 46 from 21 overs after they had resumed at an overnight 353 for 6. Three of the remaining wickets to fall were picked up by legspinner Adil Rashid as he finished with 5 for 87.Among them was Grant Flower who faced a further 43 deliveries in the morning without adding to his overnight score of 5, which came from only two scoring strokes in an innings of 78 balls. Flower was eventually put out of his misery when he drove into the hands of McGrath at mid-off.Last man Carter succeeded in dispatching Rashid for the only six of the innings but in trying to repeat the stroke was caught at deep mid-off in the same over.

England Under-19 were made to work hard in another closely-fought encounter but held their nerve to defeat Sri Lanka Under-19 by three wickets with just four balls to spare at Fenner’s

The Bulletin by Liam Brickhill07-Aug-2010
Scorecard
David Payne and Luke Wells sealed a tense, three-wicket win in the final over•Getty Images

In keeping with the nature of the recent contests between these two sides, England Under-19 were made to work hard in another closely-fought encounter but held their nerve to defeat Sri Lanka Under-19 by three wickets with just four balls to spare at Fenner’s and take a 1-0 lead in the five match one-day series.England were well-placed at 190 for 4 in the 44th over, needing just 18 runs to win, but Alex Barrow’s dismissal shortly after he had reached fifty sparked a nervous passage of play and with Sri Lanka’s bowlers putting in a disciplined performance to keep the pressure on the batsmen two further wickets fell before Luke Wells and No. 9 David Payne sealed the win in the last over, bowled by left-arm seamer Chathura Peiris.England captain Paul Best won the toss and elected to put the tourists in to bat and was rewarded in the fourth over when Rumesh Buddika was caught by Barrow off the bowling of Jacob Ball. Matthew Dunn had Yasoda Lanka caught behind to leave Sri Lanka struggling on 26 for 2 in the seventh over. Sri Lanka continued to lose wickets regularly and at 116 for 7, England looked firmly in control.However an eighth wicket partnership of 91 between Dhanushka Gunathilleke and Sanitha de Mel helped Sri Lanka reach 207 for 7 from their 50 overs. Gunathilleke top scored, finishing unbeaten on 83 from 102 balls with de Mel adding 29 from 33 balls in support.Needing to score at just over 4 runs an over for victory England’s reply began well with Jack Manuel playing a typically aggressive innings to reach 23 off 17 balls before being bowled by de Mel. Joe Root’s controlled 48 helped England past the 100 mark and Barrow and Luke Wells kept the scoreboard ticking over without taking unnecessary risks.Even when Barrow was bowled by Buddika in the 44th over, leaving England on 190 for 5, the home side would have been confident of a comfortable victory. But with Sri Lanka showing great fight in the field the match went down to the wire before Wells, who finished unbeaten on 39, and Payne maintained their composure to steer England to their target of 208 with four balls to spare.”We are delighted to be one up and are looking forward to resuming the ODI series at Arundel on Monday,” said Best after the game. “Today’s match was closer than it needed to be and we aim to be more disciplined and ruthless going forward.”

