Death of a legend: Don Bradman poses for the camera during a match between England and Australia in 1930.

 'The Don's' death marks a spiritual moment in Australia’s history

The passing of Sir Donald Bradman marked not only the death of a cricketing legend but a spiritual moment in the history of Australia.

From rural Cootamundra, Bradman's birthplace, to the dusty outback Birdsville Track and the gleaming high-rises of Sydney, Australians gathered at petrol pumps and around corner stores.

Within minutes of the news that Bradman had died in his sleep on Sunday, Australia was in mourning. 

"For many Australians the passing of Sir Donald Bradman will be like a death in the family. He was an icon, an exemplar, a hero," Labor opposition leader Kim Beazley said.  

Flags flew at half-mast in Cootamundra. Rush hour traffic slowed in some towns. The boss of Australia's biggest grocer Woolworths began a company briefing with a tribute to Bradman.

"People are in a daze. The streets are quiet. I am sad and driving around in a daze," said George, 30, a talkback radio caller from one small town.

But it was a national sadness not just for the passing of a man, but for what he represented. For millions "The Don" was the quintessential Australian.

He was a man who rose from humble beginnings in a small country town to be the world's greatest Test cricketer. Bradman rewrote cricket's record books in the 1930s and 1940s by scoring 6,996 runs in 52 tests at an average of 99.94. No other player before or since has come close.

Bradman received some 4,000 letters a week, from young and old alike, and until ill health prevented it answered all.

"Poetry and murder lived in him together. He would slice the bowling to rhythms and dance without pity on the corpse," wrote one poet of Bradman's cricketing feats.

But despite his fame Bradman remained an egalitarian man, forever helping charities and young sportsmen and women.

"He was the most famous Australian ever, a national talisman, the taciturn symbol of an unpretentious country," said Mike Rann, Labor opposition leader in Bradman's home state South Australia.

"He was imbued with the spirit of fair play. A lot of that is passing and Australia is changing. We should look back on people like Sir Don and grab hold of what they gave us," said John, another talkback radio caller.

While Australia has changed dramatically from the monochrome nation when a sandy-haired Bradman sliced the ball with a graceful sweeping stroke to today's multi-cultural melting pot, Bradman's appeal has never wained.

"His memorial is, in a sense, a personal and almost spiritual one, it's the special place he's had in the affections of our community," said cricketing fanatic Prime Minister John Howard.

"He was more than just a great cricketer and a great sportsman, he was a dominant Australian personality in a way that I don't think any other person has been in the last 100 years."

Writers, poets and songwriters have for 50 years tried to explain why Bradman captured not only the hearts of Australians of his generation, but those who were born long after he retired.

"When Aunty Duckie danced with Donald Bradman she said it was the highlight of her life, that wizard of the willow swept her off her feet, along with all Australians, every man on the street, Sir Don you gave us pride in ourselves," sang country western singer John Williamson.

"His innings may have closed but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of millions of Australians," said former Australian Test cricket captain Mark Taylor.  

Tribute paid by different cricketers all over the world to the great legend    

Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi : "My father Pataudi senior, played for England against Don Bradman in the 1932 Bodyline Series and he would talk about Bradman with a great degree of awe. Bradman was obviously the finest batsman the world has seen yet. Apart from this, he was also a very sound businessman and a very private person."

"I met Bradman a number of times and I remember clearly in 1967-68 when I toured with the Indian team. He advised me about field placings and other things. I am really sad that a particular era has come to an end," Tiger Pataudi said.

Bishan Singh Bedi : "The vacuum will never be filled. He was the greatest player ever. It was my personal privilege to have known him closely. It was not just that he was a great player, he served Australian cricket for 60 years."

Rob Laurie, Australian High Commisioner: “One of the few people who have seen Bradman play told that he did a lot for the game of cricket and lifted it to the level of entertainment. He was a person of integrity and one of the greatest sports figures of all time. I saw him score a first class hundred against India in 1947 at Sydney. My memories of that innings are of an accomplished bat with a very good eye and incredible reflexes. He was a professional cricketer — a professional in the true sense of the word."

