India&#39;s cricket administration has thumbed its nose at International Cricket Council by not announcing the Indian team for the Champions Trophy before the April 25 deadline.

The&nbsp;Board of Control for Cricket in India -- the administrators of Indian cricket -- is apparently in no hurry to announce the&nbsp;squad, a move that will escalate tensions between the two cricket bodies.

The BCCI and ICC have recently sparred over the proposed revenue-sharing model. The new proposal would result in Indian cricket receiving a lot less money than they have in recent years.

Some reports suggest that the BCCI could lose up to&nbsp;$190 million if the new model is implemented. The Indian cricket administration will continue to remain the highest earners, but the massive pruning in their take-home earnings has prompted the BCCI to stoutly oppose the proposed model.

India&#39;s decision to not name the squad before the April 25 deadline is being viewed as BCCI&#39;s way of putting pressure on the ICC.

The BCCI is yet to officially seek an extension, which many could perceive as a show of defiance. The ICC extends the deadline only under special circumstances.

The BCCI top brass feels that naming the India squad is a mere formality as the selectors know who are the certainties.

With at least 14 of the 15 members of the Indian team more or less known, the Indian officials are in no tearing hurry. &quot;Tell me one thing, if we name the squad, say for example on May 5, will ICC bar us from participation. We have a settled squad and naming it is a mere formality,&quot; a top BCCI official told PTI today.

The Champions Trophy will be held in the United Kingdon from June 1 to 18, and India are the defending champions.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

BCCI flies in the face of ICC by not announcing the Champions Trophy squad before April 25

India's cricket administration has thumbed its nose at International Cricket Council by not announcing the Indian team for the Champions Trophy before the April 25 deadline. The Board of Control for Cricket in India -- the administrators of Indian cricket -- is apparently in no hurry to announce the squad, a move that will escalate tensions between the two cricket bodies. The BCCI and ICC have recently sparred over the proposed revenue-sharing model. The new proposal would result in Indian cricket receiving a lot less money than they have in recent years. Some reports suggest that the BCCI could lose up to $190 million if the new model is implemented. The Indian cricket administration will continue to remain the highest earners, but the massive pruning in their take-home earnings has prompted the BCCI to stoutly oppose the proposed model. India's decision to not name the squad before the April 25 deadline is being viewed as BCCI's way of putting pressure on the ICC. The BCCI is yet to officially seek an extension, which many could perceive as a show of defiance. The ICC extends the deadline only under special circumstances. The BCCI top brass feels that naming the India squad is a mere formality as the selectors know who are the certainties. With at least 14 of the 15 members of the Indian team more or less known, the Indian officials are in no tearing hurry. "Tell me one thing, if we name the squad, say for example on May 5, will ICC bar us from participation. We have a settled squad and naming it is a mere formality," a top BCCI official told PTI today. The Champions Trophy will be held in the United Kingdon from June 1 to 18, and India are the defending champions. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India runs the risk of not participating in this year's Champions Trophy

The IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore was today called off without a ball being bowled as incessant rain made the ground unplayable.

Both the sides got one point each from the abandoned match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Heavy rain lashed the city in the evening but stopped an hour before the start of the match.

It seemed for a while that the match would go ahead as scheduled and RCB players have even started warming up on the ground.

But&nbsp;it began drizzling just before the scheduled toss time and it continued non-stop.

Later, the rain intensified and forced the abandonment of the match.

There was no toss at all.

Puddles of water were seen at several areas of the ground and frenetic efforts of the groundstaff went in vain as rain finally played the spoilsport.

Though the cut-off time for a five-over shootout match was 11.26pm local time, the umpires called off the match at around 11pm.

With the one point from the abandoned match, RCB jumped to sixth spot with five points from eight matches while SRH remained at third position with nine points from eight games.

SRH had won the first-leg match between the two sides, the tournaments inaugural match, by 35 runs in Hyderabad.

RCB, under India captain Virat Kohli, were looking to come out of the embarrassing batting debacle when they were all out for just 49 in their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Sunday but they will have to wait longer to do so.

SRH, on the other hand, would have wanted to notch up their first away win this season. They have lost all their three matches away from home before today.

(PTI)

The two teams, who have largely struggled in this edition of the IPL, will receive a point each

The IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore was today called off without a ball being bowled as incessant rain made the ground unplayable. Both the sides got one point each from the abandoned match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Heavy rain lashed the city in the evening but stopped an hour before the start of the match. It seemed for a while that the match would go ahead as scheduled and RCB players have even started warming up on the ground. But it began drizzling just before the scheduled toss time and it continued non-stop. Later, the rain intensified and forced the abandonment of the match. There was no toss at all. Puddles of water were seen at several areas of the ground and frenetic efforts of the groundstaff went in vain as rain finally played the spoilsport. Though the cut-off time for a five-over shootout match was 11.26pm local time, the umpires called off the match at around 11pm. With the one point from the abandoned match, RCB jumped to sixth spot with five points from eight matches while SRH remained at third position with nine points from eight games. SRH had won the first-leg match between the two sides, the tournaments inaugural match, by 35 runs in Hyderabad. RCB, under India captain Virat Kohli, were looking to come out of the embarrassing batting debacle when they were all out for just 49 in their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on Sunday but they will have to wait longer to do so. SRH, on the other hand, would have wanted to notch up their first away win this season. They have lost all their three matches away from home before today. (PTI)

IPL: Bangalore, Hyderabad match called off as rain plays spoilsport

In a stunning collapse, Royal Challengers Bangalore were all out for 49, the lowest score in the history of IPL as Kolkata Knight Riders spanked them by 82 runs, here tonight. 
 
The hosts had put up a modest total on the board as they were all out for 131 with RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking three wickets. 
 
However, the hosts defended the total despite facing one of the biggest hitters in the game in the rival camp. 
 
Australian paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile ripped apart the Bangalore top-order by dismissing skipper Virat Kohli (0), AB de Villiers (8) and Kedar Jadhav (9). 
 
Pacemen Chris Woakes (3/6) and Colin de Grandhomme (3/4) also took three wickets each to bowl out RCB for 49 in just 9.4 overs.

(PTI)

The Virat Kohli-led franchise was bowled out for the lowest score in IPL history

In a stunning collapse, Royal Challengers Bangalore were all out for 49, the lowest score in the history of IPL as Kolkata Knight Riders spanked them by 82 runs, here tonight. The hosts had put up a modest total on the board as they were all out for 131 with RCB leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal taking three wickets. However, the hosts defended the total despite facing one of the biggest hitters in the game in the rival camp. Australian paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile ripped apart the Bangalore top-order by dismissing skipper Virat Kohli (0), AB de Villiers (8) and Kedar Jadhav (9). Pacemen Chris Woakes (3/6) and Colin de Grandhomme (3/4) also took three wickets each to bowl out RCB for 49 in just 9.4 overs. (PTI)

IPL: Bangalore all out for 49, lose to Kolkata

Swashbuckling West Indies opener Chris Gayle smashed a blistering half-century before Yuzvendra Chahal returned with a three-wicket haul as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Gujarat Lions by 21 runs in their IPL encounter here today.

Gayle slammed a 38-ball 77-run innings, while skipper Virat Kohli produced a superb 50-ball 64 to guide RCB to a massive 213-2 after Gujarat skipper Suresh Raina won the toss and elected to field.

Opener Brendon McCullum then played a superb 72-run off 44-ball innings, studded with two fours and seven sixes but he didn&#39;t get the support from the other end as RCB restricted the Lions to 192-7 to snap their three-game losing streak.

Yuzvendra Chahal (3/31) was the pick of the bowlers for RCB as he picked up three crucial wickets -- Dwayne Smith (1), Suresh Raina (23) and McCullum -- in his four overs to derail Gujarat&#39;s runchase.

Chasing 214 to win, Gujarat lost their opening batsman Smith early when he was caught at the boundary line by Mandeep Singh off Chahal&#39;s bowling at deep square-leg.

Skipper Raina then slammed a quick-fire 8-ball 23 which included two fours and two sixes before becoming the second wicket of Chahal.

Coming down the pitch, Raina tried to play a sweep shot which went straight to Shane Watson at short fine leg.

McCullum (72) and Aaron Finch (19) then stitched a 66-run innings off 34 balls for the third wicket to take Gujarat across the 100-mark in 10th over.

McCullum also added 31 off 22 balls with Ravindra Jadeja (23) before becoming the third victim of Chahal in the 15th over as Lions looked down the barrel.

Jadeja then was run-out after a mix-up with new batsman Ishan Kishan in the 18th over. Kishan then hit a 16-ball 39, laced with four sixes and two four but it was too late in the end.

Earlier, Gayle and Kohli gave Bangalore a brilliant start as they amassed 45 in the first six overs and then went on to forge a 122-run opening partnership off 76 balls.

Gayle&#39;s innings was studded with five boundaries and seven massive sixes, while Kohli blasted seven fours and one six in his 50-ball innings.

Kohli took the early initiative as he picked up a boundary each in the first two overs before blasting Dhawal Kulkarni for three fours in the third over.

Gayle, who has been out of form, meanwhile, completed his 10,000 runs in twenty20 cricket with a single off Basil Thampi in the fourth over.

The West Indies batsman then blasted his first six of the innings over mid-off. He then sent young mystery spinner Shivil Kaushik for another maximum over long-off in the seventh over.

Gayle then exploded with successive fours and a six off left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. He also blasted the last delivery of the over for a maximum but he was brilliantly caught by Brendon McCullum at the long-off boundary.

However, Gayle survived after replays showed that McCullum&#39;s hat had touched the boundary line.

Gayle made Lions pay as he brought up his fifty with a massive six over long on off Kaushik in the 10th over and then clobbered Smith for another six as RCB reached the 100-mark.

The dashing opener sent Smith out of the park again in the fourth ball over long-on as RCB picked 17 runs off the over.

In the 13th over, Thampi finally dismissed Gayle when he trapped him leg before to break the partnership.

Kohli, however, continued to score runs and reached his 28th IPL fifty in the 15th over with a couple of runs off Kaushik. He then blasted a towering six over wide of long-on in the 4th ball.

Newman Travis Head (30) then sent the last ball for another maximum over deep midwicket.

In the next over, Kulkarni returned to dismiss Kohli, who holed out to deep midwicket with Smith taking the catch at the boundary line.

Head and Kedar Jadhav (38) then provided the late charge to take RCB across the 200-mark. While Jadhav cracked five fours and two sixes, Head hit two fours and a six in his innings.

For Gujarat, Thampi (1/31) and Kulkarni (1/37) took one wicket each.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2wXscx2JcXU" width="560"></iframe>

(PTI)

Gayle slammed a 38-ball 77-run innings, while skipper Virat Kohli produced a superb 50-ball 64 to guide RCB to a massive 213-2

