A pulsating Ashes opener that had promised a grandstand finish will more than likely end early with a handsome win to Australia after Steve Smith&#39;s side pushed within 56 runs of victory at the close of day four on Sunday.

The teams will return to the Gabba on Monday to go through the motions, and Australia&#39;s openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will look to mop up the winning runs after protecting their wickets with aplomb after tea.

Australia were 114 without loss at stumps, with Bancroft (51 not out) having celebrated his maiden half-century in his test debut after vice-captain Warner (60) raised his 25th as shadows crept across the ground.

The match was decided earlier, however, when England&#39;s middle order suffered a ruinous collapse after lunch for the second time in succession.

The loss of captain Joe Root for 51 some 10 minutes before the first break was a blow but there was still hope as Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow drove England to 155 for five.

From there it all went sour, as England crashed out for 195, a collapse triggered by a third umpire decision that may be debated for years to come.

Having breezed to 40, Moeen was beaten by spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped the bails off in a flash with the all-rounder&#39;s foot planted squarely on the line.

Long, tortuous deliberations followed, as New Zealander Chris Gaffaney pondered various angles of replay footage.

None confirmed that any part of Moeen&#39;s foot was behind the line, so Gaffaney duly sent the batsman packing.

It was Lyon&#39;s third wicket of a brilliant test for the offspinner and England&#39;s breaking point after three-and-a-half days of mostly valiant cricket.

They lost 4-40 and their last three wickets for 10 runs as paceman Mitchell Starc awoke to trample all over England&#39;s wafer-thin hopes.

All-rounder Chris Woakes added 30 runs with Bairstow but his uneasy 57-ball innings felt on borrowed time.

He was dropped at short leg off Lyon when yet to score but caught easily in the slips by Smith for 17 after worked over by a short ball from Starc.

Left to dig in and carry the tail, Bairstow instead threw away his wicket for 42 with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to the third man.

Stuart Broad was Starc&#39;s third victim four balls later when he feathered a nick behind and England&#39;s capitulation was complete when a harried Jake Ball was out for one, fending away Pat Cummins to fly slip.

Smith&#39;s epic, unbeaten 141 on day three will take on an even greater significance when his team finishes the job, given the scant contributions of England&#39;s batsmen in their second innings.

Root made the only half-century for his team, but it will be marked down as a footnote in a match and an emphatic first-up defeat in his ongoing duel with Smith.

It was back to the old stagers James Anderson and Broad to try to pull off a miracle.

But they washed harmlessly against the wall of Warner and Bancroft, who began opening their shoulders after a mostly watchful first hour.

In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Root.

After England resumed the day on 33 for two, Lyon had opener Mark Stoneman caught for 27 by Smith at slip.

The spinner and captain combined again when Dawid Malan nicked behind to fall for four.

Australia need 56 runs to win on Day 5 of the first Test

A pulsating Ashes opener that had promised a grandstand finish will more than likely end early with a handsome win to Australia after Steve Smith's side pushed within 56 runs of victory at the close of day four on Sunday. The teams will return to the Gabba on Monday to go through the motions, and Australia's openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will look to mop up the winning runs after protecting their wickets with aplomb after tea. Australia were 114 without loss at stumps, with Bancroft (51 not out) having celebrated his maiden half-century in his test debut after vice-captain Warner (60) raised his 25th as shadows crept across the ground. The match was decided earlier, however, when England's middle order suffered a ruinous collapse after lunch for the second time in succession. The loss of captain Joe Root for 51 some 10 minutes before the first break was a blow but there was still hope as Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow drove England to 155 for five. From there it all went sour, as England crashed out for 195, a collapse triggered by a third umpire decision that may be debated for years to come. Having breezed to 40, Moeen was beaten by spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped the bails off in a flash with the all-rounder's foot planted squarely on the line. Long, tortuous deliberations followed, as New Zealander Chris Gaffaney pondered various angles of replay footage. None confirmed that any part of Moeen's foot was behind the line, so Gaffaney duly sent the batsman packing. It was Lyon's third wicket of a brilliant test for the offspinner and England's breaking point after three-and-a-half days of mostly valiant cricket. They lost 4-40 and their last three wickets for 10 runs as paceman Mitchell Starc awoke to trample all over England's wafer-thin hopes. All-rounder Chris Woakes added 30 runs with Bairstow but his uneasy 57-ball innings felt on borrowed time. He was dropped at short leg off Lyon when yet to score but caught easily in the slips by Smith for 17 after worked over by a short ball from Starc. Left to dig in and carry the tail, Bairstow instead threw away his wicket for 42 with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to the third man. Stuart Broad was Starc's third victim four balls later when he feathered a nick behind and England's capitulation was complete when a harried Jake Ball was out for one, fending away Pat Cummins to fly slip. Smith's epic, unbeaten 141 on day three will take on an even greater significance when his team finishes the job, given the scant contributions of England's batsmen in their second innings. Root made the only half-century for his team, but it will be marked down as a footnote in a match and an emphatic first-up defeat in his ongoing duel with Smith. It was back to the old stagers James Anderson and Broad to try to pull off a miracle. But they washed harmlessly against the wall of Warner and Bancroft, who began opening their shoulders after a mostly watchful first hour. In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Root. After England resumed the day on 33 for two, Lyon had opener Mark Stoneman caught for 27 by Smith at slip. The spinner and captain combined again when Dawid Malan nicked behind to fall for four.

Ashes: Australia on brink of victory after England crumble

India captain Virat Kohli joined Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara in registering a hundred as the hosts pummelled a toothless Sri Lanka attack to grab a commanding lead on the third day of the second test in Nagpur on Sunday.

There was no respite for the touring side&#39;s bowlers as India went to the tea break on 507 for four in their first innings, stretching their lead to 302 at the interval.

Kohli was unbeaten on 170 after compiling his 19th test hundred with Rohit Sharma celebrating his return to the side after over a year with an unbeaten 51.

The world&#39;s top-ranked test side had not lost a wicket in the first two sessions on Saturday and Kohli and Pujara extended their misery in the morning session with their third-wicket stand of 183.

Sri Lanka barely managed to trouble Kohli and Pujara as the duo picked up singles and twos at will, mixing them with the occasional boundaries after resuming the day on 312-2.

India lost Pujara for 143 shortly before lunch when all-rounder Dasun Shanaka breached the right-hander&#39;s defence to rattle the stumps.

Kohli flicked Suranga Lakmal for a single for back-to-back hundreds in the series after his unbeaten century in the second innings of the drawn first test in Kolkata.

It was the 10th hundred in 2017 across formats for India&#39;s batting mainstay who hit a six over the long-on fielder against off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to get past 150. He has also hit 14 fours in his 223-ball knock so far.

Sri Lanka would have hoped for a better second session after Perera dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for two shortly after lunch but Kohli and Rohit denied them with another flourishing partnership.

The duo have already added 97 for the fifth wicket and more punishment awaits the Sri Lankan bowlers in the final session.

Sri Lanka barely managed to trouble Kohli and Pujara as the duo picked up singles and twos at will, mixing them with the occasional boundaries after resuming the day on 312-2.

India captain Virat Kohli joined Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara in registering a hundred as the hosts pummelled a toothless Sri Lanka attack to grab a commanding lead on the third day of the second test in Nagpur on Sunday. There was no respite for the touring side's bowlers as India went to the tea break on 507 for four in their first innings, stretching their lead to 302 at the interval. Kohli was unbeaten on 170 after compiling his 19th test hundred with Rohit Sharma celebrating his return to the side after over a year with an unbeaten 51. The world's top-ranked test side had not lost a wicket in the first two sessions on Saturday and Kohli and Pujara extended their misery in the morning session with their third-wicket stand of 183. Sri Lanka barely managed to trouble Kohli and Pujara as the duo picked up singles and twos at will, mixing them with the occasional boundaries after resuming the day on 312-2. India lost Pujara for 143 shortly before lunch when all-rounder Dasun Shanaka breached the right-hander's defence to rattle the stumps. Kohli flicked Suranga Lakmal for a single for back-to-back hundreds in the series after his unbeaten century in the second innings of the drawn first test in Kolkata. It was the 10th hundred in 2017 across formats for India's batting mainstay who hit a six over the long-on fielder against off-spinner Dilruwan Perera to get past 150. He has also hit 14 fours in his 223-ball knock so far. Sri Lanka would have hoped for a better second session after Perera dismissed Ajinkya Rahane for two shortly after lunch but Kohli and Rohit denied them with another flourishing partnership. The duo have already added 97 for the fifth wicket and more punishment awaits the Sri Lankan bowlers in the final session.

2nd Test: Kohli scores double hundred as India stretch lead past 300

India reached 507 for four at tea on day three of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today.

Virat Kohli was batting on 170, while Rohit Sharma was unbeaten on 51.

Brief scores

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 205

India 1st innings: 507 for 4 in 157 overs (Virat Kohli 170 batting, Cheteshwar Pujara 143, Murali Vijay 128; Lahiru Gamage 1/79). PTI CM

India reached 507 for four at tea on day three of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka here today. Virat Kohli was batting on 170, while Rohit Sharma was unbeaten on 51. Brief scores Sri Lanka 1st innings: 205 India 1st innings: 507 for 4 in 157 overs (Virat Kohli 170 batting, Cheteshwar Pujara 143, Murali Vijay 128; Lahiru Gamage 1/79). PTI CM

2nd Test, Day 3: India 507/4 at tea

Opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara hit sublime centuries to put India in command of the second Test against Sri Lanka, as the hosts took a 107-run lead on Saturday&#39;s day two.

The overnight batsmen put together a 209-run partnership to pulverise the opposition attack after the hosts started the day on 11-1 in response to Sri Lanka&#39;s 205.

India were 312 for two at stumps in their first innings with Pujara, on 121, and skipper Virat Kohli, on 54, batting to push the visitors out of the game.

Vijay, who made an impressive return to the team after a long injury lay-off, registered his 10th Test ton before falling to Rangana Herath in the final session of play for 128.

The right-handed opener gifted his wicket to the veteran left-arm spinner after mistiming his sweep on a full toss to short fine leg where Dilruwan Perera made no mistake.

Perera had dropped Vijay on 61 at short mid-on off paceman Lahiru Gamage and the spill proved costly for the visitors who managed only one wicket in the day.

Vijay and Pujara made sure India rammed home the advantage from day one as they recorded their fifth century-plus stand in their last seven Test innings together.

&quot;Any day I will take this. Obviously, we are in a strong position at the end of the day and I wanted to always contribute for the team and I am happy,&quot; Vijay told reporters.

&quot;Pujara also has a similar mindset as he likes to dig in deep and scrap it out in a situation with varied demands.

&quot;Pujara is calm and that rubs on me as well, the tempo that he plays suits my game,&quot; he said of his marathon stand with the composed Pujara.

Vijay, who replaced Shikhar Dhawan in the starting lineup after the left-handed opener pulled out due to personal reasons, hit 11 fours and a six during his 221-ball knock.

Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul have been India&#39;s first-choice Test openers while Vijay was away recovering from his wrist surgery, but he insists it doesn&#39;t bother him.

&quot;I feel as a professional you should always be ready whether you get a chance or not... it&#39;s difficult but I am used to it by now,&quot; said Vijay.

&quot;Playing for India is difficult and whoever gets a chance, I wish them luck. I know how difficult it is to be in that space and perform.&quot;

Pujara effect 
 
Pujara played the sheet anchor&#39;s role to perfection and took control after the fall of his overnight partner to record his 14th Test century.

Pujara, a classical batsman who passed 1,000 Test runs this year, played a sedate knock to frustrate the bowlers on a gruelling day for Sri Lanka on the field.&nbsp;

He also combined with Kohli for an unbeaten 96-run stand, forcing skipper Dinesh Chandimal to continue juggling his bowling options till the end of day.

Kohli hit a 66-ball half-century and has smashed six boundaries so far.

Sri Lanka&#39;s batting coach Thilan Samaraweera praised the Indian top-order for their solid showing on a wicket that the visitors tripped on after winning the toss and batting.

&quot;I think we are behind the game at the moment. I thought we bowled in very good areas but they batted well on a good pitch,&quot; Samaraweera said.

&quot;Disappointing that we won the toss, classic pitch, no seam movement, no spin and we didn&#39;t bat well to be honest with you,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

The top-ranked India are looking to go one-up in the three-Test series after the first match ended in a draw in Kolkata.

The overnight batsmen put together a 209-run partnership to pulverise the opposition attack after the hosts started the day on 11-1 in response to Sri Lanka's 205

Opener Murali Vijay and Cheteshwar Pujara hit sublime centuries to put India in command of the second Test against Sri Lanka, as the hosts took a 107-run lead on Saturday's day two. The overnight batsmen put together a 209-run partnership to pulverise the opposition attack after the hosts started the day on 11-1 in response to Sri Lanka's 205. India were 312 for two at stumps in their first innings with Pujara, on 121, and skipper Virat Kohli, on 54, batting to push the visitors out of the game. Vijay, who made an impressive return to the team after a long injury lay-off, registered his 10th Test ton before falling to Rangana Herath in the final session of play for 128. The right-handed opener gifted his wicket to the veteran left-arm spinner after mistiming his sweep on a full toss to short fine leg where Dilruwan Perera made no mistake. Perera had dropped Vijay on 61 at short mid-on off paceman Lahiru Gamage and the spill proved costly for the visitors who managed only one wicket in the day. Vijay and Pujara made sure India rammed home the advantage from day one as they recorded their fifth century-plus stand in their last seven Test innings together. "Any day I will take this. Obviously, we are in a strong position at the end of the day and I wanted to always contribute for the team and I am happy," Vijay told reporters. "Pujara also has a similar mindset as he likes to dig in deep and scrap it out in a situation with varied demands. "Pujara is calm and that rubs on me as well, the tempo that he plays suits my game," he said of his marathon stand with the composed Pujara. Vijay, who replaced Shikhar Dhawan in the starting lineup after the left-handed opener pulled out due to personal reasons, hit 11 fours and a six during his 221-ball knock. Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul have been India's first-choice Test openers while Vijay was away recovering from his wrist surgery, but he insists it doesn't bother him. "I feel as a professional you should always be ready whether you get a chance or not... it's difficult but I am used to it by now," said Vijay. "Playing for India is difficult and whoever gets a chance, I wish them luck. I know how difficult it is to be in that space and perform." Pujara effect Pujara played the sheet anchor's role to perfection and took control after the fall of his overnight partner to record his 14th Test century. Pujara, a classical batsman who passed 1,000 Test runs this year, played a sedate knock to frustrate the bowlers on a gruelling day for Sri Lanka on the field. He also combined with Kohli for an unbeaten 96-run stand, forcing skipper Dinesh Chandimal to continue juggling his bowling options till the end of day. Kohli hit a 66-ball half-century and has smashed six boundaries so far. Sri Lanka's batting coach Thilan Samaraweera praised the Indian top-order for their solid showing on a wicket that the visitors tripped on after winning the toss and batting. "I think we are behind the game at the moment. I thought we bowled in very good areas but they batted well on a good pitch," Samaraweera said. "Disappointing that we won the toss, classic pitch, no seam movement, no spin and we didn't bat well to be honest with you," he added. The top-ranked India are looking to go one-up in the three-Test series after the first match ended in a draw in Kolkata.

