Dhoni: Yuvraj needs to judge himself

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Dhoni: Yuvraj needs to judge himself

Yuvraj Singh's fine run in domestic cricket has made him a serious contender for a slot in the Indian Test team but MS Dhoni remains uncertain.

"It is very difficult for me to comment on his fitness sitting over here. We have to understand that the five-day format has its own uncertainties unlike ODIs or T20s. In ODIs, you know that you have to field for 50 overs only, while in Test cricket there may be a situation that a team might bat for one-and-a-half to two days.

"We have to assess whether Yuvraj is ready to field for two days," Dhoni replied to a query on whether Yuvraj is fit enough to be selected for the Test series against England.

"Having said that, it is Yuvraj who is the best judge about how he is feeling. He has played quite a few domestic games now and it is up to him to reflect on his game," the Indian skipper told the media during a promotional event on Wednesday.

Dhoni also spoke on the same lines as his colleagues Harbhajan Singh and Virat Kohli, with his vote going in favour of turning tracks.

"I still believe that the groundsmen know what really is good for us. A sporting track always doesn't mean that it will only have grass on it. In the sub-continent it has always been turning tracks, which is for the spinners.

"I haven't seen an off break bowler for a long time who is able to hit the rib cage of a batsman with a delivery that has turn and bounce. It's really painful but you enjoy the challenge," said Dhoni.

The Test series against England is being sought as a revenge series but Dhoni did not want to predict the outcome.

"I don't believe in predicting results. I know that we need to train hard and also look into specific areas."

Asked about the new look Indian team, which would not have the likes of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman against quality opposition, Dhoni quipped, "It might look new on paper but this side will reflect confidence in all three formats in the days to come."

Roach out of Bangladesh series

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Roach out of Bangladesh series

West Indies paceman Kemar Roach has been ruled out of the forthcoming Test series against Bangladesh with a knee injury.

Roach, who has been the Windies' most productive bowler in Tests this year with 39 wickets in seven matches, has been replaced in the squad for the two matches by Fidel Edwards.
West Indies physiotherapist CJ Clark said: "Kemar has not recovered adequately from the injury to join the squad for the tour.
"He has commenced rehabilitation and will undergo further assessment. He is expected to return to action in three to four weeks' time."
Coach Ottis Gibson admitted Roach's absence from the Test arena was a setback.
"He's been an outstanding Test bowler for us in the last 12 months. He's got a lot of wickets for us.
"But the news is not all bad. It's not a major, major injury. It just means that he cannot travel with us. Hopefully, he can recover within the next three weeks and, perhaps, make the one-day series, which means he will get some cricket before the end of the year."

Cricket libel award appeal fails

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Cricket libel award appeal fails

An appeal against a £90,000 libel award to former New Zealand cricket captain Chris Cairns over an accusation of match-fixing has failed.

Cairns, 42, sued Lalit Modi, former chairman of the Indian Premier League, over an "unequivocal allegation" on Twitter in January 2010 which, he said, turned his achievements to "dust".
In March, Mr Justice Bean ruled that Modi had "singularly failed" to provide any reliable evidence that Cairns was involved in match-fixing or spot-fixing, or even that there were strong grounds for suspicion that he was.
He said: "It is obvious that an allegation that a professional cricketer is a match-fixer goes to the core attributes of his personality and, if true, entirely destroys his reputation for integrity.
"The allegation is not as serious as one of involvement in terrorism or sexual offences (to take two examples from recent cases). But it is otherwise as serious an allegation as anyone could make against a professional sportsman."
He said Modi's lawyers had launched a "sustained and aggressive" attack on Cairns, with the words "liar", "lie" and "lies" used 24 times.
To reflect that, he increased the damages by about 20%, from a starting point of £75,000 to £90,000.
Today, three judges in the Court of Appeal headed by the Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge, said the awards were proportionate to the seriousness of the allegation and its direct impact on Cairns himself - and would serve to vindicate his reputation.
In 2007 and 2008, Cairns captained the Chandigarh Lions in three competitions in the Indian Cricket League (ICL), which flourished briefly before the ascendancy of the IPL.
The allegation made by Modi related to the second and third of these competitions, between March and April 2008 and October and November that year.

Virat: It's a shame to question Sachin

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Virat: It's a shame to question Sachin

Virat Kohli feels it is disgusting to question Tendulkar and forget the countless moments of joy he has given us.