Raj Singh Dungarpur: “He was responsible for bringing many changes in the laws of the game all for it's betterment. Bradman wrote the bible of the game, 'The Art of Cricket’, an invaluable aid to young cricketers that takes the cricket follower through the entire gamut of the game. He missed an average of 100 in cricket by four runs and in life by eight years. He was the only legend of cricket and a shining icon of the Australian nation."

Abbas Ali Baig, former Indian Test cricketer: “Sir Don was a legend, an institution and a terrific person, all rolled into one. His exploits off the field matched those essayed by him on it. I had the privilege of meeting him in 1992 (as the Coach of the touring Indian side). He had humility, dignity and poise. When he found out that my daughter was a painter, he gave her a photograph of his to make his portrait, which was duly sent to him on his 84th birthday. He replied immediately, saying `he was pleased with the portrait that she had done for him.’ He was a humble man and not the ruthless individual that some have portrayed him to be. But he did have steel in him. In communication he was meticulous and responded to any letter from our family immediately. My whole family and I think `he was a great human being.”

 Are Saurav and Dona splitting up?

Kolkota, February 27:  Are Saurav and Dona Ganguly splitting up? The buzz is that they are; No way says Saurav’s family.

Different stories have traveled out of Mumbai and Kolkata since the day news of Saurav’s visit to Srikalahasti temple broke out. But one thing is certain: there is no smoke without fire.

The Indian cricket captain's visit to the Srikalahasti temple (in south Andhra Pradesh, 200 km from Chennai) on February 17 was an extraordinary event as he was with Tamil actress Nagma and as per a report an unsuspecting Srikalahasti priest performed a ritual that sanctified their "engagement".

Saurav's family is however in a defensive mood. They have chosen to ignore the whole sordid episode; they won't even sue the publications that carried the story.

Saurav's elder brother Snehashish says that Saurav never went to Srikalahasti at all. "He doesn't go to temples, it is incredible that he would drive such a long way to visit one". When asked about the relations between Saurav and Dona he said, “Saurav has just spent two perfectly normal days with the family and has now gone to Mumbai for the Test match. Dona will join him on Sunday." Saurav's family has stood solidly behind him in the face of substantial evidence.

However, as per reports Saurav and Nagma were, incidentally, photographed and mobbed at the temple. In Mumbai, Nagma has been heard saying that marriage with Saurav is on the cards.

But in Kolkata, Dona seems to have given the batsman the benefit of the doubt. But the talk of their marriage has something in common with the whispers of divorce: both been denied.

 Lankan players fined for excessive appealing 

Galle, February 27: Match referee Hanumant Singh of India fined four Sri Lankan players in Monday's Sri Lanka-England contest for excessive appealing as former England all-rounder Ian Botham lashed out at the standard of umpiring during the first Test.

Sri Lanka won the Test by an innings and 28 runs here on Monday. Singh, who had warned teams to behave themselves before the Test began, fined Muttiah Muralitharan, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold and Kumar Sangakkara 25 per cent of their match fee for their excessive appealing.

Captain Sanath Jayasuriya was also warned about his future conduct. England suffered a number of doubtful decisions from Peter Manuel of Sri Lanka and A V Jayaprakash of India.

"This victory will always have a sour taste," Botham, the former England all-rounder said. "In situations like this, it is essential you have the best umpires available. I am afraid the men standing in this Test were well short of the standard required," he said.

Botham said there were two or three situations where the third umpire should have been called, but the umpires made their own decisions and got them wrong. "What is the point of having the technology if you don't use it? For the next Test in Kandy, I hope they can find two umpires who understand the rules of the game." he said.

"So many things went on, it leaves a bit of a bad taste. I feel that I, as one, should be able to say `let's not do this next time'," Hussain said. "There are all these rules that have been brought in about running on the wicket and overzealous appealing, but I don't know where we're going with it," said Nasser Hussain, the England captain.

England manager Duncan Fletcher also launched a thinly veiled attack. "If you were watching that and didn't see what happened, you must be blind," he said in obvious reference to decisions given by the two umpires.