Colin Ingram has been called up to South Africa’s side for the two limited-overs series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Sep-2010Colin Ingram has been called up to South Africa’s side for the two limited-overs series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan, while fast bowler Wayne Parnell has been named in all three squads after recovering from injury. Wicketkeeper Heino Kuhn has taken the injured AB de Villiers’ place for the Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe.Allrounder Jacques Kallis and fast bowler Dale Steyn have both been rested for the two Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan. Kallis recently picked up a neck injury and withdrew from the 2010 Champions League Twenty20 on the advice of Cricket South Africa’s medical team.”They are two key players for the ICC World Cup next year and we need to manage them carefully,” selection convener Andrew Hudson said. “The next ICC World Twenty20 is 18 months away and this also provides us the opportunity to look at several younger players.”Hudson said Ingram, currently playing for the Warriors in the Champions League, deserves his chance at international level after playing “outstanding cricket in both MTN40 and Standard Bank Pro20 domestic competitions.”Ingram topped the 2009/10 MTN40 scoring chart with 600 runs at an average of 60, with one century and five half-centuries, and a strike-rate of 103.62. He followed that up by topping the 2010 Pro20 scoring chart as well, making 283 runs at 47.16 and a strike-rate of 144.38. The Warriors won both tournaments.Fast bowler Rusty Theron and left-arm spinner Robin Peterson both found places in the Twenty20 squads but not the ODI teams. Theron was part South Africa side that played in the 2010 World Twenty20 in the West Indies, but did not get a game.”We only have a relatively small number of ODIs before the World Cup and it is our intention to go in with our strongest combination in all these matches,” Hudson said.Parnell has been cleared to begin playing again next month after needing surgery to fix an injury he suffered while warming up for an IPL match in March. Ryan McLaren misses out on a place in the Test team as a result. De Villiers meanwhile should be fit in time for the ODI series against Zimbabwe, which begins on October 15.Test squad (to play Pakistan): Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wk), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo TsotsobeODI squad (to play Zimbabwe and Pakistan): Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Charl Langeveldt, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo TsotsobeTwenty20 squad (to play Zimbabwe): Johan Botha (capt), Loots Bosman, JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, Heino Kuhn (wk), David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo TsotsobeTwenty20 squad (to play Pakistan): Johan Botha (capt), Loots Bosman, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Colin Ingram, David Miller, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Rusty Theron, Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has decided to not sign a central contract with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), ESPNcricinfo has learnt

Tariq Engineer29-Sep-2010Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain, has turned down a central contract with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Gayle is the third prominent West Indies player to opt out of a central contract, after allrounders Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo did the same earlier this month.”Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo, who were both offered A contracts, and Kieron Pollard, who was offered a C contract, have indicated to the WICB that they were not minded to take up the offers,” confirmed a press release from the board. “The WICB has written to Gayle, Bravo and Pollard seeking details of the issues which caused them not to take up the offer in an attempt to understand same and so that the issues can be addressed for future contract offers.”The contracts on offer had required players to make themselves available for the West Indies team at all times, something that the three players – all of whom have forged prominent careers in domestic Twenty20 competitions including the IPL – were reluctant to do.The board release subsequently confirmed that Gayle, Pollard and Bravo would be available for selection in the West Indies team if they meet the board’s criteria which makes it mandatory for players to participate in regional tournaments, unless under “exceptional circumstances”, to be in contention. It also confirmed that possession of a retainer contract is not a pre-requisite for selection to the West Indies team.According to the criteria that was outlined in August, those players seeking selection into a particular format will have to make themselves available for participation in the corresponding regional version – the first-class four-day competition, the 50-over one-day tournament or the Caribbean T20.The WICB had offered 25 players contracts on August 31 – ten of them were development contracts worth $25,000 – and gave the players until September 10 to accept them. If any player chose not to accept the contract, the board said it would make alternate offers. Twenty-three of the players have now signed their contracts, 15 on full retainers across three bands, plus eight further names on Developmental contracts.”The WICB is delighted to have a full complement of players on Central Retainer and Developmental contracts,” said WICB CEO Dr. Ernest Hilaire. “We see this as a clear demonstration by the players themselves that they are committed to working with the WICB towards the development and success of West Indies cricket.”The WICB is encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response from the players and we look forward to working very closely with each of them in the coming year,” Dr. Hilaire added.”Gayle, Bravo and Pollard have each indicated to the WICB that they remain committed to West Indies cricket and are available for selection to the West Indies team,” continued the statement. “The WICB appreciates the stated commitment to West Indies cricket.”West Indies contracted players Shivnarine Chanderpaul – A, Sulieman Benn – B, Darren Sammy – B, Kemar Roach – C, Brendan Nash – C, Adrian Barath – C, Darren Bravo – C, Shane Shillingford – C, Nikita Miller – C, Devon Smith – C, Ravi Rampaul – C, Nelon Pascal – C, David Bernard Jr – C, Andre Russell – C, Carlton Baugh Jr – CDevelopmental contracts Kirk Edwards, Gavin Tonge, Andre Fletcher, Chadwick Walton, Devendra Bishoo, Assad Fudadin, Imran Khan, Kevin Stoute

Sachin Tendulkar was disappointed with the way India’s batting collapsed after he got out