By Boria Majumdar
He is certainly the most improved Indian cricketer in the last twelve months. From being on the verge of losing the plot at Sydney at the start of the year to playing a match winning hand against New Zealand, Virat Kohli is the new big star on the Indian batting horizon.
So much so that he is being looked upon as the key man for India in the forthcoming series against England. Never to shy away from a challenge, here’s Kohli in a freewheeling conversation with Boria Majumdar on what lies in store for him and India against the English.
Boria Majumdar: From Sydney to Adelaide how do you describe the transformation in ViratKohli? It was just a matter of weeks but you seem to have progressed to a different level of maturity in those two weeks in January earlier this year. And what has followed seems surreal to say the least.
Virat Kohli: At Sydney I was down and out. You can call it the worst mental state of my career. When we boarded the bus for the airport on the way to Perth I spoke to myself and remember saying that I had seen the worst. I was being written off, was about to get dropped and people were questioning my ability to play Test cricket.
Everything that could go wrong had gone wrong. It was about self-belief. I kept telling myself that the eight hundreds I had scored in international cricket were no flash in the pan. Yes they were in one day matches but hundreds don’t come easy. I closed myself to the outside world and tried to reach a state of mental equilibrium, which I was able to do. I was in a zone where I had shut myself from everything. It worked and I managed to get some runs at Perth.
BM: And Adelaide?
VK-: When I went into bat at the Adelaide Oval we had already lost a few wickets and it isn’t a great feeling to go into bat under pressure. However, Perth had given me enough confidence to feel I could stay out there and take the fight to the Australians.
There was a lot of talk in the middle and it was important to show that I wasn’t one who could be bullied. The crowd had targeted me in Sydney and I had learnt my lesson and was extremely determined to stand my ground at Adelaide.
It was important to demonstrate that we had gone to play some real serious cricket and were no pushovers. I am glad I was able to do so and that hundred I must say changed everything for me.
BM: Lets focus on what is at hand Virat. There is so much talk about the Indians not playing to the spirit of the game by not giving the English, good spinners to play against in Mumbai. I am aware that you believe giving them turners is the right thing to do in the Test matches but I am interested in knowing your thoughts on these tactics?
VK: I think we have done the right thing. No one says a word when we are on an away tour and similar tactics are employed against us. We never complain if you remember.
I think it is clearly pressure telling on the English that they have started to crib even before the tour has started. They are feeling the heat and all this talk is proof. As far as Michael Vaughn is concerned, who was first off the blocks, I think it was in extremely poor taste what he said of VVS Laxman last year during the snicko meter incident.
I couldn’t believe a former England captain could say what he did. This is international cricket and if you are a good side you should be up for the challenge.
BM: And what about yourself? How are you approaching the challenge at hand? Needless to say there is a lot of expectation from you this time round?
VK: I am happy people are expecting a lot from me. I would much rather be in this position of premier batsman than it being the other way round. This is where I had always wanted to be, to do it for India in tough situations against quality opposition. Special performances against a tough opposition on tough tours is the hallmark of a very good player and that’s what I want to do with consistency.
BM: So is it fair to say that you have started to take more responsibility within the team? And now that VVS and Rahul aren’t there anymore it is only natural that we will look up to you in the middle order alongside Sachin.
VK: I would definitely like to believe so. I want to give my teammates the feeling that when I am batting they can relax and feel assured that we are in control. As a batsman that is what my job is and it is important I play my part to perfection. You have to stand up to these challenges if you want to be recognized as a good test cricketer and that’s what I aim to do in the coming months.
BM: A word on Sachin please. I know you are a serious admirer of him, but he needs this series as much as anyone else does. There is so much talk about him, his retirement, his contribution to the team. He does need all the support we can possibly give him isn’t it?
Virat- I don’t know if I should say this but I am ashamed that Indians are questioning Sachin for having had a few bad months. It is time to look back at the countless moments of joy he has given us all in the last 23 years he has played the game and only then can we realise what he has achieved.
For me he is the one who inspired me to play the game and I find it disgusting that people are questioning his ability and raising a finger at him. As Indians we should just let him be and salute him for all that he has done for India and Indian cricket. It is only a matter of time before he gets big runs and I am absolutely certain it is going to happen very very soon.
BM: Let me ask you this- how much of the challenge is mental and is about confidence and how much is about skill and technical ability? For example we have seen the very technically correct batsman failing to handle pressure while the not so correct player has come through the ranks with flying colours?
VK: I would say it is 80% mental and is about confidence. It is largely a battle in the mind and to be able to win this battle is the most crucial thing. 20% is about being skilled and technically sound. No more than that. Unless you are ready for the battle mentally you will never be successful no matter how technically sound you are. And that’s where I feel we have an edge. All this talk about spin is proof that the English are vulnerable. It will no doubt be a very good series but we definitely have the upper hand going into the contest.
BM: Final question- do you agree with the labelling of “Revenge Series” or “Payback time?”
VK- No, I don’t. We aren’t going into battle, we are going to play cricket. I would like to say it is a very tough series between two quality cricket sides. At the same time there is little doubt that we would love to win the contest. Playing at home in our own conditions we’d sure want to excel in all departments of the game and beat the English.

India eves lift Asia Cup

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India eves lift Asia Cup

The Indian women's cricket team lifted the inaugural Asian Cricket Council's Twenty20 Asia Cup after beating arch-rivals Pakistan by 18 runs in a low-scoring final.

India's decision to bat first seemed to have backfired when the team folded for 81 but the bowlers did a splendid job to restrict Pakistan to 63 in 19.1 overs.

What was particularly impressive about the Indian bowlers was their discipline, giving away just a couple of wides from 19.1 overs, which they took to bowl out their opponents.

"So happy for the girls even though I'm disappointed not to have played because of my ankle. Winning this Asia Cup is a great achievement and what's been special is how our team has become like a family over the years, everyone contributes and plays for each other," said an elated skipper Mithali Raj, who could not be a part of the team.

Electing to bat first, Indian women did not have a good beginning as they lost both their openers within the first couple of overs.

Anuja Patil was the first one to be shown the way to the pavillion by Sadia Yousuf. Sulakshana Naik soon followed suit to leave India tottering at two for four.

Poonam Raut (25) and stand-in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (20) tried to resurrect the Indian innings. The duo mixed caution with aggression to raise 32 runs for the third wicket before Poonam losr her wicket to tweaker Bismah Maroof.

With Amita Sharma returning to the dugout in a hurry, Harmanpreet joined hands with Reema Malhotra (18) to take the Indian innings ahead. However, the two couldn't do much as the skipper was made to pay for her impetuosity by leg-spinner Sana Mir.

Indian tail couldn't offer much with the bat as it was bundled out for just 81. Mona Meshram was the last casualty, playing the last ball of the innings straight down to long on.

