India vs England 2007 Cricket Series


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India vs England 2007 Cricket Series

India England Cricket Series Latest News

IND v ENG Seventh ODI, Lord's: England beat India by seven wickets to clinch the NatWest series 4-3

Fifties from Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood guided England to a comfortable series-clinching win over India in the seventh and final one-day international at Lords on Saturday.
Chasing a modest 188 for victory, England romped hom in the 37th over after India had been bowled out for 187 (47.3 overs). Mahendra Singh Dhoni (50) and Sachin Tendulkar (30) top-scored for India.
The England chase was led by Kevin Pietersen (71 not out) and skipper Paul Collingwood (64 not out) who waded their way out of trouble after initial set backs. Two crucial umpiring shockers by Pakistans Aleem Daar, earlier in the Indian innings, sent back skipper Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar as vital stages of the game and India never recovered from their loss.
In reply, India did well to remove openers Luke Wright and Matt Prior after RP Singh had caught them in the first over while Ian Bell (36) was run out. However, Pietersen and Collingwood both made half centuries to script an England win. Andrew Flintoff, who passed a fitness test on his left ankle, claimed 3-45 as India folded for 187 in 47.3 overs. He removed Tendulkar and Dravid. Dimitri Mascarenhas also chipped in with 3-23 and James Anderson took two wickets.
IND v ENG Seventh ODI, Lord's: England 188-3 (36.2 overs) beat India 187 (47.3 overs) by seven wickets

IND v ENG Seventh ODI, Lord's: England may drop Luke Wright at Lord's ODI

England debutant Luke Wright migth be axed for Saturday's series-decider against India at Lord's should allrounder Andrew Flintoff prove his fitness.
Wright showed at The Oval that he could become Flintoff's successor with his hard-hitting 38-ball fifty on debut. Flintoff, batted for more than half an hour in the Nursery Ground nets on Thursday and is scheduled to bowl tomorrow at England batsmen ahead of Saturday's final game.
Flintoff has been troubled again by his left ankle and England will be monitoring his progress for the Lord's game with the series tied 3-3.

IND v ENG Sixth ODI, The Oval: India beat England by 2 wickets, level series 3-3

India pulled off a stunning two wicket win to overhaul England's target of 317 to win the sixth ODI at The Oval and level the series 3-3.
Sachin Tendulkar scored a brilliant 94 before getting out and suffering from cramps while Robin Uthappa kept his cool under pressure to hammer an unbeaten 47 to guide India home with two balls to spare.
Reported Earlier: Owais Shah hit his maiden one-day international century and enjoyed spirited support from debutant Luke Wright as England made 316-6 in the sixth one-day international at the Brit Oval here Wednesday.
England had looked in trouble at 137-5 when Kevin Pietersen became the second of three run outs in the innings, but were saved by a century partnership between Shah and Wright. Dimitri Mascarenhas then smacked the final five balls of the innings for six, as England hit 114 from the final 10 overs.

IND v ENG Sixth ODI, The Oval: Dravid aims for consistency

Skipper Rahul Dravid said improving on its consistency would be the major challenge for India as they aim to turn the tables on England in the remaining two one-day internationals and win the seven-match series.
"We have been a bit inconsistent in our one-day performance. I think the challenge for the team is to back up one good performance with another one. We have been a bit up and down in the series," Dravid said on the eve of sixth one-dayer at The Oval in London. India won the fifth ODI at Leeds to narrow the series margin to 2-3. Dravid is hoping that the team could wind up the tour of UK on a victorious note. "These games are tough, must-win games. We did that well in South Africa, when we won back to back games. It will be great if we can get one better and win three games in a row," the captain said.
Dravid, however, refused to believe in 'momentum' after the win in Headingley. "The result of the last game makes very little difference in a one-day game," he said. "It doesn't matter whom you play or what the rankings are. It's just how you play on that day that matters."
Dravid said it is a good chance for the players to make amends for the poor show in the early games. "We are still in with a chance in this series despite the fact that we still haven't played to our potential," he said. "I think, we batted and bowled well in patches but our fielding definitely hasn't been up to our potential. So we are still fortunate to be in a position to win the series." He said catching is one area where there is a vast scope for improvement. "We can't make our fielders brilliant overnight. But there are little things that we can improve," Dravid said. "We can definitely catch better than we have done in the last game. We can keep our intensity levels right up to 50 overs. We can improve in small percentages and that can make a huge difference."
Dravid is not bothered whether England had their star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff fit for the last two games. "We are not really concerned whether he plays or not," he said. "It's pretty obvious what an impact player he is and the difference to this England side. It will be great for us to win with Andrew in their ranks. "We would like to playing against him. It's a challenge to do well with him playing."
Dravid agreed that the top order's performance has been vital to India's wins. "It is our strength. But our bowlers have also done well in this series. We are going to need contributions from the bat and the ball if we are to do well," he said. "England has really been playing good cricket and we really had to play well to beat them in the two games. We had to score over 300 to beat them. And we got to do that again!"

IND v ENG Fifth ODI, Headingley: India redeem some pride (ENG 3:2)

England who were chasing a revised 311 from 45 overs after rain interrupted play more than once were finally halted by another downpour giving India a 38 runs (D/L method) victory. England needed 69 runs with 2 wkts in hand and 36 balls remaining at that stage. Mahendra Dhoni equalled the world record for maximum dismissals with six in the innings - 5 catches and 1 stumping. Earlier, a strong batting performance led by Sachin Tendulkar's 59 ball 71 helped India post a commanding 324 for 6 against England. India's top four hit quickfire fifties after being sent in to bat first. Sachin shared a 116-run opening stand with Sourav Ganguly (59 off 79), who was playing his 300th ODI. Yuvraj Singh followed up with a 57 ball 72 and Gautam Gambhir came up with a valuable 51 at number three.
Rahul Dravid and Dhoni shared a 4.1 over 45 run partnership for the fifth wicket towards the end. Both hit 24 from 17 balls each. England: Cook, Prior, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Shah, Bopara, Broad, Anderson, Panesar, Lewis
India: Ganguly, Tendulkar, Gambhir, Dravid, Yuvraj, Karthik, Dhoni, Agarkar, Powar, Chawla, Zaheer
IND v ENG Fifth ODI, Headingley: India 324 for 6 (50 overs) bt England 242 for 8 (39.0 overs) by 38 runs (D/L)

IND v ENG Fifth ODI, Headingley: Flintoff, Zaheer doubtful

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is doubtful for Sunday's game against India after fresh problems with his troublesome left ankle. If Flintoff is ruled out, Hampshire paceman Chris Tremlett is the most likely replacement, although Jon Lewis is also in the squad and hoping for an opportunity. England lead the series 3-1 and will wrap up overall victory with two games to spare if they win at Headingley.
Zaheer Khan, who twisted his ankle at Old Trafford, is not expected to play. Munaf Patel might be the replacement bowler for India. Like Zaheer, Sourav Ganguly also stayed away from Saturday's practice session, complaining of feeling unwell. England (from): PD Collingwood (Captain), IR Bell, MJ Prior (Wicket Keeper), OA Shah, KP Pietersen, A Flintoff, RS Bopara, SC Broad, CT Tremlett, JM Anderson, MS Panesar, AN Cook, AD Mascarenhas, J Lewis.
India (from): R Dravid (Captain) MS Dhoni (Wicket Keeper) SR Tendulkar, SC Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, G Gambhir, RP Sharma, P Chawla, RR Powar, RV Uthappa, AB Agarkar, Z Khan, MM Patel, KD Karthik, RP Singh.

