The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

T20 champs look to down Oz again
Ashish Shukla

Match starts at 2 pm

Melbourne, January 31
Sachin Tendulkar is all set to play his first Twenty20 match in more than a year when world champions India take on Australia in a one-off game here tomorrow, with the visitors keen to maintain their supremacy in the shortest format of the game.

With the Harbhajan Singh issue having been sorted out, the focus will be back on cricket but the Indians can expect a fierce backlash from the Australians who have been quite livid with the developments in the past two days.

But the Indians are quite prepared to counter the home team with a number of younger players joining the team for the tri-series, leaving Tendulkar to be the only veteran player in the squad.

Tendulkar, who had opted out of the last year’s Twenty20 World Cup to give chance to youngsters, has been in great from since setting foot on Australian soil and will be keen to carry the momentum into Twenty20 game and the subsequent tri-series.

Other senior players like captain Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have returned home to give way to the youngsters. The presence of the youngsters will no doubt raise the fielding standard of the team but they have to quickly acclimatise to the conditions here.

While Twenty20 star Yuvraj Singh is out of action for a couple of matches owing to his knee injury, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik and Suresh Raina will get the opportunity to prove their worth, depending who gets the chance to be in the playing eleven.

India have a perfect 2-0 record against Australia in the shortest version of the game along with the crowning glory at the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni made it clear that his team would not rest on past laurels while also putting a rider that luck was a big factor in Twenty20 cricket.

He also said that the match would be a good warm-up for the newcomers ahead of the one-dayers.

Tendulkar was the keenest one going around the indoor nets as the Indians sought shelter from the rain.

Tendulkar’s mind for this game apparently was made up in Yuvraj Singh’s absence as the Indians sought to infuse a touch of experience in their largely young squad.

Most of the rest, excepting Virender Sehwag, captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Harbhajan Singh, would have their initiation in Australian conditions tomorrow.

Australia are likely to field four fast bowlers’ in their ranks with left-armer Nathan Bracken and Brett Lee among the known names and not-so-well-known figures of Ashley Noffke and Ben Hilfenhaus.

Australia have tinkered with its batting line-up as well with David Hussey, the younger brother of the Test star Michael, expected to make his debut tomorrow.

David has been in irrepressible form in Twenty20 and in the Pura Cup and has got his runs at a rate better than a run a ball. His presence would make it first time since Waughs that Australia is being represented by two brothers.

The recognised names of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke are all there but for Matthew Hayden, whose injured right thigh, it appears, still needs time to heal. Test star Mitchell Johnson, too, has been given a break.

A sellout crowd of 90,000 is expected for tomorrow’s game which is to be preceded by a Twenty20 international between Australia and England women’s teams.

Teams (from): India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Sreesanth, Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma.

Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Brad Hodge, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Nathan Bracken and Ben Hilfenhaus.

Ponting doubtful

Australian captain Ricky Ponting today indicated that he was a doubtful starter for the Twenty20 match as he had still not fully recovered from his back injury.

Ponting said he was trying his best to recover from the back injury which he sustained on the last day of the Adelaide Test last week.

“I injured my back last week in Adelaide so I pretty much have been flat on my back the last couple of days, just trying to give myself the best chance to recover,” he said.

Ponting had missed Australia’s previous Twenty20 match at Perth against New Zealand during the Chappell-Hadlee series in December. — PTI