Pakistan, after an initial jolt in the form of Qanita Jalil (2), tried to build their innings on the back of Bismah Maroof (18) and skipper Sana Mir's (11) stand of 27 runs.

But with both the batters falling within a span of one over, things never looked the same for Pakistan as they kept on losing wickets on regular intervals.

The team lost nine wickets for the addition of just 32 runs to hand India a comfortable 18-run win.

Hussey unfazed by past record

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Hussey unfazed by past record

Mike Hussey said he has nothing to prove against South Africa in the three-Test series - even though he has a wretched recent record against them.

The 37-year-old has averaged a meagre 18.46 runs in his past 16 innings against the world's number one Test team, with his only half-century against them in that period coming in Durban back in March 2009.
But Hussey believes tough conditions in South Africa have played a big part in his struggles, and expects his performance to be boosted by local conditions this time around.
The three-match Test series begins in Brisbane on November 9.
And when asked if he would have something to prove, Hussey said: "I don't look at it that way.
"I think conditions can play a big part. The Test matches that we've played against South Africa in South Africa have been extremely difficult for batting, I think back to the Cape Town game (last year) when we were bowled out for 40-odd.
"But I'm expecting the pitches in Australia to be very good, very true and if you can get in and get through that initial period, there's no reason why a few of the guys can't go on and get big scores."
Hussey insisted he has not worried himself about the prospect of facing the world's best pace attack even though no bowlers have dismissed him in the Test arena more often than dynamic South African duo Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, who have had his wicket five times each.
"I have tried doing that before I think against England, I'd had a mediocre season against England and I was getting all worried about it and then ended up performing a lot better against them the next time," Hussey said.
"So there's no point in worrying or stressing about anything that's happened in the past because there's enough things to worry and stress about when you're out in the middle in a Test match anyway."
Hussey rates the South African bowling line-up - spearheaded by Steyn, Morkel and Vernon Philander - as the best he has ever faced, but queried suggestions that it may be the greatest the country has ever produced.
"Best ever is a pretty big call, they've had some pretty amazing bowlers with (Shaun) Pollock and (Allan) Donald in the same team, I think (Brian) McMillan was there," Hussey said.
"But certainly, statistically speaking, they're probably right up there with the best that's ever played for South Africa."
After experiencing a lean patch late last year, Hussey returned to form in emphatic fashion with consecutive scores of 89 and 150 not out during Australia's convincing 4-0 series win against India.
Hussey will line up for Western Australia against Victoria in a Sheffield Shield clash starting on Thursday, and although he admitted only having one four-day match to prepare for South Africa was not ideal, he expects to benefit from facing up against Australian team-mates Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Clint McKay.
"It's not perfect," he said, "I'd definitely prefer at least a couple (of Shield matches).
"(But) it is perfect preparation to face a quality attack."

Miandad threatens to sue Sarfaraz

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Miandad threatens to sue Sarfaraz

Javed Miandad has threatened to sue ex-teammate Sarfaraz Nawaz for stating that he pushed for the inclusion of tainted players in the PCB.

Miandad`s warning to Nawaz came just a day after Pakistan`s former Test pacer Ata ur Rehman said he had consulted his lawyers to send a notice to Nawaz for his comments.

Nawaz was until recently employed as a coach by the Board. His accusations came after the PCB recently appointed ex-Test spinner Akram Raza to the umpires panel and also appointed Rehman as coach for the FATA area.

Miandad said he would warn Nawaz to be careful about what he says in future.

"I can deal with him in two ways but I will only advise him the judiciary is free and independent now and if he says anything more I will take action," Miandad said on Geo Super channel.

He also made it clear he wouldn`t like to go into the past of the former Test pacer who should avoid mudslinging.

Miandad was also asked about the hefty salary he takes from the board and he defended it by saying he had turned down other lucrative offers to work in the PCB.

"I am committing no crime. I had got more lucrative offers to coach but I didn`t accept them because I want to work in Pakistan cricket and contribute towards it. The figures quoted about the financial benefits I get in the board are not correct," he said.

Miandad praised the efforts of PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf insisting he had come with a clear vision to improve things in Pakistan cricket.

He also made it clear that he had no personal grudges against anyone in the board including former Chairman Ejaz Butt with whom he didn`t get along.

"I respect Ejaz Butt as an elder. I may have cricket related differences with him but that does not mean I have any enmity with him. As far as Zaka Ashraf is concerned he has clear vision and wants to do something for Pakistan cricket."

During Butt`s tenure, Miandad resigned after differences over policy matters but Ashraf recently gave more authority to the former captain.

Ton-up Cook rescues England

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Ton-up Cook rescues England

Kevin Pietersen provided the brief panache, and Alastair Cook the necessary substance, in their opening gambits on England's tour of India.