Swashbuckling West Indies opener Chris Gayle smashed a blistering half-century before Yuzvendra Chahal returned with a three-wicket haul as Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Gujarat Lions by 21 runs in their IPL encounter here today. Gayle slammed a 38-ball 77-run innings, while skipper Virat Kohli produced a superb 50-ball 64 to guide RCB to a massive 213-2 after Gujarat skipper Suresh Raina won the toss and elected to field. Opener Brendon McCullum then played a superb 72-run off 44-ball innings, studded with two fours and seven sixes but he didn't get the support from the other end as RCB restricted the Lions to 192-7 to snap their three-game losing streak. Yuzvendra Chahal (3/31) was the pick of the bowlers for RCB as he picked up three crucial wickets -- Dwayne Smith (1), Suresh Raina (23) and McCullum -- in his four overs to derail Gujarat's runchase. Chasing 214 to win, Gujarat lost their opening batsman Smith early when he was caught at the boundary line by Mandeep Singh off Chahal's bowling at deep square-leg. Skipper Raina then slammed a quick-fire 8-ball 23 which included two fours and two sixes before becoming the second wicket of Chahal. Coming down the pitch, Raina tried to play a sweep shot which went straight to Shane Watson at short fine leg. McCullum (72) and Aaron Finch (19) then stitched a 66-run innings off 34 balls for the third wicket to take Gujarat across the 100-mark in 10th over. McCullum also added 31 off 22 balls with Ravindra Jadeja (23) before becoming the third victim of Chahal in the 15th over as Lions looked down the barrel. Jadeja then was run-out after a mix-up with new batsman Ishan Kishan in the 18th over. Kishan then hit a 16-ball 39, laced with four sixes and two four but it was too late in the end. Earlier, Gayle and Kohli gave Bangalore a brilliant start as they amassed 45 in the first six overs and then went on to forge a 122-run opening partnership off 76 balls. Gayle's innings was studded with five boundaries and seven massive sixes, while Kohli blasted seven fours and one six in his 50-ball innings. Kohli took the early initiative as he picked up a boundary each in the first two overs before blasting Dhawal Kulkarni for three fours in the third over. Gayle, who has been out of form, meanwhile, completed his 10,000 runs in twenty20 cricket with a single off Basil Thampi in the fourth over. The West Indies batsman then blasted his first six of the innings over mid-off. He then sent young mystery spinner Shivil Kaushik for another maximum over long-off in the seventh over. Gayle then exploded with successive fours and a six off left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja. He also blasted the last delivery of the over for a maximum but he was brilliantly caught by Brendon McCullum at the long-off boundary. However, Gayle survived after replays showed that McCullum's hat had touched the boundary line. Gayle made Lions pay as he brought up his fifty with a massive six over long on off Kaushik in the 10th over and then clobbered Smith for another six as RCB reached the 100-mark. The dashing opener sent Smith out of the park again in the fourth ball over long-on as RCB picked 17 runs off the over. In the 13th over, Thampi finally dismissed Gayle when he trapped him leg before to break the partnership. Kohli, however, continued to score runs and reached his 28th IPL fifty in the 15th over with a couple of runs off Kaushik. He then blasted a towering six over wide of long-on in the 4th ball. Newman Travis Head (30) then sent the last ball for another maximum over deep midwicket. In the next over, Kulkarni returned to dismiss Kohli, who holed out to deep midwicket with Smith taking the catch at the boundary line. Head and Kedar Jadhav (38) then provided the late charge to take RCB across the 200-mark. While Jadhav cracked five fours and two sixes, Head hit two fours and a six in his innings. For Gujarat, Thampi (1/31) and Kulkarni (1/37) took one wicket each. (PTI)

IPL: Gayle's quick-fire knock guides RCB to victory over Gujarat Lions

India captain Virat Kohli has recovered from his shoulder injury and is fit to play in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) said on Thursday.

Kohli missed the franchise&#39;s first three matches as he underwent rehabilitation after injuring his right shoulder while fielding during the third test against Australia at Ranchi.

The injury forced him to miss India&#39;s series-sealing final test win over Australia in Dharamsala but the BCCI said on Thursday the 28-year-old has regained match fitness.

&quot;He will now be available for RCB&#39;s next match against Mumbai Indians on April 14 in Bengaluru,&quot; the board said in a statement.

&quot;The Indian captain had undergone rehabilitation after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder and has now recovered to be able to participate in IPL 2017.&quot;

Kohli&#39;s side, who have lost Australia paceman Mitchell Starc and India opener Lokesh Rahul to injuries, have lost two of their three matches in the April 5-May 21 tournament.

(Reuters)

The Indian captain is back after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him from playing in the final Test series against Australia

India captain Virat Kohli has recovered from his shoulder injury and is fit to play in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the country's cricket board (BCCI) said on Thursday. Kohli missed the franchise's first three matches as he underwent rehabilitation after injuring his right shoulder while fielding during the third test against Australia at Ranchi. The injury forced him to miss India's series-sealing final test win over Australia in Dharamsala but the BCCI said on Thursday the 28-year-old has regained match fitness. "He will now be available for RCB's next match against Mumbai Indians on April 14 in Bengaluru," the board said in a statement. "The Indian captain had undergone rehabilitation after sustaining an injury to his right shoulder and has now recovered to be able to participate in IPL 2017." Kohli's side, who have lost Australia paceman Mitchell Starc and India opener Lokesh Rahul to injuries, have lost two of their three matches in the April 5-May 21 tournament. (Reuters)

India captain Kohli fit to play IPL

Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad made a perfect start to their Indian Premier League campaign crushing a depleted Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs in the opening encounter, here tonight. 
 
Veteran Yuvraj Singh&#39;s blazing blade (62 off 27 balls) and unheralded Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan Arman (2/36 in 4 overs)&#39;s crucial breakthroughs enabled Sunrisers to outwit a Virat Kohli-less RCB in all departments. 
 
A challenging target of 208 was achievable on a placid track but RCB could only manage 172 in 19.4 overs losing wickets at regular intervals. This was the first time after 23 IPL matches that RCB were all-out. 
 
RCB&#39;s top four -- Chris Gayle (32), Mandeep Singh (24), Travis Head (30) and Kedar Jadhav (31) -- were all set before getting out. Kedar&#39;s dismissal was the turning point as RCB were never in the match after that. 
 
The India international was looking dangerous during his 16-ball stay and was run-out when Ben Cutting&#39;s direct throw from the deep found him short by a metre. 
 
On a belter where pacers became easy prey for the batsmen, Sunrisers skipper David Warner rotated his spinners well trying to take the pace off the deliveries. 
 
Young Rashid, who created history by being the first Afghan to play an IPL match got Mandeep with a fuller delivery that didn&#39;t turn. 
 
The batsman trying to cut got an inside edge onto the stumps. The celebration was atypical Shahid Afridi just like his style of fastish leg-breaks. Rashid also got Travis Head when the batsmen tried to play a slog sweep. 
 
But Deepak Hooda got the most important wicket when he got Gayle trying to hit him over long-off for a second six only to be caught by Warner. Th wickets fell at regular intervals and there was no pressure on Sunrisers as they coasted to victory. Ashish Nehra (2/42) also gota couple of wickets to reach a personal milestone of 100 IPL victims. 
 
Earlier, a vintage Yuvraj hammered RCB bowlers to submission as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a commendable 207 for 4 put into bat by Shane Watson. 
 
On a batting beauty, Yuvraj smashed the RCB bowlers to cleaners after Srinath Aravind dropped a dolly at deep square leg boundary. Yuvraj was on 26 then and the let-off allowed him to score his fastest IPL half-century off 23 balls. 
 
Moises Henriques&#39; 52 off 37 balls also went a long way in contributing to Sunrisers&#39; total. The Yuvraj-Henriques pair added 58 runs runs in only 4.5 overs after Shikhar Dhawan (40) was involved in a 74-run stand for the second wicket. 
 
Yuvraj&#39;s innings had seven fours and three sixes while Henriques&#39; innings had three fours and two sixes. 
 
Skipper David Warner started with a couple of boundaries and huge six over long-on off left-arm seamer Aniket Chaudhary but was gone when his slash was taken by a leaping Mandeep Singh at backward point. 
 
Dhawan banged rival skipper Shane Watson for four boundaries in the final Powerplay over to set the tone. 
 
Henriques at the other end chanced his arms to hit a six over long-on off Travis Head. Once Dhawan was caught in the deep off Stuart Binny&#39;s delivery, Yuvraj came in and started taking on the bowlers. 
 
Rajasthan&#39;s Chaudhary, who has been with the India camp came in for special treatment including a lofted extra cover drive for a six apart fom two fours in a single over. 
 
Aravind, who dropped him bowled a back of the hand slower that was dispatched into mid-wicket stands. 
 
A widish delivery from Chaudhary was slashed past point to reach his half-century. 
 
IPL&#39;s million dollar boy Tymal Mills was flicked past short fine leg and once again picked the slower delivery into the deep square leg stands before becoming his first victim. 
 
India&#39;s T20- specialist Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22 in 4 overs) held his own without conceding a single boundary while Mills 1/31 in 4 overs bowled the maximum (11) dot balls.

(PTI)

Veteran Yuvraj Singh's blazing blade and unheralded Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan Arman helped the defending champions start with a win

Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad made a perfect start to their Indian Premier League campaign crushing a depleted Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs in the opening encounter, here tonight. Veteran Yuvraj Singh's blazing blade (62 off 27 balls) and unheralded Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan Arman (2/36 in 4 overs)'s crucial breakthroughs enabled Sunrisers to outwit a Virat Kohli-less RCB in all departments. A challenging target of 208 was achievable on a placid track but RCB could only manage 172 in 19.4 overs losing wickets at regular intervals. This was the first time after 23 IPL matches that RCB were all-out. RCB's top four -- Chris Gayle (32), Mandeep Singh (24), Travis Head (30) and Kedar Jadhav (31) -- were all set before getting out. Kedar's dismissal was the turning point as RCB were never in the match after that. The India international was looking dangerous during his 16-ball stay and was run-out when Ben Cutting's direct throw from the deep found him short by a metre. On a belter where pacers became easy prey for the batsmen, Sunrisers skipper David Warner rotated his spinners well trying to take the pace off the deliveries. Young Rashid, who created history by being the first Afghan to play an IPL match got Mandeep with a fuller delivery that didn't turn. The batsman trying to cut got an inside edge onto the stumps. The celebration was atypical Shahid Afridi just like his style of fastish leg-breaks. Rashid also got Travis Head when the batsmen tried to play a slog sweep. But Deepak Hooda got the most important wicket when he got Gayle trying to hit him over long-off for a second six only to be caught by Warner. Th wickets fell at regular intervals and there was no pressure on Sunrisers as they coasted to victory. Ashish Nehra (2/42) also gota couple of wickets to reach a personal milestone of 100 IPL victims. Earlier, a vintage Yuvraj hammered RCB bowlers to submission as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a commendable 207 for 4 put into bat by Shane Watson. On a batting beauty, Yuvraj smashed the RCB bowlers to cleaners after Srinath Aravind dropped a dolly at deep square leg boundary. Yuvraj was on 26 then and the let-off allowed him to score his fastest IPL half-century off 23 balls. Moises Henriques' 52 off 37 balls also went a long way in contributing to Sunrisers' total. The Yuvraj-Henriques pair added 58 runs runs in only 4.5 overs after Shikhar Dhawan (40) was involved in a 74-run stand for the second wicket. Yuvraj's innings had seven fours and three sixes while Henriques' innings had three fours and two sixes. Skipper David Warner started with a couple of boundaries and huge six over long-on off left-arm seamer Aniket Chaudhary but was gone when his slash was taken by a leaping Mandeep Singh at backward point. Dhawan banged rival skipper Shane Watson for four boundaries in the final Powerplay over to set the tone. Henriques at the other end chanced his arms to hit a six over long-on off Travis Head. Once Dhawan was caught in the deep off Stuart Binny's delivery, Yuvraj came in and started taking on the bowlers. Rajasthan's Chaudhary, who has been with the India camp came in for special treatment including a lofted extra cover drive for a six apart fom two fours in a single over. Aravind, who dropped him bowled a back of the hand slower that was dispatched into mid-wicket stands. A widish delivery from Chaudhary was slashed past point to reach his half-century. IPL's million dollar boy Tymal Mills was flicked past short fine leg and once again picked the slower delivery into the deep square leg stands before becoming his first victim. India's T20- specialist Yuzvendra Chahal (1/22 in 4 overs) held his own without conceding a single boundary while Mills 1/31 in 4 overs bowled the maximum (11) dot balls. (PTI)

IPL: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in curtain-raiser

India captain Virat Kohli has been named as the Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2017 edition of the respected Wisden Cricketers&#39; Almanack, -- &quot;cricket&#39;s bible&quot;&nbsp;-- published this week.

Meanwhile Pakistan&#39;s Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were named as two of Wisden&#39;s Five Cricketers of the Year.&nbsp;

According to editor Lawrence Booth, Kohli had &quot;the year of his dreams&quot; in 2016, &quot;averaging more with the bat in each of the three formats than anyone: 75 in Tests, 92 in one-day internationals and 106 in Twenty20 internationals&quot;.

Under Kohli, India won series trophies in all three formats against England in 2016/17.

Booth said the star batsman&#39;s 235 in the fourth Test against England at Mumbai confirmed him as the &quot;spiritual successor to Sachin Tendulkar&quot;.

Kohli is the third Indian to win an award that has only been in existence since 2003 and is designed to recognise achievement in all forms of the international game in the previous calendar year.

Dynamic opener Virender Sehwag won twice, in 2008 and 2009, with Tendulkar himself awarded the title in 2010.&nbsp;

The 2017 women&#39;s award was won by Australia&#39;s Ellyse Perry.

While the Leading Cricketer of the Year award is a relatively new concept by the standards of Wisden -- a British-based publication which has appeared every year since 1864, with not even the First and Second World Wars halting its print run -- the Five Cricketers of the Year is a tradition that dates back 128 years.

The usual criteria for inclusion in that award, which can only be won once in a player&#39;s career, is the impact a player had on the preceding English season.