IND v ENG Fourth ODI, Old Trafford: 99 run partnership and a victory for England (ENG 3:1)

A record unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 99 between Ravi Bopara (43 no) and Stuart Broad (45 no) at Old Trafford led England to a three-wicket win and a 3-1 series lead with 12 balls to spare.
The pair came together with England reeling on 114-7, chasing 213 to win, but showed remarkable composure as they reached 213-7 with 12 balls to spare. Broad, who had also taken 4-51 with the ball to help restrict India to 212 all out was the Man of the Match. For India, Agarkar took 4-54. England: Cook, Prior, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Bopara, Shah, Broad, Anderson, Panesar
India: Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Yuvraj, Karthik, Dhoni, Agarkar, Powar, Chawla, Zaheer, RP Singh
IND v ENG Fourth ODI, Old Trafford: England 213-7 (48.0 overs) bt India 212 (50 overs) by three wickets

IND v ENG Fourth ODI, Old Trafford: Dravid bats as Paul Collingwood back in side

Rahul Dravid has won the toss, the 7th in a row. He has elected to bat.
Skipper Paul Collingwood passed the fitness test after suffering from a stomach bug on Wednesday. But Dimitri Mascarenhas remained on the sidelines with a hand injury, so Owais Shah will bat at number seven.

Reported Earlier: Collingwood's recovery from a stomach bug after missing practice on Wednesday is good news for the English side, who are hoping to extend their 2-1 lead in the one-day series. However, Andrew Flintoff and Dimitri Mascarenhas are still unsure of playing.India, meanwhile, have been working on their fielding since the Edgbaston disaster. Fielding coach Robin Singh suggested that India's fielding shortcomings were a cultural problem. He said, "Most players in India don't play more than one sport and they don't play a lot of contact sports. When you play contact sports you're not afraid to fall or get hurt."India have only played England three times in one-dayers at Old Trafford, most famously in 1983 when they won a World Cup semi-final by six wickets.

IND v ENG Third ODI, Edgbaston: India falls short at Edgbaston (ENG 2:1)

India fell 42 runs short of an easy looking target of 282 after a sedated, but solid start. Rahul Dravid made 56 and Sourav Ganguly 72, while Yuvraj Singh chipped in with a 45. England batted well, and followed it with a spirited bowling and fielding effort.
Chris Tremlett took the key wickets of Dravid and Ganguly , while James Anderson removed Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site and Mahendra Dhoni. For England, Man of the Match Ian Bell took two superb catches off Paul Collingwood's bowling and ran out Yuvraj Singh. He also hit his third fifty (79) in as many games as England totalled 281-8 after Dravid won the toss and chose to field first.
IND v ENG Third ODI, Edgbaston: England 281/8 (50 ov) beat India 239 (50 ov) by 42 runs

IND v ENG Third ODI, Edgbaston: India have an edge at Edgbaston

Allrounder Andrew Flintoff is in doubt for England's third one-day match against India on Monday with a knee injury. The ECB said in a statement Saturday that Flintoff had a scan which showed mild inflammation and was treated with a cortisone injection.
Flintoff hurt his knee during Friday's one-day international against India at Bristol where he finished with bowling figures of 5-56. He had only returned to England for the first match at Southampton on Tuesday after spending four months sidelined with an ankle injury.India vice-captain Mahendra Dhoni said the England team will be slightly on the back foot if Flintoff is not playing, adding He has lifted them a lot, he is the kind of player who always has an impact on the game. In one-day cricket he is the perfect all-rounder.
India are likely to make one change on Monday with left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan hoping to return after a bout of flu in place of Ajit Agarkar or Munaf Patel.

IND v ENG Second ODI, Bristol: India win second ODI by 9 runs (IND 1:1)

India responded to their heavy defeat in the opening one-day international against England as they sealed a nine-run victory in a high scoring second meeting at Bristol.
Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site was once again the talisman for the home side as he hit 15 fours and a six on his way to an 80th career ODI half-century before eventually falling in controversial circumstances on 99.
However, despite the questionable dismissal of Tendulkar who was given out caught behind off the bowling of Andrew Flintoff when the ball appeared to strike his arm guard, India set a target of 330 after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Tendulkar was ably assisted by Yuvraj Singh (49) and captain Rahul Dravid (92 n.o) as India thrashed an England bowling attack - from which Monty Panesar was omitted in favour of an extra seamer - all around the Bristol pitch. Flintoff, who was bowling for only the second time for England following his latest bout of ankle surgery, limited the damage as he claimed his first one-day international five-wicket haul.
However, it was India's day in the baking heat despite the Lancashire all-rounder's stirring performance in which he took the wickets of Dinesh Karthik, Ajit Agarkar, Ramesh Powar in his final two overs. India closed on 329-7 to leave England requiring the highest ever second innings total to win a one-day international.
In reply, England got off to a solid start and were 76 without loss before openers Alastair Cook (36) and Matt Prior (33) fell in successive deliveries to a jubilant Munaf Patel. The home side were now on the back foot and Kevin Pietersen (25) was next to fall as he was bamboozled by just the second ball of Piyush Chawla's spell.
Pietersen's middle stump was taken out by the 18-year-old leg-spinner and the writing was now on the wall for England. Chawla repeated the feat to remove captain Paul Collingwood (27) to leave England in trouble on 174-6 in the 30th over and Flintoff (9) fell by the wayside soon afterwards when he was caught on the boundary looking to hit Powar for a six.
Ian Bell (64) provided some resistance as he notched a brave half-century off 75 balls before following Ravi Bopara (17) into the pavilion in the space of four overs. Dimitri Mascarenhas (52) and Stuart Broad (29 n.o) provided some late hope as they reached 320-8, but India were on top from start to finish and levelled the seven-match series at 1-1. Reported Earlier: Indian captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and opted to bat first in the second one-dayer against England at Bristol. Unlike the last time, Rahul Dravid decided to play five bowlers. Ramesh Powar has been included in the team while Gautam Gambhir has been left out of the final XI.
Having been outclassed in all departments of the game by a young and enthusiastic England in the first cricket one-dayer, India would be keen to raise their level of play and bounce back with a vengeance in the second day-night game at Bristol on Friday. The experienced Indians, having beaten England in the Test series, was caught on the wrong foot by a young home team whose energy and enterprise saw them dictate terms to Rahul Dravid and company in batting, bowling and fielding.
India team: Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Yuvraj, Karthik, Dhoni, Powar, Chawla, Agarkar, RP Singh, Patel
England team: Cook, Prior, Bell, Pietersen, Collingwood, Flintoff, Bopara, Mascarenhas, Tremlett, Broad, Anderson
IND v ENG Second ODI, Bristol: India 329-7 (50 ovs) beat England 320-9 (50 ovs) by nine runs

IND v ENG First ODI, Rose Bowl: England crush India by 104 runs

Ian Bell and Alastair Cook both scored their maiden ODI hundreds as England beat India by 104 runs at the Rose Bowl on Tuesday in the first match of a seven-game series.
Bell made 126 not out and Cook 102 in England's total of 288 for two after India captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and elected to field. They were the first England batsmen to score a century at this level since Kevin Pietersen made 100 against the West Indies in Barbados in April in the team's final match of the World Cup. Reported Earlier: Indian captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and elected to bowl in the first ODI against England at Southampton on Tuesday.
Having ended a 21-year-old jinx of not winning a Test series in England, India would be keen to keep the momentum going in the seven-match one-day series. Andrew Flintoff will be returning to action after a three-month absence following a third ankle operation. India have left out Ramesh Powar and Robin Uthappa. India Team: Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Rahul Dravid (Captain), Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Piyush Chawla, Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh.
England Team: Alastair Cook, Matt Prior Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood (Captain), Andrew Flintoff, Ravi Bopara, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Monty Panesar.
IND vs ENG First ODI, Rose Bowl: England 288-2 (50 ovs) beat India 184 (50 ovs) by 104 runs

IND v ENG Lions Practice ODI, Northampton: Warm-up match abandoned due to heavy rain

The warm-up cricket match between India and England Lions was abandoned due to heavy rain today.
Chasing a victory target of 297, India were 32 without loss in 6.5 overs with Sourav Ganguly batting on 18 and Robin Uthappa on 12 when rain stopped play and players went off the field. Play was later officially called off.
IND v ENG Lions Practice ODI, Northampton: England Lions 296-8 (50 overs) v India 32-0 (6.5 overs) - match abandoned