For Pietersen, returning after his summer of discontent and successful 'reintegration' with vexed management and team-mates, a flighty 23 - complete with eerily appropriate dismissal to old adversary Yuvraj Singh - was notable.
For Cook, embarking on his first Test tour as permanent captain, it was fitting as well as valuable that he should contribute a trademark 207-ball century to underpin England's 286 for four in reply to India A's 369 all out on day two of the three-day match at the Brabourne Stadium.
Cook (112no) brought his famed powers of concentration and discipline to bear as he first shared an important second-wicket stand of 95 with Jonathan Trott (56) and then an unbroken one of 153 with Samit Patel (82no).
The only blemish was an escape on 87 when he edged an attempted cut at Yuvraj and was dropped by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha.
Yet the only memorable frill from the stoic opener came in the 90s when he leaned on an expertly-placed on-drive off Yuvraj for his 12th boundary - before completing his hundred off Suresh Raina with familiar understatement via a single to mid-off.
Pietersen was in and out, by comparison, in the blink of an eye.
But it was hard to risk blinking while he was there, and inevitably his fretful stay will overshadow for many the labours of Cook or the significance of Patel's case for Test inclusion as a batting all-rounder.
Pietersen, batting for his adopted country for the first time since he was dropped for the Lord's Test, hit a six over long-off and three fours in a near run-a-ball innings.
India A captain Raina was the man hit for six, and duly replaced himself with Yuvraj - infamously dubbed a "pie-chucker" by Pietersen on England's last Test trip here four years ago.
Pietersen responded by trying to assert himself against the all-rounder, who has become one of his favoured Twitter sparring partners.
But slow left-armer Yuvraj, continuing his comeback in the world game after recovering from lung cancer, had the last laugh on Pietersen this time when he moved smartly to his left to take a return catch.
Yuvraj was all smiles again soon afterwards when Ian Bell edged him to slip, leaving Cook and Patel with much work to do.
England had lost their first wicket with just two runs on the board when Nick Compton endured a false start to his prospective international career with a third-ball duck.
Twenty-nine-year-old Compton, grandson of the great Denis, is being pencilled in by many as likely replacement for the retired Andrew Strauss as Cook's opening partner on this tour.
But he will first need a substantial innings or two under his belt before the opening Test in Ahmedabad on November 15 - and on Wednesday, he got no such thing.
Compton left his first two deliveries from Ashok Dinda, the second precariously close to off-stump, and was persuaded to push defensively forward at the third only to edge new-ball swing behind.
Cook and Trott were then in no particular hurry as they sought to avoid any more early dramas.
Trott completed his 50 with a cut for his ninth four from the seam bowling of Parvinder Awana in early afternoon.
Soon afterwards, though, he uncharacteristically lost concentration - going back rather than forward to a Raina off-break, to be bowled and set the stage for the Pietersen show.
James Anderson had earlier done his best to hasten that moment too, giving England the perfect start when he had R Vinay Kumar lbw with an inswinger first ball to end the home innings without addition.
Also among the non-Pietersen footnotes was Patel, although his 92-ball 50 - just one slip along the way, when he was dropped by Saha down the leg-side off Awana on 29 - is deserving of more prominent billing, in content and context for a cricketer who may be no bit-part player over the next two months.

'India's overseas record a worry'

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'India's overseas record a worry'

Former India coach, John Wright, questioned the ICC's approval of the concept of playing day-night Test and wondered whether it would work in reality.

"I'm a traditionalist. I'm not so sure about its feasibility if a Test is played in New Zealand under freezing cold conditions. It might have been done to get more TV viewership and attract more crowd," the 58-year-old said in Kolkata.

Asked to comment on the current phase of Indian cricket under coach Duncan Fletcher, the 58-year-old said: "Let's hope Indian cricket is going forward."

"We had our challenges, while Gary Kirsten's stint was well-documented. But Fletcher has not finished yet for me to make a comment about his coaching."

But he appeared concerned about India's plight overseas, after their back to back eight Test defeats.

"You have to stem the flow. To be No. 1, you need to win Tests overseas," said the New Zealander, the veteran of 82 Tests between 1978-93.

Indian cricket's rise began with Wright's successful association with Sourav Ganguly. India became No. 1 Test team under Mahendra Singh Dhoni but slipped down the ladder following their 0-4 whitewash in England and then an equally ignonimous outing in Australia.

However, Wright said it's early to judge Indian skipper Dhoni. "They had reached No. 1 status under Dhoni and he has been successful for the side. You always have ups and downs."

Wright also said that the great Sachin Tendulkar should be left alone to take a call on his cricketing career.

"Great cricketers like Tendulkar know the pride they carry about representing India. Their awareness level is always high, that's why they are great.

Steven Finn out of tour match

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Steven Finn out of tour match

Steven Finn will play no further part in England's first tour match against India 'A' because of a thigh strain.

Finn underwent scans on his sore right leg, having left the field in pain after just four overs on the first morning of England's tour opener at the Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday.

Finn is a crucial component of the line-up for four Tests against India, starting in Ahmedabad on November 15, with his height and extra pace a key factor on unhelpful surfaces.

The 6ft 7in fast bowler will need to prove his fitness in England's final warm-up match, a four-day fixture against Haryana which begins at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium on November 8.

The ECB provided the official update on Finn's condition on Wednesday morning.

It confirmed a "right thigh strain" and added: "(He will be) assessed over the next couple of days to determine a rehabilitation programme."

Rain saves New Zealand in one-off T20

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Rain saves New Zealand in one-off T20

Rain saved New Zealand from defeat as their one-off Twenty20 against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to the stormy weather in Pallekele.

The Kiwis made a terrible start to their tour opener as they managed just 74 for seven after the soggy conditions reduced their innings to 14 overs.

The tourists were at one stage 28 for six before Tim Southee's unbeaten 21, from 10 balls, nudged them slightly towards respectability.

The Sri Lankan bowlers shared the wickets, with young spinner Akila Dananjaya's two for nine the best, before the rain returned to deny their batsmen any chance of chasing down the score.

Sri Lanka were six for none after two overs when the weather set in for good.

The five-match one-day international series begins in Pallekele on Thursday.

Tiwary: I am ready for Test cricket

Tuesday 30th October 2012

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Tiwary: I am ready for Test cricket

After stealing the show with a confident knock of 93 for India 'A' against the touring England team, Manoj Tiwary said he was ready for the grind of Test cricket.