	ICC made a mistake: Speed Adelaide, January 31 Human and database errors led to an embarrassing mistake which allowed Harbhajan Singh to escape possible suspension, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Malcolm Speed said today. “It is very unfortunate that human error led to Justice Hansen not having the full history of Harbhajan’s previous Code of Conduct breaches and the ICC accepts responsibility for this mistake,” Speed said, after Hansen revealed that he was not aware of Harbhajan's previous infractions. Harbhajan has been fined half his match fee by ICC appeals commissioner Justice John Hansen after his racial-abuse charges were overturned at a code of conduct appeals hearing here. Hansen said he was not made aware of Harbhajan's three past indiscretions otherwise he could have imposed a more serious penalty on him. Speed admitted that ICC made a mistake. The ICC had informed Hansen's assistant counsel, John Jordan, of only one of Harbhajan's previous infractions, a Level 2.8 offence in April 2003 when he made an abusive comment against an umpire. Speed warned players to behave themselves on the field and made it clear that Harbhajan verbally abused an opponent after being provoked. ''This is not acceptable behaviour on the cricket field. I expect all players to use this as a wake-up call that on-field behaviour must improve,'' he added. CA blasts ICC for goof-up Melbourne: Cricket Australia chief James Sutherland today came down heavily on the ICC for its gaffe, which resulted in Harbhajan Singh being reprieved from his three-Test ban. "If you read the judgement, Hansen says the penalty would have been different if he had some facts in front of him," Sutherland said. "From that point of view, that's disappointing, I am disappointed, Cricket Australia is disappointed," he said. Sutherland, however, said the Australian board would speak to Symonds as he chose not to defend himself ahead of the Twenty20 clash against India. Symonds, when contacted, said he was not going to talk on the matter. — PTI
	Ponting unhappy over verdict Melbourne, January 31 Apparently unwilling to let bygones be bygones, Australian skipper Ricky Ponting today expressed unhappiness over Harbhajan Singh getting away with a "lesser sentence" and said Andrew Symonds feels "a little bit disappointed with the whole system". Notwithstanding the verdict given by the ICC-appointed appeals commissioner that ended the dispute, he raked up the controversy over Harbhajan-Symonds standoff in Sydney Test. Blowing hot and cold, he said it was time to focus on the game. Against the backdrop of the Australian media flaying the Indian cricket establishment, Ponting today said that it was unfair to criticise his teammate Symonds, who Judge John Hansen had held guilty of provoking the ugly spat with Harbhajan. "I think any sort of character assassination on Andrew Symonds as a result of this will be completely unfair," he told a press conference here. He said "It's just that Andrew feels a little bit disappointed by the whole system over the last few weeks." "I am not an expert on penalties. I kind of listen to what the judge has to say. However, some information has not been passed on correctly. It looks like he got a lesser sentence than he should have got. But it's out of our hands now and nothing we can do now," he said. On reports that the Australian team was upset about the outcome, Ponting said, “We would have expected a little bit more. It's a bit surprising because his earlier sentence was a three-match ban and it was all of a sudden reduced to just 50 per cent of the match fee. But what can we do now. About time we move on.” To a question on ICC not giving Harbhajan’s previous conduct records to the appeals commissioner, he was surprised how it slipped out of the net. “Obviously there has been some miscomminication between a couple of important people. But as I said earlier, I can't control it now. The verdict has already come.” Ponting, however, hoped that the Australian fans would not boo the Indians in the wake of the recent row. “I hope the fans in the stands don't do (the behaviour) which we wouldn't like to face elsewhere on a cricket field. It's really important for the game that they enjoy the contest." About the rest of the series with India, the Aussie captain said Australia will continue to play "uncompromising" cricket against India but would ensure that his team played the game in the right spirit during the tri-series. — PTI
	CA asks Symonds to explain Melbourne, January 31 Cricket Australia (CA) has sought an explanation from Andrew Symonds on his actions during the infamous Sydney Test and is also planning to keep a close eye on the all-rounder's on-field conduct during the upcoming tri-series against India and Sri Lanka. According to a report in the 'The Daily Telegraph', Symonds, who has been blamed for starting the spat with Harbhajan Singh in Sydney that almost derailed India's ongoing tour here, will meet CA boss James Sutherland to explain his actions. "Absolutely, we will take the opportunity to talk at the right time to Andrew and other players and the players as a group about some of the circumstances and some of the things that are reported in the judgment," Sutherland was quoted as saying by the newspaper. — PTI
