India in South Africa

South Africa had turned the tables on India by the second day of the first cricket Test that is being played in Bloemfontein. After bundling out the tourists for an addition of just 7 runs, the South Africans piled the misery on the Indians with a commanding 189 run opening partnership between Kirsten (73) and Gibbs (107). Another century partnership between Kallis (49 not out) and McKenzie (68) followed with India managing to pick up McKenzie's wicket in the last over of the day. The inability of the Indian later order to make runs continues to baffle one and all. Yesterday was no exception when the last 3 wickets fell for the addition of just 7 runs. It will be a hard day ahead for the Indians today.

________________

Forced out of action in the first Test following an abdominal injury India's ace off spinner Harbhajan Singh said he would come back strongly in the next two Tests. He said he was disappointed to miss the first test after having done well in the one dayers. Harbhajan, who had been advised not to bowl or run for a few days will begin practice from tomorrow. He said he would take part in the tour match against South Africa A at East London between 10-12 November.

The England tour

A greatly relieved England skipper said he was delighted to be leading and England team to the land of his birth India. Describing India as the "Soul of Cricket" Hussain said it was easy for him to take a decision about the tour but not so for many others in the side. Hussain said it was a great honour for him, and a lifetime ambition for his father as well. He said if this England tour had been called off he would never have made it to India in his career again.

________________

Former Australian skipper and media personality Ian Chappell has come down strongly on the England players Andrew Caddick and Robert Croft for pulling out of the tour of India. Chappell expressing his views in an Indian newspaper said it only proved their lack of commitment to English cricket. He demanded that the duo be punished by not including them in the next tour. He blamed the England team for being soft when faced with real challenges. He also said the real fear for the English was Tendulkar and not terrorism.

West Indies in Sri Lanka

The second day's proceeding of the touring West Indies side against Sri Lanka was completely washed out due to rain. Players hung around until play was finally called off for the day in the afternoon around 2.00pm after water logging rendered the outfield unplayable. West Indies were 334-7 at stumps on the first day after being put into bat by the home side.

Miscellaneous

Australian skipper Steve Waugh who played his first game yesterday after a long layoff following injury and illness spent the second day of the game fielding in the slips. Waugh said he was satisfied with the way things went after a full day spent in the field although he felt a bit sore. The skipper spent some time working out with the Australian team physio Errol Alcott after the match. He said he was looking forward to the New Zealand series and warned that they would be tougher opponents to the all-conquering Aussies than most people think.

________________

Shane Warne has been told he is a potential candidate for the Australian captaincy after Steve Waugh retires, according to a Sunday newspaper report. It had been thought that the leg-spinner's chances had passed when the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) stripped him of the vice-captaincy last year after off-field problems. "The Australian Cricket Board have told me the door is not closed, and that I am definitely in consideration," Warne told Australia's Sunday Telegraph. Waugh, 36, only returned to action on Saturday after developing a deep vein thrombosis on the flight home from the Ashes tour of England. He said last year that he would retire after the next World Cup, at the beginning of 2003. Since taking over from Warne as deputy, wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has stood in for an injured Waugh in two Tests. He led the side to victory over the West Indies at Adelaide in 1999/2000 but lost to England after an adventurous declaration at Headingley last August.

________________

The International Cricketer's union has expressed its dissatisfaction with the idea of placing spy camera's in the dressing rooms at international playing venues. This had been suggested by the ICC's anti corruption unit as part of the attempt to prevent match fixing in cricket. The players association feels it would be intrusive on the privacy of the cricketers. The measures the ICC are likely to take include

Use of cameras in dressing rooms and hotel lobbies of all international matches

Ban on players using mobile phones from dressing rooms.

All telephone calls to players to be monitored.

Security guards posted at team hotels.

Visitors required to sign in at team hotels.

No unaccredited person allowed near dressing rooms.

SCORES AT A GLANCE

INDIA vs SOUTH AFRICA (1st Test)
Played at Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein (2nd day)
Toss: South Africa

India: 372-7 (SR Tendulkar 155, VVS Laxman 32, V Sehwag 105,D Dasgupta 34; Hayward 3-70, Pollock 4-91)
South Africa: 327-3 (H Gibbs 107, G Kirsten 73, JH Kallis 49 not out, N McKenzie 68; A Kumble 2-73)

South Africa are 52 runs behind with 7 wickets in hand

Yesterday's News .........................  News Roll archive