&nbsp;

&#39;Riveting&#39; England-Pakistan series

Veteran batsmen Misbah and Younis were both honoured in the context of their performances during Pakistan&#39;s 2-2 Test series draw in England -- a result that saw Pakistan, under Misbah&#39;s captaincy, briefly rise to number one in the world Test rankings.

&quot;Misbah-ul-Haq was central to one of the most riveting series in England for years,&quot; wrote Booth.&nbsp;

&quot;His century in the First Test at Lord&#39;s set a benchmark for his team-mates, while his celebratory press-ups became one of the motifs of the year.&nbsp;

&quot;Against the odds, he led Pakistan, without a home Test since 2009, to the top of the rankings -- and all at the age of 42.&quot;

Turning to Younis, he added: &quot;With the pressure on, Younis Khan delivered. His classy 218 in the final Test of the summer, at The Oval, helped Pakistan square the series after successive defeats had left them in danger of squandering their win at Lord&#39;s.&nbsp;

&quot;It was his 32nd Test hundred -- and a reminder that his struggles earlier in the series had been a blip rather than part of a decline.&quot;

England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2016 that included 26 wickets at 16 apiece in four Tests against Pakistan, was also one of Wisden&#39;s Five Cricketers of the Year.

Middlesex&#39;s Toby Roland-Jones, whose hat-trick against Yorkshire at Lord&#39;s sealed the County Championship title for the London club, and Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett, who scored 2,706 runs in all formats during a prolific season, completed the quintet.

Reflecting on other topics, Booth said Alastair Cook had chosen &quot;the right time to go&quot; in resigning as England&#39;s Test captain following the 4-0 series loss in India.

However, he added: &quot;That his team lost only four of his 17 Test series in charge was testament to a very English grit: understated, occasionally self-conscious, always bloody-minded. It proved an exhausting combination.&quot;

(AFP)

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were named as two of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year

India captain Virat Kohli has been named as the Leading Cricketer in the World in the 2017 edition of the respected Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, -- "cricket's bible" -- published this week. Meanwhile Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan were named as two of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year. According to editor Lawrence Booth, Kohli had "the year of his dreams" in 2016, "averaging more with the bat in each of the three formats than anyone: 75 in Tests, 92 in one-day internationals and 106 in Twenty20 internationals". Under Kohli, India won series trophies in all three formats against England in 2016/17. Booth said the star batsman's 235 in the fourth Test against England at Mumbai confirmed him as the "spiritual successor to Sachin Tendulkar". Kohli is the third Indian to win an award that has only been in existence since 2003 and is designed to recognise achievement in all forms of the international game in the previous calendar year. Dynamic opener Virender Sehwag won twice, in 2008 and 2009, with Tendulkar himself awarded the title in 2010. The 2017 women's award was won by Australia's Ellyse Perry. While the Leading Cricketer of the Year award is a relatively new concept by the standards of Wisden -- a British-based publication which has appeared every year since 1864, with not even the First and Second World Wars halting its print run -- the Five Cricketers of the Year is a tradition that dates back 128 years. The usual criteria for inclusion in that award, which can only be won once in a player's career, is the impact a player had on the preceding English season. 'Riveting' England-Pakistan series Veteran batsmen Misbah and Younis were both honoured in the context of their performances during Pakistan's 2-2 Test series draw in England -- a result that saw Pakistan, under Misbah's captaincy, briefly rise to number one in the world Test rankings. "Misbah-ul-Haq was central to one of the most riveting series in England for years," wrote Booth. "His century in the First Test at Lord's set a benchmark for his team-mates, while his celebratory press-ups became one of the motifs of the year. "Against the odds, he led Pakistan, without a home Test since 2009, to the top of the rankings -- and all at the age of 42." Turning to Younis, he added: "With the pressure on, Younis Khan delivered. His classy 218 in the final Test of the summer, at The Oval, helped Pakistan square the series after successive defeats had left them in danger of squandering their win at Lord's. "It was his 32nd Test hundred -- and a reminder that his struggles earlier in the series had been a blip rather than part of a decline." England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2016 that included 26 wickets at 16 apiece in four Tests against Pakistan, was also one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year. Middlesex's Toby Roland-Jones, whose hat-trick against Yorkshire at Lord's sealed the County Championship title for the London club, and Northamptonshire batsman Ben Duckett, who scored 2,706 runs in all formats during a prolific season, completed the quintet. Reflecting on other topics, Booth said Alastair Cook had chosen "the right time to go" in resigning as England's Test captain following the 4-0 series loss in India. However, he added: "That his team lost only four of his 17 Test series in charge was testament to a very English grit: understated, occasionally self-conscious, always bloody-minded. It proved an exhausting combination." (AFP)

Virat Kohli is Wisden's leading cricketer for 'the year of his dreams'

India&#39;s cricket captain Virat Kohli received the Padma Shri award from President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Thursday.

Besides Kohli, Indian hockey captain PR Sreejesh, Olympic bronze medal-winning Sakshi Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Paralympian&nbsp;Mariyappan Thangavelu and Deepa Malik, discus thrower Vikas Gowda and blind cricket team captain&nbsp;Shekhar Naik were the seven other sportspersons who were conferred with the fourth-highest civilian order in India.

The Indian government had announced 81 other Padma awardees on the eve of the country&#39;s Republic Day on January 26.

Although India&#39;s cricket team captain Virat Kohli had suffered a blip in the recently-concluded Australia series at home, he&nbsp;amassed over 1,200 Test runs in this home season.

Kohli also became the fifth batsmen in history to have scored three double tons in a single season.

BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) professor Udipi Ramachandra Rao were two of seven people who were conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the country&rsquo;s second-highest civilian award, by the Indian president at a special function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and father of laparoscopic surgery in India Tehemton Erach Udwadia were conferred Padma Bhushan awards.

(WION)

Sreejesh, Sakshi Malik, Thangavelu, Deepa Malik, Vikas Gowda, Karmakar and Shekhar Naik were other sportspeople to have got the Padma Shri

India's cricket captain Virat Kohli received the Padma Shri award from President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on Thursday. Besides Kohli, Indian hockey captain PR Sreejesh, Olympic bronze medal-winning Sakshi Malik, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, Paralympian Mariyappan Thangavelu and Deepa Malik, discus thrower Vikas Gowda and blind cricket team captain Shekhar Naik were the seven other sportspersons who were conferred with the fourth-highest civilian order in India. The Indian government had announced 81 other Padma awardees on the eve of the country's Republic Day on January 26. Although India's cricket team captain Virat Kohli had suffered a blip in the recently-concluded Australia series at home, he amassed over 1,200 Test runs in this home season. Kohli also became the fifth batsmen in history to have scored three double tons in a single season. BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and former Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) professor Udipi Ramachandra Rao were two of seven people who were conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, by the Indian president at a special function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Thai princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and father of laparoscopic surgery in India Tehemton Erach Udwadia were conferred Padma Bhushan awards. (WION)

Virat Kohli receives Padma Shri from India's president

Indian captain Virat Kohli today described the 2-1 triumph over Australia as his side&#39;s best series win so far, saying his highly motivated teammates give it right back when poked.

&quot;Regardless of whether we are on top or not, we speak, if something pokes us we speak and give it right back. All people don&#39;t digest it well but we take it very well and we give it back even better,&quot; Kohli told &#39;Star Sports&#39; after the fourth Test here, which he missed owing to a shoulder injury.

The feisty batsman was in the Australian media&#39;s line of fire after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat for his infamous DRS &#39;Brain Fade&#39;. Brushing the criticism aside, Kohli said he hardly cares for what was spoken or written about him Down Under.

&quot;Some people want to create some spice sitting at some part of the world. They don&#39;t confront such situations themselves. The easiest thing to do is to just sit at home and write a blog or speak on Mic but to go out there and bowl and bat is different,&quot; he said.

Kohli said he was thoroughly enjoying the responsibility of leading a motivated side.

&quot;I like taking responsibility, every game that I play for India is an opportunity to do something special with my skills. I like getting involved in the game. The workload is something that needs to be kept in mind in future but right now when the body is responding well I am fine,&quot; he said.

&quot;It&#39;s been unbelievable. This is our best series win so far. The way we bounced back from World number&nbsp;7 to number&nbsp;1 has been outstanding achievement and I am proud as a captain.

&quot;I thought (the series against) England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part but our guys kept bouncing back. We showed true character and maturity. The guys handled themselves well,&quot; he added.

He lauded stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for the dominating eight-wicket win in the fourth Test, which concluded on the fourth day today.

&quot;Ajinkya led the team really well. It was very pleasing to see that from the outside.&quot;

Kohli said the fact his team&#39;s improved fitness helped has in taking the rigours of a long home season, which included series against South Africa, New Zealand and England.

&quot;The changes we made in our fitness regimen have paid off. Guys have been able to sustain the performance throughout the season,&quot; he said.

&quot;In the past, we have had sessions where we have given away the game easily. Not this season. It has been a team season. Not one or two individuals who have stood out.

Heaping praise on the pacers, Kohli said: &quot;Unbelievable, the kind of fitness and desire the fast bowlers have shown, it has been game-changing.&quot;

Speaking about his recovery from the shoulder niggle, Kohli said he will be back to full fitness in a few weeks. 
&quot;It&#39;s still a few weeks to go till I can be 100 per cent on the field. You have to take it in your stride and move forward,&quot; he said.

Rahane, on the other hand, credited the all-round team effort for the victory.

&quot;Really enjoyed the win. Credit to all the boys. Not only this series, but to whoever has played this season. I am really happy as a captain. I thought our bowlers, batsmen and fielders, they all did well,&quot; Rahane said.

An aggressive Rahane was on display today as he blasted two consecutive sixes off Pat Cummins even though India was chasing a paltry score of 106.

Asked about the sixes, Rahane said: &quot;In low-scoring games, you just need 30-40 quick runs in the middle. I was thinking of the Galle defeat when we got into our shell.&quot;

Adjudged Man of Match and Man of the series, Ravindra Jadeja was on cloud nine.

&quot;It really feels great to be the number&nbsp;1 Test bowler and being part of this champion Test side,&quot; he said.

&quot;When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great.&quot;

Jadeja also credited his coaches and captain for his performance and said he is happy to have answered his critics.

&quot;Coaches and captain have been telling me, I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall. Some time ago people didn&#39;t consider me a Test bowler. This season is a good response to them,&quot; he said.

Talking about his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja said: &quot;Ashwin and I maintain pressure from both ends. The variation of off-spinner and left-arm spinner also works well. It is difficult for any team to play such a combination.

&quot;Hopefully we can continue this outside India too.&quot;

Known for his sword-wielding celebration, Jadeja said: &quot;I will try to get to a hundred next time, and celebrate with two bats as swords.&quot;

(PTI)

The feisty batsman was in the Australian media's line of fire after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat

Indian captain Virat Kohli today described the 2-1 triumph over Australia as his side's best series win so far, saying his highly motivated teammates give it right back when poked. "Regardless of whether we are on top or not, we speak, if something pokes us we speak and give it right back. All people don't digest it well but we take it very well and we give it back even better," Kohli told 'Star Sports' after the fourth Test here, which he missed owing to a shoulder injury. The feisty batsman was in the Australian media's line of fire after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat for his infamous DRS 'Brain Fade'. Brushing the criticism aside, Kohli said he hardly cares for what was spoken or written about him Down Under. "Some people want to create some spice sitting at some part of the world. They don't confront such situations themselves. The easiest thing to do is to just sit at home and write a blog or speak on Mic but to go out there and bowl and bat is different," he said. Kohli said he was thoroughly enjoying the responsibility of leading a motivated side. "I like taking responsibility, every game that I play for India is an opportunity to do something special with my skills. I like getting involved in the game. The workload is something that needs to be kept in mind in future but right now when the body is responding well I am fine," he said. "It's been unbelievable. This is our best series win so far. The way we bounced back from World number 7 to number 1 has been outstanding achievement and I am proud as a captain. "I thought (the series against) England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part but our guys kept bouncing back. We showed true character and maturity. The guys handled themselves well," he added. He lauded stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane for the dominating eight-wicket win in the fourth Test, which concluded on the fourth day today. "Ajinkya led the team really well. It was very pleasing to see that from the outside." Kohli said the fact his team's improved fitness helped has in taking the rigours of a long home season, which included series against South Africa, New Zealand and England. "The changes we made in our fitness regimen have paid off. Guys have been able to sustain the performance throughout the season," he said. "In the past, we have had sessions where we have given away the game easily. Not this season. It has been a team season. Not one or two individuals who have stood out. Heaping praise on the pacers, Kohli said: "Unbelievable, the kind of fitness and desire the fast bowlers have shown, it has been game-changing." Speaking about his recovery from the shoulder niggle, Kohli said he will be back to full fitness in a few weeks. "It's still a few weeks to go till I can be 100 per cent on the field. You have to take it in your stride and move forward," he said. Rahane, on the other hand, credited the all-round team effort for the victory. "Really enjoyed the win. Credit to all the boys. Not only this series, but to whoever has played this season. I am really happy as a captain. I thought our bowlers, batsmen and fielders, they all did well," Rahane said. An aggressive Rahane was on display today as he blasted two consecutive sixes off Pat Cummins even though India was chasing a paltry score of 106. Asked about the sixes, Rahane said: "In low-scoring games, you just need 30-40 quick runs in the middle. I was thinking of the Galle defeat when we got into our shell." Adjudged Man of Match and Man of the series, Ravindra Jadeja was on cloud nine. "It really feels great to be the number 1 Test bowler and being part of this champion Test side," he said. "When I batted, I was thinking to take my time and then Matthew Wade chirped from behind. That motivated me. If I can respond to him with runs, it will be great." Jadeja also credited his coaches and captain for his performance and said he is happy to have answered his critics. "Coaches and captain have been telling me, I have the skill to bat long. I developed as a player overall. Some time ago people didn't consider me a Test bowler. This season is a good response to them," he said. Talking about his combination with Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja said: "Ashwin and I maintain pressure from both ends. The variation of off-spinner and left-arm spinner also works well. It is difficult for any team to play such a combination. "Hopefully we can continue this outside India too." Known for his sword-wielding celebration, Jadeja said: "I will try to get to a hundred next time, and celebrate with two bats as swords." (PTI)