Vijay, Pujara pummel Sri Lanka on day two

Captain Steve Smith frustrated England with a fighting half-century and pushed Australia to 165 for four at the close of a see-sawing day two, rescuing the hosts after a top-order collapse in the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Friday.

With his team in peril at 76 for four, Smith&rsquo;s unbeaten 64 in an 89-run stand with number six Shaun Marsh gave Australia hope of reeling in England&rsquo;s first innings 302 at the Gabba.

Lefthander Marsh, under pressure to perform after winning his eighth recall to the test team, played a fine support role to be 44 not out at stumps.

After day one saw only four wickets fall, 10 tumbled on day two as the Gabba pitch quickened and recovered some of its customary bounce.

England lost their last six wickets in a hurry to be out for 302 at lunch and Australia seemed to be back in control at their Brisbane fortress.

But the pendulum swung again as England&rsquo;s bowlers scythed through the hosts&rsquo; top order in a breathless middle session.

After replacing Matt Renshaw in the squad, opener Cameron Bancroft&rsquo;s first bat in his Ashes test debut lasted 19 balls after he nibbled at a teasing ball from Stuart Broad and was caught behind for five.

A Queensland opener whose home ground is the Gabba, the Western Australian&rsquo;s cheap dismissal was a bitter one for local fans.

Number three Usman Khawaja&rsquo;s problems against spin in the subcontinent followed him home as he was trapped lbw for 11 by Moeen Ali.

The alarm bells began ringing when opener David Warner holed out for 26, pulling paceman Jake Ball straight to Dawid Malan at short mid-wicket to give the Ashes debutant his first wicket in Australia.

And Australia was left reeling at 76 for four when Peter Handscomb was trapped lbw for 14 by James Anderson in the first over after tea.

Rescue Mission

Once again it fell to Smith to mount a rescue mission and the 28-year-old was a rock through 148 balls as he ground out one of his grittiest half-centuries.

He reached his 22nd test fifty with a single having all but nicked Anderson behind on the first ball faced.

England had been in control at 246 for four in the morning session when momentum shifted away from them.

Malan had reached his third half-century in his sixth test, completing a hat-trick of fifties for England&rsquo;s rookie batsmen after opener Mark Stoneman had 53 on day one and number three James Vince scored 83.

But like his colleagues, Malan squandered the chance by pulling Mitchell Starc straight to a fielder and was out for 56.

The wicket broke a stubborn 83-run partnership with Moeen, and England promptly crumbled.

Denied a wicket on day one when recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine grassed a nick from Vince, spinner Nathan Lyon trapped Moeen lbw for 38 and bowled Chris Woakes for a duck in quick succession.

Jonny Bairstow was caught for nine by Paine skying a pull shot before Warner took a brilliant, diving catch at leg gully to remove Ball for 14.

Broad was dropped in the deep by Marsh when on 10 but he was out for 20 pulling Josh Hazlewood to Handscomb, bringing an end to England&rsquo;s innings.

Starc captured 3-77 and Cummins 3-85 for Australia.

With his team in peril at 76 for four, Smith?s unbeaten 64 in an 89-run stand with number six Shaun Marsh gave Australia hope of reeling in England?s first innings 302 at the Gabba

Captain Steve Smith frustrated England with a fighting half-century and pushed Australia to 165 for four at the close of a see-sawing day two, rescuing the hosts after a top-order collapse in the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Friday. With his team in peril at 76 for four, Smith’s unbeaten 64 in an 89-run stand with number six Shaun Marsh gave Australia hope of reeling in England’s first innings 302 at the Gabba. Lefthander Marsh, under pressure to perform after winning his eighth recall to the test team, played a fine support role to be 44 not out at stumps. After day one saw only four wickets fall, 10 tumbled on day two as the Gabba pitch quickened and recovered some of its customary bounce. England lost their last six wickets in a hurry to be out for 302 at lunch and Australia seemed to be back in control at their Brisbane fortress. But the pendulum swung again as England’s bowlers scythed through the hosts’ top order in a breathless middle session. After replacing Matt Renshaw in the squad, opener Cameron Bancroft’s first bat in his Ashes test debut lasted 19 balls after he nibbled at a teasing ball from Stuart Broad and was caught behind for five. A Queensland opener whose home ground is the Gabba, the Western Australian’s cheap dismissal was a bitter one for local fans. Number three Usman Khawaja’s problems against spin in the subcontinent followed him home as he was trapped lbw for 11 by Moeen Ali. The alarm bells began ringing when opener David Warner holed out for 26, pulling paceman Jake Ball straight to Dawid Malan at short mid-wicket to give the Ashes debutant his first wicket in Australia. And Australia was left reeling at 76 for four when Peter Handscomb was trapped lbw for 14 by James Anderson in the first over after tea. Rescue Mission Once again it fell to Smith to mount a rescue mission and the 28-year-old was a rock through 148 balls as he ground out one of his grittiest half-centuries. He reached his 22nd test fifty with a single having all but nicked Anderson behind on the first ball faced. England had been in control at 246 for four in the morning session when momentum shifted away from them. Malan had reached his third half-century in his sixth test, completing a hat-trick of fifties for England’s rookie batsmen after opener Mark Stoneman had 53 on day one and number three James Vince scored 83. But like his colleagues, Malan squandered the chance by pulling Mitchell Starc straight to a fielder and was out for 56. The wicket broke a stubborn 83-run partnership with Moeen, and England promptly crumbled. Denied a wicket on day one when recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine grassed a nick from Vince, spinner Nathan Lyon trapped Moeen lbw for 38 and bowled Chris Woakes for a duck in quick succession. Jonny Bairstow was caught for nine by Paine skying a pull shot before Warner took a brilliant, diving catch at leg gully to remove Ball for 14. Broad was dropped in the deep by Marsh when on 10 but he was out for 20 pulling Josh Hazlewood to Handscomb, bringing an end to England’s innings. Starc captured 3-77 and Cummins 3-85 for Australia.

Ashes: Captain Smith drags Australia back from brink against England

Australia fought back with two late wickets to restrict England to 196 for four and leave the Ashes series-opener in Brisbane delicately poised on Thursday after the tourists&#39; unheralded batsmen threatened to dominate an intriguing first day.

Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman and James Vince had frustrated Australia&#39;s vaunted pace attack with a 125-run partnership on a slow Gabba wicket but seamer Pat Cummins hauled the home side back in the game.

The young paceman bowled Stoneman for 53 in the last over before tea then returned to capture England captain Joe Root lbw for 15, leaving Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan to negotiate a nervy finish to stumps.

Spinner Nathan Lyon denied Vince a potentially career-defining century with a brilliant piece of fielding, running him out for 83 after nearly four hours of the pain-staking graft.

Malan was 28 not out and Moeen on 13, with both sides having fought hard after Root won the toss and sent his team into bat.

England would have been buoyed by the performance of rookies Vince and Stoneman but tempered by the disappointment that neither could go on to make bigger scores.

Stoneman was bowled four balls short of the relief of tea, while Vince was out making a needless dash for a single.

Vince&#39;s wicket seemed like a turning point and though Root dug in for 50 balls, he was out lbw by a scorching delivery from Cummins, the wicket awarded after home captain Steve Smith demanded a review of Marais Erasmus&#39;s not out decision.

Cummins greeted Moeen with a short ball that hammered into his upper body. Unperturbed, the all-rounder drove Cummins for four and casually despatched Lyon for six with a slog sweep over deep midwicket a few overs later.

Australia lost a review trying to remove Malan lbw in the last over before play was halted due to poor light.

Dropped catch

Vince, England&#39;s surprise selection at number three, brought up his maiden 50 in his eighth test, having never before surpassed 42 in his previous seven matches.

Stoneman raised his 50 with a streaky edge off Cummins, the ball falling short of second slip before racing off for two, leaving fielder Peter Handscomb punching the turf in frustration.

Worse was to come for the hosts in the following over as recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine grassed a chance to have Vince out for 68 when he nicked Lyon behind.

Paine had taken Matthew Wade&#39;s place in the test squad in a surprising selection, beating out Peter Nevill, and the miss saw Smith fling his head back in exasperation.

While the Gabba wicket showed a green tinge, Smith said he too would have batted first and his fast men rarely threatened early, struggling to extract much pace or movement off the seam in the morning.

The exception was a peach of a delivery from paceman Mitchell Starc which moved away slightly from Alastair Cook and kissed the outside edge on the way to Handscomb in the slips.

Smith earlier confirmed opener David Warner and Shaun Marsh would play after they suffered neck and back strains in recent days.

Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman and James Vince had frustrated Australia's vaunted pace attack with a 125-run partnership on a slow Gabba wicket

Australia fought back with two late wickets to restrict England to 196 for four and leave the Ashes series-opener in Brisbane delicately poised on Thursday after the tourists' unheralded batsmen threatened to dominate an intriguing first day. Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman and James Vince had frustrated Australia's vaunted pace attack with a 125-run partnership on a slow Gabba wicket but seamer Pat Cummins hauled the home side back in the game. The young paceman bowled Stoneman for 53 in the last over before tea then returned to capture England captain Joe Root lbw for 15, leaving Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan to negotiate a nervy finish to stumps. Spinner Nathan Lyon denied Vince a potentially career-defining century with a brilliant piece of fielding, running him out for 83 after nearly four hours of the pain-staking graft. Malan was 28 not out and Moeen on 13, with both sides having fought hard after Root won the toss and sent his team into bat. England would have been buoyed by the performance of rookies Vince and Stoneman but tempered by the disappointment that neither could go on to make bigger scores. Stoneman was bowled four balls short of the relief of tea, while Vince was out making a needless dash for a single. Vince's wicket seemed like a turning point and though Root dug in for 50 balls, he was out lbw by a scorching delivery from Cummins, the wicket awarded after home captain Steve Smith demanded a review of Marais Erasmus's not out decision. Cummins greeted Moeen with a short ball that hammered into his upper body. Unperturbed, the all-rounder drove Cummins for four and casually despatched Lyon for six with a slog sweep over deep midwicket a few overs later. Australia lost a review trying to remove Malan lbw in the last over before play was halted due to poor light. Dropped catch Vince, England's surprise selection at number three, brought up his maiden 50 in his eighth test, having never before surpassed 42 in his previous seven matches. Stoneman raised his 50 with a streaky edge off Cummins, the ball falling short of second slip before racing off for two, leaving fielder Peter Handscomb punching the turf in frustration. Worse was to come for the hosts in the following over as recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine grassed a chance to have Vince out for 68 when he nicked Lyon behind. Paine had taken Matthew Wade's place in the test squad in a surprising selection, beating out Peter Nevill, and the miss saw Smith fling his head back in exasperation. While the Gabba wicket showed a green tinge, Smith said he too would have batted first and his fast men rarely threatened early, struggling to extract much pace or movement off the seam in the morning. The exception was a peach of a delivery from paceman Mitchell Starc which moved away slightly from Alastair Cook and kissed the outside edge on the way to Handscomb in the slips. Smith earlier confirmed opener David Warner and Shaun Marsh would play after they suffered neck and back strains in recent days.

Ashes, 1st Test: Australia rally late to restrict England

India paceman <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/bhuvneshwar-kumars-five-wicket-haul-puts-india-on-front-foot-against-wi-4792">Bhuvneshwar Kumar</a> and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/twitter-trail-shikhar-dhawan-pandya-celebrate-victory-over-sa-16713">opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan</a> have been released from the test squad against Sri Lanka due to &quot;personal reasons&quot;, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/bcci-announces-team-for-3-match-t20-series-against-new-zealand-22749">the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI)</a> has said.

Kumar was India&#39;s best bowler in the drawn first test<a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-gambhir-uthappa-outplay-delhi-daredevils-kkr-top-table-15043"> at Kolkata&#39;s Eden Gardens </a>which ended on Monday and will sit out the remaining two tests in the series.

The 27-year-old was named man of the match after taking eight wickets, including figures of 4-8 in the second innings. In a video posted on social media, Kumar said he was getting married on Thursday.

The second test begins in Nagpur on Friday.

&quot;Kumar will not take any further part in the ongoing test series against Sri Lanka and the all-India senior selection committee has named Vijay Shankar as his replacement,&quot; the BCCI said in a statement late on Monday.

&quot;Dhawan is available for selection for the third test.&quot;

Left-hander Dhawan made a sparkling 94 in the second innings and his absence will make way for Murali Vijay at the top of the order.

Shankar, who bats in the middle order and bowls medium pace, has yet to play for India.

India paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan have been released from the test squad against Sri Lanka due to "personal reasons", the country's cricket board (BCCI) has said

India paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan have been released from the test squad against Sri Lanka due to "personal reasons", the country's cricket board (BCCI) has said. Kumar was India's best bowler in the drawn first test at Kolkata's Eden Gardens which ended on Monday and will sit out the remaining two tests in the series. The 27-year-old was named man of the match after taking eight wickets, including figures of 4-8 in the second innings. In a video posted on social media, Kumar said he was getting married on Thursday. The second test begins in Nagpur on Friday. "Kumar will not take any further part in the ongoing test series against Sri Lanka and the all-India senior selection committee has named Vijay Shankar as his replacement," the BCCI said in a statement late on Monday. "Dhawan is available for selection for the third test." Left-hander Dhawan made a sparkling 94 in the second innings and his absence will make way for Murali Vijay at the top of the order. Shankar, who bats in the middle order and bowls medium pace, has yet to play for India.

India release Kumar, Dhawan from test squad

Virat Kohli&#39;s legendary status in world cricket grew further when the Indian captain smashed his 50th International century, which steered his side to safety in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

True to his aggressive demeanor and style, Kohli got to his 18th Test hundred with a flat and powerful six over extra cover off paceman Suranga Lakmal and let out a big roar, going down on his knees to celebrate the moment much like former England batsman Kevin Pietersen.