IND v ENG Lions Practice ODI, Northampton: Dhoni likely to lead India

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is expected to lead the Indian side in place of skipper Rahul Dravid who will be rested for the warm-up cricket one-dayer against England Lions at Northampton today.
It will be a dress rehearsal of sorts for Dhoni who has been named the captain of the Indian team for the inaugural Twenty-20 World Championships in South Africa next month. The tourists are once again to be without the services of Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site and Zaheer Khan against a strong home team that boasts of Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and Owais Shah, all of whom have been named in England's one-day squad.
But Sourav Ganguly, who along with Tendulkar and Zaheer missed the one-off ODI against Scotland, was likely to return to action. The Indians had a comfortable 7-wicket win against Scotland at Glasgow on Thursday but they could face a severe examination today. The tourists, who won the Test series 1-0, now need to get back into top shape for the razmatazz of one-day cricket.
Promising Mumbai player Rohit Sharma could get a chance, keeping with Dravid's comment before the Scotland ODI that every member of the team would get a look in before the series proper begins.
Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa might continue to open the innings while Ganguly could come in at number three. Ajit Agarkar, Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla and Ramesh Powar form the bowling combination. Agarkar would be under pressure as he went for runs against Scotland although he picked two wickets.
Having won the Test series, India did well to outclass Scotland by seven wickets with all the bowlers doing a decent job. Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa then had a good sparring session notching up sparkling half centuries. However, while Scotland was a team lacking in both class and experience, on Friday India will be squaring up against an opponent that is packed with promising players all but one of whom have played for England. Led by the dashing Vikram Solkani, who has already been named in England's side for the Twenty20 World Cup, the team has plenty of international experience.
Also England's 36-year old wicketkeeper Paul Nixon will try and make his presence felt along with Tim Bresnan, James Kirtley, Jason Lewis, Darren Maddy, and Jeremy Snape. The weather man has predicted some showers for the day, so the fingers will have to be kept crossed again. India team (from): Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Captain), Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Kaarthick, Piyush Chawla, Ramesh Powar, Ajit Agarkar and Munaf Patel.
England Lions team (from): Vikram Solanki (Captain), Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, James Kirtley, Jon Lewis, Darren Maddy, Paul Nixon, Chris Schofield, Owais Shah, Jeremy Snape, Luke Wright.

IND v SCO ODI, Glasgow: India hammer Scotland in the first ever ODI between the two

India completed an effortless transition from Test to one-day international mode as they cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win against Scotland at Titwood, Glasgow.
Chasing a revised Duckworth-Lewis target of 209 in 46 overs, the issue was virtually settled when openers Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir compiled a century stand in 20 overs. Uthappa, who scored 97 against Scotland at the Youth World Cup three years ago, punished them again on his way to a fluent 55. Man-of-the-match Gambhir finished unbeaten on 85 from 115 balls with eight boundaries and a six. The India skipper starred as overseas professional for the Saltires in 2003 and his cameo appearance was appreciated by the enthusiastic Glasgow crowd before his second boundary carried the tourists to victory with 37 balls to spare.
India fielded just three of the side which completed their Test series win against England at the Oval on Monday. Reported Earlier :After the dream Test series victory against Michael Vaughans England, a buoyant Team India would like to utilise its maiden one-dayer against Scotland on Thursday to get into the ODI mode before the seven-match ODI series against England starting next week. In contrast, Scotland will look forward to the game as a good learning curve as it tests itself against a fancied opponent in India. However, the one-off tie would be at the mercy of the rain gods with the weathermen predicting rain.
Just before the series against England, India redeemed itself in the shorter version of the game after the horrors of the World Cup when it defeated South Africa to win the trophy in Ireland. Scotland has summoned all their top players who were busy doing duty in the English county. India team (from): Rahul Dravid (Captain), Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa, Rohit Sharma, Dinesh Kaarthick, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ramesh Powar, Piyush Chawla, Ajit Agarkar, Zaheer Khan [Images], Rudra Pratap Singh, Munaf Patel
Scotland team (from): Ryan Watson (Captain), John Blain, Gordon Drummond, Gavin Hamilton, Majid Haq, Paul Hoffmann, Neil McCallum, Navdeep Poonia, Dewald Nel, Colin Smith, Fraser Watts, Craig Wright.
One-day international, Glasgow: India 212-3 (39.5 ovs) bt Scotland 203-9 (46 ovs) by 7 wkts (D/L method)

IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 5 : Test Drawn, India win series (IND 1:0)

India Cricket Live In Picture: Newspaper reports about Indian victory. India deserved their 1-0 series win against England after the third Test ended in a draw at The Oval, captains Michael Vaughan and Rahul Dravid said. Kevin Pietersen cracked 101 for his 10th Test hundred that ensured England saw the fifth day out safely on 369 for six after being set a world record victory target of 500. India were jubilant after stumps were drawn even though they had failed to win the match as they had managed their first Test series win in England for 21 years, emulating Kapil Dev's team in 1986.
It also ended Englands unbeaten six-year run at home.
IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 5 (close): England 345 & 369/6 drew with India 664 & 180-6 dec

IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 4 : India need 10 wickets to win series by 2-0 (IND 1:0)

England were 56 for no loss in their second innings at stumps on day 4 of the third and the final Test match against India. All the 10 wickets of England are intact as Indian bowlers failed to make hay on the dead pitch at the Oval. Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook were on the crease with 27 and 23 runs respectively.
India declared their second innings on the score of 189 runs for 6 on day 4. India attained a lead of 499 runs and gave110 overs to England to complete the target of 500 runs.
Reported Earlier: England hit back with three early second-innings wickets as India stuttered to 35-3 at lunch on the fourth day of the third and final cricket Test. In reply to India's first-innings 664, England lost the wicket of Monty Panesar this morning to be all out for 345 at the Oval in south London. The visitors are 354 ahead, with lunch being taken early because of rain.
IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 4 (close): England 345 & 56-0 v India 664 & 180-6 dec

IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 3 : England stare follow on against India in the Oval test (IND 1:0)

England ended day three of the Oval Test facing the prospects of a follow on as they finished on 326 for 9, needing a further 139 runs to make India bat again.
Opener Alastair Cook, who was dropped twice enroute his first fifty of the series made 61 before he fell to Anil Kumble. The Indian ace then snapped skipper Michael Vaughan in the last over before lunch to set the cat among the pigeons in the England camp. India smelled blood when England were reeling at 124 for 4 at lunch and with Kevin Pietersen (41) playing with responsibility while sharing a stand of 78 with Paul Collingwood(62), Indians were kept waiting.
Pietersen was removed by Tendulkar just before tea, but Collingwood added 86 with Ian Bell, who top-scored with 63, but both fell within five overs. With only one more wicket to pick, India have written a perfect script to enforce the follow-on as the overnight rest will give the bowlers perfect tonic to come fresh on the fourth morning to unleash their furor.
Reported Earlier: Rudra Pratap Singh provided the first breakthrough of the morning as nightwatchman James Anderson was declared LBW by umpire Ian Howell. Anderson did his job gracefully as he made 16 runs from 48 balls before getting out.
IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 3 (close): India 664-10 vs England 326-9

IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 2 : Kumble caps day with a century (IND 1:0)

In reply to India's mammoth total of 664, England were 24 for 1, a trail of 640, at close on Day 2 of the series decider final Test at The Oval.
India's ace leg-spinner Anil Kumble scored his maiden Test hundred in the post-tea session on the second day of The Oval Test against England on Friday, as the tourists were bowled out for 664 in 170 overs. Kumble reached his hundred when the team total was 636 for 9 in the 165th over and remained unbeaten on 110.
Last man S Sree Santh, who scored a breezy 35 and put on 73 for the final wicket, ensured that England were left frustrated. Kumble's previous Test highest was against South Africa when he scored 88 at Kolkata's Eden Gardes during the 1996 series.
However, in the present Test and the series, Kumble is the only Indian batsman to have scored a hundred. Dinesh Kaarthick 91, Mahendra Singh Dhoni 92 and Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site 82, approached the three figure mark but could not complete their hundreds. Reported Earlier: India's batting maestro completed his 45th Test fifty on the second morning of The Oval Test match against England.
Resuming on 48, Tendulkar picked two singles to move to 50 off 137 deliveries while India added six more runs to their overnight score of 316/4.
After 92 overs, India were 322 for 4. Tendulkar, who was our for 91 at Trent Bridge in the second Test match, will surely be eyeing a hundred at the Oval.
IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 2 (close): India 664-10 vs England 24-1

IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 1 : India reach a commanding 316 for 4 at stumps on day 1 (IND 1:0)

India ended the opening day of the final Test at The Oval on a commanding 316 for 4 as England bowlers were made to toil on a placid wicket.
At stumps, Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site was unbeaten on a patient 48 and giving him company was VVS Laxman on 20.
Earlier, England captured two quick wickets after India had got off to a fluent start and were well placed at 211-3 by tea. Opener Wasim Jaffer fell before lunch for a breezy 35 off 47 balls. Dinesh Karthik was unfortunate to have got out on 91 as he looked sure to reach his second Test century, but the Tamil Nadu batsman flourished in the company of Rahul Dravid as the duo added 127 in 33 overs.
However, James Anderson produced a magical delivery that swung late to york Dravid, who made his 48th Test fifty and was out for 55. Karthik fell nine short of a second Test ton when he edged behind off Ryan Sidebottom. Later in the day, Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly stitched a partnership of 77 before the latter was trapped leg before by Paul Collingwood for 37. Reported EarlierIndia captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and decided to bat first in the series decided third Test against England at the Oval. Pre-Match Report: The third and final cricket Test between India and England is set to start on time with the sun shining brightly at the Oval this morning. Having taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the Indians are looking to break a 21-year-old jinx of winning a series in England and weather can play a crucial role in aiding their cause.
England team (from): Vaughan (Captain), Cook, Strauss, Pietersen, Collingwood, Bell, Prior (Wicket Keeper), Sidebottom, Anderson, Panesar, Tremlett, Broad.
India team (from): Dravid (Captain), Karthik, Jaffer, Tendulkar, Ganguly, Laxman, Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Santh, RP Singh, Yuvraj Singh, Bose.
IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval, Day 1 (close): India 316-4 vs England

IND v ENG 3rd Test, The Oval : Dravid's men look to end 21-year drought at Oval (IND 1:0)

Sitting pretty on their 1-0 lead after the victory at Trent Bridge, India will be looking to end a 21-year-long drought of a series triumph in England as they square up against the hosts in the third and final cricket Test at the Oval here tomorrow.
Even as the likes of Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble will be looking for their crowning glory moment in England -- being a part of a victorious Indian team -- in the evening of their respective careers, they need to take care of a jinx that has been plaguing the side in recent years.
Too often in the past, India has taken a lead in the series only to allow the opposition to turn the tables on them.
If a dream win in Adelaide against Australia in 2003 was followed by a soul-shattering defeat in Melbourne in the very next Test, India's first-ever Test win in Pakistan in 2004 at Multan was followed by a nerve-wrecking defeat at Lahore. More recently, India squandered a huge opportunity in South Africa early this year when, when after beating the hosts at Johannesburg in the first Test, they promptly lost the next one at Durban before losing the series in Cape Town.
"We have to be consistent. We have to back our good performances by some more good performances. We will celebrate this win, but at the same time, we will keep our mind focused on the final Test and on what we need to do there", Indian captain Rahul Dravid said.

Munaf replaces Sreesanth for England ODI series

Pace bowler Munaf Patel made a come back into the India team for the seven match NatWest ODI series against England, replacing S Sreesanth in the 15-member squad.
Munaf Patel's inclusion was the only change made in the Indian team from that which played against South Africa in a three-match series in Ireland in June. The selection committee met with four of the selectors present in person for the meeting, had a teleconference with the chairman Dilip Vengsarkar, who is in London with the Indian team, and captain Rahul Dravid before finalising the team.
Niranjan Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and convenor of the meeting told newspersons after the meeting that Munaf Patel was selected in the team after they were given the clearance by team physio John Golster about his fitness and also after watching him play a few matches for his employers. Munaf had to return from the Bangladesh tour after aggrevating a back injury. India ODI Squad: Rahul Dravid (c), M S Dhoni (wk, vc), Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla, Yuvraj Singh, Ramesh Powar, Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, R P Singh, Rohit Sharma, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar.

Flintoff returns for ODI series against India

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff today returned to the England squad for the first four one-dayers of the seven-match cricket series against India starting August 21.
However, his return to action would be subject to regaining full fitness from the right ankle surgery, which forced him out of ongoing Test series.
Flintoff has also been named in the 15-member squad for next month's Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa. Both teams would be led by Paul Collingwood. England ODI Squad: Paul Collingwood (c), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Andrew Flintoff, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matthew Prior, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom Chris Tremlett.

IND v SL-A Practice Match, Leicester, Day 2: India, Sri Lanka 'A' play out a draw

The Indian batting stumbled in the second innings even as their three-day practice cricket match against Sri Lanka 'A' ended in a draw at the Grace Road ground on Sunday.
Set a target of 294 for victory in 55 overs, the Indians struggled before ending the match at 187 for six as the overs ran out for the Lankans. Of particular concern to the Indian camp ahead of the third Test against England, starting at The Oval on August 9, would be the second failure of VVS Laxman (3) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni who made one.
Skipper Rahul Dravid, who showed a welcome return to runs with an unbeaten 67 in the first innings, dropped himself down the order but could manage only 15.
However, opener Wasim Jaffer produced another impressive knock scoring 55 at the top of the order. Left-hander Gautam Gambhir held one end up with an unbeaten 53. Ramesh Powar was the other not out batsman on 14.
Despite the fact that the teams had agreed to bat for 60 overs each in the second innings, the Lankans didn't declare till 15 minutes after lunch.
Practice Match, Leicester, Day 3 : Sri Lanka 'A' 266-10 & 265 for 7 drew with India 238-5 d & 187 for 6

IND v SL-A Practice Match, Leicester, Day 2: Vandort, Perera help Sri Lanka A extend lead

Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid scored half-centuries to lift India against Sri Lanka 'A' on day two of the three-day tour match against Sri Lanka 'A' at the Leicestershire County Club ground at Grace Road in Leicester yesterday.
Both batsmen scored 67 each as India declared their first innings at 238 for five, 28 runs short of Sri Lanka A's first innings total. In reply, Michael Vandort once again scored a half-century (61 n.o.) as Sri Lanka 'A' reached 112 for 1, stretching their overall lead to 140 runs.
Dilruwan Perera was unbeaten on a solid knock of 48, inclusive of 10 boundaries, as the two batsmen put on unbroken 110 runs for the second wicket. While Dravid and Gambhir scored half-centuries, some of the other batsmen failed to utilize the opportunity to get some useful batting practice on a good batting wicket. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was dismissed for a second ball duck, while VVS Laxman played a rash shot to be dismissed for 14. For Sri Lanka, pacer Dammika Prasad took two wickets but conceded 72 runs in 12 overs. Rangana Herath also toiled hard, taking two wickets for 62 runs in 18 overs.
Earlier, resuming at 25 for one, Indian batsmen Gautam Gambhir and Wasim Jaffer looked to get their eye with some sensible batting in the first hour. The two batsmen made sure that they made most of the practice match by looking to spend as much time as possible on a good batting wicket. They started the day nervously as both the batsmen played and missed quite a few times, while a few leg before wicket appeals were also made in the first hour. But once they got their eye in, they started to open out with shots on both sides of the wicket. Gambhir and Jaffer added 85 runs for the opening wicket before the latter was dismissed, caught at mid-on, trying to loft spinner Rangana Herath. The Mumbai opener made 48, hitting six boundaries in his 101-ball knock. Gambhir continued scoring runs at a good rate and time and again looked to charge the spinners. Captain Dravid got off the mark in fine style, with a cracking boundary on the off-side.
Practice Match, Leicester, Day 2 (close): Sri Lanka 'A' 266-10 & 112-1 v India 238-5 d

