Pakistan 170/3, Chasing 422 Target.

Australia (Melbourne): Pakistan made 170/3 in their second innings of the fourth day in Melbourne Test, losing early wicket of opner Imran Farhat 12 at 18. Earlier, Shane Watson made his maiden Test century as Australia set Pakistan 422 to win the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Watson compiled an unbeaten 120 on day four. Mitchell Johnson was the other man out after lunch, caught short of his ground by Mohammad Asif for 22. The immediate period after lunch was all about Watson’s quest for a maiden Test century, having gone to the break on 98. And having scratched around in the 90s for what seemed an eternity, it was typical that the runs for the milestone should come in dramatic fashion. Facing a fired-up Mohammad Aamer, who had already claimed his maiden five-wicket haul, Watson faced 186 balls to reach triple figures, having occupied the crease for close to five hours. He became the first Australian of the summer to reach triple figures, with 20 half-centuries having been recorded in the four Tests played including this one.
Batting partner Johnson had earlier achieved his own significant milestone, reaching 22 to become only the fifth man in Test history to record 50 wickets and 500 runs for the calendar year. Ian Botham, Kapil Dev and Richard Hadley all did it twice, while New Zealand captain Danie Vettori managed the feat last year. Aamer, just 17, finished with a Test-best 5 for 79 from 24 overs. On the other hand Pakistan is looking good by getting 170 Runs for 3 wickets. Captain Muhammad Yousuf is looking good with young Umar Akmal. On the Final Day pakistan need More 252 runs with seven wickets in hand. Yousuf and Akmal have a chance to make history with this run chase against Aussies.

Cricket Will Be Improved By Referral

The Review system, which allows teams to challenge the on-field officials' decision by seeking to have it overturned by the third, television umpire, is designed to ensure obvious mistakes are corrected. World cricket's leading administrator has said the controversial Umpire Review System will ultimately lead to better decision-making and may even improve the spirit in which the game is played. But in the ongoing Australia-West Indies there have been a number of occasions where the system has appeared unable to provide sufficient certainty, with the third umpire sometimes over-ruling the men in the middle on the basis of questionable evidence. ICC must do some measure to improve the decisions. High quality camera work and videos could also help to improve the decisions.

The Decision Review System is complex at first, but I believe it will improve the number of good decisions and also improve the level of the spirit of play.

Sri Lanka Lost The Series After Close Competition.

India (Kolkata): No doubt India is a good side, as for as India has proved it against the Lankans in first four ODIs. India have won the matches on their superb batting strength. Last match India again won by seven wickets and chased over 300 Runs. To win the First ODI was a big luck for India. Sri Lanka batted well in that match but lost the match due miss planning of the batting order and miss management of the game. Lankan Skipper added, "we have lost the series because we don't bat well" In Fouth ODI Lanka not even Bowled well. The line and length of Lankan Pacers was not so impressing. More over the player Injury contributed in lankan defeat.

Akram Remarks Regarding IPL Contract.

Pakistan (Lahore): Pakistan Pace legend Wasim Akram feels if Pakistani players are not able to appear in the next edition of the (IPL) Indian Premier League, it will compromise their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies. "If our players do not play in the IPL for whatever reason it is not only a great loss to them in financial terms but also in cricketing terms," Akram said.
He said since the team has not had much exposure in the recent times, it was imperative that they play in IPL against quality international players before the World Cup. While IPL-III is scheduled from March 12 to April 25, the T20 World Cup will start in the Caribbean nation five days later. The fast bowling great has urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to resolve all the issue regarding participation of their players in IPL-III.

Player's Attutude On the Field.

Australia: The third Test between Australia and the West Indies was spoiled by a few ugly incidents, involving players from both the sides. Watson was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for his wild celebration after dismissing rival captain Gayle. Watson was fined 15 per cent of his match fee for his wild celebration after dismissing rival captain Chris Gayle. Doug Bollinger was also fined for kicking the pitch in Adelaide. The behaviour of the Australians invited criticism from all sides and Ponting wants to make sure that his teammates do not repeat such acts in the series against Pakistan. According to Skipper,
"I know all the guys are a bit embarrassed probably and know they've overstepped the mark. It's one of my responsibilities as the captain to make sure that guys aren't overstepping the mark"

England Remarks Against UDRS.