In the list of most number of centuries, Kohli sits at number eighth behind Brian Lara (53), Mahela Jayawardene (54), Hashim Amla (54), Jaques Kallis (62), Kumar Sangakkara (63) Ricky Ponting (71) and iconic Sachin Tendulkar (100), who is the only cricketer to get 100 international hundreds.

With 18 Test hundred to his name, Kohli has now gone ahead of Dilip Vengsarkar (17) but is still behind Mohammed Azharuddin (22), Virender Sehwag (23), Sunil Gavaskar (34), Rahul Dravid (36) and Tendulkar (51).

The Indian skipper also joined South African great Hashim Amla as the fastest to 50 centuries in International cricket in 348 innings.

The second in the list is Sachin Tendulkar (376 innings), who is followed by Ricky Ponting (420) and Brian Lara (465).

The Indian skipper, whose previous best at Eden Gardens was 45, survived an LBW decision on 72 against his first innings nemesis Suranga Lakmal and got it overturned by taking a DRS call.

After being circumspect against Lakmal, the Indian skipper slowly came on his own and hammered him for a six with an inside-out shot to get to the 90s.

Looking unperturbed, Kohli once again took on the Lankan pace spearhead with a gorgeous horizontal six over covers to raise his hundred and declared the Indian second innings at 352 for eight setting Sri Lanka a target of 231.

This was also his first Test hundred at the Eden Gardens as his average also shot past 50.

Kohli now has nine International centuries in 2017, the most by him in any year as well as the most number of ducks (five) by him in any year. His previous highest was eight centuries in 2012 and in 2014.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had notched nine International 100s twice in 2005 and 2006, and Smith once in 2005.

Kohli is the also the first Indian captain to score a duck and a century in the same Test.

He has 21 International century as captain in 98 innings, behind South African Graeme Smith&#39;s 41 (368 innings) and Aussie great Ricky Ponting&#39;s feat of 41 (376 innings).

With 18 Test hundred to his name, Kohli has now gone ahead of Dilip Vengsarkar (17) but is still behind Mohammed Azharuddin (22), Virender Sehwag (23), Sunil Gavaskar (34), Rahul Dravid (36) and Tendulkar (51).

Virat Kohli's legendary status in world cricket grew further when the Indian captain smashed his 50th International century, which steered his side to safety in the first Test against Sri Lanka. True to his aggressive demeanor and style, Kohli got to his 18th Test hundred with a flat and powerful six over extra cover off paceman Suranga Lakmal and let out a big roar, going down on his knees to celebrate the moment much like former England batsman Kevin Pietersen. In the list of most number of centuries, Kohli sits at number eighth behind Brian Lara (53), Mahela Jayawardene (54), Hashim Amla (54), Jaques Kallis (62), Kumar Sangakkara (63) Ricky Ponting (71) and iconic Sachin Tendulkar (100), who is the only cricketer to get 100 international hundreds. With 18 Test hundred to his name, Kohli has now gone ahead of Dilip Vengsarkar (17) but is still behind Mohammed Azharuddin (22), Virender Sehwag (23), Sunil Gavaskar (34), Rahul Dravid (36) and Tendulkar (51). The Indian skipper also joined South African great Hashim Amla as the fastest to 50 centuries in International cricket in 348 innings. The second in the list is Sachin Tendulkar (376 innings), who is followed by Ricky Ponting (420) and Brian Lara (465). The Indian skipper, whose previous best at Eden Gardens was 45, survived an LBW decision on 72 against his first innings nemesis Suranga Lakmal and got it overturned by taking a DRS call. After being circumspect against Lakmal, the Indian skipper slowly came on his own and hammered him for a six with an inside-out shot to get to the 90s. Looking unperturbed, Kohli once again took on the Lankan pace spearhead with a gorgeous horizontal six over covers to raise his hundred and declared the Indian second innings at 352 for eight setting Sri Lanka a target of 231. This was also his first Test hundred at the Eden Gardens as his average also shot past 50. Kohli now has nine International centuries in 2017, the most by him in any year as well as the most number of ducks (five) by him in any year. His previous highest was eight centuries in 2012 and in 2014. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting had notched nine International 100s twice in 2005 and 2006, and Smith once in 2005. Kohli is the also the first Indian captain to score a duck and a century in the same Test. He has 21 International century as captain in 98 innings, behind South African Graeme Smith's 41 (368 innings) and Aussie great Ricky Ponting's feat of 41 (376 innings).

Kohli's staggering success story continues with 50th century

Bangladesh police said on Monday that they would deport five Indians caught betting at a weekend cricket match as authorities crack down on illegal bookmaking in the lucrative domestic league.

The men were detained on Saturday at Dhaka`s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium during a one-day Bangladesh Premier League match, police added.&nbsp;

They were caught by cricket officials concerned about match-fixing and illegal gambling in the hugely popular league.&nbsp;

&quot;We have handed them over to police as this is the most we could do. They will take further action,&quot; said cricket board spokesman Jalal Yunus.

Two of the accused were previously caught betting during Bangladesh`s home series against England in October last year, he added.&nbsp;

Authorities were &quot;in the process of deporting them to India&quot;, said local police head, Nazrul Islam.

Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh but the cricket league has been dogged by betting scandals and its first two editions were marred by a match-fixing controversy&nbsp; involving players and team owners.

Last week nearly 80 spectators at two cricket grounds were thrown out on suspicion of betting. The alleged offenders -- including 10 Indians -- used mobile phones to place live bets before scores were broadcast on television and online.

A leading newspaper reported last week that betting on domestic cricket was rampant, with tea stalls, restaurants, and rickshaw garages doubling as venues to place bets.

The cricket board searches stadiums to catch gamblers but that has not stamped out the practice.Last year the country`s communications regulator blocked a dozen gaming websites in a bid to curb betting on cricket.

Nearly 50 foreign cricketers, including Sri Lanka`s Lasith Malinga, the West Indies` Chris Gayle, New Zealand`s Brendon McCullum and England`s Jos Buttler, are competing in the seven-team BPL tournament this year.

&nbsp;

The men were detained on Saturday at Dhaka`s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium during a one-day Bangladesh Premier League match?

Bangladesh police said on Monday that they would deport five Indians caught betting at a weekend cricket match as authorities crack down on illegal bookmaking in the lucrative domestic league. The men were detained on Saturday at Dhaka`s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium during a one-day Bangladesh Premier League match, police added. They were caught by cricket officials concerned about match-fixing and illegal gambling in the hugely popular league. "We have handed them over to police as this is the most we could do. They will take further action," said cricket board spokesman Jalal Yunus. Two of the accused were previously caught betting during Bangladesh`s home series against England in October last year, he added. Authorities were "in the process of deporting them to India", said local police head, Nazrul Islam. Gambling is illegal in Bangladesh but the cricket league has been dogged by betting scandals and its first two editions were marred by a match-fixing controversy involving players and team owners. Last week nearly 80 spectators at two cricket grounds were thrown out on suspicion of betting. The alleged offenders -- including 10 Indians -- used mobile phones to place live bets before scores were broadcast on television and online. A leading newspaper reported last week that betting on domestic cricket was rampant, with tea stalls, restaurants, and rickshaw garages doubling as venues to place bets. The cricket board searches stadiums to catch gamblers but that has not stamped out the practice.Last year the country`s communications regulator blocked a dozen gaming websites in a bid to curb betting on cricket. Nearly 50 foreign cricketers, including Sri Lanka`s Lasith Malinga, the West Indies` Chris Gayle, New Zealand`s Brendon McCullum and England`s Jos Buttler, are competing in the seven-team BPL tournament this year.

Bangladesh to deport five Indians for betting on cricket

Sri Lanka&#39;s cricket board Sunday defended Dilruwan Perera after television replays suggested the batsman looked to the dressing room during a delayed review call in the first Test against India.

Perera, who was involved in a crucial 43-stand eight-wicket with Rangana Herath, was adjudged leg before wicket on nought but following a successful challenge stayed on for a 34-ball five on day four in Kolkata.

Controversy arose when Perera started to walk away after Mohammed Shami&#39;s in-dipper hit his pads, then began walking back before turning around and requesting a review.

Although the Indian players did not complain, there was speculation -- including from television commentators -- that he had received advice from the Sri Lankan dressing room.

Players are not allowed to receive outside input while challenging an umpire&#39;s decision.

&quot;Contrary to the assumptions made, there was no &#39;message from the dressing room&#39; involved in the requested review,&quot; Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

&quot;Having mistakenly assumed that Sri Lanka were out of reviews, Dilruwan Perera had turned to leave the field when he heard Rangana Herath inquire from the on-field umpire Nigel Llong if Sri Lanka have any reviews left, to which Mr. Llong answered in the affirmative,&quot; the statement added.

&quot;It was then that Dilruwan requested the review,&quot; it said.

The incident recalled Australian skipper Steve Smith&#39;s infamous &quot;brain fade&quot; moment earlier this year, when he looked up to the dressing room while reviewing an on-field call during the Bangalore Test.

While Smith said it was a one-off that happened in the heat of the action, Indian skipper Virat Kohli accused the Aussies of cheating.

Sri Lanka said their players are &quot;respectful and bounden to uphold the rules and regulations of the ICC (International Cricket Council)&quot;.

Herath, whose defiant 67 helped the visitors take a 122-run first innings lead, backed his teammate after he was drawn into the drama from the non-strikers end.

&quot;I was asking for review (from) umpire Nigel Llong, maybe Dilruwan also heard that and after that he asked for it. I did not call him back, I was asking for a review, that&#39;s all,&quot; said Herath.

Indian paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar played down the incident, saying that his team players were busier celebrating than looking at Perera.

The visitors are seeking their first Test win on Indian soil in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka's cricket board Sunday defended Dilruwan Perera after television replays suggested the batsman looked to the dressing room during a delayed review call in the first Test against India

Sri Lanka's cricket board Sunday defended Dilruwan Perera after television replays suggested the batsman looked to the dressing room during a delayed review call in the first Test against India. Perera, who was involved in a crucial 43-stand eight-wicket with Rangana Herath, was adjudged leg before wicket on nought but following a successful challenge stayed on for a 34-ball five on day four in Kolkata. Controversy arose when Perera started to walk away after Mohammed Shami's in-dipper hit his pads, then began walking back before turning around and requesting a review. Although the Indian players did not complain, there was speculation -- including from television commentators -- that he had received advice from the Sri Lankan dressing room. Players are not allowed to receive outside input while challenging an umpire's decision. "Contrary to the assumptions made, there was no 'message from the dressing room' involved in the requested review," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. "Having mistakenly assumed that Sri Lanka were out of reviews, Dilruwan Perera had turned to leave the field when he heard Rangana Herath inquire from the on-field umpire Nigel Llong if Sri Lanka have any reviews left, to which Mr. Llong answered in the affirmative," the statement added. "It was then that Dilruwan requested the review," it said. The incident recalled Australian skipper Steve Smith's infamous "brain fade" moment earlier this year, when he looked up to the dressing room while reviewing an on-field call during the Bangalore Test. While Smith said it was a one-off that happened in the heat of the action, Indian skipper Virat Kohli accused the Aussies of cheating. Sri Lanka said their players are "respectful and bounden to uphold the rules and regulations of the ICC (International Cricket Council)". Herath, whose defiant 67 helped the visitors take a 122-run first innings lead, backed his teammate after he was drawn into the drama from the non-strikers end. "I was asking for review (from) umpire Nigel Llong, maybe Dilruwan also heard that and after that he asked for it. I did not call him back, I was asking for a review, that's all," said Herath. Indian paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar played down the incident, saying that his team players were busier celebrating than looking at Perera. The visitors are seeking their first Test win on Indian soil in the three-match series.

No dressing room help for Perera, says Sri Lanka

&nbsp;Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first test on Saturday.

The islanders, bidding for their first test victory in India, dismissed the hosts for 172 and closed on 165-4, as the rain stayed away after allowing only 32.5 overs to be bowled in the first two days.

Niroshan Dickwella was batting on 14 when bad light stopped play and skipper Dinesh Chandimal was on 13 with the tourists seven runs behind.

After India resumed on a precarious 74-5, the bottom half of their order contributed 98 runs in the morning session to lend respectability to their total on a green Eden Gardens track.

Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his 16th test fifty but was clean bowled by Lahiru Gamage for 52, a patient knock in trying conditions that included 10 boundaries.

Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their 48-run partnership.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve four runs before his dismissal when Dickwella missed an easy stumping off Dilruwan Perera.

Jadeja, who made 22, hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner responded by removing both batsmen in the same over.

Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to claim his fourth wicket, his tidy 19 overs including 12 maidens.

Mohammed Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-run mark.

Sadeera Samarawickrama&#39;s 23 off 22 balls gave Sri Lanka a fast start but Kumar exploited the conditions well to peg back the tourists.

The paceman dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for eight and had Samarawickrama caught behind in his next over.

Despite their occasional discomfort against the moving ball, Thirimanne and Mathews thwarted the hosts with a match-high 99-run stand.

Dropped by Shikhar Dhawan on 27, Thirimanne went on to make 51, while Mathews, playing as a specialist batsman on his return from injury, made 52 before Umesh Yadav dismissed both in successive overs.

?Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first test on Saturday

Fifties from Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Mathews kept Sri Lanka firmly on course for a handy first-innings lead against India on day three of the rain-hit first test on Saturday. The islanders, bidding for their first test victory in India, dismissed the hosts for 172 and closed on 165-4, as the rain stayed away after allowing only 32.5 overs to be bowled in the first two days. Niroshan Dickwella was batting on 14 when bad light stopped play and skipper Dinesh Chandimal was on 13 with the tourists seven runs behind. After India resumed on a precarious 74-5, the bottom half of their order contributed 98 runs in the morning session to lend respectability to their total on a green Eden Gardens track. Cheteshwar Pujara brought up his 16th test fifty but was clean bowled by Lahiru Gamage for 52, a patient knock in trying conditions that included 10 boundaries. Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their 48-run partnership. Wicketkeeper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve four runs before his dismissal when Dickwella missed an easy stumping off Dilruwan Perera. Jadeja, who made 22, hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner responded by removing both batsmen in the same over. Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to claim his fourth wicket, his tidy 19 overs including 12 maidens. Mohammed Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-run mark. Sadeera Samarawickrama's 23 off 22 balls gave Sri Lanka a fast start but Kumar exploited the conditions well to peg back the tourists. The paceman dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for eight and had Samarawickrama caught behind in his next over. Despite their occasional discomfort against the moving ball, Thirimanne and Mathews thwarted the hosts with a match-high 99-run stand. Dropped by Shikhar Dhawan on 27, Thirimanne went on to make 51, while Mathews, playing as a specialist batsman on his return from injury, made 52 before Umesh Yadav dismissed both in successive overs.