If something pokes us we speak and give it right back: Kohli

Indian bowlers Umesh Yadav, Ravindra&nbsp;Jadeja and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led from the front to take three wickets apiece on the third day to put the hosts on top against Australia in the final Test at Dharamsala. Indian bowlers kept a tight line and attacked the Australian batsmen as the visitors folded for a paltry 137 all out, setting the hosts a 106-run target to win the Test on the fourth day tomorrow.

India ended their day at 19/0, needing another 87&nbsp;runs to win with openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul still at the crease.

Earlier, India&#39;s pace bowlers Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave India a sensational start, removing three of Australia&#39;s top-order batsmen including skipper Steve Smith inside the first 10 overs.

The top-ranked spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin then picked up a wicket apiece to have the visitors on the ropes.

At tea, the visitors were 92-5 in their second innings, leading India by only 60 runs with five wickets in hand.&nbsp;It was Bhuvneshwar Kumar who sent Smith (17) packing with a short ball to the bottom edge of the bat that crashed into the stumps in spectacular fashion.&nbsp;

Smith amassed 499 runs including three centuries from the four Tests, only the sixth visiting batsman to hit so many hundreds in a series in India.&nbsp;India got the first breakthrough when Yadav had David Warner caught behind cheaply for six, just after the opener was dropped in the slips by the butter-fingered Karun Nair.

Nair dropped the same batsman in the first innings as well.&nbsp;Warner ended the four-Test series with an average of 24.12 -- his lowest in a series of four or more matches, and his third lowest overall.

The Indian fast bowlers exploited the pace and bounce in the wicket to trouble the batsmen relentlessly.

&nbsp;

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Umesh Yadav celebrates the wicket of Australia&#39;s Matthew Renshaw during the third day of the fourth and last Test cricket match between India and Australia at Dharamsala (AFP)
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Yadav also accounted for Matt Renshaw before Glenn Maxwell (37 not out) put on 56 runs for the fourth wicket with Peter Handscomb to steady the innings briefly.&nbsp;Handscomb was brilliantly caught by India&#39;s stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane off Ashwin while Jadeja dismissed Shaun Marsh for one.

Jadeja had starred with the bat as well, top-scoring with 63 to help India post 332 in reply to Australia&#39;s 300.

With the series tied 1-1, India must win the match if they are to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy from Australia, who triumphed at home in 2014-15.

(WION with AFP input)

Indian bowlers Umesh Yadav, Ravindra?Jadeja and off-spinner Ashwin led from the front to take three wickets apiece on the third day

Indian bowlers Umesh Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin led from the front to take three wickets apiece on the third day to put the hosts on top against Australia in the final Test at Dharamsala. Indian bowlers kept a tight line and attacked the Australian batsmen as the visitors folded for a paltry 137 all out, setting the hosts a 106-run target to win the Test on the fourth day tomorrow. India ended their day at 19/0, needing another 87 runs to win with openers Murali Vijay and KL Rahul still at the crease. Earlier, India's pace bowlers Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave India a sensational start, removing three of Australia's top-order batsmen including skipper Steve Smith inside the first 10 overs. The top-ranked spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin then picked up a wicket apiece to have the visitors on the ropes. At tea, the visitors were 92-5 in their second innings, leading India by only 60 runs with five wickets in hand. It was Bhuvneshwar Kumar who sent Smith (17) packing with a short ball to the bottom edge of the bat that crashed into the stumps in spectacular fashion. Smith amassed 499 runs including three centuries from the four Tests, only the sixth visiting batsman to hit so many hundreds in a series in India. India got the first breakthrough when Yadav had David Warner caught behind cheaply for six, just after the opener was dropped in the slips by the butter-fingered Karun Nair. Nair dropped the same batsman in the first innings as well. Warner ended the four-Test series with an average of 24.12 -- his lowest in a series of four or more matches, and his third lowest overall. The Indian fast bowlers exploited the pace and bounce in the wicket to trouble the batsmen relentlessly. Umesh Yadav celebrates the wicket of Australia's Matthew Renshaw during the third day of the fourth and last Test cricket match between India and Australia at Dharamsala (AFP) × Yadav also accounted for Matt Renshaw before Glenn Maxwell (37 not out) put on 56 runs for the fourth wicket with Peter Handscomb to steady the innings briefly. Handscomb was brilliantly caught by India's stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane off Ashwin while Jadeja dismissed Shaun Marsh for one. Jadeja had starred with the bat as well, top-scoring with 63 to help India post 332 in reply to Australia's 300. With the series tied 1-1, India must win the match if they are to regain the Border-Gavaskar trophy from Australia, who triumphed at home in 2014-15. (WION with AFP input)

4th Test: India need 87 runs to beat Australia

India captain Virat Kohli will miss the fourth and final Test against Australia with a shoulder injury he had suffered in the previous match in Ranchi, batting coach Sanjay Bangar said before the start of the match on Saturday.

Ajinkya Rahane will lead&nbsp;in Kohli&#39;s absence, making him the 33rd Test captain of India.&nbsp;

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Virat Kohli out of the 4th Test due to injury, Ajinkya Rahane to captain the team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndvAus?src=hash">#IndvAus</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGYbnHeL50">pic.twitter.com/mGYbnHeL50</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/845477962006740992">March 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The other big change is that India is heading into the decisive Test with five bowlers.

Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav will make his debut, meaning India is fielding three spinners. The pace attack has been rejigged too, with BHuvaneshwar Kumar replacing Ishant Sharma.&nbsp;

Kohli, who hurt his shoulder while diving to stop a boundary in the drawn third test in Ranchi, was hoping to be fit for the decider at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium which is hosting its first Test.

Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer, who scored a double century in the warm-up gainst Australia last month, was flown into Dharamsala for the fourth Test. He was widely expected to replaced Kohli, but has been kept in the reserves.

Meanwhile, an unchanged Australia have won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch that according to their captain Steve Smith looks to have &quot;bit of a grass&quot;. India&#39;s stand-in captain Rahane surmised the pitch as a good track to bat on for the first two to three days.

The four-match series between the world&#39;s top two test team is locked at 1-1.

Australia need just a draw to take home the Border-Gavaskar trophy, having triumphed at home in 2014-15.

A victory for the tourists will see them win their first Test series in India in 13 years.

Whatever the result, India will retain their number one Test ranking.

Teams:

India: Lokesh Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Karun Nair, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav.

Australia: David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Steve O&#39;Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Umpires:&nbsp;Marais Erasmus (RSA) and Ian Gould (ENG)

TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)

Match referee:&nbsp;Richie Richardson (WIS)&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

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India goes into the decisive fourth Test against unchanged Australia with five bowlers as spinner Kuldeep Yadav replaces Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli will miss the fourth and final Test against Australia with a shoulder injury he had suffered in the previous match in Ranchi, batting coach Sanjay Bangar said before the start of the match on Saturday. Ajinkya Rahane will lead in Kohli's absence, making him the 33rd Test captain of India. Virat Kohli out of the 4th Test due to injury, Ajinkya Rahane to captain the team #IndvAus pic.twitter.com/mGYbnHeL50 — ANI (@ANI_news) March 25, 2017 × The other big change is that India is heading into the decisive Test with five bowlers. Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav will make his debut, meaning India is fielding three spinners. The pace attack has been rejigged too, with BHuvaneshwar Kumar replacing Ishant Sharma. Kohli, who hurt his shoulder while diving to stop a boundary in the drawn third test in Ranchi, was hoping to be fit for the decider at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium which is hosting its first Test. Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer, who scored a double century in the warm-up gainst Australia last month, was flown into Dharamsala for the fourth Test. He was widely expected to replaced Kohli, but has been kept in the reserves. Meanwhile, an unchanged Australia have won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch that according to their captain Steve Smith looks to have "bit of a grass". India's stand-in captain Rahane surmised the pitch as a good track to bat on for the first two to three days. The four-match series between the world's top two test team is locked at 1-1. Australia need just a draw to take home the Border-Gavaskar trophy, having triumphed at home in 2014-15. A victory for the tourists will see them win their first Test series in India in 13 years. Whatever the result, India will retain their number one Test ranking. Teams: India: Lokesh Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (capt), Karun Nair, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav. Australia: David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith (capt), Shaun Marsh, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Steve O'Keefe, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA) and Ian Gould (ENG) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIS) (WION with inputs from agencies)

Virat Kohli out of fourth Dharamsala Test, Rahane to lead team

India captain Virat Kohli is doubtful for the fourth and final test against Australia after suffering a shoulder injury in the penultimate match in Ranchi.

The 28-year-old Kohli damaged his right shoulder when diving to save a boundary on the first day of the penultimate test in Ranchi and was off the field during most of Australia&#39;s first innings in the drawn game.

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&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/845157969687818240">March 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;(We will) take a call later tonight or tomorrow,&quot; Kohli told reporters on Friday.

The series is tied at 1-1 with the winner-takes-all fourth test starting on Saturday.

(Reuters)

Kohli damaged his right shoulder when diving to save a boundary on the first day of the penultimate test in Ranchi

India captain Virat Kohli is doubtful for the fourth and final test against Australia after suffering a shoulder injury in the penultimate match in Ranchi. The 28-year-old Kohli damaged his right shoulder when diving to save a boundary on the first day of the penultimate test in Ranchi and was off the field during most of Australia's first innings in the drawn game. I'll only play if I'm 100% fit: Virat Kohli ahead of 4th test against Australia. pic.twitter.com/z5IaiknZ1d — ANI (@ANI_news) March 24, 2017 × "(We will) take a call later tonight or tomorrow," Kohli told reporters on Friday. The series is tied at 1-1 with the winner-takes-all fourth test starting on Saturday. (Reuters)

Virat Kohli doubtful for fourth Australia test

India&#39;s cricket captain Virat Kohli may not know how to spell the word &quot;sorry&quot;, Cricket Australia chairman James Sutherland said on Wednesday.

When asked by an Australian radio jockey if Kohli should apologise to rival captain Steve Smith over the cheating allegations, Sutherland quipped: &quot;Look I am not sure he knows how to spell the word.&quot;

This is the latest attack on Kohli from Down Under as the the Australian media has come down hard on the Indian cricket captain following his insinuation about Smith having cheated during the second Test in Bangalore.

Kohli had stopped short of calling Smith a cheat after the Australian captain sought dressing room&#39;s advice for a DRS call, triggering off a major controversy.

On March 7, Kohli during a post-match conference had created fissures between the Indian and Australian cricket team when he took a dig at Smith, saying: &quot;&quot;We have been inconsistent with the DRS but we take our decisions on the field, we don&#39;t ask for confirmation from the dressing room.&quot;&nbsp;

He had made the comments minutes after India had recorded a 75-run win over Australia to draw level in the four-Test series. 
 
Sutherland, who had called Kohli&#39;s &quot;cheating&quot; claims as outrageous before striking truce with the BCCI, hopes the hostilities between the two teams end post the fourth and final Test in Dharamsala.