	We won’t cross the line: Dhoni Melbourne, January 31 Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not unduly worried about a possible hostile reception for his team in the wake of the racism row involving Harbhajan Singh as he said the players would not be affected if it was “not on the field”. “We don’t care whether we receive a hostile reception or not. As long as it’s not on the field, it doesn’t matter,” Dhoni told reporters ahead of tomorrow’s Twenty20 match here. After the team got embroiled in a string of controversies in their Test series against Australia, Dhoni said he would hope nothing untoward happened in the remaining part of their tour Down Under. He said his team was aware of the International Cricket Council’s Code of Conduct guidelines and assured none would cross the line on field. “Everyone knows what are the international guidelines to be followed. You don’t need a captain to tell you so. Each player should respect it and I don’t see the boys crossing the line,” Dhoni said as he took over the reins of the team from Anil Kumble for the Twenty20 and ODI matches. “A bit of chit-chat is always going on on a cricket field but hopefully nothing controversial would happen,” he said. The Indian captain rued the absence of Yuvraj Singh for tomorrow’s game and also the relentless cricket which was beginning to take its toll on fast bowlers. As a lot of seniors returned home after the Test series to make way for the youngsters, Dhoni said tomorrow’s match would be a precursor to the ODIs. Dhoni hoped the wicket would be different to the slow and low strip which was served for the Test here a few weeks ago. Unlike Kumble, his captain in Tests, the young Indian ODI skipper was not inclined to have an agreement with his opposite number on taking the fielder’s word for disputed catches. “I believe in referring it to the third umpire. A fielder can mislead so it’s important that it’s referred to the third umpire.” — PTI
	Indian media made to wait Melbourne: Indian mediapersons faced an embarrassing situation here on Thursday when security personnel prevented them from attending the press conference of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. The media was put on hold at the gate of the indoor nets, the venue of the press conference, as the security officers deliberated among themselves whether to let the large visiting contingent in. Dhoni and media manager MV Sridhar reached for the press conference on time and not finding the mediapersons there, the latter tried to convince the security men. Finally, an intervention from the Melbourne Cricket Ground officials made the security guys relent, albeit reluctantly. — PTI
	Fed Cup: India lose to Kiwis Bangkok, January 31 Sania Mirza’s injury layoff continued to hurt India badly as they suffered their second successive defeat, going down 1-2 to New Zealand in an Asia/Oceania Group I Federation Cup tie here today. Isha Lakhani was the lone member of the team to register a win as she rallied to beat Sacha Jones 6-7, 6-1, 6-4. However, yesterday’s lone winner in the tie against Indonesia, Sunitha Rao, was handed a 0-6, 6-7 thrashing by Marina Erakovic as the Kiwis drew level. The Indians cut a sorry figure in the deciding doubles match and Leanne Baker and Erakovic dumped Lakhani and Shikha Uberoi 6-2, 6-2. — PTI
	‘It was my hand, not God’s’ Maradona apologises at last for the goal that wasn’t London, January 31 Argentina football legend Diego Maradona apologised in an interview today for his infamous “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal that cost England a shot at the trophy. Speaking to The Sun tabloid, Maradona, who scored both goals in the 2-1 victory over England more than 20 years ago, said that if he could go back in time and “change history,” he would. Maradona’s first goal in the quarterfinal in Mexico was deemed by the match referee to be a legitimate header past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton but replays confirmed he had illegally punched the ball in with his hand. The controversy surrounding that incident has, in England at least, long overshadowed Maradona’s superb solo second goal, which saw him dribble past five England players before shooting past Shilton. He told The Sun, speaking through a translator: “If I could apologise and go back and change history I would. But the goal is still a goal. Argentina became world champions and I was the best player in the world.” “I cannot change history. All I can do now is move on.” — AFP
	I-League Climax’s brace sinks JCT Margao, January 31 Climax Lawrence scored a last-minute goal as Dempo Sports Club roared back into title contention with 2-1 win over Jagatjit Cotton Textile (JCT) Mills in the I-League football tournament here today. Dempo came from behind, fighting off an early Sunil Chettri goal as Lawrence struck once in each session to give Dempo's title chances an overwhelming boost at Nehru Stadium, Goa. Last year’s runners-up JCT were left exposed right at the start when Nicolau Borges found himself all alone inside the JCT penalty zone. However, JCT goal-keeper Karanjit Singh brilliantly parried Nicolau's shot away for a corner. JCT took the lead against the run of play. An impressive Baljit Singh Saini tore Dempo's defence apart with an incisive pass in the 18th minute; Sunil Chettri showed good anticipation and made the best of the opportunity with a good finish. Dempo, however, restored parity just before the half time whistle. Anthony Pereira picked out Lawrence inside the penalty area. Lawrence shrugged off two defenders who were shadowing him, made space for himself and came up with a lunging header. Once Dempo equalised, there was no looking back. After the change of ends, Dempo were all over the rival territory but a fruitful move that turns into a goal was missing. Julius Akpele and goal-keeper Karanjit Singh kept JCT in the hunt with some daredevil play. Akpele, in fact, made two goal line saves while Karanjit seemed in fine form under the JCT horizontal bar. After at least half a dozen narrow misses, the JCT citadel crumbled in the final minute of regulation time. Lawrence, again, was the destroyer as the midfielder showed remarkable poise to trap a Martins overhead pass, beat his marker with a delicate touch and, under heavy pressure, strike the ball past goalkeeper Karanjit. — IANS