Cricket: Sri Lanka eye handy first-innings lead against India

India&#39;s tail batted defiantly before Sri Lanka bowled the hosts out for 172 in the first innings of the opening test on Saturday.

Resuming day three on 74-5, the bottom half of the Indian order contributed 98 valuable runs in the morning session to lend some respectability to their total on a green track at the Eden Gardens.

Overnight batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was key to India&#39;s hopes of putting up a decent total after Sri Lanka had blown away the top half of the lineup by the time they reached 50.

Pujara hit Rangana Herath for his 10th boundary to bring up his 16th test fifty but his formidable defence soon gave in, Lahiru Gamage nipping one back through the bat-pad gap to peg back Pujara&#39;s off-stump with the batsman on 52.

Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their innings-high 48-run partnership.

Stumper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve on 25 when Niroshan Dickwella missed an easy stumping with the batsman way down the crease trying to hit Dilruwan Perera out of the ground.

Jadeja hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner ended the partnership by removing both in the same over.

Perera trapped Jadeja leg-before for 22 and three balls later had Saha caught by Angelo Mathews in the slip.

Jadeja was originally given not-out before Sri Lanka challenged the decision and got it overturned, while Saha&#39;s bid to change the original verdict failed.

Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 13 to claim his fourth wicket. The paceman proved difficult to score off, bowling 19 tidy overs including 12 maidens.

Mohammad Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-mark.

Overnight batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was key to India's hopes of putting up a decent total after Sri Lanka had blown away the top half of the lineup by the time they reached 50

India's tail batted defiantly before Sri Lanka bowled the hosts out for 172 in the first innings of the opening test on Saturday. Resuming day three on 74-5, the bottom half of the Indian order contributed 98 valuable runs in the morning session to lend some respectability to their total on a green track at the Eden Gardens. Overnight batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was key to India's hopes of putting up a decent total after Sri Lanka had blown away the top half of the lineup by the time they reached 50. Pujara hit Rangana Herath for his 10th boundary to bring up his 16th test fifty but his formidable defence soon gave in, Lahiru Gamage nipping one back through the bat-pad gap to peg back Pujara's off-stump with the batsman on 52. Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja refused to retreat into a defensive shell, though they were not entirely convincing during their innings-high 48-run partnership. Stumper-batsman Saha, who made 29, was lucky to get a reprieve on 25 when Niroshan Dickwella missed an easy stumping with the batsman way down the crease trying to hit Dilruwan Perera out of the ground. Jadeja hit Perera for a six over long-on but the off-spinner ended the partnership by removing both in the same over. Perera trapped Jadeja leg-before for 22 and three balls later had Saha caught by Angelo Mathews in the slip. Jadeja was originally given not-out before Sri Lanka challenged the decision and got it overturned, while Saha's bid to change the original verdict failed. Suranga Lakmal dismissed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 13 to claim his fourth wicket. The paceman proved difficult to score off, bowling 19 tidy overs including 12 maidens. Mohammad Shami made a breezy 24 down the order but India still fell short of the 175-mark.

Cricket: India all out for 172 after tail resists Sri Lanka

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has said that he needs a rest, and that he&#39;ll ask for it when he wants it.&nbsp;

Kohli was speaking in Kolkata on the eve of the first Test against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

&quot;Definitely I do need a rest, why don&#39;t I. When I think of the time my body should be rested I will ask for it, why not. I&#39;m not a robot, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed,&quot; PTI reported Kohli as saying.&nbsp;

Kohli has earlier warned of burnout.

&quot;For example all cricketers play 40 games a year. Three guys who should get rest, their workload(s) are to be managed. Not everyone in the XI would have batted 45 overs or not everyone would have bowled 30 overs in a Test. But the guys who are doing that regularly are the ones who need to be assessed,&quot; PTI quoted Kohli as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;I don&#39;t think people look at the time&nbsp;spent on the crease, the number of runs, the number of overs, the conditions etc. I don&#39;t think people will go into that analysis,&quot; Kohli added.&nbsp;

&quot;For example Pujara will have maximum workload because he spends maximum time at the crease as his game is built that way. You can&#39;t compare that to a counter-attacking batsman because the workload would have been lesser,&quot; Kohli said.&nbsp;

&quot;All these things have be taken into consideration purely because of the fact that we have built such a strong core team now of 20-25 players. You don&#39;t want important players breaking down at important times, that&#39;s where the balance needs to be maintained going forward,&quot; Kohli added.&nbsp;

India will be playing three Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s against the Lankans.&nbsp;

The first Test will be played Thursday at Eden Gardens.&nbsp;

The Indian captain added that he'd ask for the rest when he wanted it

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has said that he needs a rest, and that he'll ask for it when he wants it. Kohli was speaking in Kolkata on the eve of the first Test against Sri Lanka. "Definitely I do need a rest, why don't I. When I think of the time my body should be rested I will ask for it, why not. I'm not a robot, you can slice my skin and check if I still bleed," PTI reported Kohli as saying. Kohli has earlier warned of burnout. "For example all cricketers play 40 games a year. Three guys who should get rest, their workload(s) are to be managed. Not everyone in the XI would have batted 45 overs or not everyone would have bowled 30 overs in a Test. But the guys who are doing that regularly are the ones who need to be assessed," PTI quoted Kohli as saying. "I don't think people look at the time spent on the crease, the number of runs, the number of overs, the conditions etc. I don't think people will go into that analysis," Kohli added. "For example Pujara will have maximum workload because he spends maximum time at the crease as his game is built that way. You can't compare that to a counter-attacking batsman because the workload would have been lesser," Kohli said. "All these things have be taken into consideration purely because of the fact that we have built such a strong core team now of 20-25 players. You don't want important players breaking down at important times, that's where the balance needs to be maintained going forward," Kohli added. India will be playing three Tests, three ODIs, and three T20s against the Lankans. The first Test will be played Thursday at Eden Gardens.

I'm not a robot, I need a rest, Virat Kohli says on eve of first Test against Lanka

The former India captain&nbsp;Mahendra Singh Dhoni&#39;s inclusion in Team India&#39;s T20 squad has come under the scrutiny of late. &nbsp;

Ever since the India vs New Zealand 2nd T20,&nbsp;Dhoni has been drawing flak for his slow innings when the team had&nbsp;to score more than 12 runs per over. Eventually, India lost the game.

Now, former skipper Sourav Ganguly has joined&nbsp;Ajit Agarkar, VVS Laxman, Akash Chopra, suggesting that if the Jharkhand-born batsman does not up against his game then he should start thinking about his retirement and that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should start focusing on younger players to replace him.&nbsp;

&quot;I think India must now look at other options, at least in T20Is. In one-day cricket, they seem to be happy with the role that he is playing. When you are the captain of the side, it was different. But just as a batsman, will India miss him?&nbsp;I don&#39;t think so. In T20 cricket, it is a lot easier to make that transition as there is a lot of experience in that team apart from MS Dhoni now,&quot; Agarkar told sources.

However, World Cup-winning captain seems to be taking the criticism on the chin.&nbsp;

&quot;Everybody has views in life and it should be respected,&quot; Dhoni said about Agarkar&#39;s remarks on him. &nbsp;

&quot;The biggest motivation is being a part of the Indian cricket team. You have seen cricketers who are not god-gifted, but even then, they have gone far. That&#39;s because of the passion. The coaches need to find that out. Everybody doesn&#39;t play for the country,&quot; he said.

&quot;I have always believed that process is more important than results. I never thought about results, I always thought what is the right thing to do at that point in time whether it&#39;s 10 runs needed, 14 runs needed or 5 runs needed. &quot;I was always so engrossed in the process that I never took the burden of thinking what if the results don&#39;t go my way,&quot;&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

Earlier Indian team&#39;s head coach Ravi Shastri defending MS Dhoni said: &quot;Looks like there are a lot of jealous people around, who just want Dhoni to have a couple of bad days. There are a few people who are waiting to see the end of MS Dhoni. But great players like him decide their own future,&quot;&nbsp;

Previously, star players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and&nbsp;many others have been criticised for poor form at the fag-end of their careers.&nbsp;

Dhoni was in the bustling metropolis to launch his global cricket academy, inaugurating the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy - his first international academy, in association with Dubai- based Pacific Ventures.&nbsp;

"Everybody has views in life and it should be respected," Dhoni said about Agarkar's remarks on him.

The former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's inclusion in Team India's T20 squad has come under the scrutiny of late. Ever since the India vs New Zealand 2nd T20, Dhoni has been drawing flak for his slow innings when the team had to score more than 12 runs per over. Eventually, India lost the game. Now, former skipper Sourav Ganguly has joined Ajit Agarkar, VVS Laxman, Akash Chopra, suggesting that if the Jharkhand-born batsman does not up against his game then he should start thinking about his retirement and that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) should start focusing on younger players to replace him. "I think India must now look at other options, at least in T20Is. In one-day cricket, they seem to be happy with the role that he is playing. When you are the captain of the side, it was different. But just as a batsman, will India miss him? I don't think so. In T20 cricket, it is a lot easier to make that transition as there is a lot of experience in that team apart from MS Dhoni now," Agarkar told sources. However, World Cup-winning captain seems to be taking the criticism on the chin. "Everybody has views in life and it should be respected," Dhoni said about Agarkar's remarks on him. "The biggest motivation is being a part of the Indian cricket team. You have seen cricketers who are not god-gifted, but even then, they have gone far. That's because of the passion. The coaches need to find that out. Everybody doesn't play for the country," he said. "I have always believed that process is more important than results. I never thought about results, I always thought what is the right thing to do at that point in time whether it's 10 runs needed, 14 runs needed or 5 runs needed. "I was always so engrossed in the process that I never took the burden of thinking what if the results don't go my way," he added. Earlier Indian team's head coach Ravi Shastri defending MS Dhoni said: "Looks like there are a lot of jealous people around, who just want Dhoni to have a couple of bad days. There are a few people who are waiting to see the end of MS Dhoni. But great players like him decide their own future," Previously, star players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and many others have been criticised for poor form at the fag-end of their careers. Dhoni was in the bustling metropolis to launch his global cricket academy, inaugurating the MS Dhoni Cricket Academy - his first international academy, in association with Dubai- based Pacific Ventures.

MS Dhoni responds to criticism seeking his ouster from India's T20 team

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli celebrated his 29th birthday with his teammates after the 2nd ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Sunday.&nbsp;

The country`s biggest sports and youth icon is probably one of a kind as far as Indian sports is concerned. Virat`s friends, fans, colleagues, including both former and current cricketers did not miss an opportunity of showering their love and wishing him on this special day.

BCCI uploaded photos of the celebration through its official Twitter account.

Kohli has scored 49 international centuries (32 in ODIs and 17 in Tests) out of which 28 have come away from home (outside India) - in which 10 Test hundreds have come away from home as well. Not only hundreds, he`s played a few fighting innings helping the team in difficult positions.Indian team`s captain is expected to travel with the team for the series decider on Tuesday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappybirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappybirthdayVirat</a> <a href="https://t.co/SeFCAxttIG">pic.twitter.com/SeFCAxttIG</a>
&mdash; BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/926880008651419648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Wishing the best in everything you do in your life <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> . May your dedication &amp; passion continue to inspire us all.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a>
&mdash; VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) <a href="https://twitter.com/VVSLaxman281/status/927070056336392193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a> A Champion of Champions - Wishing <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> a Happy Birthday.. Keep making Team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> proud thru ur Captaincy &amp; Batting <a href="https://t.co/6baBbzcatJ">pic.twitter.com/6baBbzcatJ</a>
&mdash; Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/927001711511724033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Revenge no. 1?? ?? 
Happy birthday, skipper- <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> <a href="https://t.co/mkv5KV08gH">pic.twitter.com/mkv5KV08gH</a>
&mdash; hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) <a href="https://twitter.com/hardikpandya7/status/926882932429488128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Many happy returns of the day <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>. Hope u have an amazing year. Keep making us proud. All the best for the final. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a>
&mdash; Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivek_oberoi) <a href="https://twitter.com/vivek_oberoi/status/927052382189555713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Our children wish you a very Happy Birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a>. Thank you for all the love &amp; for always spreading smiles! ??&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdayVirat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdayVirat</a> <a href="https://t.co/edHgbnmdKF">pic.twitter.com/edHgbnmdKF</a>
&mdash; Smile Foundation (@smilefoundation) <a href="https://twitter.com/smilefoundation/status/927038194775756800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Virat also thanked his teammates and fans on Twitter after getting showered with love and birthday wishes.&nbsp;

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Thank you everyone for all the love and the wishes. 
God Bless you all. ?? <a href="https://t.co/DTzlyRiZEM">pic.twitter.com/DTzlyRiZEM</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/926886601468334080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from ANI)

Kohli's friends, fans, colleagues, including both former and current cricketers were going all out with their love and wished him on this special day.

Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli celebrated his 29th birthday with his teammates after the 2nd ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot on Sunday. The country`s biggest sports and youth icon is probably one of a kind as far as Indian sports is concerned. Virat`s friends, fans, colleagues, including both former and current cricketers did not miss an opportunity of showering their love and wishing him on this special day. BCCI uploaded photos of the celebration through its official Twitter account. Kohli has scored 49 international centuries (32 in ODIs and 17 in Tests) out of which 28 have come away from home (outside India) - in which 10 Test hundreds have come away from home as well. Not only hundreds, he`s played a few fighting innings helping the team in difficult positions.Indian team`s captain is expected to travel with the team for the series decider on Tuesday. #HappybirthdayVirat pic.twitter.com/SeFCAxttIG — BCCI (@BCCI) November 4, 2017 × Wishing the best in everything you do in your life @imVkohli . May your dedication & passion continue to inspire us all.#HappyBirthdayVirat — VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 5, 2017 × #HappyBirthdayVirat A Champion of Champions - Wishing @imVkohli a Happy Birthday.. Keep making Team #India proud thru ur Captaincy & Batting pic.twitter.com/6baBbzcatJ — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) November 5, 2017 × Revenge no. 1?? ?? Happy birthday, skipper- @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/mkv5KV08gH — hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) November 4, 2017 × Many happy returns of the day @imVkohli. Hope u have an amazing year. Keep making us proud. All the best for the final. #HappyBirthdayVirat — Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivek_oberoi) November 5, 2017 × Our children wish you a very Happy Birthday @imVkohli. Thank you for all the love & for always spreading smiles! ?? #HappyBirthdayVirat pic.twitter.com/edHgbnmdKF — Smile Foundation (@smilefoundation) November 5, 2017 × Virat also thanked his teammates and fans on Twitter after getting showered with love and birthday wishes. Thank you everyone for all the love and the wishes. God Bless you all. ?? pic.twitter.com/DTzlyRiZEM — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 4, 2017 × (With inputs from ANI)

Captain Kohli turns 29, receives bouquet of wishes

New Zealand defeated India by 40 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday.