IND v SL-A Practice Match, Leicester, Day 1: Bose restricts Sri Lanka 'A' to 266

Bengal pacer Ranadeb Bose (5/51) picked up his five wicket haul of England tour as India bowled out Sri Lanka 'A' for 266 runs on the opening day of their three-day warm up game at Grace Road.
India finished the day at 25 for one after losing the wicket of Dinesh Kaarthick (11). Wasim Jaffer (7) and Gautam Gambhir (3) were at the crease when stumps were drawn.
The Sri Lanka 'A' innings revolved around Michael Vandort (52) and Thiulan Samaraweera (75). Sri Lanka 'A' after opting to bat were sailing along merrily at 105 for 1, before Bose's excellent spell just before and after lunch removed Dilruwan Perera (34), Malinda Warnapura (3) Michael Vandort in quick succession. Just before tea, Bose trapped Kaushal Lokuarachchi (35) leg before.
The Bengal pacer eventually wrapped up the innings when he had Chanaka Welegedara (1) caught at the wicket. Ramesh Powar, meanwhile, bowled well on a decent pitch after he was introduced as early as the 10th over of the innings.
He took a wicket in his first over when he dismissed Mehela Udawatta (20) and then he went on to mop up the tail removing Thiulan Samaraweera (75), Rangana Herath (0) and Akalanka Ganegama (0) as Sri Lanka A lost its last four wickets for just seven runs.
Practice Match, Leicester, Day 1 (close): Sri Lanka 'A' 266-10 v India 25-1

IND v SL-A Practice Match, Leicester: India to rest key players against Sri Lanka 'A'

The eight-day gap between Tests, a luxury in modern cricket, gives the Indians a chance to take on Sri Lanka 'A' on English soil.
The post-match celebrations at Trent Bridge were relatively muted as several players spent time with their wives on tour with little opportunity for a united 'we-stuffed-them' kind of party. The Grace Road fixture in Leicester starting Friday should come as a welcome break. Two hard-fought Test matches left many in the Indian team spent and this is a chance to recharge before heading to the Kennington Oval for the third and final Test.
Less than half of India's squad had a net session ahead of the tour match and most of the top players will be rested from the encounter. Wasim Jaffer, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Ramesh Powar, Ishant Sharma and Ranadeb Bose were the ones who trained in the nets for about two hours, and it is they who will take the field.
Rahul Dravid, who observed proceedings for half an hour without actually having a bat, is also likely to play, hoping to rediscover his form before the Oval encounter. Mahendra Singh Dhoni needs a game, mainly to get his glove work in order. He's seen his keeping fall to pieces during the tour, yet hasn't dropped a single catch in either Test.
Up against the Indians will be a more athletic side from the subcontinent. Sri Lanka A will go into their penultimate game of the tour upbeat, especially after their one-wicket victory over Yorkshire two days back.
Thilan Samaraweera's side have lost just one of their seven matches on this tour so far with Kaushal Silva and Mahela Udawatte stringing together some useful scores. The medium-pacer Ishara Amarasinghe and legspinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi, two bowlers who've worn national colours, have also posed plenty of problems for the batsmen around the county circuit.
India Team (from): Wasim Jaffer, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid (Captain), V.V.S. Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Anil Kumble, S. Sreesanth, Ramesh Powar, Ishant Sharma, Ranadeb Bose.

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, Day 5 : India beat England by 7 wickets (IND 1:0)

India, who needed only 73 runs to beat England in the Trent Bridge Test, won by 7 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Tuesday.
India lost their first wicket with the score on 48 as opener Wasim Jaffer retuned to the pavilion. Seven runs later, his partner Dinesh Kaarthick was out as they both made 22 and were scalped by Chris Tremlett. Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, who top-scored with 91 in the first innings, made just 1 and he too was removed by Tremlett. With the final morning proving bright and sunny, Ryan Sidebottom, James Anderson and Chris Tremlett were unable to shake up the openers, but a couple of wickets took the gloss off India's overwhelming win.
Two Wasim Jaffer boundaries off Sidebottom's fifth over put India within touching distance of victory. Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly remained unbeaten on 11 and 2 respectively. Pre-Match Report: Play on the fifth and final day of the second cricket Test between India and England was expected to begin on time with the sun shining brightly in the morning at Trent Bridge.
The Indians need just 63 runs to wrap up the match and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a meagre target of 73 for victory, India were 10 for no loss with Dinesh Karthik (6) and Wasim Jaffer (3) at the crease at close on the penultimate day.
Second Test, Trent Bridge, Day 5 : India 481 & 73-3 beat England 198 & 355 by 7 wickets

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, Day 4 : India need 63 more to win the Trent Bridge Test

India needed just 73 to beat England in the Trent Bridge Test and secure a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series after bowling out the hosts for 355 on the fourth day on Monday.
At close of play, India were 10/0 in 3 overs, needing a further 63 runs to win the Test. Openers Dinesh Kaarthick (6) and Wasim Jaffer (3) were sitll at the crease. England captain Michael Vaughan produced a superb 124 and put on 112 with Paul Collingwood to lead a fight back. When Vaughan was going great guns, England were in front with still seven wickets remaining.
However, the last seven wickets tumbled for just 68 runs and Zaheer Khan , who picked 5-75, produced some inspired seam bowling. Collingwood made 63 and Andrew Strauss 55, but other key batsmen just failed. Leg-spinner Anil Kumble mopped up the tail and finished with 3-104 while RP Singh claimed 2-52 with his support act. Reported Earlier: England recovered from an early setback to frustrate India's hopes of making inroads as they attempted to prevent defeat in the second Test at Trent Bridge.
Resuming the fourth morning trailing by 240 runs on 43 without loss, England knew they had a major task just to make the tourists bat again in this match. That objective became even tougher when England lost opener Alastair Cook in the third over of the day to leave them reeling on 49 for one, with seamers Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth swinging the ball prodigiously.
But Andrew Strauss and Michael Vaughan rode their luck to forge an unbroken 80-run partnership and guide England to a more respectable 129 for one at lunch, although they still trailed by 154 runs.
Second Test, Trent Bridge, Day 4 (stumps) : England 198 & 355 v India 481 & 10-0

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, Day 3 : England 240 runs behind India on day 3

India imposed a huge lead of 283 runs on England before being finally bowled out for 481 in their first innings on day three of the Nottingham Test.
England, in reply, ended the day at 43 for no loss in 16 overs in their second innings, still trailing the visitors by 240 runs. England was bowled out for 198 in their first innings.
Openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook were batting on 21 and 17 respectively when stumps were drawn. England bowlers stuck to their task and gained some success late on day three, with Monty Panesar finishing with 4-101 and Chris Tremlett 3-82. Reported Earlier: Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site who was playing extremely well at 91 became a victim of a bad decision from umpire Simon Taufel, as he was declared out LBW. The poor decision denuded Tendulkar of his 38th Test century. The delivery from Paul Collingwood was clearly missing the off stump.
India were 338 for 3 at lunch on day 3 of the second Test match against England at Trent Bridge on Sunday. India continued to perform splendidly on day 3 too as they added another 84 runs in the first session without losing a wicket. Sourav Ganguly completed his 28th Test fifty against England with some marvellous strokeplay. Ganguly looked more focused and avoided playing reckless shots.
Second Test, Trent Bridge, Day 3 (stumps): England 198 & 43-0 v India 481-10

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, Day 2 : India 254 for 3 on day two