Sidharth Monga at the Chinnaswamy Stadium12-Oct-2010Sachin Tendulkar wasn’t in his usual cheerful press conference mood, his slightly sombre interaction standing out on a day when he joined Virender Sehwag as the Indian with most double-centuries.When the day began, Tendulkar was a stroll away from his sixth double, and many hoped for what would have been a maiden triple. Missing out on that elusive landmark, though, was not playing on his mind. “As far as scoring runs is concerned, you try to score as many as you can,” he said. “Sometimes you manage them, sometimes you don’t. The effort is in my hands, not the result. I have always tried my best to contribute. It is about what I want to do for my team. And I will not compromise on that.”Perhaps his mood had to do with the way the rest of the batting collapsed, not slamming the door on the Australians. The four wickets after him added just nine runs against pretty unspectacular bowling. As a result, India can’t be assured of the series win after nine days of gruelling Test cricket during which they have won most of the crucial moments.”Disappointed to lose five wickets in the span of 45 to 50 runs in the morning but such is the game,” Tendulkar said. “I think we have come back very well. Bowlers did a fantastic job. It’s going to be a big day for us tomorrow. The Test match is at a critical stage. It’s all about how we deal with pressure and apply ourselves.”A special moment during his double-century didn’t have much to do with Tendulkar. It was when M Vijay reached his maiden century. Tendulkar looked the happier of the two as he hugged the youngster and had a long chat with him. It was reminiscent of his reaction when Suresh Raina reached his first hundred alongside him against Sri Lanka in July. Being with them reminds Tendulkar of the time he scored his first century. It is a feeling not many know, and Tendulkar of course has gone on to score 48 more. There cannot be a better person to share that feeling with if you are a young upcoming batsman.”Scoring the first hundred is always special and I am sure the players will never forget that moment,” Tendulkar said. “However many more hundreds you score after that, but the first hundred is always special. All these guys have been really working hard, it is wonderful to see the guys working hard in the nets and applying themselves in the big games, and also becoming successful. It is wonderful to our cricket and they deserve it.”Along the way, 11 of those 49 hundreds have come against a side that has dominated world cricket for most of Tendulkar’s playing days. “I just got to know that I have got 11 hundreds against Australia,” Tendulkar said. “I don’t believe in counting. It feels nice. To score runs against a top side is obviously satisfying and it has been a great challenge playing against them.”Tendulkar’s focus, though, remains on the final day’s play of another Test that has swung this way and that, and neither team holds clear ascendency going into the finale. “We know that if our opposition has scored 470 and it is there on the board, you have to chase it to stay in the game and then at one stage also on the top of the game,” Tendulkar said. “These challenges are something we all look forward to, we don’t want to take anything for granted. It’s going to be exciting and that’s what I can say. It’s going to be a wonderful day.”

Gautam Gambhir has had a poor 2010, but says he knew he would return to form if he was fit for three or four consecutive Tests