There is a stiff competition for No. 6 spot in the Indian team and with Tiwary compiling a determined half-century, the selectors might have a sweet head-ache before making the final selection.

"I am ready for Test cricket. There is a competition for the No. 6 spot, but it's up to the selectors. I will try my best. Let's see what happens," said the Bengal captain at the post-play media conference.

The 27-year-old, who has played only eight ODIs in four years since his debut, said he was very happy with the way he had played but was unhappy at missing out on a well-merited hundred.

"I am quite happy with my performance, though, I am disappointed for missing out on my hundred. I wanted to stay long on the wicket. I was definitely waiting for an opportunity," said Tiwary, who batted for 202 minutes and faced 150 balls.

Tiwary, who was dismissed by Tim Bresnan with the second new ball, said that the wicket was a bit slow but England had a quality attack at their disposal.

"They are a quality attack but did not try to go all out. The wicket was a bit slow," Tiwary, who struck 12 boundaries during his stay at the wicket, said.

He also sounded warning to the rival batsmen saying that the Indian spinners would be handful for them in the four-Test rubber starting on November 15 at Ahmedabad.

"They have got a big challenge ahead. It's not going to be easy for them against our quality spinners. They are going to face a lot of problems," Tiwary said.

The Bengal skipper said he had no issues encountering off-spinner Graeme Swann and left-arm spinner Samit Patel.

"Swann is a top class bowler. I was picking up his flight and trajectory well," he said.

Tiwary, meanwhile, informed that he watches inspirational videos to keep himself motivated and there was no better inspiration than his teammate Yuvraj Singh, who battled cancer for close to a year before making a comeback into the team.

"I enjoy watching inspirational videos. I never let my confidence drop, whether I get a zero or a hundred. Yuvraj Singh is a great inspiration, the way he has come back after battling cancer to play again. It's unbelievable," he said.

Team coach Lalchand Rajput also praised Yuvraj for his brilliant knock of 59, in which he hardly looked troubled before letting his impetuosity get the better of him.

"Manoj played a very good knock, but Yuvraj outclassed everyone. Yuvraj was at his best," Rajput said.

He was also pleased with the partnership between Tiwary and Irfan Pathan that raised 110 runs for the seventh wicket to rescue the team from a precarious situation.

"It was a very crucial partnership which has helped us past our goal of 300 run mark," he remarked.

KP back in the groove in Mumbai

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KP back in the groove in Mumbai

Kevin Pietersen's return to England colours amounted to mere "business as usual" for his team-mates.

Pietersen achieved a notable step towards completing his 'reintegration' after his summer of discontent, taking the field for his adopted country for the first time since being dropped for the final Test at Lord's more than two months ago.

The South Africa-born batsman's route back to favour has been a tortuous process, involving face-to-face talks with management and senior players and a public show of contrition for his controversial behaviour.

But if there was any lingering resentment following the breakdown in relations over contract wrangles, "provocative" text messages and that spoof Twitter account, it was not in evidence - from a distance at least - as England and Pietersen reacquainted themselves on the field at the start of what is sure to prove a tough Test series against India.

Tim Bresnan confirmed that observation as he reflected on a taxing day one of three in the tour opener, which India 'A' finished on 369 for nine at the Brabourne Stadium.

Number six Manoj Tiwary top-scored with 93, after Yuvraj Singh and Abhinav Mukund had both also hit half-centuries, as the hosts flourished despite three hard-earned wickets each for seamer Bresnan and off-spinner Graeme Swann.

As for the inevitable Pietersen issue, Bresnan said: "It's pretty much business as usual. I don't suppose you'd be able to see from the outside looking in ... that it's anything than normal.

"I'm pretty sure most of the lads in the dressing room were expecting it to be like that - and that's what it was like.

"For the lads, it's nothing different to having [any] player come back into the squad who's been missing for a while."

It is already well documented that Pietersen's return has been achieved only after a series of meetings with new Test captain Alastair Cook and other players.

"Everyone in the know has sat down and spoken about it," added Bresnan.

"But apart from that, for the rest of the boys, I guess it's just like having someone who's been injured coming back into the side.

"There's nothing exceptionally different.

"He's the same old Kev - energy in the field that he showed today (Tuesday), all day.

"He's just Kev. It's been good."

Bresnan had to bowl 20 overs, once Finn managed just four before limping off and leaving England with only two frontline seamers.

"Obviously, we're disappointed one of our fast bowlers had to go off," said the Yorkshireman.

"But it's one of those things where you just have to step up a bit, and each of you has to take on his responsibility."

Finn was set to have a scan this (Tuesday) evening, and an update on his fitness is anticipated on Wednesday.

Bresnan said: "We're not sure what's happening. The doc will check him out back at the hotel.

"All we know is it's hurting, and scans will reveal more."

Tiwary, Mukund keep England at bay

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Tiwary, Mukund keep England at bay

Manoj Tiwary (93) and Irfan Pathan augmented the gains of Abhinav Mukund (73) and Yuvraj Singh (59) in India A's 369 for nine in the three-day match against England at the Brabourne Stadium on Tuesday.

Mukund was the dominant, but not always convincing, force throughout the morning session, making 41 of the first 50 runs and numbering 12 fours in his 57-ball half-century after the hosts won the toss.

Yuvraj provided the impetus either side of lunch and then, after England had chipped away to the tune of 190 for six, Tiwary and Pathan shut the door again in a century stand.

The majority of Mukund's early boundaries came off the edge on a pitch of decent pace, but the left-handed opener grew in confidence as England's troubles gathered.

