‘Academies require good coaches’
Vijayawada: Former India batsman VVS laxman on Tuesday stressed on the need for good coaches to train budding cricketers at academies. “The students who enrol in the cricket academies should also pursue their ambition with dedication and commitment," laxman told reporters after inaugurating Andhra Cricket Association's Central Zone Academy at Mangalagiri. On the occasion, about 35 students were admitted formally in the academy. laxman remembered how he scored an unforgettable 153 runs for the first time in a Ranji match at Vijayawada in 1990. To a question, laxman said that the IPl spot-fixing scandal was unfortunate but added that the league provided opportunities to aspiring cricketers.
India consolidate top position
london: India have strengthened their number one position on the ICC ODI Championship Table as they have added two more rating points to their kitty with an unbeaten run in the group stage of the Champions Trophy. India had entered the tournament on 119 ratings points and have moved to 121, thanks to victories over South Africa, West Indies and Pakistan. England are now ranked second after moving up two places from fourth, thereby pushing Australia to third position. Second-ranked England and third-placed Australia are level on 113 ratings points, but Alastair Cook's side is ranked above Michael Clarke's team by a fraction of a point. South Africa has dropped a place to fourth with a loss of one ratings points to 112 following the completion of the group stage. Sri lanka at fifth and Pakistan at sixth have retained their pre-tournament positions.
Srinath match referee for semis
london: India's Javagal Srinath was on Tuesday appointed as match referee for the first Champions Trophy semifinal between England and South Africa at the Oval on Wednesday. Kumar Dharmasena and Rod Tucker will be the on-field umpires while Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis have been appointed as third and fourth umpires, respectively. The following day, India and Sri lanka go head to head in the second semi-final. Richard Kettleborough and Aleem Dar will be the on-field umpires, with Nigel llong and Ian Gould as third and fourth umpires, respectively. The match referee will be Chris Broad.
PNS/Agencies