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat and set the target of 196/2 in 20 overs, courtesy Munro&#39;s unbeaten century, 109 in 58 balls.

India&#39;s chase began with a disastrous start as it openers returned to dug-out at the end of the second over, with 11 on the board.

At 67/4, wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni took the pitch and along with the skipper, Virat Kohli, steadied the ship. Both took the score to 123 when Kohli was caught behind on Mitchell Santner&#39;s ball.

Dhoni tried to redeem the innings, but with increasing asking rate it became seemingly impossible and the chase ended at 156/7.

New Zealand defeated India by 40 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday.

New Zealand defeated India by 40 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday. After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat and set the target of 196/2 in 20 overs, courtesy Munro's unbeaten century, 109 in 58 balls. India's chase began with a disastrous start as it openers returned to dug-out at the end of the second over, with 11 on the board. At 67/4, wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni took the pitch and along with the skipper, Virat Kohli, steadied the ship. Both took the score to 123 when Kohli was caught behind on Mitchell Santner's ball. Dhoni tried to redeem the innings, but with increasing asking rate it became seemingly impossible and the chase ended at 156/7.

New Zealand beats India by 40 runs

India captain Virat Kohli praised New Zealand for their impressive effort but also admitted that his batsmen &ldquo;were not good enough&rdquo; on the day as they lost the second T20 International by 40 runs.

&ldquo;Eventually, we were not good enough with the bat. When you are chasing 200, all the batsmen need to chip in, or one batsman has to keeping going at a 200 strike-rate. Tried to do my best. MS was very good at the end. But we were left with a very difficult task. It happens to a lot of batsmen, sometimes you are in good form, but you don&rsquo;t get enough balls. ,&rdquo; Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

&ldquo;I thought New Zealand were really good with the bat early on. We didn&rsquo;t take our chances, yes, but at once stage they were looking to get 235-240 and credit to Bumrah and Bhuvi to pull things back,&rdquo; Kohli praised the opposition.

Hardik Pandya has gone off the boil since the back end of the back-end of the Australian series but the skipper defended the talented all-rounder.

&ldquo;We back our batsmen though. We back Hardik, and its just a little glitch. After 13-14 overs, it gripped a bit. But we have no excuses, we weren&rsquo;t good enough with the bat. There wasn&rsquo;t any kind of dew. The ball got scuffed up [to help it turn].&rdquo;

Man of the Match Colin Munro said:&rdquo;A few chances (dropped catches) went my way and that&rsquo;s T20 cricket. Taken a while, I was here in the A trip. Felt good with the bat but kept getting out. I love batting at the top of the order.&rdquo;

He spoke to batting coach Craig McMillan about his plans.

&ldquo;I was talking with McMillan, and the times when I have premeditated is when I&rsquo;ve been trying to do too much. So I have just got to stay still and react to the ball.&rdquo;

Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was satisfied that they could turn the tables within one match.

&ldquo;I guess it was a contrasting performance from the last game. An improved performance on all sides, we need to keep doing this to beat India here and going on to the next game, we need to repeat this,&rdquo; Williamson said.

He lavished praise on Munro for his brilliant century.

&ldquo;Great partnership up at the top and obviously Munners getting a hundred was fantastic. When a batsman gets that many runs, the team will always get a big total,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Guptill and Bruce gave good support and the bowlers did really well to defend it. Whenever you watch a player similar to you perform, you want to emulate them and our two spinners did really well, they consistently came in to bowl tough overs and they bowled very very well,&rdquo; he added.

India captain Virat Kohli praised New Zealand for their impressive effort but also admitted that his batsmen ?were not good enough? on the day as they lost the second T20 International by 40 runs.

India captain Virat Kohli praised New Zealand for their impressive effort but also admitted that his batsmen “were not good enough” on the day as they lost the second T20 International by 40 runs. “Eventually, we were not good enough with the bat. When you are chasing 200, all the batsmen need to chip in, or one batsman has to keeping going at a 200 strike-rate. Tried to do my best. MS was very good at the end. But we were left with a very difficult task. It happens to a lot of batsmen, sometimes you are in good form, but you don’t get enough balls. ,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. “I thought New Zealand were really good with the bat early on. We didn’t take our chances, yes, but at once stage they were looking to get 235-240 and credit to Bumrah and Bhuvi to pull things back,” Kohli praised the opposition. Hardik Pandya has gone off the boil since the back end of the back-end of the Australian series but the skipper defended the talented all-rounder. “We back our batsmen though. We back Hardik, and its just a little glitch. After 13-14 overs, it gripped a bit. But we have no excuses, we weren’t good enough with the bat. There wasn’t any kind of dew. The ball got scuffed up [to help it turn].” Man of the Match Colin Munro said:”A few chances (dropped catches) went my way and that’s T20 cricket. Taken a while, I was here in the A trip. Felt good with the bat but kept getting out. I love batting at the top of the order.” He spoke to batting coach Craig McMillan about his plans. “I was talking with McMillan, and the times when I have premeditated is when I’ve been trying to do too much. So I have just got to stay still and react to the ball.” Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson was satisfied that they could turn the tables within one match. “I guess it was a contrasting performance from the last game. An improved performance on all sides, we need to keep doing this to beat India here and going on to the next game, we need to repeat this,” Williamson said. He lavished praise on Munro for his brilliant century. “Great partnership up at the top and obviously Munners getting a hundred was fantastic. When a batsman gets that many runs, the team will always get a big total,” he said. “Guptill and Bruce gave good support and the bowlers did really well to defend it. Whenever you watch a player similar to you perform, you want to emulate them and our two spinners did really well, they consistently came in to bowl tough overs and they bowled very very well,” he added.

We were not good enough with the bat, says Virat Kohli

Ashish Nehra bowled his last ball at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, also his home ground, where the Virat Kohli-led team thrashed New Zealand by 53 runs in the first of three Twenty20 internationals.

India&#39;s veteran speedster Ashish Nehra, who retired from all forms of cricket on Wednesday, said that he has no regrets in his 18-year-long cricket journey.

It was a historical day for India as they broke the spell against Kiwis to establish their first T20I win against them and also for Nehra as he bid adieu to his career on the ground where it all started.

&quot;It is an emotional moment. I am lucky that I bid adieu to cricket from my home ground. I still remember 1997, when I bowled my first over,&quot; Nehra told the media while recalling his cricket years.

The heavy-hearted &#39;Indian Cricket&#39;s Jon Snow&#39; said, &quot;It&#39;s not how you start, it is about how you finish. I don&#39;t think I can get better than this.&quot;

&quot;For me, those fifteen people inside are the most important. As long as they are asking me to play more and want me in the team, that what is most important for me. I am happy that they still value me,&quot; he further said.

The left-arm fast bowler had many hiccups in his almost 18-year-long cricket journey. The fast bowler has been hit with a long string of injuries right through his cricketing career. There were also years when he was not selected for the Indian team.

Talking about the years when he was not picked for the team, Nehra said, &quot;I never asked questions to team management and selectors. They didn&#39;t pick me, it was entirely their call. You can&#39;t blame someone for not picking you. But if you are good, your chance will come, but you have to be ready for it. I was ready for it. Now, I am playing for last two years, doing well and getting this kind of farewell. So maybe this is God&#39;s payback for my hard work.&quot;

Nehra said that he grabbed his chance with both the hands.

&quot;There were difficult times in between. For good six months in 2007, I didn&#39;t bowl a single ball even in the nets. I had ankle surgery and ten-eleven surgeries. It wasn&#39;t easy, but then I am a very content guy. I always see the positive things,&quot; he added.

The 38-year-old also said that India is more of a star-loving country than a sport-loving one.

&quot;I want to see people coming for Ranji trophies,&quot; Nehra said.

Asked about the captain under whom he played enjoying most, Nehra said, &quot;I never like to compare. I have played under Saurav Ganguly, M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli. Everybody is different, it is difficult to compare.&quot;

Talking about his future plans after retirement, the fast bowler said, &quot;I know only cricket. I haven&#39;t decided what I will do next. I will sit and relax and think.&quot;

The left-arm fast bowler made his international debut way back in 1999 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

He was also a part of the young Indian brigade that played the 2003 World Cup.

The mates bid adeau to the player and talking to twitter, Indian Cricket team captain, Virat Kohli wished Nehra luck for his future.

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Another good win and a complete team performance. ?????? 
Wishing Ashish bhaiya all the luck for everything in the future. It&#39;s been an honor sharing the field and the dressing room with you. ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NehraJi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NehraJi</a> <a href="https://t.co/hfCTHfo8rP">pic.twitter.com/hfCTHfo8rP</a>
&mdash; Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/925788929718145026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Virendra Sehwag also congratulated Nehra for a wonderful career.

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End of an era , Ashish Nehra. Congratulations on a fighting and wonderful career. Wish you the best , Ashish.
&mdash; Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/925772914632413184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Cricket legend Sachin tendulkar&nbsp;wished Nehra on his farewell.

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Great win, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>! Nice to see a well deserved farewell for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AshishNehra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AshishNehra</a>. Wish you &amp; your family the best of health &amp; happiness in life?? <a href="https://t.co/Ml9zFUWCpz">pic.twitter.com/Ml9zFUWCpz</a>
&mdash; sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt/status/925774530445901825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Harbhajan singh also congratulated&nbsp;Nehra for the win and wished him for his future.&nbsp;Also posted a picture of doing bhangra.

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Gud luck my bro <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashishnehra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashishnehra</a> playing his last game 2day.jus enjoy as we did in this pic aftr winning th World Cup2011. Bhangra khich <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/DDkqngSNf7">pic.twitter.com/DDkqngSNf7</a>
&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/925712954313523200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Indian star bid adieu from the game with a tally of 235 wickets from 164 matches across all the formats in international cricket.

Ashish Nehra bowled his last ball at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, also his home ground, where the Virat Kohli-led team thrashed New Zealand by 53 runs in the first of three Twenty20 internationals. India's veteran speedster Ashish Nehra, who retired from all forms of cricket on Wednesday, said that he has no regrets in his 18-year-long cricket journey. It was a historical day for India as they broke the spell against Kiwis to establish their first T20I win against them and also for Nehra as he bid adieu to his career on the ground where it all started. "It is an emotional moment. I am lucky that I bid adieu to cricket from my home ground. I still remember 1997, when I bowled my first over," Nehra told the media while recalling his cricket years. The heavy-hearted 'Indian Cricket's Jon Snow' said, "It's not how you start, it is about how you finish. I don't think I can get better than this." "For me, those fifteen people inside are the most important. As long as they are asking me to play more and want me in the team, that what is most important for me. I am happy that they still value me," he further said. The left-arm fast bowler had many hiccups in his almost 18-year-long cricket journey. The fast bowler has been hit with a long string of injuries right through his cricketing career. There were also years when he was not selected for the Indian team. Talking about the years when he was not picked for the team, Nehra said, "I never asked questions to team management and selectors. They didn't pick me, it was entirely their call. You can't blame someone for not picking you. But if you are good, your chance will come, but you have to be ready for it. I was ready for it. Now, I am playing for last two years, doing well and getting this kind of farewell. So maybe this is God's payback for my hard work." Nehra said that he grabbed his chance with both the hands. "There were difficult times in between. For good six months in 2007, I didn't bowl a single ball even in the nets. I had ankle surgery and ten-eleven surgeries. It wasn't easy, but then I am a very content guy. I always see the positive things," he added. The 38-year-old also said that India is more of a star-loving country than a sport-loving one. "I want to see people coming for Ranji trophies," Nehra said. Asked about the captain under whom he played enjoying most, Nehra said, "I never like to compare. I have played under Saurav Ganguly, M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli. Everybody is different, it is difficult to compare." Talking about his future plans after retirement, the fast bowler said, "I know only cricket. I haven't decided what I will do next. I will sit and relax and think." The left-arm fast bowler made his international debut way back in 1999 against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He was also a part of the young Indian brigade that played the 2003 World Cup. The mates bid adeau to the player and talking to twitter, Indian Cricket team captain, Virat Kohli wished Nehra luck for his future. Another good win and a complete team performance. ?????? Wishing Ashish bhaiya all the luck for everything in the future. It's been an honor sharing the field and the dressing room with you. ???? @BCCI #INDvNZ #NehraJi pic.twitter.com/hfCTHfo8rP — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 1, 2017 × Virendra Sehwag also congratulated Nehra for a wonderful career. End of an era , Ashish Nehra. Congratulations on a fighting and wonderful career. Wish you the best , Ashish. — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 1, 2017 × Cricket legend Sachin tendulkar wished Nehra on his farewell. Great win, #TeamIndia! Nice to see a well deserved farewell for #AshishNehra. Wish you & your family the best of health & happiness in life?? pic.twitter.com/Ml9zFUWCpz — sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 1, 2017 × Harbhajan singh also congratulated Nehra for the win and wished him for his future. Also posted a picture of doing bhangra. Gud luck my bro #Ashishnehra playing his last game 2day.jus enjoy as we did in this pic aftr winning th World Cup2011. Bhangra khich @BCCI pic.twitter.com/DDkqngSNf7 — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) November 1, 2017 × The Indian star bid adieu from the game with a tally of 235 wickets from 164 matches across all the formats in international cricket.

Ashish Nehra bowled his last ball from home ground

India came up trumps in a battle of nerves against a gutsy New Zealand to win the all-important third ODI by six runs and clinch their seventh successive bilateral series by 2-1 margin on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma (147 of 138) and Virat Kohli (113 of&nbsp;106) conjured up classy hundreds to fire India to a record 337 for six after being put into bat.

The target was imposing but New Zealand fought gamely through Colin Munro (75 off 62), Kane Williamson (64 off 84) and Tom Latham (65 off 52) before being restricted to 331 for 7 in the wake of some fine death bowling by Jasprit Bumrah.