&quot;After the end of this long and cut-throat series, lets hope the boys from both teams get together and have a bit of a laugh. I know they are going to spend a lot of time together in the IPL, so I am sure if it doesn&#39;t happen after Dharamsala Test, it will happen during the IPL,&quot; Sutherland said.

(WION with inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cricket Australia chairman James Sutherland said this to an RJ when asked about the DRS cheating controversy involving Steve Smith

India's cricket captain Virat Kohli may not know how to spell the word "sorry", Cricket Australia chairman James Sutherland said on Wednesday. When asked by an Australian radio jockey if Kohli should apologise to rival captain Steve Smith over the cheating allegations, Sutherland quipped: "Look I am not sure he knows how to spell the word." This is the latest attack on Kohli from Down Under as the the Australian media has come down hard on the Indian cricket captain following his insinuation about Smith having cheated during the second Test in Bangalore. Kohli had stopped short of calling Smith a cheat after the Australian captain sought dressing room's advice for a DRS call, triggering off a major controversy. On March 7, Kohli during a post-match conference had created fissures between the Indian and Australian cricket team when he took a dig at Smith, saying: ""We have been inconsistent with the DRS but we take our decisions on the field, we don't ask for confirmation from the dressing room." He had made the comments minutes after India had recorded a 75-run win over Australia to draw level in the four-Test series. Sutherland, who had called Kohli's "cheating" claims as outrageous before striking truce with the BCCI, hopes the hostilities between the two teams end post the fourth and final Test in Dharamsala. "After the end of this long and cut-throat series, lets hope the boys from both teams get together and have a bit of a laugh. I know they are going to spend a lot of time together in the IPL, so I am sure if it doesn't happen after Dharamsala Test, it will happen during the IPL," Sutherland said. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Not sure Virat Kohli can spell 'sorry': Cricket Australia chief

India&#39;s cricket team have been given a significant pay rise, with the world&#39;s richest cricket board (BCCI) announcing on Wednesday that it had doubled salaries for the 2016-17 season and hiked match fees across all three of the game&#39;s formats.

Players in the uppermost &#39;A&#39; category have been put on a retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending September 20, 2017, up from 10 million rupees last season.

That is still well short of the 700,000 pounds ($870,800) retainers that England&#39;s top cricketers, such as Alastair Cook or Joe Root are on, according to media reports, or the A$1.12 million dollars ($858,816) for Australia captain Steve Smith.

Top Indian cricketers also receive a match fee for each international appearance, and many benefit from playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL).

The BCCI said it had seven players on Grade A contracts, up from four last season, with Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Murali Vijay joining captain Virat Kohli, former skipper MS Dhoni, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and batsman Ajinkya Rahane.

Indian players on Grade B contracts, such as batsman Rohit Sharma and pace bowlers Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will earn 10 million rupees each and Grade C players will earn 5 million rupees apiece.

Notable exceptions from the list of players awarded contracts include off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and left-handed batsman Suresh Raina.

Players also top up their income in the IPL Twenty20 competition, with the country&#39;s media reporting that skipper Kohli, who captains Royal Challengers Bangalore, earned 15 million rupees from the league last year.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes was bought for a staggering $2.17 million by Rising Pune Supergiants ahead of this season&#39;s IPL.&nbsp;

The BCCI also increased match fees for the national team, with players now earning 1.5 million rupees per test match, or three times as much as they did last season.

Match fees for both one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals have been doubled, to 600,000 rupees and 300,000 rupees, respectively.

The changes have been backdated to October 1, 2016, the BCCI said.

(Reuters)

Players in the uppermost 'A' category have been put on a retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending September 20, 2017

India's cricket team have been given a significant pay rise, with the world's richest cricket board (BCCI) announcing on Wednesday that it had doubled salaries for the 2016-17 season and hiked match fees across all three of the game's formats. Players in the uppermost 'A' category have been put on a retainer of 20 million Indian rupees ($305,000) for the period ending September 20, 2017, up from 10 million rupees last season. That is still well short of the 700,000 pounds ($870,800) retainers that England's top cricketers, such as Alastair Cook or Joe Root are on, according to media reports, or the A$1.12 million dollars ($858,816) for Australia captain Steve Smith. Top Indian cricketers also receive a match fee for each international appearance, and many benefit from playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI said it had seven players on Grade A contracts, up from four last season, with Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja and Murali Vijay joining captain Virat Kohli, former skipper MS Dhoni, off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Indian players on Grade B contracts, such as batsman Rohit Sharma and pace bowlers Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will earn 10 million rupees each and Grade C players will earn 5 million rupees apiece. Notable exceptions from the list of players awarded contracts include off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and left-handed batsman Suresh Raina. Players also top up their income in the IPL Twenty20 competition, with the country's media reporting that skipper Kohli, who captains Royal Challengers Bangalore, earned 15 million rupees from the league last year. England all-rounder Ben Stokes was bought for a staggering $2.17 million by Rising Pune Supergiants ahead of this season's IPL. The BCCI also increased match fees for the national team, with players now earning 1.5 million rupees per test match, or three times as much as they did last season. Match fees for both one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals have been doubled, to 600,000 rupees and 300,000 rupees, respectively. The changes have been backdated to October 1, 2016, the BCCI said. (Reuters)

BCCI doubles player salaries, hikes match fees for 2016-17 season

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins claimed four wickets to dent India&#39;s response despite Cheteshwar Pujara&#39;s&nbsp;dogged century on day three of the third Test in Ranchi on Saturday.

India were 306 for six at stumps, still trailing the visitors by 91 runs in their first innings. Pujara (130) and Wriddhiman Saha (18) were batting at close of play.

Cummins, making a return after playing his only Test for Australia in 2011, got crucial breaks including the prized scalp of India skipper Virat Kohli.

The 23-year-old Cummins was ably supported by fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood and spinner Steve O&#39;Keefe who took a wicket each on pitch that still looked good for batting.

Pujara, who was involved in a 102-run second-wicket stand with overnight partner Murali Vijay (82),&nbsp;was holding the innings together with his 11th Test century.

Pujara hit 17 boundaries, in an otherwise sedate knock, to keep India&#39;s hopes alive of surpassing Australia&#39;s first innings total of 451.

Puajara built crucial partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane (14) and Karun Nair (23) but the Australian pacemen rattled India&#39;s middle order with some inspired bowling.

Cummins, who struck twice in the afternoon session, got Rahane caught behind and Hazlewood bowled Nair with a beautiful reverse swinging delivery in the final session.

Australia skipper Steve Smith kept up the pressure by rotating his bowling options as runs trickled in for the hosts in the final two hours of play.

India, whose innings run-rate is less than three an over, managed to score only 57 runs in the 31 overs bowled in the final session and lost two wickets.

Earlier Kohli, who turned out to bat at his regular number four spot laying to rest any injury concerns, lasted only 23 balls before edging a catch to his opposite number Steve Smith at second slip.

The star batsman had injured his right shoulder after an awkward fall while fielding during Australia&#39;s innings on Thursday and stayed off the field for 400 minutes before taking crease.

Kohli, who came into the rubber with double centuries in four successive series, has only managed 46 runs in his five innnings since the opener in Pune.

In the morning session, Vijay hit a gutsy 82 before undoing his hardwork by being stumped off O&#39;Keefe at the stroke of lunch.

The series between the world&#39;s top two sides is tantalisingly poised at 1-1 with India needing at least a draw to have any chance of winning back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

(AFP)

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins took four wickets to break India's back but Pujara's patient ton kept India in the hunt

Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins claimed four wickets to dent India's response despite Cheteshwar Pujara's dogged century on day three of the third Test in Ranchi on Saturday. India were 306 for six at stumps, still trailing the visitors by 91 runs in their first innings. Pujara (130) and Wriddhiman Saha (18) were batting at close of play. Cummins, making a return after playing his only Test for Australia in 2011, got crucial breaks including the prized scalp of India skipper Virat Kohli. The 23-year-old Cummins was ably supported by fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood and spinner Steve O'Keefe who took a wicket each on pitch that still looked good for batting. Pujara, who was involved in a 102-run second-wicket stand with overnight partner Murali Vijay (82), was holding the innings together with his 11th Test century. Pujara hit 17 boundaries, in an otherwise sedate knock, to keep India's hopes alive of surpassing Australia's first innings total of 451. Puajara built crucial partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane (14) and Karun Nair (23) but the Australian pacemen rattled India's middle order with some inspired bowling. Cummins, who struck twice in the afternoon session, got Rahane caught behind and Hazlewood bowled Nair with a beautiful reverse swinging delivery in the final session. Australia skipper Steve Smith kept up the pressure by rotating his bowling options as runs trickled in for the hosts in the final two hours of play. India, whose innings run-rate is less than three an over, managed to score only 57 runs in the 31 overs bowled in the final session and lost two wickets. Earlier Kohli, who turned out to bat at his regular number four spot laying to rest any injury concerns, lasted only 23 balls before edging a catch to his opposite number Steve Smith at second slip. The star batsman had injured his right shoulder after an awkward fall while fielding during Australia's innings on Thursday and stayed off the field for 400 minutes before taking crease. Kohli, who came into the rubber with double centuries in four successive series, has only managed 46 runs in his five innnings since the opener in Pune. In the morning session, Vijay hit a gutsy 82 before undoing his hardwork by being stumped off O'Keefe at the stroke of lunch. The series between the world's top two sides is tantalisingly poised at 1-1 with India needing at least a draw to have any chance of winning back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. (AFP)

Cummins' strikes, Pujara ton keeps Ranchi Test in balance

Allegations and denials flew thick and fast between rival captains Virat Kohli and Steven Smith with the India skipper claiming that the home team physio Patrick Farhart was &quot;disrespected&quot; by visiting players.

Kohli alleged that some Australians unnecessarily taunted Farhart but Smith denied the claim.

&quot;They (four-five of them) started taking Patrick&#39;s name. I don&#39;t know why. He&#39;s our physio. His job is to treat me. I don&#39;t find the reason behind it. I could not understand. You must ask why they have started taking his name,&quot; said Kohli at a post-match press conference.

While saving a run on the first day of the third Test here, Kohli hurt his shoulder and Farhart rushed onto the field to attain to his injury. Kohli eventually left the field with the physio.

Later Glenn Maxwell was seen mocking Kohli&#39;s injury when he imitated his action by clutching his right shoulder after his dive to save a boundary. The Indian skipper&nbsp;too&nbsp;gave it back with a similar gesture when David Warner got out yesterday.

When an Australian scribe asked about the mocking incident involving himself and Glenn Maxwell, an upset Kohli said: &quot;It&#39;s funny all our guys ask about cricket as the first thing and you ask about something controversial. But it&#39;s okay. These things happen on the field.&quot;

However, Smith insisted that they never disrespected Farhart, who himself is an Australian.

&quot;It was a bit disappointing. I didn&#39;t actually do anything. Virat was having a go at me saying I was disrespecting Patrick Farhart. I was probably the exact opposite.

&quot;I think he probably did a pretty terrific job to be able to get Virat back on the field after that shoulder injury. He&#39;s a terrific physio and he obviously does a great job for them,&quot; said Smith.

Asked about his take on the spirit of the game, Smith said: &quot;There&#39;s always a bit of tension when you&#39;re playing India in Test matches. As far I&#39;m concerned it&#39;s being played in the right spirit on the field and it&#39;s a hard and tough grind. That&#39;s how I would explain it and no issues with that.&quot; 
 
(PTI)

Kohli alleged that some Australians unnecessarily taunted Patrick Farhart by taking his name

Allegations and denials flew thick and fast between rival captains Virat Kohli and Steven Smith with the India skipper claiming that the home team physio Patrick Farhart was "disrespected" by visiting players. Kohli alleged that some Australians unnecessarily taunted Farhart but Smith denied the claim. "They (four-five of them) started taking Patrick's name. I don't know why. He's our physio. His job is to treat me. I don't find the reason behind it. I could not understand. You must ask why they have started taking his name," said Kohli at a post-match press conference. While saving a run on the first day of the third Test here, Kohli hurt his shoulder and Farhart rushed onto the field to attain to his injury. Kohli eventually left the field with the physio. Later Glenn Maxwell was seen mocking Kohli's injury when he imitated his action by clutching his right shoulder after his dive to save a boundary. The Indian skipper too gave it back with a similar gesture when David Warner got out yesterday. When an Australian scribe asked about the mocking incident involving himself and Glenn Maxwell, an upset Kohli said: "It's funny all our guys ask about cricket as the first thing and you ask about something controversial. But it's okay. These things happen on the field." However, Smith insisted that they never disrespected Farhart, who himself is an Australian. "It was a bit disappointing. I didn't actually do anything. Virat was having a go at me saying I was disrespecting Patrick Farhart. I was probably the exact opposite. "I think he probably did a pretty terrific job to be able to get Virat back on the field after that shoulder injury. He's a terrific physio and he obviously does a great job for them," said Smith. Asked about his take on the spirit of the game, Smith said: "There's always a bit of tension when you're playing India in Test matches. As far I'm concerned it's being played in the right spirit on the field and it's a hard and tough grind. That's how I would explain it and no issues with that." (PTI)

Virat Kohli claims Aussies 'disrespected' Team India physio, Steven Smith denies claims

India Skipper Virat Kohli will undergo scans on his injured shoulder after leaving the field in the afternoon session of the opening day&#39;s play in the third Test against Australia Thursday.