South Africa (Durban): After the First Test Match between South Africa and England Andy was unhappy with UDRS. According to Andy we don' t like Umpire Decision Review System as it is implemented for the series so we are dealing with it. He Said I don't like the questioning of the umpires and the delay as players discuss whether or not to question an umpire's decision.

But i personally think UDRS is a good and healthy practice. No doubt it is time cosuming to some extant but the umpires and players get rid of the decisions that are made in prassure match by Umpires in pressure. So for UDRS is practiced i presonally noticed its benefits. In England Africa match England Bowlers challanged the decision of umpires but system supported the umpires on review that also mention the excellance of Umpires. Andy also mentioned "I personally prefer the old style where the umpire makes a decision and you just get on with it. It was nice and simple but the new system just seems to be leading to more and more complications" In sense of right decisions Time has no value. If ODI and Test Match time decision extand to half an

Ms Dhoni Receives The Honour.

India (Ranchi): Indian Skipper Ms Dhoni received Honour in term of Padma Shri Award from Government officials. Some of the other players were also nominated for this award but in the end Dhoni got the honour. Dhoni achievements as captain and player demand much more. Dhoni is serving match ban for taking 45 minutes extra in completing his team's quota of 50 overs in the Nagpur one-dayer against Sri Lanka. He will also miss the final battle against Sri Lanka.

Players Issues Regarding IPL Contracts.

Australia (Melbourne): Despite being the best-paid cricketers in the world, 67 per cent of Australian players are ready to reject their national contracts and turn freelancer to play in cash-awash events like the Indian Premier League, according to a survey. According to the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) survey most of the players want to play cricket for cash and awards. It was a rude shock for Cricket Australia to learn that so many players are ready to follow in the footsteps of England Famous Player Andrew Flintoff. Flintoff retired from Test cricket this year and then rejected a contract from the England and Wales Cricket Board to maximize his earning power with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Temperamental Australian all-rounder Symonds is also currently having a freelance career after his contract was terminated by CA after a series of misconduct.

India Sri Lanka Arrived In Kolkata

India (Kolkata): The dashing left-hander has been advised rest and hence he will not play in the fourth and fifth ODIs against Sri Lanka to be played here and Delhi on December 24 and 27. According to team sources, both teams will practice at the Eden Gardens. Hosting a one-dayer after nearly three years, Eden Gardens will offer a typical batting wicket with dew likely to play a role in the crucial fourth ODI. Heavy dew in the evening will certainly make it difficult for the side fielding second, even as the pitch will be typical of Eden. According to the reports the the pitch will be again a Runs/Scores generating one. So, it will be again a batting day. India and Sri Lanka Playd here in 2007 last time and match ended in draw due to rain.

Aussie Players IPL Contract.

Media reports appearing today stating that the IPL is threatening to tear up and throw away contracts of overseas players are absolutely untrue and baseless. As the Domestic season of Australia Cricket is with the dates of IPL third version, So many statements has been made on the media to raise the conflicts between players and IPL Manangement. But IPL Head Modi has strongly dismissed such reports and news. The dates of the final round of matches in Australia's domestic competition - the Sheffield Shield - are clashing with the start of the IPL next season, on March 12. The authorites will try to resolve the issue by shifting the dates of mathces.

Yuvi Ruled Out Due To Fingure Injury.

India (N Dehli): Indian Star Batsman Yuvi will not play the 4th and 5th ODIs for his side, as Yuvi has got injury in his fingure and suggested for rest. Yuvraj also may not travel to Bangladesh where India play a tri-series against the hosts and Sri Lanka before a two-Test series. He has already missed the first two ODIs as he got injury in the twenty20 series against Sri Lanka. The management of Indian Board has not announced the replacement for Star. Although the replacement is available in Kholi form.

England Chasing above 350 On Final Day.

South Africa (Centurion): As the African were in deep trouble in the second inning of the first Test Match against England, top-class half-centuries were socred by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers that lifted South Africa to 182 for five at tea on the fourth day of the first Test against England on Saturday. Amla and De Villiers took control on a pitch with disconcertingly inconsistent bounce to added 119 for the fifth wicket in 137 minutes, frustrating England who claimed three wickets in the morning session. Amla was unbeaten on 76 at tea but De Villiers fell for a fluent 64 just before the break when Ian Bell reacted quickly at short extra cover to catch a powerful drive off Broad. In the end Wicket Keeper Batsman M Boucher and Morkle played well. Boucher Scored another half century and helped his side to put a total on the board. On the other Side England is again struggling with eary loss of captain wicket. It seems South Africa will grab the victory tomorrow.