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Nov-2010After a second successive century partnership from Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, New Zealand would have been delighted to get rid of both before they inflicted excessive damage on the scoreboard. It’s small consolation, though, that the duo that has replaced them forms the second-most prolific pairing in the history of the game.When Rahul Dravid cut what turned out to be the last ball of the day for a single, it marked the 19th century partnership that he and Sachin Tendulkar have shared in 14 years of batting together. Another 201 runs and they will overhaul the old Caribbean firm of Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes, setting a benchmark that may only be threatened by the Sri Lankan duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.Both men barely extended themselves in a final session that was a throwback to old-style Test cricket; periods of watchful defence interspersed with the odd breathtaking drive or cut for four. New Zealand’s bowlers weren’t unduly threatening, but they bowled to a plan and were once again backed up by exceptional fielding that must have saved at least 40 runs.Tim Southee and the debutant, Andy McKay, tested Tendulkar with quite a few short deliveries, while Daniel Vettori wheeled away in the strike-stock bowler role that Anil Kumble filled for India for so long. But for all the discipline and effort in the field, New Zealand are already 99 behind and left to contemplate the mountain-climb that their pathetic first-innings batting has left them with.With three days left to play, Gambhir was confident that India could do what they were unable to in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. “It’s a slow wicket and the way it was turning on the first day, I think it will deteriorate,” he said. “If we have a 300-run lead on this wicket, then we have a good chance with two quality spinners in our side.”After a wretched run for much of 2010 – he didn’t cross 25 in nine innings – Gambhir’s return to form has been the biggest batting positive as India start to turn their eyes towards the tour of South Africa. “I didn’t play much cricket at one go,” he said after the day’s play. “After the Asia Cup, I played one Test [Galle] and got injured. Then I played another match [Mohali] and got injured. I didn’t have match practice or runs. Playing continuously would have helped. I always thought if I can play three or four Tests in a row, that would help and that’s what has happened.”It helps too that he bats opposite Sehwag, who takes the opposition’s bowling plan, shreds it and then scatters the confetti into the wind. “He is an impact player,” said Gambhir. “The way he sets the run-rate and plays the same way in all three formats of the game; I don’t think there are many players in the world like that. I don’t see anyone matching him. He attacks from the word go, which is something I haven’t seen in Test cricket.”Once again, Sehwag sailed along at a run-a-ball, allowing everyone else to play at their own pace. Having batted with him while he was struggling, Gambhir attributed some of the credit for the turnaround in his form to his partner. “When you are not among the runs it is always difficult to bat with anyone,” he said. “You need to score runs to be confident. In Hyderabad, the kind of confidence he gave me throughout my innings and in every over was tremendous and I’m thankful to him.”Any satisfaction at having batted fluently was tempered, though, by the awareness that both he and Sehwag failed to cash in on starts, just as they had in the previous game. “It’s very disappointing because as opening batsmen, we both feel that once you get settled, you have to get as many runs as possible,” he said. “The new ball is definitely a challenge, and an opportunity as well. I’m very disappointed that neither of us could go on and make a hundred. Hopefully, we will in South Africa.”Surviving the new ball had been Gambhir’s biggest problem in recent times. “I’ve had three ducks in the second innings this year,” he said. “As an international cricketer, it keeps getting into your mind. I kept telling myself that it is not about one over, it is about each and every ball. Six balls are a lot of balls when you’re not in good form.”The knee injury that went hand-in-hand with his batting slump could continue to bother Gambhir though, especially since he admits that the team doesn’t really have another fielder who can crouch down low close to the bat for hours on end. “At one point, it used to bother me a lot,” he said. “It was a pretty serious injury and standing at forward short leg for one-and-half days hardly gives your body time to recover. It is a bit of a concern but at the same time the combination of the team is such.”Given the position that India are in now though, he may just be able to give those knees a well-deserved rest on Monday.

At the end of the second day, with India falling hopelessly behind, Rahul Dravid didn’t promise to show “what batting actually means”, but said India believed they could get out of this rut

Sidharth Monga at SuperSport Park17-Dec-2010Rahul Dravid is not a man for false bravado. At the end of the second day, with India 230 runs behind, with three days to go and eight South African wickets still standing, Dravid didn’t promise to show “what batting actually means”, but said that the team believed they could get out of this rut.”We are way behind in the game, that’s pretty obvious,” Dravid said. “We are far behind. But yeah we have got to bat well in the second innings. Yeah, it’s going to be tough, but we have got some quality there. We have shown some fighting spirit in the last couple of years. We have got to believe that we have got that and we are going to have to play well.”Dravid is not alien to India’s slow starts on important tours, but was distraught the team went back to old ways. “I thought we had come a long way over the last few years to correct that,” he said. “Over the last decade we have tried to correct that. We sometimes do tend to start off slowly, and in a three-match series you cannot afford that sort of thing.”Dravid, though, can’t do anything about one of the reasons behind this particular slow start. “In an ideal world, you know, you would play warm-up game or a couple of warm-up games before a tour like this,” he said. “But we don’t live in a Utopian world, we don’t live in a perfect world, you have got to make do with what you have. We tried to do the best we could, we came here as early as possible – some of us – and practised a bit. The conditions yesterday were a bit different from what we have practised on also, but having said that, there’s still a lot of cricket left in this series. We have got to keep our heads up, and we have got to show some fighting spirit with the ball tomorrow and later with the bat.”Despite the weather leading into the match, South Africa are not looking for an adventurous declaration just as yet, which could mean India will begin their second innings some time after tea on day three – weather permitting and assuming South Africa won’t collapse against the run of play. That would leave India more than two days to bat, facing a deficit of around 450.”We just can’t think about how many runs behind we are, and how much time is left,” Dravid said. “We have got to play ball by ball, hour by hour, session by session, we have to bat for long periods of time. We can’t afford to look too far ahead, we are so far behind in the game.”That the pitch has eased out considerably does give Dravid hope. “We saw today that it did get a lot better. It will be interesting to see how it plays as the game goes on. We have got to still bat really well, with us so many runs behind on the fourth and the fifth day. It’s a good test, it’s going to be a great challenge.”