&quot;The exact status of Virat&#39;s injury will be known by tomorrow morning. He is going to undergo scans later today,&quot; India&#39;s fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar told reporters in Ranchi.

Kohli hurt his right shoulder while fielding and went off the field in the 40th over, leaving vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane to lead the side for the rest of the day.

Kohli fell&nbsp;awkwardly while trying to cut off a boundary at long-on and instantly walked away, clutching his shoulder. He was seen putting on ice packs in the dressing room.

&quot;We took a precaution (in taking him off the field) to make sure that he doesn&#39;t aggravate the injury,&quot; Sridhar said.

&quot;It was quite an intense chase to the boundary line. In his intent to save that one run, he stopped the ball but landed on his right shoulder when he rolled over.

&quot;The impact was quite heavy because of the momentum he was carrying and there was a shock on his right shoulder,&quot; he added.

Australia piled on the runs in Kohli&#39;s absence to end the day on 299 for four with skipper Steve Smith (117) and Glenn Maxwell (82) at the crease.

The batting duo put on an unbeaten 159-run stand for the fifth wicket with Rahane rotating his bowling options with little success.

&quot;I thought Ajinkya did a good job filling in for Virat...He kept taking advice from Ishant (Sharma) and (Ravichandran) Ashwin who are the seniors of the team,&quot; said Sridhar.

Kohli has already been off the ground for over three hours and will have to take the field for an equal amount of time before he is able to bat at his usual number four position.

(AFP)

The Indian captain Kohli hurt his right shoulder while fielding and went off the field in the 40th over

India Skipper Virat Kohli will undergo scans on his injured shoulder after leaving the field in the afternoon session of the opening day's play in the third Test against Australia Thursday. "The exact status of Virat's injury will be known by tomorrow morning. He is going to undergo scans later today," India's fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar told reporters in Ranchi. Kohli hurt his right shoulder while fielding and went off the field in the 40th over, leaving vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane to lead the side for the rest of the day. Kohli fell awkwardly while trying to cut off a boundary at long-on and instantly walked away, clutching his shoulder. He was seen putting on ice packs in the dressing room. "We took a precaution (in taking him off the field) to make sure that he doesn't aggravate the injury," Sridhar said. "It was quite an intense chase to the boundary line. In his intent to save that one run, he stopped the ball but landed on his right shoulder when he rolled over. "The impact was quite heavy because of the momentum he was carrying and there was a shock on his right shoulder," he added. Australia piled on the runs in Kohli's absence to end the day on 299 for four with skipper Steve Smith (117) and Glenn Maxwell (82) at the crease. The batting duo put on an unbeaten 159-run stand for the fifth wicket with Rahane rotating his bowling options with little success. "I thought Ajinkya did a good job filling in for Virat...He kept taking advice from Ishant (Sharma) and (Ravichandran) Ashwin who are the seniors of the team," said Sridhar. Kohli has already been off the ground for over three hours and will have to take the field for an equal amount of time before he is able to bat at his usual number four position. (AFP)

Virat Kohli to undergo shoulder scan

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take cognisance of Australian skipper Steve Smith seeking dressing room help for a DRS call.

Former India captains have called on cricket authorities to investigate Australia skipper Steve Smith amid allegations his team flouted the rules of the game when deciding whether to review decisions during the second test.

Incensed India captain Virat Kohli accused Smith of &#39;crossing the line&#39; on day four of the Bangalore match on Tuesday when he was given out lbw and looked toward the players&#39; area in the stands when deciding whether to review the verdict using the Decision Review System.

Players are not allowed to seek direction apart from conferring with the non-striker.

Smith said it had been a one-off incident caused by a &quot;brain fade&quot; but Kohli countered that it was not the only time it had happened and that he had complained to the match officials.

Former India captain and broadcaster Sunil Gavaskar called on the International Cricket Council to investigate.

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&quot;I don&#39;t think that was in the spirit of the game. We have to see what the ICC and match referee do,&quot; Gavaskar told local broadcaster NDTV.

&quot;I have not seen other earlier incidents but I saw it clearly when Smith did that today, he was clearly gesturing to the dressing room.&quot;

Sourav Ganguly, who captained India from 2000-05, also demanded authorities &quot;take action&quot;.

&quot;The umpires and match referee must ensure this doesn&rsquo;t happen in future,&quot; he told Indian broadcaster Aaj Tak.

Peter Handscomb, who was at the non-striker&#39;s end during the incident, tweeted after the 75-run defeat that he was to blame.

&quot;I referred smudga (Smith) to look at the box... my fault and was unaware of the rule. Shouldn&#39;t take anything away from what was an amazing game!&quot; he wrote.

Michael Clarke, Smith&#39;s predecessor as captain, said he had concerns about the actions of his former team mate.

&quot;I want to find out from the Australian team if they&#39;re using the DRS in that way, if they are then that is unacceptable,&quot; Clarke told TV station India Today.

&quot;The fact that Peter Handscomb is even thinking about telling the Australian captain to turn around and look to the support staff, I&#39;ve got my concerns.&quot;

The DRS storm capped a tense and sometimes ill-tempered match, with a number of heated verbal exchanges prompting interventions from the umpires to calm players down.

Kohli&#39;s accusations and any action taken by the ICC are bound to reverberate in coming days, with the four-match series locked at 1-1 before the third test in Ranchi next week.

Australian media likened the controversy to the infamous Sydney Cricket Ground test in 2008, which soured relations between the teams for a number of years.

The Anil Kumble-captained Indians threatened to abandon the series after bowler Harbhajan Singh was found guilty of racially abusing Australia&#39;s Andrew Symonds, a conviction that was later overturned.

After Australia won the tense match on day five, Kumble said: &quot;Only one team is playing in the spirit of the game.&quot;

(Reuters)

After being given lbw, Smith is accused of conferring -- on whether the decision should be reviewed -- with the Australian dressing room

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take cognisance of Australian skipper Steve Smith seeking dressing room help for a DRS call. Former India captains have called on cricket authorities to investigate Australia skipper Steve Smith amid allegations his team flouted the rules of the game when deciding whether to review decisions during the second test. Incensed India captain Virat Kohli accused Smith of 'crossing the line' on day four of the Bangalore match on Tuesday when he was given out lbw and looked toward the players' area in the stands when deciding whether to review the verdict using the Decision Review System. Players are not allowed to seek direction apart from conferring with the non-striker. Smith said it had been a one-off incident caused by a "brain fade" but Kohli countered that it was not the only time it had happened and that he had complained to the match officials. Former India captain and broadcaster Sunil Gavaskar called on the International Cricket Council to investigate. Players are not allowed to seek direction apart from conferring with the non-striker × "I don't think that was in the spirit of the game. We have to see what the ICC and match referee do," Gavaskar told local broadcaster NDTV. "I have not seen other earlier incidents but I saw it clearly when Smith did that today, he was clearly gesturing to the dressing room." Sourav Ganguly, who captained India from 2000-05, also demanded authorities "take action". "The umpires and match referee must ensure this doesn’t happen in future," he told Indian broadcaster Aaj Tak. Peter Handscomb, who was at the non-striker's end during the incident, tweeted after the 75-run defeat that he was to blame. "I referred smudga (Smith) to look at the box... my fault and was unaware of the rule. Shouldn't take anything away from what was an amazing game!" he wrote. Michael Clarke, Smith's predecessor as captain, said he had concerns about the actions of his former team mate. "I want to find out from the Australian team if they're using the DRS in that way, if they are then that is unacceptable," Clarke told TV station India Today. "The fact that Peter Handscomb is even thinking about telling the Australian captain to turn around and look to the support staff, I've got my concerns." The DRS storm capped a tense and sometimes ill-tempered match, with a number of heated verbal exchanges prompting interventions from the umpires to calm players down. Kohli's accusations and any action taken by the ICC are bound to reverberate in coming days, with the four-match series locked at 1-1 before the third test in Ranchi next week. Australian media likened the controversy to the infamous Sydney Cricket Ground test in 2008, which soured relations between the teams for a number of years. The Anil Kumble-captained Indians threatened to abandon the series after bowler Harbhajan Singh was found guilty of racially abusing Australia's Andrew Symonds, a conviction that was later overturned. After Australia won the tense match on day five, Kumble said: "Only one team is playing in the spirit of the game." (Reuters)

Former India captains Ganguly, Gavaskar want probe into Steve Smith's DRS call

Cricket&#39;s governing body said Wednesday they would bring together the captains of India and Australia to clear the air after the dramatic second Test was marred by accusations of cheating.

The International Cricket Council said &quot;no further action&quot; would be taken against the skippers in the wake of India&#39;s 75-run victory over Australia in Bangalore earlier this week that was overshadowed by a spiralling war of words.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli`s accused Steve Smith of abusing the decision review system (DRS) after he was seen looking to the Australian dressing-room while considering appealing against his dismissal for lbw.

The rules forbid players from consulting with anyone off the pitch about whether to seek a review from the umpires.

Smith admitted he had been at fault but put it down to a one-off &quot;brain-fade&quot; but an angry Kohli said it was far from an isolated incident, suggesting it had been happening for the entire Test.

The ICC said neither skipper had violated the council`s code of conduct but the match referee would bring both captains together ahead of the next Test &quot;to remind them of their responsibilities to the game&quot;.

&quot;We have just witnessed a magnificent game of Test cricket where players from both teams gave their all and emotions were running high during and after the match,&quot; ICC chief executive David Richardson said in a statement.

&quot;We would encourage both teams to focus their energies on the third Test in Ranchi next week.&quot;

India won the Test after Australia crashed to 112 all out on the fourth-day, bringing the world`s top-two sides into a 1-1 draw in the four-match series. 
 
(AFP)

BCCI had asked the International Cricket Council to probe the cheating allegations against the Australian skipper

Cricket's governing body said Wednesday they would bring together the captains of India and Australia to clear the air after the dramatic second Test was marred by accusations of cheating. The International Cricket Council said "no further action" would be taken against the skippers in the wake of India's 75-run victory over Australia in Bangalore earlier this week that was overshadowed by a spiralling war of words. Indian skipper Virat Kohli`s accused Steve Smith of abusing the decision review system (DRS) after he was seen looking to the Australian dressing-room while considering appealing against his dismissal for lbw. The rules forbid players from consulting with anyone off the pitch about whether to seek a review from the umpires. Smith admitted he had been at fault but put it down to a one-off "brain-fade" but an angry Kohli said it was far from an isolated incident, suggesting it had been happening for the entire Test. The ICC said neither skipper had violated the council`s code of conduct but the match referee would bring both captains together ahead of the next Test "to remind them of their responsibilities to the game". "We have just witnessed a magnificent game of Test cricket where players from both teams gave their all and emotions were running high during and after the match," ICC chief executive David Richardson said in a statement. "We would encourage both teams to focus their energies on the third Test in Ranchi next week." India won the Test after Australia crashed to 112 all out on the fourth-day, bringing the world`s top-two sides into a 1-1 draw in the four-match series. (AFP)

No action against Virat Kohli, Steve Smith in DRS row: ICC

Australia beat India by 333 runs on Saturday in an outstanding victory that ended the hosts&#39; winning streak of 19 Tests in the opening match of the series in Pune.

Chasing a daunting 441, the world&#39;s top side crashed to 107 all out early in the final session after left-arm spinner Steve O&#39;Keefe&#39;s match haul of 12 wickets, handing number-two ranked Australia the upset win inside three days.