Tim Bresnan (three for 59) had a hand in the first two wickets.

First, replacing Finn after his three overs with the new ball, he was alert, agile and accurate enough - with an under-armed direct-hit - to run out Murali Vijay after Mukund called his partner through for a sharp single dropped into the leg-side.

As James Anderson took a breather and then Finn went off, Bresnan was rewarded for his efforts again when he found alarming extra bounce from barely short of a length to have Ajinkya Rahane edging a simple catch off the shoulder of the bat to gully.

Pietersen, back in an England team for the first time since his summer of discontent and subsequent 'reintegration', did the necessary with a simple catch.

It took another seven minutes, however, for Rahane's dismissal to be confirmed as the umpires - in accordance with new International Cricket Council protocol - ordered what proved to be a laborious check to rule out a no-ball.

Once under way again at last, Bresnan would have had two wickets in two balls had Samit Patel managed to hold on to a sharp, low catch at midwicket.

Instead, Yuvraj escaped the indignity of a golden duck as he continues his comeback following his recovery from lung cancer - and he went on to punish Patel with two fours and a six over long-on when the all-rounder came on for his first over of left-arm spin.

On the stroke of lunch, England at last had something to smile about when Mukund fell to a smart catch at short-leg by Ian Bell off Graeme Swann (three for 90) to end a near run-a-ball stand of 56.

Yuvraj stayed on the attack, milking the spinners in particular as he hit seven fours in his 50 and brought up the milestone with his third six - straight off Swann.

By then, captain Suresh Raina was gone to another Bell catch at short-leg - this time off Patel - and Yuvraj was stumped off Swann as he went in search of a fifth maximum.

Anderson returned to deceive Wriddiman Saha with reverse-swing, playing no shot lbw.

But Tiwary, watchful at first, and Pathan had plenty of power to add in 110-run partnership.

Swann eventually had the left-hander lbw pushing forward, and Bresnan yorked Tiwary to end his 150-ball stay.

The Yorkshireman doubled up by bowling number 10 Ashok Dinda first ball as England stuck to their task on a boundary-laden day which did much to reinforce the truism that this tour is sure to be hard work for them.

Pakistan's tour of India confirmed

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Pakistan's tour of India confirmed

India's Home Ministry on Tuesday cleared Pakistan cricket team's tour of India for a limited-over series beginning December 25.

This was conveyed when a delegation of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) met Union Home Secretary R K Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday, official sources said.

BCCI senior official and Union Minister Rajiv Shukla said that the Board delegation discussed with the Home Secretary about security and logistical issues.

"We have discussed all security aspects. The tour is on," he told reporters here.

Apart from the security issues, the Home Ministry also gives visa clearance to Pakistani spectators. Several top Pakistani dignitaries are expected to visit India to watch the cricket matches.

The series would comprise three ODIs and two Twenty20 Internationals between December 2012 and January 2013. The ODI matches are likely to be played in Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi and the Twenty20 games in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

In July, the BCCI had decided to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan by inviting the neighbouring country for a short series in December 2012-January 2013, to be sandwiched between the Test and ODI legs of the England team's tour of India.

The arch-rivals have not played a bilateral series since Pakistan's tour of India in 2007 after cricket ties were snapped following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his then Pakistani counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani had watched the high-profile World Cup semi-final in Mohali last year.

Donald talks up pacy Proteas

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Donald talks up pacy Proteas

South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald believes the country's current pace attack is the best they have ever produced.

Former Proteas speedster Donald formed part of a formidable line-up when he ran in alongside Shaun Pollock and Fanie de Villiers in the latter part of the last century.

But he believes the current trio of Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn trumps all others.

"I'm not just saying that, because I was part of an attack with Shaun Pollock and myself and a few others," Donald said at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.

"I say humbly and respectfully, I think this is as good as it gets."

Steyn and Philander are ranked the top two bowlers in the world and have been ably supported by Morkel, with his unpredictable pace and bounce.

Donald says it's consistency, as well as a growing maturity, that makes them so dangerous.

"They've been bowling together for quite some time, which is nice, so momentum's been built over the last couple of years," he said.

"It's nice to have a group of guys that know what they're about."

The Proteas took part in their first training session on Australian soil today, but veteran Jacques Kallis (flu) didn't take part. Neither did Morkel, as he only arrived in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon.

Wicketkeeper AB de Villiers didn't show any signs of his back injury during the session and Donald expects him to play in South Africa's warm-up match against Australia A at the SCG on Friday.

India eves advance to Asia Cup final

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India eves advance to Asia Cup final

Despite rain washing out the semi-final clash between India and Sri Lanka on Tuesday, Indian eves advanced to the Asia Cup final by the virtue of topping their pool.

Tuesday's match was abandoned without a ball bowled at the Guanggong International Cricket Stadium in China.

The Indian women's team will now take on the winner of the other semi-final match between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

However, captain Mithali Raj and veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami will not be a part of the playing XI in the final as both of them have been ruled out of the tournament due to ankle injuries.

The Indian eves had earlier defeated Hong Kong, Thailand and Pakistan to finish on top of the standings with six points.

India set sights on ODI Championship

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India set sights on ODI Championship

The battle for the prestigious ODI Championship table is hotting up at the start of the season, with world champions India just one rating point adrift of South Africa.

Currently, only 17 ratings points separate the top six sides, with England and South Africa on equal points at 121. However, Alastair Cook's side is rated above South Africa by a fraction of a point, while India with 120 points are behind the Proteas by only a rating point.

Four-time world champion Australia (113) trail India by seven points. Sri Lanka are placed at fifth spot with 108 rating points.

