India breathes easier as Sehwag fit to play

BANGALORE: India’s in-form opener Virender Sehwag will be fit for the crucial clash with England despite receiving a painful blow to the ribs in the nets yesterday.

The hard-hitting opener was struck by a delivery from a net bowler and did not bat again.

“A thorough examination has been done and a scan is not required. There is no major worry and he is fit enough to play,” said India team manager Ranjib Biswal.

India, who meet England in the day-night match tomorrow, defeated Bangladesh by 87 runs in their opener in Dhaka last Saturday. Sehwag was instrumental in the victory, hitting 175 off 140 balls.

Smith praises spin attack

South Africa captain Graeme Smith said it had been “one of those days” after his decision to field a three-pronged spin attack paved way for an opening win over the West Indies.

Off-spinner Johan Botha opened the bowling and grabbed two for 48 but the star performer with the ball was debutant leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who took four wickets as South Africa cruised to a seven-wicket win.

“We tried to use Tahir in short spells and tried to get the timing right,” said Smith. “He responded superbly well.”

Officials rage at ICC

Indian cricket chiefs apologised to thousands of fans
left short-changed by the World Cup’s deepening ticket chaos while firing a broadside at the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Tournament Director Ratnakar Shetty, who is also the chief administrative officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, admitted fans had been let down. However, he said contractual obligations had complicated ticket distribution.

The choice of Mumbai for the final has been controversial as it only has a 33,000 capacity with 20,000 tickets going to clubs linked to the Mumbai Cricket Association and 8,500 to the ICC.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 26^th, 2011.