O&#39;Keefe&#39;s heroics enabled Australia to register their first Test win on Indian soil since 2004 as they took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

The visitors last won a Test at Nagpur in October 2004, clinching the four-match series 2-1 under the then captain Ricky Ponting.

Second-ranked Australia also registered their first win in Asia after nine losses including their 3-0 thrashing in Sri Lanka last year.

Australia skipper Steve Smith rated the win as &quot;right up there&quot;, saying: &quot;Coming to India, we haven&#39;t won a game here 4502 days. I have been told those facts.&quot;

&quot;So it&#39;s been an incredibly long time...You know it&#39;s a great challenge and in this game the boys were up to the challenge,&quot; Smith told reporters.

The 32-year-old returned with impressive figures of 6-35 as he got good support from off spinner Nathan Lyon, who bagged six wickets at India&#39;s newest Test venue.

Lyon got the final wicket of Jayant Yadav (55) as the second-ranked Australian side got into a celebratory huddle.

O&#39;Keefe made India falter twice on a turning track as another 6-35 in the first innings saw the hosts bundle out for 105.

&quot;O&#39;Keefe was outstanding. We&#39;ve got some good players (batsmen) of spin and good spinners,&quot; said Smith.

A wily O&#39;Keefe got the big wicket of Indian skipper Virat Kohli as he bowled the star batsman for 13, stunning the home crowd into silence.

It was a rare failure for Kohli, who was out for a duck in the first innings, after scoring double hundreds in four successive series since July.

&quot;They exploited it (the pitch) better than us. They put us under pressure throughout and deserved to win this game,&quot; said Kohli.

&quot;We&#39;ve had two really bad sessions and to pull it back against a quality side is very difficult. No excuses.&quot;

&#39;A bit of luck&#39;&nbsp;

Earlier on Saturday Australian skipper Steve Smith struck his first century in India before the visitors were bowled out for 285 in an extended morning session.

Smith made 109 to compound India&#39;s misery after O&#39;Keefe had put the visitors on top on day two at Pune&#39;s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

&quot;Rode my luck throughout the innings. Had a few lives but you need a bit of luck on a wicket like that and. I was pleased with myself to score a second innings hundred in India,&quot; said Smith.

Mitchell Starc also played a big part after scoring 61 in Australia&#39;s first innings of 260 after the visitors won a crucial toss.

Starc then took two wickets in India&#39;s first essay, getting Kohli out for nought. Starc also hit a breezy 30 in the second innings.

Young opener Matt Renshaw&#39;s gritty 68 on day one also signalled Australia&#39;s intent of putting up a show on India&#39;s home turf.

The 20-year-old Renshaw fought an upset stomach to score crucial runs in challenging conditions.&nbsp;

The teams now head to Bangalore for the second Test starting March 4. The final two games are scheduled in Ranchi and Dharamsala.

(AFP)

O'Keefe's 12-wicket haul ended India's 19-match unbeaten streak in the first Test of the four-match series

Australia beat India by 333 runs on Saturday in an outstanding victory that ended the hosts' winning streak of 19 Tests in the opening match of the series in Pune. Chasing a daunting 441, the world's top side crashed to 107 all out early in the final session after left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe's match haul of 12 wickets, handing number-two ranked Australia the upset win inside three days. O'Keefe's heroics enabled Australia to register their first Test win on Indian soil since 2004 as they took a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The visitors last won a Test at Nagpur in October 2004, clinching the four-match series 2-1 under the then captain Ricky Ponting. Second-ranked Australia also registered their first win in Asia after nine losses including their 3-0 thrashing in Sri Lanka last year. Australia skipper Steve Smith rated the win as "right up there", saying: "Coming to India, we haven't won a game here 4502 days. I have been told those facts." "So it's been an incredibly long time...You know it's a great challenge and in this game the boys were up to the challenge," Smith told reporters. The 32-year-old returned with impressive figures of 6-35 as he got good support from off spinner Nathan Lyon, who bagged six wickets at India's newest Test venue. Lyon got the final wicket of Jayant Yadav (55) as the second-ranked Australian side got into a celebratory huddle. O'Keefe made India falter twice on a turning track as another 6-35 in the first innings saw the hosts bundle out for 105. "O'Keefe was outstanding. We've got some good players (batsmen) of spin and good spinners," said Smith. A wily O'Keefe got the big wicket of Indian skipper Virat Kohli as he bowled the star batsman for 13, stunning the home crowd into silence. It was a rare failure for Kohli, who was out for a duck in the first innings, after scoring double hundreds in four successive series since July. "They exploited it (the pitch) better than us. They put us under pressure throughout and deserved to win this game," said Kohli. "We've had two really bad sessions and to pull it back against a quality side is very difficult. No excuses." 'A bit of luck' Earlier on Saturday Australian skipper Steve Smith struck his first century in India before the visitors were bowled out for 285 in an extended morning session. Smith made 109 to compound India's misery after O'Keefe had put the visitors on top on day two at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. "Rode my luck throughout the innings. Had a few lives but you need a bit of luck on a wicket like that and. I was pleased with myself to score a second innings hundred in India," said Smith. Mitchell Starc also played a big part after scoring 61 in Australia's first innings of 260 after the visitors won a crucial toss. Starc then took two wickets in India's first essay, getting Kohli out for nought. Starc also hit a breezy 30 in the second innings. Young opener Matt Renshaw's gritty 68 on day one also signalled Australia's intent of putting up a show on India's home turf. The 20-year-old Renshaw fought an upset stomach to score crucial runs in challenging conditions. The teams now head to Bangalore for the second Test starting March 4. The final two games are scheduled in Ranchi and Dharamsala. (AFP)

O'Keefe, Lyon spin web around India to help Australia win big

&nbsp;Australia paceman Mitchell Starc ripped the heart out of India&#39;s top order with two wickets in three balls to help reduce the hosts to 70 for three at lunch on the second day of the opening test on Friday.

Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for six, while India captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck as the touring side fought back strongly in the first of the four-match series between the world&#39;s top two sides.

Replying to their opponent&#39;s first innings total of 260 on a wicket favouring both pace and spin, assured opener Lokesh Rahul was unbeaten on 47 with Ajinkya Rahane six not out at the break.

Following Kohli&#39;s lead, Australia skipper Steve Smith used one of his spinners as early as the second over on the dry pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in the Western Indian city of Pune, a venue making its debut as a test centre.

Left-armer Steve O&#39;Keefe was largely ineffective, however, before right-arm paceman Josh Hazlewood came on to break India&#39;s opening stand in his first over when he induced Murali Vijay into edging a catch behind for 10.

Starc was Australia&#39;s new ball pace option but the left-armer was unable to find much success with the new cherry as Rahul settled in quickly to hit him for a few crisply driven boundaries.

Widely considered the world&#39;s leading test paceman, Starc would not be denied and he returned to see off Pujara with a rising delivery that brushed the batsman&#39;s glove and sailed through to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.

The sparse crowd appeared indifferent to Pujara&#39;s dismissal as they anticipated the arrival of fan-favourite Kohli, who recently became the first batsman to hit four double-centuries in as many consecutive series.

However, their boisterous enthusiasm was replaced by stunned silence just two balls later when the right-hander chased a full and wide delivery from Starc to offer up a routine slip catch.

Rahul and Rahane negotiated the remaining overs through to lunch, though the latter almost perished to off-spin when he edged a Nathan Lyon delivery just wide of a leg slip.

Earlier, Australia&#39;s final-wicket pairing lasted less than an over in the morning session with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing Starc for an eventful knock of 61.

(Reuters)

Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck as the touring side fought back strongly in the first of the four-match series

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc ripped the heart out of India's top order with two wickets in three balls to help reduce the hosts to 70 for three at lunch on the second day of the opening test on Friday. Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for six, while India captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck as the touring side fought back strongly in the first of the four-match series between the world's top two sides. Replying to their opponent's first innings total of 260 on a wicket favouring both pace and spin, assured opener Lokesh Rahul was unbeaten on 47 with Ajinkya Rahane six not out at the break. Following Kohli's lead, Australia skipper Steve Smith used one of his spinners as early as the second over on the dry pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in the Western Indian city of Pune, a venue making its debut as a test centre. Left-armer Steve O'Keefe was largely ineffective, however, before right-arm paceman Josh Hazlewood came on to break India's opening stand in his first over when he induced Murali Vijay into edging a catch behind for 10. Starc was Australia's new ball pace option but the left-armer was unable to find much success with the new cherry as Rahul settled in quickly to hit him for a few crisply driven boundaries. Widely considered the world's leading test paceman, Starc would not be denied and he returned to see off Pujara with a rising delivery that brushed the batsman's glove and sailed through to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. The sparse crowd appeared indifferent to Pujara's dismissal as they anticipated the arrival of fan-favourite Kohli, who recently became the first batsman to hit four double-centuries in as many consecutive series. However, their boisterous enthusiasm was replaced by stunned silence just two balls later when the right-hander chased a full and wide delivery from Starc to offer up a routine slip catch. Rahul and Rahane negotiated the remaining overs through to lunch, though the latter almost perished to off-spin when he edged a Nathan Lyon delivery just wide of a leg slip. Earlier, Australia's final-wicket pairing lasted less than an over in the morning session with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dismissing Starc for an eventful knock of 61. (Reuters)

Starc strikes twice to leave India down and out before lunch

India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs to win the one-off Test at Hyderabad on the fifth and final day on Monday.

Set an unlikely victory target of 459, Bangladesh were dismissed for 250 shortly after the scheduled tea break.

India spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each to take India to victory.

Bangladesh did show resistance, batting over 100 overs but scoreboard pressure coupled with concerted bowling by the Indians made their hard work go in vain.

Ashwin, who in his 45th Test had become the fastest bowler to claim 250 Test wickets on Sunday, trapped Taskin Ahmed lbw to complete the win as an umpire referral put India&#39;s celebrations on hold.

The lanky off-spinner got first innings centurion Mushfqur Rahim (23) in the morning session to dent Bangladesh&#39;s hopes of saving the match.

Earlier in the first session, Jadeja dismissed star batsman Shakib Al Hasan (22), who added just one run to his overnight score.

Mahmudullah then put on fighting partnerships with Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to resist the Indian attack on what still seemed to be a decent batting track.

India had bowled out Bangladesh for 388 in their second innings and decided to build on their 299-run lead after not enforcing the follow-on.

Ninth-ranked Bangladesh were always left playing catch-up after the hosts posted a mammoth 687-6 declared in their first innings.

Skipper Virat Kohli, who won his sixth successive Test series as captain, led the way with his blazing 204 after the hosts elected to bat first.

The 28-year-old became the first batsman to score double centuries in four consecutive series, surpassing legends like Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid.

Indian batting reined supreme against an inexperienced Bangladesh bowling attack with the innings witnessing four centuries and three 50s.

India maintained their unbeaten record against the minnows with seven wins and two draws in nine encounters.

India are now scheduled to host Australia in a four-match Test series starting February 23 in Pune.

Final scoreboard:&nbsp;

India 687-6 dec (V. Kohli 204, M. Vijay 108; T. Islam 3-156)

Bangladesh 1st innings 388 (M. Rahim 127, Shakib Al Hasan 82; U. Yadav 3-84)

India 2nd innings 159-4 dec (C. Pujara 54 not not; Shakib Al Hasan 2-50)

Bangladesh 2nd innings (target 459; overnight 103-3, Mahmudullah 9 not out, Shakib Al Hasan 21 not out)

Tamim Iqbal c Kohli b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

Soumya Sarkar c Rahane b Jadeja &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;42

Mominul Haque c Rahane b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;27

Mahmudullah c Kumar b Sharma &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;64

Shakib Al Hasan c Pujara b Jadeja&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22

Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23

Sabbir Rahman lbw b Sharma &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22

Mehedi Hasan c Saha b Jadeja &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23

Kamrul Islam Rabbi not out &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3

Taijul Islam c Rahul b Jadeja &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6

Taskin Ahmed lbw b Ashwin &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1

Extras (b 4, lb 7, nb 3) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Total (all out; 100.3 overs) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 250

Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Iqbal), 2-71 (Sarkar), 3-75 (Haque), 4-106 (Shakib), 5-162 (Rahim), 6-213 (Rahman), 7-225 (Mahmudullah), 8-242 (Hasan), 9-249 (Taijul), 10-250 (Ahmed)

Bowling: Kumar 8-4-15-0, Ashwin 30.3-10-73-4, Sharma 13-3-40-2 (3nb), Yadav 12-2-33-0, Jadeja 37-15-78-4

Toss: India

Result: India win by 208 runs

Umpires:&nbsp;Marais Erasmus (RSA) and Joel Wilson (WIS)

TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)

Match referee:&nbsp;Andy Pycroft (ZIM)&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

India spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each to take India to victory.