India were 254 for 3 at stumps against England on Day 2 of the second Test match at Trent Bridge on Saturday. Bad light forced the umpires to end the day which was pretty much dominated by Indian batsmen. Englands bowling attack looked lacklustre as top bowlers like Ryan Sidebottom and Chris Tremlett failed to make a mark.
Meanwhile, India lost the key wicket of Rahul Dravid who guided Panesars delivery straight into the hands of Ian Bell. Disappointed Dravid left the ground after making a strong partnership of more than 90 runs with Sachin.
Earlier, Dinesh Karthik was dismissed by Monty Panesar as India suffered their second setback in the Test match. Karthik who batted extremely well in the first two sessions of the day was dismissed on the first ball after tea. He made 77 runs. India were 49 runs behind England and were 149 for 1 at tea. India dominated the second session of the day too except the 1 wicket of Wasim Jaffer. Chris Tremlett claimed the first Indian wicket as Wasim Jaffer was caught behind by Matt Prior. Bowling change worked well for England as Tremlett was able to break a 147 run partnership. Jaffer made 62 runs.
Dinesh Karthik ruptured Englands bowling attack to make his 5th Test half-century in the second Test match at Trent Bridge against England on Saturday. Karthik played a mature and credible innings to dodge the swing of English bowlers. After Karthik it was Jaffers turn to call the shots as he too plundered his 8th Test fifty. India grazed past the score of 100 runs without losing a wicket as Dinesh Karthik and Wasim Jaffer hammered the bowlers all over the ground. Reported EarlierIndia openers Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Karthik successfully survived a testing morning examination from England's pace attack on day two of the second npower Test match at Trent Bridge.
The new-ball combination of Ryan Sidebottom and Jimmy Anderson beat the bat on several occasions, in conditions still condusive to swing and seam bowling. But they failed to make the breakthrough as India reached 40-0 from 16 overs by lunch in reply to England's 198 all out.
Second Test, Trent Bridge, Day 2 : England 198 (65.3 overs) v India 254-3 (79.0 overs)

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge, Day 1 : England post 169 for 7

England were 169 for seven in their first innings at the close of the first day of the second test against India at Trent Bridge on Friday.
India reduced England to 94 for three at tea after asking the home side to bat on a rain-delayed opening day of the second test at Trent Bridge on Friday. Andrew Strauss (4), captain Michael Vaughan (9) and Kevin Pietersen (13) were all back in the pavilion before the total had reached 50 after Rahul Dravid had won the toss.
At tea, after play had begun four hours late because of heavy rain this week which had soaked the outfield, Alastair Cook was on 35 and Paul Collingwood had scored 25.
Left-armer Zaheer Khan accounted for Strauss and Vaughan on a pitch offering plenty of movement for quicker bowlers. Khan dismissed Strauss when the left-hander pushed at a full-pitched delivery and guided it straight to Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site at first slip. Vaughan followed to the same combination when Khan produced a perfect delivery on off-stump from around the wicket and Tendulkar scooped up a low chance.
Pietersen, taking a large stride forward to counter the late swing, struck three fours but was then LBW RP Singh. The first Test at Lord's ended in a draw on Monday with India one wicket away from defeat. Reported Earlier: Zaheer Khan took two quick wickets as England were reduced to 94 for 3 at tea on the opening day of the second Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Friday.
The left-armer pacer dismissed Andrew Strauss (4) and Michael Vaughan (9) in his first spell to give India early command on a pitch offering considerable help to seam bowlers.
Kevin Pietersen , who scored a century in the previous Test at Lord's, did not last long, falling fell leg before wicket to R P Singh for 13. Alastair Cook survived early jitters to remain unbeaten on 35, including five boundaries, at the tea break.
The start of play was delayed by around four hours because of a wet outfield due to overnight rain. Both India and England retained the squads that played in the drawn first Test at Lord's. Reported Earlier: The start of the second cricket Test match between India and England has been delayed due to a wet outfield caused by overnight rain.
Umpires Simon Taufel and Ian Howell will inspect the ground at 1130 hrs local time (4 p.m. IST) before taking a decision on start of play. After two days of rain, the sun has broken out since morning and the groundsmen were seen mopping up the outfield using four super-soppers.
Second Test, Trent Bridge, Day 1 (stumps): England 169 for 7 (55.0 overs) v India

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge: Threat of rain looms large, again

As rain continued to pour down onto the Trent Bridge outfield, just a day before the start of the second Test between England and India, the tourists were gearing themselves up for another stop-start contest.
Bad light and rain came to Indias aid on the final day of the first Test at Lords, where with England needing just one more wicket for victory, the opening fixture in a three-match series was abandoned as a draw. Now, with huge pools of water visible all over the Trent Bridge, the chances of the match starting on time today even if the rain stops appear to be diminishing by the minute although, with other parts of the country victims of flooding, it looked as if Nottingham had enjoyed an escape by comparison. India Team (from): Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Rahul Dravid (Captain), Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, Sreesanth, Yuvraj Singh, Ranadeb Bose, Ishant Sharma, Ramesh Powar, Gautam Gambhir.
England Team (from): Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan (Captain), Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior (Wicket Keeper), Ryan Sidebottom, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

IND v ENG 2nd Test, Trent Bridge: Ganguly doubtful for second test

After a disastoruos showing in the first Test, Team India now have a scare in the form of Sourav Ganguly's injury ahead of second Test at Trent Bridge starting on July 27.
The Indian team's spokesperson Yuvraj Singh did not say much about the injury but confirmed ''Sourav has a slight lower back strain.'' The former captain was clearly hampered by a back problem during the second innings of the first Test at Lord's and was unable to take part today's net practice which was moved to the National Academy at Loughborough because of persistent rain at Nottingham. If he is ruled out, then Yuvraj will replace the 'Bengal Tiger' as India look for a vastly improved batting performance after surviving with only wicket in hand against England's rookie attack.
But Yuvi is confident the team will make the most of their fortunate escape in the first Test.

IND v ENG 1st Test, Lord's, Day 5 : Dhoni and Bad weather saves India

Bad light and then rain ensured the first Test between England and India at Lord's ended in a draw with the tourists closing on 282-9. It left England frustrated as they failed to win a match they had dominated for lengthy spells.
Dhoni, unbeaten on 76, and last man Sreesanth (4 not out) were still at the crease when the weather intervened. Reported Earlier: England looked set to clinch the opening Test at Lords on Monday as they needed just five more Indian wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three match series for Pataudi trophy.
The Indians suffered two early blows on the final morning losing overnight batsman Dinesh Karthick (60) and Sourav Ganguly (40) with the first 30 minutes. Ryan Sidebottom trapped Sourav Ganguly lbw and James Anderson had Dinesh Karthik caught at slip to leave India reeling on 145-5, chasing 380.
With only VVS Laxman and Mahendra Dhoni remaining among the recognised batsmen, India might be hard pressed to bat out the remaining sessions. The only hope being rain saving Indias day showers have been forecast but late in the day.
First Test, Lords, day five : England 298 & 282 drew with India 201 & 282-9

IND v ENG 1st Test, Lord's, Day 4 : Pietersen ton puts England on top

India, dismissed for a meagre 201 in their first innings, were 137 for three at the close, needing a further 243 runs to reach their target of 380 after Pietersen had scored 134. Opener Dinesh Karthik was 56 not out and former captain Sourav Ganguly, dropped on 12, was 36 not out with their stand currently worth 52 after they came together at 84 for three.
If India win they would achieve the fourth highest fourth innings Test victory total in history and break the equivalent Lord's record of 344 for one set by the West Indies in 1984. Earlier Kevin Pietersen burst back into form with his ninth century, his first Test hundred against India, while RP Singh's 5 for 59 kept the rest of the English team in check on the fourth day at Lord's. England who started the day at 77/2 were all out for 282 just before tea.
Paul Collingwood's miserable Test continued as he made just four before he spooned a bouncer from Singh straight to VVS Laxman.
First Test, Lords, day four : England 298 & 282 v India 201 & 137/3

IND v ENG 1st Test, Lord's, Day 3 : England skittle India to blow Test open

The first Test between England and India looks set for an engaging conclusion after the tourists' first innings finished at 201 all out just before lunch on the third day. Anderson claimed a five-wicket haul at a cost of just 42 runs.
At stumps, England lead by 174 runs with 8 wickets remaining.
First Test, Lords, day three (close): England 298 & 77/2 v India 201