For the better part of the match, Indian bowlers dished out an ordinary bowling performance but bounced back when it mattered the most&nbsp;in the final three overs.

Required to defend 15 runs in the final over, &#39;King of Death&#39; Bumrah (3/47 in 10 overs) delivered yet again and conceded only eight runs in the 50th over. More importantly, he bowled an astounding 32 dot balls in his 10-over spell. 
It seemed it was game on with the flying start provided left-hand opener Munro.

He set the tone for the daunting task on the very first ball he face, flicking Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a monstrous six over midwicket.

Three more fours including the one from overthrow were to follow in the first over of the innings that went for 19 runs. The in-form Kumar had an off day as he leaked 92 runs from his 10 overs.

While his opening partner Martin Guptill (10) fell cheaply again, Munro and Kane Williamson (64) kept the visitors very much in the hunt with a 109-stand off 105 balls.

The pair batted with supreme confidence on a flat surface, especially Munro who was not afraid to switch hit and charge down against the spinners. It was also a knock of substance from Williamson, who had not fired in the series until tonight.

The two had taken New Zealand to 152 for one in 24 overs before under pressure India bounced back in the match with Yuzvendra Chahal removing the set batsmen. Their fall stopped the run flow and the required run rate per over went beyond eight, leaving the heroes of Mumbai Ross Taylor and Latham a lot to do.

They batted well, completing a 79-run partnership off 69 balls with their team needing 91 off the last 10 overs.

Latham carried on and played flawless to take his team to the brink of victory alongside Henry Nicholls before nerves got the better of them during the business end of the innings.

Earlier, Sharma and Kohli, who became the first ever pairing to complete four double hundred partnerships in ODIs, were simply unstoppable against a New Zealand bowling attack that looked pretty ordinary on the day.

Their spectacular showing also helped India comfortably beat the previous highest score at Green Park, 303 for five that South Africa made against them two years ago.

The destructive duo was in complete control ever since Shikhar Dhawan (14) departed in the seventh over and ended up with a record breaking 230-run stand off 211 balls.

While Kohli had already hit a fine hundred in the series opener, Sharma rose to the occasion after failing in the first two games after New Zealand put the home team in.

The last time he played an ODI here, he made 150, and two years on, the stylish-right hander from Mumbai gave the packed crowd an evening to remember for a long time.

There are not many prettier sights in cricket than seeing Sharma bat in full flow. And he did look in fine form right from the time he slashed a gentle loosener off Tim Southee over point in the first over of the match.

The Kanpur pitch, usually slow and low, played well with the ball coming on to the bat nicely. The signs were ominous for the opposition when Sharma easily picked pacer Adam Milne for a huge six over midwicket.

He gave the same treatment to left-arm spinner Santner in his first over, collecting two boundaries with a cut and sweep before getting to his 50 off 52 balls.

Kohli, on his part, began with two crisp boundaries off Southee, one through the covers and the next one a whip over midwicket. 
&nbsp;

This was India's seventh successive bilateral series win

India came up trumps in a battle of nerves against a gutsy New Zealand to win the all-important third ODI by six runs and clinch their seventh successive bilateral series by 2-1 margin on Sunday. Rohit Sharma (147 of 138) and Virat Kohli (113 of 106) conjured up classy hundreds to fire India to a record 337 for six after being put into bat. The target was imposing but New Zealand fought gamely through Colin Munro (75 off 62), Kane Williamson (64 off 84) and Tom Latham (65 off 52) before being restricted to 331 for 7 in the wake of some fine death bowling by Jasprit Bumrah. For the better part of the match, Indian bowlers dished out an ordinary bowling performance but bounced back when it mattered the most in the final three overs. Required to defend 15 runs in the final over, 'King of Death' Bumrah (3/47 in 10 overs) delivered yet again and conceded only eight runs in the 50th over. More importantly, he bowled an astounding 32 dot balls in his 10-over spell. It seemed it was game on with the flying start provided left-hand opener Munro. He set the tone for the daunting task on the very first ball he face, flicking Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a monstrous six over midwicket. Three more fours including the one from overthrow were to follow in the first over of the innings that went for 19 runs. The in-form Kumar had an off day as he leaked 92 runs from his 10 overs. While his opening partner Martin Guptill (10) fell cheaply again, Munro and Kane Williamson (64) kept the visitors very much in the hunt with a 109-stand off 105 balls. The pair batted with supreme confidence on a flat surface, especially Munro who was not afraid to switch hit and charge down against the spinners. It was also a knock of substance from Williamson, who had not fired in the series until tonight. The two had taken New Zealand to 152 for one in 24 overs before under pressure India bounced back in the match with Yuzvendra Chahal removing the set batsmen. Their fall stopped the run flow and the required run rate per over went beyond eight, leaving the heroes of Mumbai Ross Taylor and Latham a lot to do. They batted well, completing a 79-run partnership off 69 balls with their team needing 91 off the last 10 overs. Latham carried on and played flawless to take his team to the brink of victory alongside Henry Nicholls before nerves got the better of them during the business end of the innings. Earlier, Sharma and Kohli, who became the first ever pairing to complete four double hundred partnerships in ODIs, were simply unstoppable against a New Zealand bowling attack that looked pretty ordinary on the day. Their spectacular showing also helped India comfortably beat the previous highest score at Green Park, 303 for five that South Africa made against them two years ago. The destructive duo was in complete control ever since Shikhar Dhawan (14) departed in the seventh over and ended up with a record breaking 230-run stand off 211 balls. While Kohli had already hit a fine hundred in the series opener, Sharma rose to the occasion after failing in the first two games after New Zealand put the home team in. The last time he played an ODI here, he made 150, and two years on, the stylish-right hander from Mumbai gave the packed crowd an evening to remember for a long time. There are not many prettier sights in cricket than seeing Sharma bat in full flow. And he did look in fine form right from the time he slashed a gentle loosener off Tim Southee over point in the first over of the match. The Kanpur pitch, usually slow and low, played well with the ball coming on to the bat nicely. The signs were ominous for the opposition when Sharma easily picked pacer Adam Milne for a huge six over midwicket. He gave the same treatment to left-arm spinner Santner in his first over, collecting two boundaries with a cut and sweep before getting to his 50 off 52 balls. Kohli, on his part, began with two crisp boundaries off Southee, one through the covers and the next one a whip over midwicket.

India beat New Zealand by six runs, clinch ODI series 2-1

The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived here, eight years after they suffered a gun and grenade attack, under heavy security to play the final Twenty20 International of a three-match series against Pakistan.

International cricket was suspended in Pakistan after the 2009 gun attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which left eight people killed and seven visiting players and their staff members injured.

Upon their arrival here last night, the Sri Lankan players and the officials were straightaway taken to a five- star hotel in a bomb-proof bus with hundreds of elite police commandos and the paramilitary rangers providing high-level security.

Several Lankan players and officials, including the survivors who came under gunfire in 2009 and their head coach, had opted out of the Twenty20 fixture after some voiced concern about security.

The 24-member strong Sri Lankan contingent became the first major international team to visit the country since the incident.

In the last eight years, Pakistan have only managed to get minnows Zimbabwe to tour Lahore in 2015, besides hosting the final of Pakistan Super League and a three-match Twenty20 series against a World XI, comprised of players from seven countries, earlier this year.

The attack on the Sri Lankan team led to international teams refusing to tour Pakistan and the ICC also relocated all matches of the 2011 World Cup, which were to be held in Pakistan, because no one was willing to play in the country.

Sri Lanka has played two Tests, five One-day Internationals and the first two Twenty20 matches of the series in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan&#39;s neutral venue since 2009.

But Sri Lanka agreed to travel to Pakistan for the third and final T20 match.

An hour before the Sri Lankans arrived from Abu Dhabi, the Pakistan team had also reached the city from Dubai.

Besides the team and officials, Sri Lanka&#39;s sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala are also on the tour.

They were all greeted by fully armed elite commandos, Inspector-General of Punjab police, the Lahore Mayor, top ranking Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and other government dignitaries on the runaway and within no time were whisked away in bulletproof vehicles to their hotel from the terminal.

All the roads from the airport to the hotel were sealed off and one hour before the Sri Lankan team was due to land, the security forces had cordoned off all entrances and exit points at the airport.

Mobile phone services were also temporarily suspended in the area, where the hotel is located.&nbsp;

The 24-member strong Sri Lankan contingent became the first major international team to visit the country since the 2009 gun attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore

The Sri Lankan cricket team arrived here, eight years after they suffered a gun and grenade attack, under heavy security to play the final Twenty20 International of a three-match series against Pakistan. International cricket was suspended in Pakistan after the 2009 gun attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which left eight people killed and seven visiting players and their staff members injured. Upon their arrival here last night, the Sri Lankan players and the officials were straightaway taken to a five- star hotel in a bomb-proof bus with hundreds of elite police commandos and the paramilitary rangers providing high-level security. Several Lankan players and officials, including the survivors who came under gunfire in 2009 and their head coach, had opted out of the Twenty20 fixture after some voiced concern about security. The 24-member strong Sri Lankan contingent became the first major international team to visit the country since the incident. In the last eight years, Pakistan have only managed to get minnows Zimbabwe to tour Lahore in 2015, besides hosting the final of Pakistan Super League and a three-match Twenty20 series against a World XI, comprised of players from seven countries, earlier this year. The attack on the Sri Lankan team led to international teams refusing to tour Pakistan and the ICC also relocated all matches of the 2011 World Cup, which were to be held in Pakistan, because no one was willing to play in the country. Sri Lanka has played two Tests, five One-day Internationals and the first two Twenty20 matches of the series in the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan's neutral venue since 2009. But Sri Lanka agreed to travel to Pakistan for the third and final T20 match. An hour before the Sri Lankans arrived from Abu Dhabi, the Pakistan team had also reached the city from Dubai. Besides the team and officials, Sri Lanka's sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala are also on the tour. They were all greeted by fully armed elite commandos, Inspector-General of Punjab police, the Lahore Mayor, top ranking Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials and other government dignitaries on the runaway and within no time were whisked away in bulletproof vehicles to their hotel from the terminal. All the roads from the airport to the hotel were sealed off and one hour before the Sri Lankan team was due to land, the security forces had cordoned off all entrances and exit points at the airport. Mobile phone services were also temporarily suspended in the area, where the hotel is located.

After 8 years, Sri Lankan cricket team arrive in Lahore amid tight security

<a href="https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket">Harbhajan Singh</a>,&nbsp;India&#39;s star off-spinner, gave a strong reply to former IPS officer who questioned lack of Muslims in the national cricket team.

Bhatt, who was sacked by the state govenment in 2015, tweeted on Sunday,&nbsp;&quot;Are there any muslim players in the Indian cricket team?&quot;&nbsp;expressing doubt on&nbsp;BCCI&#39;s selection process and creating controversy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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&mdash; Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) (@sanjivbhatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjivbhatt/status/922160979244343296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Well known as the &#39;Turbanator&#39;, Harbhajan&nbsp;took to Twitter to voice his opinion.&nbsp;&quot;Be it&nbsp;hindu, muslim or sikh, every player in the Indian cricket team is an Indian, their caste and&nbsp;colour should not be talked about,&quot; he said in his tweet&nbsp;which got over 8,000 likes.&nbsp;

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&mdash; Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) <a href="https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/922332390986358784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2017</a></blockquote>
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BCCI selectors announced the team&nbsp;for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand on Monday which also included Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, which Bhatt failed to notice.

&nbsp;

Harbhajan Singh,?India's star off-spinner, came on strong to defend the Indian cricket team?as?former IPS officer questioned the?lack of Muslims in the?national team.

Harbhajan Singh, India's star off-spinner, gave a strong reply to former IPS officer who questioned lack of Muslims in the national cricket team. Bhatt, who was sacked by the state govenment in 2015, tweeted on Sunday, "Are there any muslim players in the Indian cricket team?" expressing doubt on BCCI's selection process and creating controversy. ???? ?? ??? ?????? ??????? ??? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ?? ? ?????? ?? ?? ?? ??? ????? ??? ??? ?? ???? ?? ???????... https://t.co/Nb6ufi71qX — Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) (@sanjivbhatt) October 22, 2017 × Well known as the 'Turbanator', Harbhajan took to Twitter to voice his opinion. "Be it hindu, muslim or sikh, every player in the Indian cricket team is an Indian, their caste and colour should not be talked about," he said in his tweet which got over 8,000 likes. ????? ??????? ??? ???? ??? ??? ?? ???? ??????? ??? ??? ????? ???? ?? ??????? ??????????? ?? ???? ??? ?? ??? ?? ??? ???? ???? ????? (?? ????) https://t.co/UVvSHaLJdY — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 23, 2017 × BCCI selectors announced the team for the three-match T20I series against New Zealand on Monday which also included Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami, which Bhatt failed to notice.

'Every cricket player is a Hindustani': Harbhajan's terse reply to ex-IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt

Danushka Gunathilaka&#39;s ban from six limited-overs matches for misconduct during the home series against India has been cut by half following an appeal by the Sri Lankan all-rounder, the country&#39;s cricket board said on Tuesday.

The remaining three matches will be part of a suspended sentence over a one-year period, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

Gunathilaka was suspended and fined 20 percent of his annual fee this month after a complaint by Sri Lanka team manager Asanka Gurusinha. Local media reported the 26-year-old had missed a training session.

&quot;The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday decided to revise the suspension imposed on Dhanushka Gunathilaka upon consideration of the appeal made on behalf of Gunathilaka by the Sinhalese Sports Club,&quot; SLC said.

Gunathilaka, who has played one test and 28 ODIs, pleaded guilty to the charges and missed Sri Lanka&#39;s one-day series against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka lost all three tests, five one-dayers and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-beat-sri-lanka-by-7-wickets-in-one-off-t20-19943" target="_blank">the one-off Twenty20 international against India.</a>

Danushka Gunathilaka's ban from matches for misconduct during the home series against India has been cut off by half after appeal by the Sri Lankan all-rounder

Danushka Gunathilaka's ban from six limited-overs matches for misconduct during the home series against India has been cut by half following an appeal by the Sri Lankan all-rounder, the country's cricket board said on Tuesday. The remaining three matches will be part of a suspended sentence over a one-year period, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. Gunathilaka was suspended and fined 20 percent of his annual fee this month after a complaint by Sri Lanka team manager Asanka Gurusinha. Local media reported the 26-year-old had missed a training session. "The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday decided to revise the suspension imposed on Dhanushka Gunathilaka upon consideration of the appeal made on behalf of Gunathilaka by the Sinhalese Sports Club," SLC said. Gunathilaka, who has played one test and 28 ODIs, pleaded guilty to the charges and missed Sri Lanka's one-day series against Pakistan. Sri Lanka lost all three tests, five one-dayers and the one-off Twenty20 international against India.