India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs to win the one-off Test at Hyderabad on the fifth and final day on Monday. Set an unlikely victory target of 459, Bangladesh were dismissed for 250 shortly after the scheduled tea break. India spin duo Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin picked up four wickets each to take India to victory. Bangladesh did show resistance, batting over 100 overs but scoreboard pressure coupled with concerted bowling by the Indians made their hard work go in vain. Ashwin, who in his 45th Test had become the fastest bowler to claim 250 Test wickets on Sunday, trapped Taskin Ahmed lbw to complete the win as an umpire referral put India's celebrations on hold. The lanky off-spinner got first innings centurion Mushfqur Rahim (23) in the morning session to dent Bangladesh's hopes of saving the match. Earlier in the first session, Jadeja dismissed star batsman Shakib Al Hasan (22), who added just one run to his overnight score. Mahmudullah then put on fighting partnerships with Rahim and Sabbir Rahman to resist the Indian attack on what still seemed to be a decent batting track. India had bowled out Bangladesh for 388 in their second innings and decided to build on their 299-run lead after not enforcing the follow-on. Ninth-ranked Bangladesh were always left playing catch-up after the hosts posted a mammoth 687-6 declared in their first innings. Skipper Virat Kohli, who won his sixth successive Test series as captain, led the way with his blazing 204 after the hosts elected to bat first. The 28-year-old became the first batsman to score double centuries in four consecutive series, surpassing legends like Don Bradman and Rahul Dravid. Indian batting reined supreme against an inexperienced Bangladesh bowling attack with the innings witnessing four centuries and three 50s. India maintained their unbeaten record against the minnows with seven wins and two draws in nine encounters. India are now scheduled to host Australia in a four-match Test series starting February 23 in Pune. Final scoreboard: India 687-6 dec (V. Kohli 204, M. Vijay 108; T. Islam 3-156) Bangladesh 1st innings 388 (M. Rahim 127, Shakib Al Hasan 82; U. Yadav 3-84) India 2nd innings 159-4 dec (C. Pujara 54 not not; Shakib Al Hasan 2-50) Bangladesh 2nd innings (target 459; overnight 103-3, Mahmudullah 9 not out, Shakib Al Hasan 21 not out) Tamim Iqbal c Kohli b Ashwin 3 Soumya Sarkar c Rahane b Jadeja 42 Mominul Haque c Rahane b Ashwin 27 Mahmudullah c Kumar b Sharma 64 Shakib Al Hasan c Pujara b Jadeja 22 Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Ashwin 23 Sabbir Rahman lbw b Sharma 22 Mehedi Hasan c Saha b Jadeja 23 Kamrul Islam Rabbi not out 3 Taijul Islam c Rahul b Jadeja 6 Taskin Ahmed lbw b Ashwin 1 Extras (b 4, lb 7, nb 3) 14 Total (all out; 100.3 overs) 250 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Iqbal), 2-71 (Sarkar), 3-75 (Haque), 4-106 (Shakib), 5-162 (Rahim), 6-213 (Rahman), 7-225 (Mahmudullah), 8-242 (Hasan), 9-249 (Taijul), 10-250 (Ahmed) Bowling: Kumar 8-4-15-0, Ashwin 30.3-10-73-4, Sharma 13-3-40-2 (3nb), Yadav 12-2-33-0, Jadeja 37-15-78-4 Toss: India Result: India win by 208 runs Umpires: Marais Erasmus (RSA) and Joel Wilson (WIS) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM) (WION with inputs from AFP)

Test cricket: India beat Bangladesh by 208 runs

A dominant India remained in pursuit of a comprehensive victory after Bangladesh finished the penultimate day at a precarious 103 for three, chasing a mammoth target of 459 in the one-off Test here.

Rather than looking at the improbable task of scoring the remaining 356 runs, the visitors will try to stay afloat for minimum 90 overs on the fifth and final day and save the game.

Despite the benign nature of the track, India&rsquo;s bowling attack has firepower to get the remaining seven wickets.

Ajinkya Rahane&rsquo;s sharp one-handed catch off Ravindra Jadeja to dismiss a well-set Soumya Sarkar (42) put India in the driver&rsquo;s seat after the visitors looked comfortable during the post-tea session as they started their second innings.

Sarkar, along with Mominul Haque (27), had added 60 runs for the second wicket before the lanky left-hander poked at a Jadeja delivery that didn&rsquo;t turn much. The resultant edge was dipping down but Rahane showed fantastic reflexes to pull off a one-handed catch.

With the momentum broken, Ashwin then had Mominul deceived by the drift. The batsman pushed at a delivery, which turned a shade away to take the leading edge and present Rahane with another catch, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 75 for three.

Ashwin (2/34 in 16 overs), who completed the fastest 250 Test wickets, gave a better account of himself in the second innings by getting the turn and the drift. Being given the new ball helped him get some bounce off the pitch as well.

The pitch is still not offering a great deal of turn to the spinners, and had no hand in the wickets that Bangladesh lost in the second innings.

Seasoned Shakib Al Hasan (21 batting), along with Mahmudullah Riyadh (9 batting) and Mushfiqur Rahim, will need to bring their &lsquo;A&rsquo; game to the fore in order to save the game.

In the post-lunch session, Cheteshwar Pujara scored a quickfire half-century as India declared their second innings at 159 for four at the stroke of tea, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting target.

Pujara smashed 54 off 58 balls while skipper Virat Kohli contributed 38 off only 40 deliveries after having bowled out Bangladesh for 388 in their first innings.

A cushion of 299 was good enough for the hosts to go for the jugular even though openers Murali Vijay (7) and KL Rahul (10) were dismissed in quick succession by Taskin Ahmed (2/43).

But Pujara and Kohli upped the ante with an aim to have a a go at Bangladesh on the fourth day itself.

During their 67-run partnership, Pujara, surprisingly, was the aggressor even as Kohli scored at a quick pace.

Using Taskin&rsquo;s pace to his advantage, Pujara hooked him behind the square for a six.&nbsp;

Kohli was not one to be left behind as he lofted Shakib effortlessly for a six over long-on.

(PTI)

India's spin duo of Ashwin and Jadeja took three wickets between them on fourth day of the Test as Bangladesh were given 459-run target

A dominant India remained in pursuit of a comprehensive victory after Bangladesh finished the penultimate day at a precarious 103 for three, chasing a mammoth target of 459 in the one-off Test here. Rather than looking at the improbable task of scoring the remaining 356 runs, the visitors will try to stay afloat for minimum 90 overs on the fifth and final day and save the game. Despite the benign nature of the track, India’s bowling attack has firepower to get the remaining seven wickets. Ajinkya Rahane’s sharp one-handed catch off Ravindra Jadeja to dismiss a well-set Soumya Sarkar (42) put India in the driver’s seat after the visitors looked comfortable during the post-tea session as they started their second innings. Sarkar, along with Mominul Haque (27), had added 60 runs for the second wicket before the lanky left-hander poked at a Jadeja delivery that didn’t turn much. The resultant edge was dipping down but Rahane showed fantastic reflexes to pull off a one-handed catch. With the momentum broken, Ashwin then had Mominul deceived by the drift. The batsman pushed at a delivery, which turned a shade away to take the leading edge and present Rahane with another catch, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 75 for three. Ashwin (2/34 in 16 overs), who completed the fastest 250 Test wickets, gave a better account of himself in the second innings by getting the turn and the drift. Being given the new ball helped him get some bounce off the pitch as well. The pitch is still not offering a great deal of turn to the spinners, and had no hand in the wickets that Bangladesh lost in the second innings. Seasoned Shakib Al Hasan (21 batting), along with Mahmudullah Riyadh (9 batting) and Mushfiqur Rahim, will need to bring their ‘A’ game to the fore in order to save the game. In the post-lunch session, Cheteshwar Pujara scored a quickfire half-century as India declared their second innings at 159 for four at the stroke of tea, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting target. Pujara smashed 54 off 58 balls while skipper Virat Kohli contributed 38 off only 40 deliveries after having bowled out Bangladesh for 388 in their first innings. A cushion of 299 was good enough for the hosts to go for the jugular even though openers Murali Vijay (7) and KL Rahul (10) were dismissed in quick succession by Taskin Ahmed (2/43). But Pujara and Kohli upped the ante with an aim to have a a go at Bangladesh on the fourth day itself. During their 67-run partnership, Pujara, surprisingly, was the aggressor even as Kohli scored at a quick pace. Using Taskin’s pace to his advantage, Pujara hooked him behind the square for a six. Kohli was not one to be left behind as he lofted Shakib effortlessly for a six over long-on. (PTI)

Bangladesh stare at defeat after India set mammoth target

Cheteshwar Pujara hit a brisk half-century to lead India&#39;s quest for quick runs as the hosts set Bangladesh an improbable 459 for victory with four sessions remaining in the one-off test at Hyderabad on Sunday.

Pujara was unbeaten on 54 off 58 balls with the world&#39;s top-ranked side declaring their second innings on 159 for four at tea with an overall lead of 458.

In the morning session, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim registered his fifth test hundred before his side were bundled out for 388 as the hosts took a first-innings lead of 299.

The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman was the last man out for his side on 127 with Bangladesh&#39;s innings ending shortly before lunch.

India captain Virat Kohli opted against enforcing the follow-on after his bowlers needed almost an entire session to pick up Bangladesh&#39;s last four wickets.

Resuming on 322-6, the visitors got off to a bad start as seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar breached the defence of half-centurion Mehedi Hasan with the fourth ball of the morning without a run being added to their overnight total.

Paceman Umesh Yadav, the most impressive of India&#39;s bowlers, got Taijul Islam to glove one back to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, raising fears for Mushfiqur that he could run out of partners before getting to three figures.

However, Taskin Ahmed stayed with his captain for a 39-run ninth-wicket stand, during which Mushfiqur started scoring more freely.

The diminutive right-hander top-edged Ishant Sharma for a six and then reached his century when the lanky bowler misfielded near the boundary to allow the ball through for a four.

He was finally out, caught down the leg side to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who became the fastest bowler to pick up 250 test wickets with the dismissal.

Umesh finished with three wickets, while Ashwin and his spin partner Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets apiece.

The hosts then batted for 29 overs and scored at a rate of more than five runs per over with useful contributions from Kohli (38) and Ajinkya Rahane (28).

Paceman Taskin and spinner Shakib Al Hasan shared the four Indian wickets to fall.

(Reuters)

Kohli opted against enforcing the follow-on after his bowlers needed almost an entire session to pick up Bangladesh's last four wickets

Cheteshwar Pujara hit a brisk half-century to lead India's quest for quick runs as the hosts set Bangladesh an improbable 459 for victory with four sessions remaining in the one-off test at Hyderabad on Sunday. Pujara was unbeaten on 54 off 58 balls with the world's top-ranked side declaring their second innings on 159 for four at tea with an overall lead of 458. In the morning session, Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim registered his fifth test hundred before his side were bundled out for 388 as the hosts took a first-innings lead of 299. The 29-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman was the last man out for his side on 127 with Bangladesh's innings ending shortly before lunch. India captain Virat Kohli opted against enforcing the follow-on after his bowlers needed almost an entire session to pick up Bangladesh's last four wickets. Resuming on 322-6, the visitors got off to a bad start as seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar breached the defence of half-centurion Mehedi Hasan with the fourth ball of the morning without a run being added to their overnight total. Paceman Umesh Yadav, the most impressive of India's bowlers, got Taijul Islam to glove one back to wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, raising fears for Mushfiqur that he could run out of partners before getting to three figures. However, Taskin Ahmed stayed with his captain for a 39-run ninth-wicket stand, during which Mushfiqur started scoring more freely. The diminutive right-hander top-edged Ishant Sharma for a six and then reached his century when the lanky bowler misfielded near the boundary to allow the ball through for a four. He was finally out, caught down the leg side to off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who became the fastest bowler to pick up 250 test wickets with the dismissal. Umesh finished with three wickets, while Ashwin and his spin partner Ravindra Jadeja picked up two wickets apiece. The hosts then batted for 29 overs and scored at a rate of more than five runs per over with useful contributions from Kohli (38) and Ajinkya Rahane (28). Paceman Taskin and spinner Shakib Al Hasan shared the four Indian wickets to fall. (Reuters)

India set Bangladesh 459 for victory in Hyderabad

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