The end of the IPL’s 2011 auction has shifted the franchises’ focus to filling up their roster of uncapped Indian players, but a controversy has arisen over the rules under which those players are to be signed

Nagraj Gollapudi09-Jan-2011The end of the IPL’s 2011 auction has shifted the franchises’ focus to filling up their roster of uncapped Indian players, who will form the base of any team. The process begins on Monday but a controversy has arisen over the rules under which those players are to be signed – and a general confusion over those rules hasn’t helped matters.The issue was raised a few minutes after Sunday’s auction by Vijay Mallya, owner of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who said he wondered whether the BCCI could protect the uncapped – read: young – players from being the subject of a bidding war and other forms of poaching.”Now we look to sign uncapped players and try to complete our team,” Mallya said. “But I urge all the franchises and the IPL governing council to exercise the utmost vigilance while signing uncapped players.”The IPL has, as Mallya noted, laid down “strict guidelines” for the signing of these players, whose value has increased because of the general dearth of domestic talent and the need to fill squad berths. First, it has laid strictures on how these players can be signed, through a three-way agreement involving player, franchise and the IPL, and with the explicit permission of the board. It is the player’s decision, though, whether he wants to sign the contract and he is free to choose his team.It has also clearly categorised these uncapped players into three types and set wage limits for each. Those players who made their debut in the last two years will be paid Rs 10 lakhs ($22,000); those in the field for two to five years would get Rs 20 lakhs and those with more than five years’ experience Rs 30 lakhs.Those two conditions together have raised fears among the franchises – which Mallya vocalised on Sunday – that, far from protecting them from inducements, the system leaves them open to bidding wars that could violate the salary cap. More so because some of these players (see sidebar) could, in open auction, command several times the maximum they can under the BCCI’s rules. The only differentiator in a level playing field, it is feared, will be under-the-table deals.Mallya gave the example of Ravindra Jadeja, who was banned from IPL’s season 3 for attempting to negotiate a contract with a franchise on his own, and without the IPL’s knowledge. He’d been picked by Rajasthan Royals before the IPL’s first season when still an Under-19 player, and hence for a minimal sum, but sought better terms after success with the team.

The most sought-after uncapped Indian players

Dhawal Kulkarni (Mumbai), Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai), Iqbal Abdulla (Mumbai), Manish Pandey (Karnataka), T Suman (Hyderabad), R Satish (Tamil Nadu), Siddarth Trivedi (Gujarat), Abhishek Jhunjhunwala (Bengal), Harmeet Singh (Punjab), Rajat Bhatia (Delhi) Pinal Shah (Baroda)

The current situation could have been avoided, the franchises feel, had the rule not been changed last month. The original plan was for domestic players who had played 75% of their teams’ matches in IPL 3 to be part of the open auction and a transparent bidding process. That rule was changed to the current one following a suggestion from Mumbai Indians.The one ray of hope is the IPL’s “catchment area” rule, which states that franchises have to sign four players from the neighbouring, or “catchment”, areas. That would lessen the bidding war for coveted players but, as one franchise official said, there was “no clarity at all” on the definition and applicability of this rule.On its part the IPL has said it will do everything possible to stop unfair dealings. “That [poaching] is a very difficult situation for us but we will be monitoring,” Chirayu Amin, chairman of the league’s governing council. “If we come to know anything was done underhand we will take stern action against them (player and franchise). I agree that it is a difficult situation but we will be very vigilant.”