IND v ENG 1st Test, Lord's, Day 2 : India 145 for 4 at stumps on day 2

England hit back after a collapse to restrict India to 145-4 at close of play on the second day of the Lords Test on Friday.
The Englishmen were disciplined in their bowling, when they themselves lost 6-26 to be all out for 298 after the entire morning was lost to rain. In the late afternoon session, James Anderston took the key wickets of Rahul Dravid (2) and Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site (37) to peg back the Indians.
Tendulkar, however,went past Australian Steve Waugh in becoming the third highest run-scorer in Tests.
Left arm speedster Ryan Sidebottom got Dinesh Karthik and Chris Tremlett caught and bowled opener Wasim Jaffer (58) for his first Test wicket. Tendulkar, who was aiming to get his first Lords hundred looked good but fell leg before to Anderson.
First Test, Lords, day two (close): England 298 v India 145-4

IND v ENG 1st Test, Lord's, Day 1 : India hit back after English lapse

Andrew Strauss narrowly failed to score his first test century in almost a year on the first day of the first cricket test against India at Lord's where England reached 268 for four at the close.
After three late stoppages for bad light, play finally ended almost an hour after the scheduled close. England suffered from the interruptions and lost Michael Vaughan and Paul Collingwood after the second break.
They had been 218 for one after tea, having lost Alastair Cook for 36 before lunch. Strauss made 96 for his highest test score since his 116 against Pakistan last August and captain Vaughan hit 79. Kevin Pietersen was on 34 with night-watchman Ryan Sidebottom, five.
India are seeking their first series win in England for 21 years, while Vaughan's side are looking to protect an impressive home record in which they have not lost a series on home soil since 2001.
First Test, Lords, day one (close): England 268-4 v India

IND v ENG 1st Test, Lord's : India target rare series win in England

India will launch their grueling three-match cricket Test series against England at the historic Lord's on Thursday, heavily relying on their famed batsmen to provide the inspiration in their quest for a rare series win.
It will probably be the last English summer for the famous batting quintet - captain Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman - and the four stalwarts would be keen to make an impression in what promises to be thrilling series. While the Indian batting appears to be strong on paper, it is the lack of experience in the bowling department which would make it necessary for the bastmen to deliver the goods against the home team.
The Indians have had enough time to acclimatise to the conditions having played a series in Ireland and two warm-up games in England. Most of the batsmen have got one or two big knocks under their belt and it is now a matter of carrying their form into the series. Although the visitors are yet to finalise the composition for the first game, it is more or less certain that they will go in with seven batsmen and four specialist bowlers a formula which has served them well on overseas tours for quite some time.
Wasim Jaffer and Dinesh Kaarthick are like to open the innings while the middle order comprising Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly and Laxman has plenty of experience to tackle the English attack which would badly miss the services of Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison. England (team from): Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan (Captain), Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior (Wicket Keeper), Ryan Sidebottom, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Tremlett
India (team from): Rahul Dravid (Captain), Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Wasim Jaffer, Dinesh Karthik, Gautam Gambhir, Sourav Ganguly, Venkatsai Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Wicket Keeper), Zaheer Khan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Ranadeb Bose, Anil Kumble, Ramesh Powar

England fast bowler Stephen Harmison ruled out of test series against India

England fast bowler Stephen Harmison was ruled out for the entire cricket Test series against India as his hernia injury requires immediate surgery which will keep him out of action for four to six weeks.
Harmison, who was looking to postpone his surgery to play against the touring Indian side, suffered a recurrence of the injury last week and was yesterday ruled out of the first Test starting at Lord's on Thursday. After meeting specialists, it came out that Harmison will have to go under the knife today itself. "He's going to have the operation later today. Unfortunately for him the hernia has come back and now it's all about getting it done as quickly as possible," Coach Peter Moores said.
The operation is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks. The Durham pacer, who retired from one-day internatioal cricket last winter, sustained the injury during the final Test against West Indies at Chester-le-Street nearly a month ago. After conducting tests, the medical staff of the England team, however, allowed him to play on.
The problem resurfaced during Durham's match against Sussex last week and he is now set to miss the remainder of England's summer. His place in England's 13-man squad was filled by Hampshire pace bowler Chris Tremlett.

Broad called up by England for India opener

Uncapped pace bowler Stuart Broad was called up on Sunday into England's 13-man squad for the first Test against India starting at Lord's on Thursday.
Broad, 21, was included after fast bowler Stephen Harmison was rated 'extremely doubtful' on Saturday for the opening match of a three-Test series after suffering a recurrence of his hernia injury while playing for Durham. Leicestershire's Broad, the son of former England opening batsman Chris, has played nine One-Day Internationals but has yet to play in a Test.
He was included along with Lancashire quick James Anderson, the pair set to compete for the final place in England's starting side if, as expected, Harmison is unfit. England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney, said: "Stephen Harmison's hernia problem will be re-assessed by our medical team when the team reports for the first Test on Monday evening.
England squad: Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matthew Prior, Stephen Harmison, Ryan Sidebottom, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

India-England Lions Match Ends In A Tame Draw

England Lions proved that India's impotent bowling attack has neither the zing nor the sting as the three-day warm up cricket match between them petered out into a drab draw in Chelmsford on Sunday.
Chasing an improbable 258 runs in the last hour, India reached 91 for one in their second innings. At draw of stumps on the final day, Wasim Jaffer was not out on 22 while Yuvraj Singh was batting on six. Dinesh Kaarthick (51) was the lone Indian wicket to fall after he had scored a scintillating half-century off just 45 balls stroking eight boundaries. He fell to leg spinner Adil Rashid as he charged down to play a shot but hit it straight to Ravi Bopara at short covers.
The hosts had declared their first innings at 413 for eight and it took a magnificent 171-run knock by stop-gap skipper Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, which propped up the visitors' response as India posted 383.
Tour match, Chelmsford, day four: Sussex 300-6d & 190-9 drew with India 388-7d & 184-8d

Tendulkar delights chelmsford with a masterly 171

A standout innings of 171 off 236 balls from Indias batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site reached his team to 336-7,within 77 runs short off England Lions 413-8 decl, on the second day of the three-day tour match at Chelmsford on Saturday.
India, who got off to a very shaky start to their innings losing 3-14, were steadied by Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh (59), who put on 140 for the fifth wicket after VVS Laxman (0) and Sourav Ganguly (14) had departed cheaply. India opener Wasim Jaffer once again failed for the third time in two tour outings and was out for a single digit score.
But the day belonged to Tendulkar, who completed a superb century just after tea to stamp in his first innings on England tour this summer. Graham Onions struck twice in his first over to reduce India to 14-3 but the Tendulkar-Singh partnership rescued India out of trouble.
The batting great was finally out to Onions, caught by Shah for his 63rd first class century. At stumps, M S Dhoni,the dashing wicketkeeper,was unbeaten on 44 while paceman Zaheer Khan remained not out on 18 as India ended the day on 336-7.
Tour match, Chelmsford, day two (close): England Lions 413-8d v India 336-7

England Lions expose Indian attack

A toothless Indian bowling attack stood thoroughly exposed as England Lions, riding on a sparkling unbeaten century by all-rounder Tim Bresnan and crisp half centuries from Joe Denly and Stuart Broad, rattled up 379 for eight on the opening day of the three-day tie at Chelmsford on Friday.
At stumps, Bresnan was not out 116 with Chris Tremlett (8) giving him company. Bresnan's 116-run knock included 15 fours and one six during his 156-ball stay.
Coming in to bat with the hosts precariously placed at 185 for six, the 22-year old Bresnan displayed a cool head before opening out to play some fine shots all round the wicket. He batted with just the right mix of caution and aggression to feature in a thrilling eighth wicket stand of 129 runs with Broad (50) that steered his team to safety.
Tour match, Chelmsford, day one (close): England Lions 379-8 v India