Two Changes Could Occur In Indian Squad.

India (Chennai): Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh included in the Indian team for next two cricket one-dayers against Sri Lanka as a replacement for captain MS Dhoni, who has been forced to sit out because of a two-match ODI ban because of slow overrate. Pacamen Sharma has also been recalled into the squad in place of fellow pacer Sreesanth who has been out of action since testing positive for swine flu.These were the only two changes made in the squad announced by BCCI. Yuvi who has not played a single match because of a finger injury and flu, has been retained in the squad which is an indication that the elegant left hander was expected to be fit for the remaining three matches of the five-match series.

Younus Khan Ready To Play ODI Against Aussies.

Pakistan (Lahore): Former Pakistan skipper Younus Said, “I will definitely play for my country again as it is always an honor to play in national colors, "I will return to action in a couple of days," said the middle-order batsman who is set to lead Habib Bank Limited (HBL) in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - Pakistan's premier domestic tournament - starting in Karachi from December 21. He has also shown an interest in featuring in the Pentangular Cup, getting underway from January 1. National selectors are considering the idea of recalling Younis for the one-day series against Australia. Younis had a chat with chief selector Iqbal Qasim at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore earlier this week in which he expressed his keenness to return to the domestic circuit.

Ponting May Miss The First Test Against Pakistan.

Australia (Melbourne): As Ponting has got injured against WI on the 3rd Day of Third and final Test match, so it is chance he can miss the First test against Pakistan. MRI scan has confirmed that Ponting has got injury in left elbow tendon. Although he fielded throughout the West Indies' first innings, the Australian team management is in no mood to risk him and made it clear that the skipper will not bat in the Second inning untill it is needed. Moreover Ponting has not missed a Test since the last five years when he was ruled out from the first three Tests of Australia's tour to India in October 2004 due to injury.

Sehwag Will Lead The Side.

India (Nagpur): Thrilling Opener Virender Sehwag has been named the captain for the next two ODIs in Cuttack on December 21 and Kolkata on December 24 agains Sri Lanka. As the next track will be a batting paradise, it is a chance that Sehwag will make it more interestig with his bat. Moreover the Captain is banned for two matches and rest of the team has fined 40% of their match fee.

Sri Lanka Level The Series With 1-1.

India: Dilshan and Methews helped Sri Lanka to tie the on going series with 1-1 after Two ODIs. In the 2nd ODI India won the toss and decided to bat first. Sri Lanka got the early breakthrough of Sehwag. But it was the captain day to perform Ms Dhoni Batted well and lead his side to score 2-0 victory against Sri Lanka. India scored more than 100 Runs in the last 10 overs of the Inning. But with another evening of thrilling batting, Tillakaratne Dilshan proved right every single reason behind Sri Lanka's decision in January to open the innings with him permanently. Dilshan's fifth one-day century, and second in a row, was the dominant force in Sri Lanka clinching this win but it so nearly ended up in another lost cause, if not for Angelo Mathews. Dilshan contributed 63 to a 102-run opening stand, playing with the freedom and control fans have grown accustomed to; then, in the period where India followed up a double-strike with 12 boundary-less overs, he collected his century while ensuring the asking rate stayed in control. In the end with the missfield of Zaheer Khan Sri Lanka Named the Victory.

Pakistan V/s Tasmania.

Pakistan: Pakistan is going to play agianst Aussies in Australia. As the Aussies are busy against WI, Pakistan is playing against Tasmani with a solid start of First day. Openining Batsman Salam but's brilliant knock of 153 took them to 270 for 4 at stumps on the first day against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval. Imran Farhat, added 69 runs for the opening wicket. Tim Macdonald then got Farhat's scalp after which Faisal Iqbal fell cheaply. Butt carried on and found a willing partner in Misbah-ul-Haq, who is looking to resurrect his international career. Misbah struck two sixes in the partnership of 113 before Macdonald sent him back, seven short of a half-century. Pakistan will hope Umar Akmal and the rest of the lower order can swell the total before they have a go at the home team on the second day.