Gunathilaka's six-match ban reduced by half on appeal

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has hailed the contribution of veteran spinner Rangana Herath who led the side to a dramatic 21-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

With Pakistan chasing 136 for victory, the 39-year-old left arm spinner showed his class with a match-winning six for 43 in the second innings for a match haul of 11 wickets.

Herath also became the oldest bowler to reach 400 wickets in the longest format of the game on Monday.

&quot;I just want him throughout my career,&quot; Chandimal told reporters after the win at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-photos-india-wins-match-against-sri-lanka-420#photo-24212" target="_blank">Also Watch:&nbsp;Best moments from India vs Sri Lanka ODI</a>

&quot;I have no idea how long he is going to play, but I am sure he will do what he can for the team. He is a wily old fox and I have to say Rangana is a team man and an asset to the team,&quot; the Lankan skipper said.

&quot;He is supportive of me and the players, with what he has learnt from cricket. Every young player goes to talk to him about his bowling and experiences,&quot;&nbsp;he added.

Following a 3-0 home drubbing at the hands of India in August, Chandimal was particularly pleased with the way his players responded to the challenge against Pakistan.

It was their first away test win against a higher-ranked opposition since June 2014.

&quot;As a team, we were below par in our performances (against India), but we have waited for this win and finally we got it. Credit goes to all the players,&quot; the skipper added.

&quot;They played some really good cricket and I&#39;m sure this can continue throughout the series. We did more work on our fitness and fielding, and discipline,&quot; Chandimal felt.

&quot;Everyone put their heart and soul into the practices, and the management put lots of hard work in,&quot; he said.

The second and final Test of the series will be a day-night affair in Dubai starting on Friday.

Dinesh Chandimal has hailed the contribution of veteran spinner Rangana Herath who led the side to a dramatic 21-run victory over Pakistan in the first test in Abu Dhabi

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has hailed the contribution of veteran spinner Rangana Herath who led the side to a dramatic 21-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi. With Pakistan chasing 136 for victory, the 39-year-old left arm spinner showed his class with a match-winning six for 43 in the second innings for a match haul of 11 wickets. Herath also became the oldest bowler to reach 400 wickets in the longest format of the game on Monday. "I just want him throughout my career," Chandimal told reporters after the win at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Also Watch: Best moments from India vs Sri Lanka ODI "I have no idea how long he is going to play, but I am sure he will do what he can for the team. He is a wily old fox and I have to say Rangana is a team man and an asset to the team," the Lankan skipper said. "He is supportive of me and the players, with what he has learnt from cricket. Every young player goes to talk to him about his bowling and experiences," he added. Following a 3-0 home drubbing at the hands of India in August, Chandimal was particularly pleased with the way his players responded to the challenge against Pakistan. It was their first away test win against a higher-ranked opposition since June 2014. "As a team, we were below par in our performances (against India), but we have waited for this win and finally we got it. Credit goes to all the players," the skipper added. "They played some really good cricket and I'm sure this can continue throughout the series. We did more work on our fitness and fielding, and discipline," Chandimal felt. "Everyone put their heart and soul into the practices, and the management put lots of hard work in," he said. The second and final Test of the series will be a day-night affair in Dubai starting on Friday.

Herath a wily old fox: Lankan skipper

Dharamvir Duggal a resident of Chandigarh has over 500 signed autographed bats of several international crickets which he has been collecting since the 70s.

Duggal has now applied for entry into Guinness book of World Records.

The bats have been signed by cricketing legends including Brian Lara, Gary Sobers, Lala Amarnath, Richards among other, however, the signature of Mohammad Jahangir Khan - a member of the first Indian Test team that played against England in 1932 - is his prized possession.

Duggal began working on his passion for autographed bats by writing to players and often got written replies which he began preserving, later as his collection grew he began taking it more seriously. 
&nbsp;

The bats have been signed by cricketing legends including Brian Lara, Gary Sobers, Lala Amarnath, Richards among other

Dharamvir Duggal a resident of Chandigarh has over 500 signed autographed bats of several international crickets which he has been collecting since the 70s. Duggal has now applied for entry into Guinness book of World Records. The bats have been signed by cricketing legends including Brian Lara, Gary Sobers, Lala Amarnath, Richards among other, however, the signature of Mohammad Jahangir Khan - a member of the first Indian Test team that played against England in 1932 - is his prized possession. Duggal began working on his passion for autographed bats by writing to players and often got written replies which he began preserving, later as his collection grew he began taking it more seriously.

Watch: Meet Dharamvir Duggal who has over 500 autographed cricket bats

Australia&#39;s David Warner celebrated his 100th one-day international century in today&#39;s match against India. He made 124 runs from 119 balls &nbsp;He beats Virat Kohli&#39;s record with this milestone.&nbsp;Warner is the first Australian player to reach this milestone. 
 
The vice-captain of the team gave the spectators an exuberant after they won the toss and chose to bat. The team set a target of 335 for India. With 334/5, Australia went past the 300-mark for the first time in four ODIs. 
 
Australia is playing the fourth match for pride after losing the first three games in the five-match series.

Warner, who smashed 124, put together a 231-run opening stand in partnership with Aaron Finch to pulverize the Indian bowling attack at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. 
 
The left-handed Warner hit 12 fours and 4 sixes during his 119-ball innings. It was&nbsp;his 14th ODI century since making his debut at Hobart in 2009.&nbsp;

The batsman got to his milestone with a boundary off part-time spinner Kedar Jadhav, jumping for joy as the runs were marked up. He later fell to Jadhav&#39;s off-spin and walked off to a standing ovation. 
 
The 30-year-old Warner is the eight batsman in world cricket to register a ton in his 100th ODI with West Indies&#39; Gordon Greenidge being the first against Pakistan in 1988.

Warner&#39;s opening partner missed out on completing his consecutive century by barely 6 runs. Finch gave out the ball right off paceman Umesh Yadav into Azar Patel&#39;s hands at mid-on region. Finch hit 10 fours and 3 sixes in his 96-ball knock. 
 
Indian right-hand bowler Umesh Yadav secured his 100th ODI wicket when he dismissed Australian captain Steve Smith.

Australia is playing for pride after losing the first three games

Australia's David Warner celebrated his 100th one-day international century in today's match against India. He made 124 runs from 119 balls He beats Virat Kohli's record with this milestone. Warner is the first Australian player to reach this milestone. The vice-captain of the team gave the spectators an exuberant after they won the toss and chose to bat. The team set a target of 335 for India. With 334/5, Australia went past the 300-mark for the first time in four ODIs. Australia is playing the fourth match for pride after losing the first three games in the five-match series. Warner, who smashed 124, put together a 231-run opening stand in partnership with Aaron Finch to pulverize the Indian bowling attack at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. The left-handed Warner hit 12 fours and 4 sixes during his 119-ball innings. It was his 14th ODI century since making his debut at Hobart in 2009. The batsman got to his milestone with a boundary off part-time spinner Kedar Jadhav, jumping for joy as the runs were marked up. He later fell to Jadhav's off-spin and walked off to a standing ovation. The 30-year-old Warner is the eight batsman in world cricket to register a ton in his 100th ODI with West Indies' Gordon Greenidge being the first against Pakistan in 1988. Warner's opening partner missed out on completing his consecutive century by barely 6 runs. Finch gave out the ball right off paceman Umesh Yadav into Azar Patel's hands at mid-on region. Finch hit 10 fours and 3 sixes in his 96-ball knock. Indian right-hand bowler Umesh Yadav secured his 100th ODI wicket when he dismissed Australian captain Steve Smith.

4th ODI: Australia makes 334/5 against India, Warner sparkles with 14th century

Players being sent off for misconduct is all set to become a reality in cricket with the ICC&#39;s revamped playing rules, which will be effective in all series starting September 28 or later.

The significant changes also include a restriction on the dimensions of the bat and changes to the Decision Review System. However, the ongoing India-Australia limited-overs series will continue to be played as per the old rules.

All of these rules will come into effect from the two upcoming Test series -- when South Africa host Bangladesh and Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates.

The ICC playing conditions will now incorporate the relevant clauses from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket - 2017 Code - meaning that all the playing regulations will be captured in one document for each format.

&quot;Most of the changes to the ICC playing conditions are being made as a result of changes to the Laws of Cricket that have been announced by the MCC. We have just completed a workshop with the umpires to ensure they understand all of the changes and we are now ready to introduce the new playing conditions to international matches,&quot; ICC General Manager (Cricket) Geoff Allardice said.

To maintain the balance between bat and ball, the size of the edges of the bats, as well as their thickness, will now be restricted.

&quot;The restriction on the length and width of bats remain unchanged but the thickness of the edges can&#39;t be more than 40mm and the overall depth can be 67 mm at the most. Umpires will be issued with a new bat gauge, which they can use to check a bat&#39;s legality,&quot; the ICC stated.

In a new playing condition pertaining to players&#39; conduct, a player can now be sent off the field for the rest of the match for any serious misconduct.&quot;Meaning it will apply to Level 4 offences while the Level 1 to 3 offences will continue to be dealt with under the ICC Code of Conduct,&quot; it said.

&quot;Threatening to assault an umpire, making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire, physically assaulting a player or any other person and committing any other act of violence all constitute Level 4 offences,&quot; it added.

Also, in the new the DRS rules a review will now not be lost in case of a decision that remains unchanged, solely as the result of an &#39;umpire&#39;s call&#39;.

&quot;As for DRS in Test matches, there will be no more top-up reviews after 80 overs of an innings, meaning that there can only be two unsuccessful reviews in each innings, while the DRS will now also be allowed to be used in T20Is.&quot;

&quot;An important change with respect to runouts is that if a batsman is running or diving towards the crease with forward momentum, and has grounded his/her bat behind the popping crease but subsequently lost contact with the ground at the time of the wickets being put down, the batsman will not be run out.&quot;

The same interpretation will also apply for a batsman trying to regain his/her ground to avoid being stumped.

For boundary catches, airborne fielders making their first contact with the ball will need to have taken off from within the boundary, otherwise, a boundary will be scored. 
Besides, a batsman can now be out caught, stumped or run out even if the ball bounces off the helmet worn by a fielder or wicket-keeper.&nbsp;

The significant changes also include a restriction on the dimensions of the bat and changes to the Decision Review System

Players being sent off for misconduct is all set to become a reality in cricket with the ICC's revamped playing rules, which will be effective in all series starting September 28 or later. The significant changes also include a restriction on the dimensions of the bat and changes to the Decision Review System. However, the ongoing India-Australia limited-overs series will continue to be played as per the old rules. All of these rules will come into effect from the two upcoming Test series -- when South Africa host Bangladesh and Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates. The ICC playing conditions will now incorporate the relevant clauses from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws of Cricket - 2017 Code - meaning that all the playing regulations will be captured in one document for each format. "Most of the changes to the ICC playing conditions are being made as a result of changes to the Laws of Cricket that have been announced by the MCC. We have just completed a workshop with the umpires to ensure they understand all of the changes and we are now ready to introduce the new playing conditions to international matches," ICC General Manager (Cricket) Geoff Allardice said. To maintain the balance between bat and ball, the size of the edges of the bats, as well as their thickness, will now be restricted. "The restriction on the length and width of bats remain unchanged but the thickness of the edges can't be more than 40mm and the overall depth can be 67 mm at the most. Umpires will be issued with a new bat gauge, which they can use to check a bat's legality," the ICC stated. In a new playing condition pertaining to players' conduct, a player can now be sent off the field for the rest of the match for any serious misconduct."Meaning it will apply to Level 4 offences while the Level 1 to 3 offences will continue to be dealt with under the ICC Code of Conduct," it said. "Threatening to assault an umpire, making inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with an umpire, physically assaulting a player or any other person and committing any other act of violence all constitute Level 4 offences," it added. Also, in the new the DRS rules a review will now not be lost in case of a decision that remains unchanged, solely as the result of an 'umpire's call'. "As for DRS in Test matches, there will be no more top-up reviews after 80 overs of an innings, meaning that there can only be two unsuccessful reviews in each innings, while the DRS will now also be allowed to be used in T20Is." "An important change with respect to runouts is that if a batsman is running or diving towards the crease with forward momentum, and has grounded his/her bat behind the popping crease but subsequently lost contact with the ground at the time of the wickets being put down, the batsman will not be run out." The same interpretation will also apply for a batsman trying to regain his/her ground to avoid being stumped. For boundary catches, airborne fielders making their first contact with the ball will need to have taken off from within the boundary, otherwise, a boundary will be scored. Besides, a batsman can now be out caught, stumped or run out even if the ball bounces off the helmet worn by a fielder or wicket-keeper.

Players being sent off for misconduct: ICC's new rules to come into effect Thursday

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne said he was &quot;shocked&quot; to be accused of assaulting an adult entertainment actress in a London nightclub after he was cleared of all allegations.

Spin wizard Warne, 48, was questioned but subsequently released without charge, police said.

&quot;I was shocked to read the media stories circulating earlier today concerning a false allegation of assault,&quot; said Warne in a statement.

&quot;I have fully co-operated with the police, and they have now had the opportunity of seeing CCTV and speaking to witnesses.

&quot;The police have confirmed to me that I have been cleared of the allegation and that no further action will be taken. This is now the end of the matter.&quot;

Actress and model Valerie Fox had posted pictures of an apparent eye injury in the early hours of Saturday with the caption &quot;Proud of yourself? Hitting a woman? Vile creature.&quot;

Actress and model Valerie Fox had posted pictures of an apparent eye injury in the early hours of Saturday with the caption 'Proud of yourself? Hitting a woman? Vile creature'

Australian cricket legend Shane Warne said he was "shocked" to be accused of assaulting an adult entertainment actress in a London nightclub after he was cleared of all allegations. Spin wizard Warne, 48, was questioned but subsequently released without charge, police said. "I was shocked to read the media stories circulating earlier today concerning a false allegation of assault," said Warne in a statement. "I have fully co-operated with the police, and they have now had the opportunity of seeing CCTV and speaking to witnesses. "The police have confirmed to me that I have been cleared of the allegation and that no further action will be taken. This is now the end of the matter." Actress and model Valerie Fox had posted pictures of an apparent eye injury in the early hours of Saturday with the caption "Proud of yourself? Hitting a woman? Vile creature."