India lead Sussex on the penultimate day

India gained a first innings lead of 88 but extended it to 109 at 21-2 in their second essay on the penultimate day of their tour match against Sussex at Hove.
Sussex declared their first innings on 300-6 in 85.1 overs after the tourists had made 388-7 declared in 130.5 overs. Hodd top scored for Sussex with an unbeaten 106 while skipper Yardy made 53.
For the Indian veteran leg-spinner Anil Kumble was the most successful bowler picking 3-66 in 22 overs. In their second innings, India lost two early wickets in the form on opener Wasim Jaffer (4) and the promoted M S Dhoni, who managed 11. Both were out to Lewry.
Tour match, Hove, day three (close): Sussex 300-6d v India 388-7d & 21-2

Laxman misses ton against Sussex on day 2

India's bowlers took cue from the top order batsmen, striking telling blows to reduce English County Champions Sussex to 146 for 5 in their first innings on the second day of the warm-up match in Hove on Sunday.
After V V S Laxman top-scored with a sparkling innings of 95 to give the Indians an impressive total of 388 for 7 declared, the bowlers produced a clinical display to drive a wedge through the Sussex top order.
At close, wicketkeeper-batsman Andy Hodd was batting on 21 with Robert Martin-Jenkins yet to open his account at the crease and Sussex still needing 93 more to avoid the follow-on.
Tour match, Hove, day two (close): Sussex 146-5 v India 388-7d

India reach 281 for 3 at stumps on day 1

The Indians made an ideal start to their three-month long tour of England with several top-order batsmen spending valuable time in the middle on the first day against Sussex at Hove as the Indians reached 281 for 3 at stumps on day 1.
A few spots in the Test team are still up for grabs and the Indians wanted to use this match and the next warm-up game to identify their best XI before the first Test against England on July 19. India captain Rahul Dravid won the toss and without any hesitation elected to bat first.
Karthik had scored a century in his last Test innings at Mirpur and he continued his form with a watchful 76. Jaffer failed after a watchful start and Gambhir did his claim to a Test opening spot no harm by scoring an unusually patient 67.
They came together towards the end of the first session and added 129 runs for the second wicket. Dravid batted fluently towards the end of the day during his 57 while Laxman also played a determined innings, punctuated with his delightful wristwork, and staked his claim for the No.5 spot in the Test side. It had been raining at Hove in the past few days and conditions were windy at the start, with the sun playing hide and seek behind the clouds.
The match got off to a delayed start as Sussex were involved in a Twenty20 match late on Friday evening. Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq made his Sussex first-class debut.
Tour match, Hove, day one (close): India 281-3 v Sussex

Full strength team likely for Sussex match

Fresh from their one-day cricket series triumph over the South Africans in Ireland, India will launch their gruelling tour of England with a four-day warm-up game against County champions Sussex at Hove.
The two teams, however, will keep one eye on the quiky weather as it has been raining regularly here for the last few days. With hardly any cricket played for about a week since their series win against South Africa, the Indians will be looking forward to field their best combination in the two warm-up games leading up to the first Test at the Lord's on July 19.
Accordingly, Test regulars Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman and Wasim Jaffer are almost certain to make the cut for the final eleven. Among the batsmen, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly and Dinesh Kaarthick will try to get rid of the rust and be in top shape ahead of the Test series.
The Indian top order did well to get some runs under the belt against a decent South African attack in the Future Cup series and would be keen on continuing with that impressive form. In bowling department, S. Sreesanth has fully recovered from a bout of flu, that ruled him out of the one-day series in Ireland, and he will be sharing the new ball with Zaheer Khan. Captain Rahul Dravid will also be interested to see new pace inclusion Ranadeb Bose perform in a match situation. With the presence of Pakistan players Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan in the rival ranks, the Indians can certainly expect a bit more spice added to the contest.
Led by the 37-year old Chris Adams, who played five Tests for England, Sussex has banked on the guiles of Mushtaq to break the title jinx in 2003 before winning it again last year. In each season, Mushtaq finished with 103 and 102 wickets respectively. Sussex has been well served by former Zimbabwe batsman Murray Goodwin and Richard Montogerie, both of whom have been in fine form. The 34-year old Goodwin played 17 Tests for Zimbabwe before moving to Australia - where he grew up - in 2000. Michael Yardy, Andy Hodd and Carl Hopkinson are the others in the line-up that also includes two allrounders in Luke Wright and Robin Martin-Jenkins. Chris Liddle, Jason Lewry and James Kirtley form a decent pace attack for the hosts. India team (from): Rahul Dravid (Captain), Sachin Tendulkar Sachin Tendulkar's Site, Sourav Ganguly, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, VVS Laxman, Dinesh Kaarthick, Ramesh Powar, S. Sreesanth, Zaheer Khan, Gautam Gambhir, R.P. Singh, Wasim Jaffer, Anil Kumble, Ranadeb Bose and Ishant Sharma.
Sussex team (from): Chris Adams (Captain), Murray Goodwin, Richard Montogerie, Andy Hodd, Carl Hopkinson, James Kirtley, Jason Lewry, Chris Liddle, Robin Martin-Jenkins, Chris Nash, Matt Prior (wicket keeper), Ollie Rayner, Thomas Smith, Michael Thorney, Kuke Wright, Michael Yardy, Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan.

Umpires for India-England series announced

Sri Lankas Mr Ranjan Madugalle and Mr Roshan Mahanama have been appointed match referees for the upcoming Test and One-Day International cricket series between India and England this month. While Mr Madugalle will oversee the three-match Test series starting 19 July in London, Mahanama will be in-charge of the seven ODIs, the International Cricket Council said in a statement.
Australian umpire Mr Simon Taufel and the West Indian Mr Steve Bucknor will stand in the first Test to be played from 19-23 July at the Lords. The second Test, at Trent Bridge from 27-31 July, will be umpired by Mr Taufel and South African Mr Ian Howell. The third and final Test, at The Oval from 9-13 August, will be officiated by Mr Bucknor and Mr Howell.

Harmison may play with hernia against India

Desperate to play in the upcoming cricket Test series against India, England pacer Steve Harmison is planning to delay a hernia surgery to keep himself in available for the three matches.
The pacer, struggling with both injuries and his poor form, said he would delay the surgery until the end of the Test series against Rahul Dravid's men next month if he does not encounter too many problems while bowling in the upcoming county matches. Harmison, who bid adieu to his ODI career earlier this year after England's Ashes humiliation, said he would take a final decision on the matter next week.
"I felt something go in my back in the warm up and it got stiffer and stiffer, although I felt alright to play. I then found a lump in my groin area and it was diagnosed as a hernia," he was quoted as saying in 'The Mirror'. "Ideally I don't want to miss any Test matches, but I want to be bowling at 90 miles an hour not 80. So if I am bowling quickly in the next week or so then I'll go as far as the end of the India series," he added. The lanky bowler said the delay in surgery can go as far as the end of English summer, if he does not encounter any major trouble with his speed.
"We will see how it goes over the next few days. If we can get through to the end of the summer that would be great. I am happy with the way I bowled in this match," he said. India will play three Test matches against England starting July 19.

Flintoff doubtful for India series

Andrew Flintoff's arthroscopy on his left ankle may have gone well but the talismanic all-rounder looks doubtful for the Test series against India starting next month.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement that Friday's operation went well, but Flintoff is unlikely to play before the end of the summer. "Andrew Flintoff has undergone an exploratory arthroscopy on his injured left ankle. Early signs are that the operation was routine and Andrew will begin his rehabilitation accordingly following successful removal of tissue contributing to anterior impingement in the ankle," the statement said. "Andrew will require a programme of strengthening and proprioceptive work before he can start training and bowling. It is anticipated that he will aim to return to playing cricket before the end of the summer," it added.

India to tour England in July-September

India would play three Tests and seven ODIs during their three-month tour of England starting in July this year, according to the schedule announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board here today.
Of the seven one-dayers, three would be day-night affairs. Prior to the Test series starting on July 19, India will play two warm-up matches against Sussex and England A. After the first two Tests, they are slated to play Sri Lanka 'A' in a three-day game in Leicester. The Indians would also play a couple of lead-up games ahead of the start of the ODI series on August 21.


Editor: Nishanth Gopinathan.