Dhoni Failed To Maintain Over Rate.

India: Ms Dhoni is unavailable to Indian Team because he is facing a ban of Two ODIs. Indian captain has faced the ban of two matches because of India slow over rate against Sri Lanka in the Second ODI. Dhoni Ban is big loss for his team, Ms Dhoni is in goog touch as he has batted in the second ODI. Ban is more worse than fine for the players. India delayed 3 overs than their schedule that is why the match referee has imposed the ban of Two matches. The rest of the Indian players were fined 40% of their match fee for the offence - 10% each for the first two overs of minor offence and 20% each for every subsequent over. The BCCI has also stated that it will not appeal against the ban.

South Africa is Fighting Back.

South Africa: South Africa was in deep trouble in the start of their second innings. England got the early breakthrough at one time South Africa lost their ealry 4 wickets just below the score of 50. But Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers settled South Africa's nerves and dampened England's ardor after an eventful morning session, as they combined superbly in a fifth-wicket stand of 119 to stretch their lead to an already healthy 244 with five wickets and four sessions of the match still remaining. Later on De Villiers that really hauled his side out of the mire, after they had slumped to 46 for 4 in the first 22 overs of their second innings.

India and Lanka Will Play On Batting Track.

India: Five ODIs series is going on between India and Lanka. As India has strong Batting lineup so the Officials are also stressing on runs generating tracks, And it is proved in the earlier two battles of the series. So another high scoring sight seems to be on the cards when India and Sri Lanka clash for the third one-dayer of the five-match series at Barabati Stadium. The ground men have already announced a batting paradise for the third ODI, the pitch will assist batsmen and it promises to be a 300-plus wicket.

Afridi Should Play Test.

Karachi: Afridi is the player who can perform better than the But, Shoaib and Farhat in Test match also. So Shahid Afridid should play the Test Series for Pakistan that is coming in Australia. Pakistan's Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi is considering a return to Test cricket, which he had quit until the 2011 one-day World Cup to focus on the shorter formats of the game. Afridi himself has mentioned that he can serve Pakistan team in Test Match if the team needed. Pakistan Cricket Board should take it serious and give Afridi a chance to perform in Test also. As for as he is concerned, Afridi is now a mature cricketer and could understand the test situation very will.

ICC Chief Appreciates India Ranking.

London: The head of the International Cricket Council (ICC) congratulated India on reaching the top of the rankings for Test match cricket. India has achieved this rank after beating Sri Lanka in Test Match series. ICC is now considering starting day-night test cricket between the countries, and even considering launching a world championship for the five-day version.But ICC President David Morgan said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCi) must take steps to attract spectators to the grounds to watch Test cricket rather than just rely on revenues from television broadcasts. India is now trying to get the first rank in twenty20 and ODIs as well. The batting lineup that India has it’s not a big task to achieve.

Miandad Remarks For Yousuf.

Pakistan (Karachi): Mohammad Yousuf is the senior and backbone of Pakistan batting lineup. Mohammad Yousuf has accepted the responsibilities of captaincy at time when the team management and Pakistan Cricket Board both were in difficult situation to make decision for the skipper of the team. Miandad has appreciated the behavior of Yousuf for such deed. Now it becomes the responsibility of Pakistan Cricket Board and the officials to give Yousuf a chance of captaincy for a longer run. Under Yousuf captaincy the team has performed well against New Zealand.

Kallis Ton Helped The Africans To Get Respected Total.

Centurion: First Test Match between England and South Africa is in progress. South Africa batted first. England bowlers luckily get the early breakthrough. Samith scored Zero after facing seven deliveries. England off-spinner Graeme Swann struck four balls before tea to stop the scoring progress of a South African fight back on the first day of the first Test at Super Sport Park. South Africa were 159 for four at tea with Jacques Kallis unbeaten with a polished 51.Kallis and AB de Villers seemed to have weathered an early onslaught by the England bowlers as they put together a fourth wicket stand of 66, but De Villiers was caught at short leg for 32 to give Swann his second wicket of the innings.
Kallis scored ton on the second day African score reached above 300 by loosing 6 important wickets. Wicket keeper batsman supported his team in the end with a brilliant knock.

Sri Lanka Ready For 2nd ODI.