1992 world champion Pakistan are further down at number six, four ratings points behind the Lankans, and New Zealand are on 74 ratings points.

But with six top ranked ODI sides, along with the West Indies and New Zealand, gearing up to play a number of ODIs, mostly in the new year, the ranking table could witness a lot of changes before the April 1 cut-off date.

The team, which would finish as number one on April 1 cut-off date, will collect a cheque of $175,000 along with a Shield, while the team that would finish second will get $75,000.

Sri Lanka will have to win the series against New Zealand starting on November 1 at Pallekele to stay ahead of Pakistan in fifth place.

A 3-2 series win for New Zealand will mean Sri Lanka will slip to 103 ratings points, one behind Pakistan, while a 5-0 series win for Sri Lanka will put it just three ratings points behind fourth-ranked Australia.

In January 2013, Australia will host Sri Lanka for a five-ODI series, England will play five ODIs in India, and New Zealand will travel to South Africa for three ODIs.

ODI series taking place from February-March include Australia vs West Indies (in Australia, five ODIs), New Zealand vs England (in New Zealand, three ODIs) and South Africa vs Pakistan (in South Africa, five ODIs).

After the Sri Lanka-New Zealand series, Bangladesh will host the West Indies for a five-ODI series.

These series would be the countdown to the final edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. In June 2013, defending champion Australia will be looking for a treble, having won the previous two editions of the tournament (2006 and 2009).

But Australia will face stiff challenge from former champions South Africa (1998), New Zealand (2000), India and Sri Lanka (2002), and West Indies (2004), who would also be looking to lift the trophy for a second time by winning the final edition of the event.

Haddin: Australia snub no surprise

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Haddin: Australia snub no surprise

Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was not surprised by his failure to win back a place in the Australia squad.

Matthew Wade was chosen to wear the gloves for next week's first Test against South Africa in Brisbane and, at 35, Haddin's international career may now be at an end.

The New South Welshman, who stood down from the Australia side earlier this year to be with his seriously ill daughter, says he is at peace with the situation and insists the selectors' decision had not come as a great surprise.

"The decision to go this way was made a long time ago. It wasn't made overnight," Haddin said after arriving home as captain of the victorious Sydney Sixers Champions League Twenty20 team.

"This is not a shock. I've known exactly where I stand.

"I was pretty content where everything was at and life goes on.

"My job now is to get back to NSW and enjoy (watching) Australia regaining the number one Test ranking in the world."

National chairman of selectors, John Inverarity, told Haddin he is next in line should Wade succumb to injury over the summer.

But the 43-Test veteran is not holding out much hope despite returning to peak form with the Blues and Sixers.

"I'm here if they need me - they know that," Haddin added.

"I just hope to continue improving as a cricketer and all that stuff will take care of itself in due course.

"I think my batting is back to where it was two years ago and things are good from a cricket point of view.

"It's about performing for NSW. It's no different to where I stood at the start of the year.

"'I'm just enjoying playing cricket again."

Haddin offered Wade any help he requires ahead of the South African series but doubts the exciting keeper-batsman needs his input.

"He deserves his opportunity and he's played well since he's come into the Australian team," Haddin said.

"Watching his game over the past 12 months, he's just going from strength to strength.

"Australia are in safe hands."

Haddin will line up for NSW against Queensland in a Sheffield Shield game starting Friday in Brisbane.

Injury scare for Steven Finn

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Injury scare for Steven Finn

Steven Finn gave England cause for concern as he limped out of the attack with a thigh injury on an awkward first morning of their warm-up match.

Finn, a key component in England's likely Test attack, will play no further part today (Tuesday) and is expected to have a scan to try to identify the source of discomfort in his right leg.

The 6ft 7in seamer aborted the second over of his second spell and had to be replaced by medium-pacer Jonathan Trott.

'KP is cricket's answer to Ali'

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'KP is cricket's answer to Ali'

Vivian Richards reckons Kevin Pietersen is cricket's answer to Muhammad Ali, and believes the English batsman has got the "X-factor".

The West Indies great, Richards, who won seven Tests in India with the West Indies teams of the 1970s and 80s, finds a similarity between Pietersen and the world's greatest boxer in terms of their behaviours.

"Kevin is a good player but talks himself into some issues. In the old days, we had Muhammad Ali. The way he spoke and acted, people wanted to see him knocked out. But he was a great boxer," Richards was quoted as saying by 'The Sun'.

"Now I'm not saying KP is exactly like Ali, that man was the greatest. But you can see through his behaviour that people want to take him down that little bit more. But because he has the X-factor he can respond to it.

"Looking from afar, he's his own worst enemy but you can't deny how good he is to watch and how important he is to England," the West Indian great added.

Pietersen, who was chucked out of the team during the lost Test rubber at home against South Africa for sending unflattering messages to the rival camp about then captain Andrew Strauss and other team members, has made his return to the England fold in the ongoing tour of India.

CA says night Test cricket inevitable

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CA says night Test cricket inevitable

Cricket Australia has welcomed an International Cricket Council ruling that it says brings day/night Test cricket one step closer.

The ICC announced that the Test-match-participating countries may now agree to play day/night Test matches. The home and visiting boards will decide on the hours of play which will be six hours of scheduled play per day while the two boards will also decide on the precise brand, type and colour of ball to be used for the match, the ICC said.

CA Chief Executive Officer, James Sutherland, who has long argued that cricket needs to recognise that fans have a better chance of watching Test cricket if it is played at night, said the ICC’s new ruling means there is one less obstacle to day/night Tests becoming a reality.

