Saturday, August 8, 2009

Siddle, Clark put Aussies on top in fourth Test



Peter Siddle took his Test-best figures and Stuart Clark marked his return to international cricket with three wickets as Australia bowled out England for just 102 at Healingly here on Friday.

England, who won the toss, were routed on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test with Siddle taking five wickets for 21 runs in 9.5 overs and Clark three for 18 in 10 as Australia looked to level the five-match series at 1-1.

Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, then made 78, before falling short of his third hundred at Headingley in as many Tests, to help his side to 196 for four at stumps - a lead of 94.

Michael Clarke was 34 not out and Marcus North seven not out after Ponting and opener Shane Watson shared a second-wicket stand of 119.

Clarke was hit flush on the helmet by a Stephen Harmison bouncer on 27 and then, after several minutes of treatment, survived a huge appeal for caught behind following another short ball from the Durham quick.

Australia were on the verge of building an impregnable lead when fast bowler Stuart Broad took two wickets for four runs in six balls to have both Ponting and Michael Hussey lbw.

Australia, who had lost three wickets for 18 runs in 19 balls in total, were then 151 for four.

But that was nothing compared to England's collapse.

Clark took three wickets in quick succession as England, who won the toss, slumped to 72 for six at lunch before Siddle polished off the tail with four wickets for three runs in 14 balls.

Matt Prior (37 not out) and opener Alastair Cook (30) were the only England batsmen to make it into double figures in an innings that featuring four naught and lasted less than 34 overs.

Clark, after Australia dropped off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, made a dramatic return in what was his first Test in nine months after an elbow injury and selectorial preference had kept him out.

The 33-year-old upheld his reputation for economical accuracy by taking three wickets for five runs in 21 balls.

source by:cricketnext.in.com

Sehwag eyes Champion trophy return


After being out of action for over two months following a shoulder injury that needed surgery, dashing opener Virender Sehwag is hoping to return to top-notch cricket through the ICC Champions Trophy next month.

"I am hoping to play in the ICC Champions Trophy. My rehabilitation is going well," said the Delhi marauder on the sidelines of a book release function here on Friday.

Sehwag sustained the shoulder injury during the semi-finals of the Indian Premier League in South Africa in May while captaining Delhi Daredevils against eventual winners Deccan Chargers.

He was in the Indian squad for the World T20 Cup in England but could not play any part because of the injury to his right shoulder that needed surgery.

Sehwag underwent a surgery on June 11 after a lesion was identified in the injured shoulder and he was ruled out of action from between 12 to 16 weeks. The lesion was expected to heal in six weeks.

Indian team's physio Nitin Patel was given the task of monitoring Sehwag's rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

The Champions Trophy, earlier termed the Mini World Cup, is also to be held in South Africa from September 22.

Sehwag said he will start batting practice from the first week of September and is now able to lift 10 kg with his injured shoulder. "But I can't throw or bowl yet," he said.

As a first step towards a recall into the Indian team, Sehwag, who has played in 69 Tests and 205 ODIs in which he has amassed a combined 12,000-plus runs, at a fabulous strike rate of close to 90, is to visit the NCA in Bangalore on August 15.

"I am set to go to Bangalore (NCA) on August 15 (for assessment of his progress from injury), said the ace batsman who has 26 hundreds to his credit in Tests and ODIs combined.

Significantly, the Indian selectors are to meet on August 16 to pick the Champions Trophy squad, as well as the ODI squad for the triangular series in Sri Lanka preceding it, on the next day at Chennai.

Sehwag's selection for the ICC event would depend on the report that would be sent by the Indian team physiotherapist ahead of the selection panel meeting. He has been visiting the NCA after his surgery as part of his rehab process.

If he fails to make the cut for the Champions Trophy the next target is the seven-match ODI series against World Cup champions Australia that commences on October 25.

source by:cricketnext.in.com