Expressindia> Sports
Group Websites
Expressindia
Indian Express
Financial Express
Screen
Loksatta
Channels
Blogs
Astrology
Shopping
Hotels
Tenders
Classifieds
ExpressQnA


MOST READ

Ads by Google



Font Size - -A +A

Practice Match: Sehwag shines on final day

Agencies

Posted online: Saturday , January 12, 2008 at 2016 hrs IST
      

Canberra, January 12:: Virender Sehwag slammed a 78-ball 113 against Australia Capital Territory XI to stake his claim for a berth in the Indian team for the Perth Test against Australia but Yuvraj Singh continued to struggle with the bat.

Sehwag smashed a rousing century and Dinesh Kaarthick (97) came near one as India's three-day practice match against the ACT XI ended in a draw at the Manuka Oval.

In contrast, Yuvraj came a cropper again, managing just three in the second innings.

After India declared at the tea time score of 281 for four, the hosts, chasing an improbable target of 314 runs from 33 overs, were greeted by some early blows before they slumped to 60 for three at stumps.

The final 15 mandatory overs were not bowled as the Indians, presumably, wanted to be in time for the evening function at the Indian High Commissioner's residence.

India had declared their first innings at 325 for 9, in reply to which the hosts had made 292 for eight before declaring their essay.

In contrast to the strong impression which Sehwag and Kaarthik created, the two batsmen under the pump, Wasim Jaffer (21) and Yuvraj again disappointed in their second outing.

Jaffer fell to the leg-spinner Ryan Bulger while Yuvraj drove a low full toss from medium-pacer Adam Perera into the hands of short extra cover.

Sehwag had reprieves at 16 and 92 but it was a vintage stuff from the Delhi dasher who peppered the offside region with brutal strokes in a knock of 113 off just 78 deliveries with 18 fours and two sixes in it.

Sehwag chose to leave all niceties behind in the dressing room and came out with a brutalising intent. He began by smashing three fours off left-arm paceman Perera.

He was lucky on 16 when he was let off at square leg but thereafter proved a scourge to the home bowling.

Sehwag was particularly harsh on Perera whose line outside the off-stump was to the batsman's liking. He wasn't soft on right-hander's either, squeezing out 10 runs in Adam Ritchard's first over.

Leg-spinner Ryan Bulger wilted under the assault after he was hit for 10 runs in his first over.

Sehwag completed his half century from 38 balls, lofting Bulger for a six over extra cover but was lucky on 92 when a mid-on fielder let him off.

Sehwag's three-figure knock was finally raised when he flicked Ritchard for four, celebrating the moment with one through point and a massive six.

Kaarthick opened out after Sehwag had left the stage and in contrast to the latter, played several cultured stroke through the off-side. However, he was dismissed just three short of his century when tried to flick spinner Mark Higg on the onside and missed the line of the delivery.

Kaarthick batted for 197 minutes, faced 152 balls and hit 12 fours.

Ads by Google
Rate this article
 
Post Comment :
Name * Message *
Email ID *
Subject *
TERMS OF USE:
The views represented here are not neccesarily endorsed by www.expressindia.com and its allied websites. All messages will be moderated and no message that has inflammatory, abusive, derogatory language or any language deemed unfit for publication by the editor will be displayed. Though it will be endeavoured that as many messages as possible be displayed, there will be time lag between the submission and publication of the messages. The website reserves the right to publish or reject any message.
I agree to the terms of use.
  • Comments
    Hide Comments
Shaadi Matrimonials Get Marriage Proposals by Email EVERYDAY!
Register FREE on Naukri.com. 200000+ Hot Job Openings!
Book International flights & get 10000 Money Back
Flowers & Gifts
Send flowers & Gifts
Express Classifieds Post and view free classifieds ad
Find Love, Romance & friends
Featured Ads
© 2008 Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd. All rights reserved
The Indian Express Group | Advertise With Us | Privacy Policy | Feedback | Work With Us | Site Map