India: After the Close Contest Sri Lanka will not be a easy prey For Indian side. Sri Lanka only need a good and solid game plan the reason is they lost the 1st ODI only Because of lacking in planning. Two main middle order batsmen failed to perform and caused a defeat for their side. Once again the the track and good leadership will play the role in result of 2nd ODI.Let see what will happen.

PCB Wants To Play Against India.

Pakistan (Karachi): Pakistan Cricket Board is facing the financial crisis, Pakistan Cricket Board and the officials are trying to start a Test Match series Between India and Pakistan. Pakistan Cricket Board made a proposal to BBCI for a home Test Match Series in India, if the Indian government and the BCCI agree to the proposal. As India's pull out from a Pakistan tour earlier this year in the wake of last year's Mumbai terror attack, the cricket lover missed a great cricket series between the two sides. PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt think of such a series and wants that BCCI should reschedule the series with permission from the Indian government. Pakistan has no harm to play circket in India as we are Playing cricket out side in New Zealand. If the series starts between the sides PCB will have the chance to cut short the Financial Crisis.

ICC Umpire Review System

India New Delhi: The ICC has introduced the Umpire review system in Test Match format, ICC is more confident with such a system and consider that game will improve under such a decision. ICC's cricket director Dave Richardsonis adamant the system will work as long as it is given a fighting chance. The former South Africa wicket-keeper admitted that the new tool was putting match officials under more pressure than they had experienced before, yet he was not ready to abandon the system just yet. ICC must introduce such a system in all format of the Cricket ODIs Twenty20 and Test as well.

Farhat And Yousi Helped Pakistan Lead To Draw.

New Zealand: In the Third and final test match between Pakistan and New Zealand, Pakistan bat First. Once again Pakistani batting lineup was in trouble and struggling against New Zealand attack. Middle order failed once again but Farhat stayed there and faced Kiwies boldly. He socred his Ton in fashion and Bat Carry for Pakistan and become the Fourth Player for Pakistan to do such a job. Pakistan scored 223 in First innings. In the reply New Zealand batted well in their First inning. Once Again Their Captain proved his batting and lead his side to respected Score. Pak Leg Spinner took seven important wickets including one drop catch of captian on his own Bowling. With the Lead of 248 it looked pakistan will lose the match as they usually do. But in the Second innings Opening Batsmen Played Their role and lead the score to above hundred at first wicket. later on Captain Muhammad Yousuf and Akmal Played well Captain scored 89. This chameleon game changed character yet again late on the fourth day. Mohammad Yousuf was serenely moving towards what seemed an inevitable hundred when he fell to crack open the game to several thrilling possibilities. New Zealand hold the advantage and are the frontrunners to pull off something special in Napier, but with its frail batting line-up pitted against the mercurial Pakistan bowling, who knows what can happen if the target is around 200. It looks test will end in Draw.

English Players Miss Next IPL Season.

England's Test players will not play the first 12 days of the IPL due to their tour of Bangladesh. They could also miss the concluding part of the event as they would be required to be in the West Indies to prepare for the World Twenty20 Championship. Cricket teams have worked out that consistency in selection throughout the tournament is key and to have Australian or English players coming and going doesn't necessarily make for the best structure of a side,"  "It is pretty difficult for the English guys to go for the maximum amount of money at the auction (USD 500,000) and it will be interesting to see how their availability is reflected in the auction prices,"

Kings XI Punjab Captain Replaced?

New Delhi: Unconfirmed reports suggest that Yuvraj Singh has been sacked as captain of Kings XI Punjab ahead of the third season of the IPL.  No replacement has been named yet, according to reports. Yuvraj, who was the icon player of the franchise, led them to the semi-final in the first edition. But with a 7-7 win-loss record, the team failed to make the last four in the second edition played in South Africa earlier this year.

Oz Want To Cut Matches Against WI.

Australia (Brisbane): The Gabba massacre shows just how pathetic West Indies are, and the key issue now is how can anybody be expected to maintain interest in this dog-eared series for two more Tests and five one-dayers.
Five years ago, when Australia decided it was time to reduce Test series against West Indies from five matches to three, some stalwarts felt offended. To them, playing only three Tests against the Windies was like an invitation to dinner. It seemed demeaning, a waste.
According to a Fox Sports report, seeing 15 days more of Australian-West Indies cricket, it could actually do more harm than good to Test cricket.