	Belgium stun India Chennai, January 31 Belgium edged out India 3-2 to register a consolation victory in the fifth and the final Test match at the Astro Turf Stadium here today fighting back from a 0-1 and 1-2 deficit. In a match marked by equal exchanges, India forced a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute through Birendra Lakra. However, Belgium equalised in the 27th minute through Thomas Briels. Level 1-1 at half time, India forwards fought back and forced ahead 2-1 in the 54th minute through a brilliant deflection from the top of the D by Ajitesh Rai. However, Belgium turned the tables levelling 2-2 in the 58th minute through a penalty corner hit by Jerome Deykeyser and led 3-2 off a field goal in the 59th minute by Ceric Charles. The first Test ended in a 4-4 draw while India won the second, third and fourth Tests. — UNI
	England Lions win Mumbai: England Lions warmed up nicely for their stint in the Duleep Trophy tournament by defeating Mumbai XI by 30 runs on an engrossing last day of their three-day tie at the Brabourne Stadium here on Thursday. Lions set Mumbai 261 to win and then stopped the home team at 230 through their trio of medium pacers led by Charlie Shreck. Shreck claimed four wickets, Steve Kirby got three and Test bowler Liam Plunkett snapped up two to stop Mumbai XI in their tracks. Brief scores: England Lions: 311 and 114 (Joe Denly 30, Jonathan Trott 39; D Kulkarni 5 for 33, U Malvi 3 for 34) Mumbai XI: 165 and 230 (Aditya Tare 39, Abhishek Nair 32, Omkar Gurav 46; L Plunkett 2 for 65, C Shreck 4 for 52, S Kirby 3 for 12). — PTI
	Naren to make world rally debut Mumbai, January 31 Coimbatore-based Naren Kumar is set to create history in the world motor rally arena — like his city-mate Narain Karthikeyan in Formula One racing — when he debuts for an Indian team in the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship in the Production Class in June in Greece. Naren, six-time national rally champion, is to drive for Team Sidvin India, with technical and vehicle support provided by four-time world rally champion Tommi Makinen’s Racity Oy Limited, at Acropolis in Greece, it was announced at a media conference today. Motorsports Association of India’s president Nasser Hussain hailed Naren’s achievement “as a red letter day for Indian motorsports.” “But it’s going to be a tough task for Naren who has to work extremely hard,” Hussain said. Four-time world rally champion Makinen of Finland, who was present at the press conference, said, “we can help Naren with our technical and driving support.” Naren, who has won 36 rallies in his career including an Asian Zonal Championship, would be driving a Subaru Group N Rally Championship car for the first time. Leela Krishnan, also from Coimbatore and a six-time national rally champion, has been roped in as the technical programme manager to Naren’s team. Naren, who started rallying in 1994 and is referred to as the king of Indian rallying, has won the national titles in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. He will take part in the May 29-June 1 Acropolis Rally, the June 13-15 Rally of Turkey, the July 31 -August 3 Rally Finland, the August 28-31 Rally New Zealand, the October 24-26 Rally Japan and the November 28-30 Wales Rally. — PTI
	Karun, Armaan eye GP2 success M.S. Unnikrishnan Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 31 Karun Chandhok and Armaan Ebrahim, sharing the podium in the Capital together for the first time after their recent exploits on the racing track, are satisfied with their outings in the opening races of the GP2 Asia Series in Dubai recently. They were now looking ahead with much optimism, particularly the next race in Indonesia. While Karun got a podium finish for Isports International of UK, Armaan, racing for David Price to make his debut in the GP2 Asia, finished way down the order, though he was satisfied with the “experience”. Karun said he made a good start to his GP2 Asia series in what was a precursor to his foray into the GP2 European series. He said the European series would be a stepping stone for him to break into the Formula One grade by 2009, though it is a long way off, with 29 more races to be held in the GP2. “The first race in Dubai went well,” Karun noted. Both racing stars said they were happy with their teams and the cars they drive, and both were looking for to the Indonesian leg, to do better than at Dubai. Both drivers flew into New Delhi from Dubai for the launch of the 11th JK Tyre National Championship, to be held in Chennai and Coimbatore in February. Narain Karthikeyan, Karun and Armaan had cut their racing teeth in the JK Tyre nationals. The high-profile teams in this year’s championship would be NK Racing, WSRF with Leela, Gemini Racing, Rams Racing, Prime Racing, Amaron with Meco, ELF with Meco, Red Rooster and Meco Motorpsorts. Sanjay Sharma of JK Tyres said all teams had managed lucrative sponsorships and as a result the drivers would be able to save their prize money, which was not the case in previous years. Former racing star and Karun’s father Vicky Chandhok said there was now money aplenty for racing in the country, and about Rs 2 crore had been spent for the sprucing up of the tracks in Chennai and Coimbatore. The National Championship will also feature the first-ever Enduro Championship with Formula LGB Hyundai, Formula Rolon Chevrolet and Formula LGB Swift races. The launch also witnessed the unveiling of the Chevrolet racing car by Karun and Armaan. Karun said the endurance event would prepare the young talent for the rigorous F1 event.
	Darhal club lift cricket trophy Rajouri, January 31 Darhal Cricket Club defeated Brother Cricket Club, Nadian, by 74 runs in the final on Tuesday to clinch the inaugural Rehmat Ullah Malik Memorial Cricket Tournament at Darhal here. Commanding Officer of 48 Rashtriya Rifles handed over the trophy and a cricket kit to the winning team. 48 Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of 13 Sector, Romeo Force, had organised the month-long tournament. — TNS