“Test cricket is by definition played on at least three week days, times when most people are at work or school, and this limits the ability of fans to attend or watch on TV,” he said.

“We limit ourselves by staging cricket’s premium format at times when fans often cannot watch.

“We know that the audience for the Perth Test, which is on TV in the evening on the east coast, is up significantly because fans in the East can tune in after work.

“CA has a formal strategic plan that demands that Australian cricket puts fans first and we will now add day/night Tests to the agenda when we talk to other Test nations about their future tours Down Under.”

He believed that elite cricket’s short formats had shown that batsmen could make big scores under lights.

However, Sutherland also said he didn’t want to create expectations that day/night Tests are just around the corner.

“Finding a Test ball that is as easily visible in the day as it is at night is still a technical work in progress that the ICC is now leading and it has not yet been possible to predict when such a ball might be available.

“The traditional red ball is not regarded as suitable for night cricket because it is not as visible at night as it is in the day, and the ODI white ball is not suitable for Tests as it is not as durable as the red ball and does not last as well as a Test ball needs to last.

"Experiments with other colours such as pink, orange and yellow have seen some promising developments in recent times and Cricket Australia will, together with the ICC and ball manufacturers, continue to encourage research and development that delivers a ball with the optimal colour and durability for Test cricket.”

Smith predicts close series

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Smith predicts close series

Graeme Smith is hoping to take inspiration from South Africa's victory Down Under in 2008-09 when the upcoming Test series against Australia gets under way.

Smith led the Proteas to a 2-1 win four years ago and will be hoping for a similar outcome when they face Michael Clarke's men in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in November-December.

"We understand that this is a big challenge for us, coming to Australia again and to win," Smith said.

"To beat Australia in those stadiums (four years ago) and in those environments was something I don't think South Africans had dreamt of in a very long time.

"We certainly took a lot out of that. Probably took us a little bit of time for us to recover from those highs.

"But since that return leg from Australia, we've been pretty steady and consistent in our performances and maybe that was the stepping stone to a lot of the success that we've had."

South Africa leapfrogged England to the summit of the ICC Test rankings with an impressive series victory earlier this year and have not lost a Test series away from home since going down 2-0 to Sri Lanka in 2006.

"Every Australia-South Africa Test matches are on knife edges, so you can't afford to relax," Smith added.

"Obviously winning here four years ago certainly helps in the self-belief factor, knowing that you've overcome a hurdle before. Winning in someone else's backyard, it's a tough thing to do and that challenge is something that excites us."

Flower confirms Pietersen's return

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Flower confirms Pietersen's return

Andy Flower confirmed that Kevin Pietersen will complete his reintegration process by turning out for England in their first warm-up match against India A in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Pietersen will make his first appearance in England colours since August at the Brabourne Stadium after being dropped for sending "provocative" BBM messages to some South Africa players.

He was originally omitted from the 16-man squad to tour India as the fallout from the saga rumbled on but was recalled following a series of successful meetings with new Test captain Alastair Cook, Flower and other senior figures.

"Whatever label you want to put on it, Kevin is coming back into the team after a few problems that we had in our side so I'm confident we'll work together well from now on," Flower said in a press conference.

"He's down to play and he'll bat at four."

After being stood down for the third Test against South Africa in August, the 32-year-old reversed his decision to retire from the limited-overs internationals but was nevertheless overlooked for the World Twenty20 before efforts were made to resolve the matter.

Pietersen, who has 88 Test caps to his name, apologised for his conduct and signed a new central contract, initially for four months, but Flower cannot see any reason why that would not be lengthened.

"I haven't thought much about the extension of his contract," he said.

"We are focusing on playing well in India.

"I don't envisage a problem. I think we can work very well together in the future and we've already started that process.

"We've had some great success and some great times over the last few years and I don't see a problem in the future."

Cook expressed his delight at welcoming Pietersen back into the international fold and is convinced the Surrey batsman's experience of sub-continental conditions - with stints in the Indian Premier League - will help England immensely.

"As I've always said, it's great to have world-class players in my team and if we want to play the standard of cricket we know we are capable of, we've got to have our best players," said the 27-year-old.

"He's played a huge amount of cricket now, a lot in the sub-Continent as well as the IPL.

"That experience is invaluable for us if we're going to get used to these conditions as quickly as we can."

Pietersen retaining his number four spot in the batting line-up would suggest England are unlikely to move Jonathan Trott to open alongside Cook following Strauss' retirement.

That would mean either Yorkshire's Joe Root or Somerset's Nick Compton will be given the chance to make the role their own.

"It's a great opportunity for someone else to come and open the batting for England," added Cook, who won his first Test cap against India in Nagpur, where he made a century in the second innings.

"I made my debut six and a half years ago in India, it's a great place to open the batting.

"It's a great opportunity for someone to stick their hands up and make that opening space theirs and there's no better place to bat than opening for England."

The four-Test series, which gets under way in Ahmedabad on November 15, is certain to challenge England's supposed weakness against spin bowling after their batsmen's much-maligned efforts against Pakistan - and to some extent Sri Lanka - last winter.

Flower admitted it was a topic of conversation at their recent training camp in Dubai but the Zimbabwean refused to over-emphasise the effect India's frontline spin duo - Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha - may have.

"Yeah, there was a focus on it, of course," Flower added. "They'll have quality seamers as well and seamers can still take wickets in these conditions so that was part of our focus.

"But we're aware of the challenges ahead of us and we're looking forward to them."

Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed Twenty20 skipper Stuart Broad has been appointed England's vice-captain for the Test tour of India.