Cricket: Warne cleared over actress assault allegation

As&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;erupted in ecstasy over a breathtaking cricket win against India this summer, five-year-old Noeen lay dying in the country&#39;s northwest, the tiny victim of an often deadly tradition: celebratory gunfire.

Unloading a few rounds into the air is a well-established custom to celebrate weddings, religious ceremonies and sporting victories in turbulent&nbsp;Pakistan, where firearms stuff black markets along the Afghan border and gun crime is rife in its major cities.

Following&nbsp;Pakistan&#39;s trouncing of arch-rival India during the Champions Trophy in June at least two people were killed and hundreds wounded in the ensuing celebrations as cricket fans fired gunshots into the air nationwide.

In Nowshera, in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the country&#39;s tribal belt, Laeeq Shah was with his son as the festivities kicked off in the park when a stray bullet struck the five-year-old in the head.

The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital in Peshawar where he battled for close to 60 hours in a coma before succumbing to his wounds.

&quot;One can ruin the house of another unknowingly,&quot; says Shah.

In the tribal northwest, Pakistan&#39;s obsession with guns is particularly visible, with firearms cheaper than smartphones and most men traveling armed. Weapons are so ubiquitous they are almost seen as jewelry.

Pakistan&#39;s deeply rooted gun culture was exacerbated further in the 1980s after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan when the US and Saudi Arabia began funneling weapons to Mujahideen fighters battling communist forces across the border.

The deluge of arms into the region gave rise to what was later labelled &quot;Kalashnikov culture&quot;, with automatic weapons readily available in gun bazaars across the country fuelling militancy in&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;long after the Soviet war ended.

Kalashnikovs and military-grade weapons soon replaced the bolt-action and flintlock rifles of old at social functions, with revelers spraying bursts of automatic fire into the air to celebrate weddings and sporting victories.

But the time-honoured tradition has come at a fatal price.

- Deadly tradition -

While there&#39;s no official number of the deaths caused by stray bullets, authorities say hundreds have likely been killed over the years.

After his son&#39;s death Shah decided to act. In the deeply religious area, he canvassed mosques and called on religious leaders to instruct their communities at Friday prayers to abandon the tradition.

&quot;In the past, people use to celebrate with aerial firing because we had open fields,&quot; explains Shah.

&quot;Now every bullet fired in the air will hit someone and no one is certain it will land in an open place.&quot;

Local authorities have also taken up the mantle, with police in Nowshera and other districts distributing pamphlets and posters along with pushing community engagement initiatives to combat the scourge. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;We cannot control this curse without public support,&quot; Sajjad Khan, a senior police official, told AFP.

Peshawar police chief Tahir Khan called on would-be revelers to consider donating the money they would spend on ammunition to charity rather than firing volleys into the sky.

&quot;It cost 60 to 70 rupees for one round, we can spend this money on the poor,&quot; &nbsp;said Khan.

In&nbsp;Pakistan, a license is required to possess a gun, while special permits are needed to carry large caliber weapons and automatic rifles.&nbsp;

But the status quo could yet change, with newly elected Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi vowing to crack down on the possession of automatic weapons as he was sworn in last month

As is stands, people caught firing guns into the air are fined up to 1,000 rupees for the offence, according to the mayor of Peshawar&#39;s Nothia Qadeem neighbourhood Safdar Khan Baghi -- but the rule remains loosely enforced

In an effort to combat the spread of the country&#39;s gun culture, provincial authorities across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;have passed a raft of measures over the years banning the sale of toys resembling weapons to children.

However, a recent visit to Peshawar found the city&#39;s largest bazaar full of toy replicas resembling pistols and Kalashnikovs.

&quot;The government has banned the selling of toy guns, they say it distorts the minds of kids, so better to give them pens or any other toys,&quot; said shopkeeper Sharif Khan.

&quot;But the kids have no other alternative, nothing else is available to play with.&quot; &nbsp;

In the Shah household, the damage has been done.

Following their son&#39;s death, Shah said the family removed all of Noeen&#39;s belongings - shoes, school bags, and clothes - from their home.&nbsp;

It was just too painful to be reminded of the loss.

Shah says his wife still suffers from post-traumatic stress, while his daughter struggles to understand why guns are necessary for celebrations.

&quot;Why do people celebrate with aerial firing?&quot; asks Noeen&#39;s sister Warisha.&nbsp;

&quot;If you are happy then just say thanks to Allah.&quot;

As Pakistan erupted in ecstasy over a breathtaking cricket win against India this summer, five-year-old Noeen lay dying in the country's northwest, the tiny victim of an often deadly tradition: celebratory gunfire

As Pakistan erupted in ecstasy over a breathtaking cricket win against India this summer, five-year-old Noeen lay dying in the country's northwest, the tiny victim of an often deadly tradition: celebratory gunfire. Unloading a few rounds into the air is a well-established custom to celebrate weddings, religious ceremonies and sporting victories in turbulent Pakistan, where firearms stuff black markets along the Afghan border and gun crime is rife in its major cities. Following Pakistan's trouncing of arch-rival India during the Champions Trophy in June at least two people were killed and hundreds wounded in the ensuing celebrations as cricket fans fired gunshots into the air nationwide. In Nowshera, in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the country's tribal belt, Laeeq Shah was with his son as the festivities kicked off in the park when a stray bullet struck the five-year-old in the head. The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital in Peshawar where he battled for close to 60 hours in a coma before succumbing to his wounds. "One can ruin the house of another unknowingly," says Shah. In the tribal northwest, Pakistan's obsession with guns is particularly visible, with firearms cheaper than smartphones and most men traveling armed. Weapons are so ubiquitous they are almost seen as jewelry. Pakistan's deeply rooted gun culture was exacerbated further in the 1980s after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan when the US and Saudi Arabia began funneling weapons to Mujahideen fighters battling communist forces across the border. The deluge of arms into the region gave rise to what was later labelled "Kalashnikov culture", with automatic weapons readily available in gun bazaars across the country fuelling militancy in Pakistan long after the Soviet war ended. Kalashnikovs and military-grade weapons soon replaced the bolt-action and flintlock rifles of old at social functions, with revelers spraying bursts of automatic fire into the air to celebrate weddings and sporting victories. But the time-honoured tradition has come at a fatal price. - Deadly tradition - While there's no official number of the deaths caused by stray bullets, authorities say hundreds have likely been killed over the years. After his son's death Shah decided to act. In the deeply religious area, he canvassed mosques and called on religious leaders to instruct their communities at Friday prayers to abandon the tradition. "In the past, people use to celebrate with aerial firing because we had open fields," explains Shah. "Now every bullet fired in the air will hit someone and no one is certain it will land in an open place." Local authorities have also taken up the mantle, with police in Nowshera and other districts distributing pamphlets and posters along with pushing community engagement initiatives to combat the scourge. "We cannot control this curse without public support," Sajjad Khan, a senior police official, told AFP. Peshawar police chief Tahir Khan called on would-be revelers to consider donating the money they would spend on ammunition to charity rather than firing volleys into the sky. "It cost 60 to 70 rupees for one round, we can spend this money on the poor," said Khan. In Pakistan, a license is required to possess a gun, while special permits are needed to carry large caliber weapons and automatic rifles. But the status quo could yet change, with newly elected Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi vowing to crack down on the possession of automatic weapons as he was sworn in last month As is stands, people caught firing guns into the air are fined up to 1,000 rupees for the offence, according to the mayor of Peshawar's Nothia Qadeem neighbourhood Safdar Khan Baghi -- but the rule remains loosely enforced In an effort to combat the spread of the country's gun culture, provincial authorities across Pakistan have passed a raft of measures over the years banning the sale of toys resembling weapons to children. However, a recent visit to Peshawar found the city's largest bazaar full of toy replicas resembling pistols and Kalashnikovs. "The government has banned the selling of toy guns, they say it distorts the minds of kids, so better to give them pens or any other toys," said shopkeeper Sharif Khan. "But the kids have no other alternative, nothing else is available to play with." In the Shah household, the damage has been done. Following their son's death, Shah said the family removed all of Noeen's belongings - shoes, school bags, and clothes - from their home. It was just too painful to be reminded of the loss. Shah says his wife still suffers from post-traumatic stress, while his daughter struggles to understand why guns are necessary for celebrations. "Why do people celebrate with aerial firing?" asks Noeen's sister Warisha. "If you are happy then just say thanks to Allah."

Pakistan's fatal attraction to celebratory gunfire

Bangladesh were dismissed for 305 in their first innings in the second and final Test against Australia on Tuesday.

 
Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim top scored with 68, while Sabbir Rahman contributed 66 for the hosts, who lead the series 1-0.

 
Australia offspinner Nathan Lyon finished with 7-94.

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim top scored with 68, while Sabbir Rahman contributed 66 for the hosts, who lead the series 1-0.

Bangladesh were dismissed for 305 in their first innings in the second and final Test against Australia on Tuesday. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim top scored with 68, while Sabbir Rahman contributed 66 for the hosts, who lead the series 1-0. Australia offspinner Nathan Lyon finished with 7-94.

2nd Test: Bangladesh 305 all out against Australia

India captain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-india-beat-sri-lanka-in-2nd-odi-19473">Virat Kohli doffed his cap to Sri Lanka&#39;s Akila Dananjaya</a> after the 23-year-old&#39;s mesmerizing spin spell in the second one-day international.

Barely 24 hours after he had tied the knot, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-photos-india-wins-match-against-sri-lanka-420">the spinner left the Indians in a tangle to claim a career-best 6-54</a>, though fell short of forcing a series-levelling victory for his team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

India, chasing 231 to go 2-0 up in the series, were cruising at 109 for no loss in the 16th over when Dananjaya struck, dismissing Rohit Sharma for 54.&nbsp;That was just the appetizer, however, as it was in his next over that the spinner would inject fresh drama into the game and life into the gloomy stands.

Dananjaya slipped in three googlies to dismiss Kedar Jadhav, Kohli and KL Rahul in the space of five balls, bringing his side back into the match.

&quot;You have to give credit to a guy who bowled an outstanding spell,&quot; Kohli said afterward, dismissing suggestions that rejigging the batting order led to their collapse.

&quot;If I had gone at number three, I still would have missed the ball, because he was bowling that well in that spell,&quot; the India captain, who batted at number five, said.

&quot;The batting order did not really matter.&quot;

Dananjaya is another product of Sri Lanka&#39;s seemingly endless reserves of special bowlers, an off-spinner who can also bowl leg-spin, googly, &#39;doosra&#39;, and even the carrom ball.

His full range of tricks was on exhibition on Thursday against a team traditionally very comfortable against spin.

The Indians did not help their own cause by staying on the back foot as Dananjaya curled googlies through their gates.

&quot;I realized my off-spin was working better, I kept using all the variations in my first eight-over spell,&quot; Dananjaya said after collecting the man-of-the-match trophy.

Kohli said his team now had a better idea of what to expect from the bowler.

&quot;We thought he was the off-spinner bowling an odd leg-break, but he picks up four wickets on googlies,&quot; a bemused Kohli said.

&quot;It&#39;s difficult when you have not seen the guy at all. He has not played us before. But now we saw how the ball was coming out of his hand,&quot; he added.

The teams meet again on Sunday with India, who whitewashed Sri Lanka in the preceding test series, hoping to clinch the five-match series with two one-dayers to go.

&nbsp;

India, chasing 231 to go 2-0 up in the series, were cruising at 109 for no loss in the 16th over when Dananjaya struck

India captain Virat Kohli doffed his cap to Sri Lanka's Akila Dananjaya after the 23-year-old's mesmerizing spin spell in the second one-day international. Barely 24 hours after he had tied the knot, the spinner left the Indians in a tangle to claim a career-best 6-54, though fell short of forcing a series-levelling victory for his team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. India, chasing 231 to go 2-0 up in the series, were cruising at 109 for no loss in the 16th over when Dananjaya struck, dismissing Rohit Sharma for 54. That was just the appetizer, however, as it was in his next over that the spinner would inject fresh drama into the game and life into the gloomy stands. Dananjaya slipped in three googlies to dismiss Kedar Jadhav, Kohli and KL Rahul in the space of five balls, bringing his side back into the match. "You have to give credit to a guy who bowled an outstanding spell," Kohli said afterward, dismissing suggestions that rejigging the batting order led to their collapse. "If I had gone at number three, I still would have missed the ball, because he was bowling that well in that spell," the India captain, who batted at number five, said. "The batting order did not really matter." Dananjaya is another product of Sri Lanka's seemingly endless reserves of special bowlers, an off-spinner who can also bowl leg-spin, googly, 'doosra', and even the carrom ball. His full range of tricks was on exhibition on Thursday against a team traditionally very comfortable against spin. The Indians did not help their own cause by staying on the back foot as Dananjaya curled googlies through their gates. "I realized my off-spin was working better, I kept using all the variations in my first eight-over spell," Dananjaya said after collecting the man-of-the-match trophy. Kohli said his team now had a better idea of what to expect from the bowler. "We thought he was the off-spinner bowling an odd leg-break, but he picks up four wickets on googlies," a bemused Kohli said. "It's difficult when you have not seen the guy at all. He has not played us before. But now we saw how the ball was coming out of his hand," he added. The teams meet again on Sunday with India, who whitewashed Sri Lanka in the preceding test series, hoping to clinch the five-match series with two one-dayers to go.

Dananjaya bowled an outstanding spell: Kohli

Cricket Australia (CA) has recovered thousands of scalped tickets for the third Ashes test against England in Perth, the governing body said on Wednesday.

The 2,890 tickets were &quot;identified as linked to scalped tickets being sold at a premium&quot; on online market place eBay, CA said in a statement.

The tickets for the Dec. 14-18 Test at the WACA will go back on sale on August&nbsp;28.

The five-Test Ashes series against current holders England is one of Australia&#39;s most well-attended sporting events. The first Test starts in Brisbane on November&nbsp;23.

The 2,890 tickets were "identified as linked to scalped tickets being sold at a premium" on online market place eBay

Cricket Australia (CA) has recovered thousands of scalped tickets for the third Ashes test against England in Perth, the governing body said on Wednesday. The 2,890 tickets were "identified as linked to scalped tickets being sold at a premium" on online market place eBay, CA said in a statement. The tickets for the Dec. 14-18 Test at the WACA will go back on sale on August 28. The five-Test Ashes series against current holders England is one of Australia's most well-attended sporting events. The first Test starts in Brisbane on November 23.

Ashes tickets resold online at a premium, recovered by Cricket Australia

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