 Hussain questions the Quality of umpiring after their defeat in the first Test

Galle, February 26: England skipper Nasser Hussain questioned the quality of umpiring as his team suffered a humiliating innings defeat in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Hussain said the entire four and half days cricket in southern Sri Lanka in hot and humid conditions was far from a professional game and it was marred, among other things, by the standard of umpiring.

He was careful not to directly criticise the umpires who were often embarrassed by television replays. Both teams benefited from poor decisions, although more went in the home side's favour.

"I hope I can comment on some of the standards of umpiring, the appealing, the running on the wickets," Hussain said. "The whole thing went on with this game. I don't think all that was needed."

Despite virtually crying fowl, Hussain was not prepared to undermine the victory of Sri Lankans led by skipper Sanath Jayasuriya.

"They are a good side, a very, very good side and I don't think they need to do these periphery things. They won the toss, they batted and bowled really well," he said adding that skipper and Muttiah Muralitharan bowled well.

"They are very good side and I am not taking anything away from their victory. They played really good cricket."

But the bitterness was written all over Hussain as he added,” I don't know whether I can comment on certain things. As an international captain I probably should be able to. I don't think this game needed all these controversies," he said referring to the poor umpiring.

Instead of going all out against the umpires, he urged them to use technology that is made available together with the 3rd umpire.

"There is a guy up here (in the pavilion). It takes him five minutes to decide whether people are out. Umpires should take that time. It is such an important thing," said Hussain.

He was referring to the dismissal of Michael Atherton who was caught behind and Indian umpire A.V. Jayaprakash did not refer the catch to the third umpire to ensure whether it was taken cleanly.

At the same time, Hussain called for the same set of umpires to be deployed for a Test series rather than changing them after each game.

"I think it is very dangerous to change the umpire in the middle of the Test series because the whole interpretation of rules (by an individual) changes as well," said Hussain.

"The interpretation of lbw, some people give you out sweeping and some people give you out going back. It is just something l like to look at. I wish I had gone to the ICC meeting," he said.

Hussain missed the meeting held at Melbourne for all Test captains as he was touring Sri Lanka with the England side.

 Boycott and John Snow pay tribute to Sir Donald Bradman

London, February 26: England cricket legend Geoff Boycott on Monday paid tribute to Sir Donald Bradman, who died on Sunday at the age of 92.

Boycott, now a respected radio pundit, said: "His career is summed up by the fact he was very consistent — I think that's the key to it. When he did get in, he made big hundreds. He was greedy — and that's how you should be. He had a phenomenal rate of scoring, much quicker than anyone else.

Boycott added: "I met him first in 1965 when Mike Smith captained us in Australia. "I got sick in Adelaide. I was quite ill — they carried me off the field and took me to the hospital.

"Sir Don came to see me in the hospital and he brought me a book. He signed it and chatted to me for a while — I was flattered that he'd bothered to come and see me as a young kid.

"I think the interesting thing about him is that he was the greatest batsman, basically throughout cricket — and yet he was a very private man.

"When he was captain, he used to like his privacy. He'd go to his room and write a letter or listen to a record.

"Today, you think how the game has progressed. Players have to do so many interviews — the media wants you. And yet here, the greatest batsman ever was able to keep a certain amount of privacy."

Another former England favourite, pace bowler John Snow, described Bradman as "a cricket icon all over the world, full stop".

Snow said: "When you think of cricket, you think of WG Grace and Donald Bradman. "I met him when I played over there in 1970-71 for the first time, and he was a very modest man. You would have not thought he'd achieved anything very much really."

Snow believed Bradman broke the mould in terms of leg-side play. He added, "I may be wrong but I think he was probably the first player that actually started to play the ball on the leg side a lot.

"All the fields tended to be set in the old style, on the off side. He was a great worker of the ball.

"He was also a successful businessman, a brilliant administrator, a scratch golfer, and a pianist as well. He was a multi-talented man."

 Australian team wakes up to get the most unexpected shock

Mumbai: The touring Australian cricket team awoke here on Monday to the news that one of their sport and their nation's greatest icons, Sir Donald Bradman, was dead.

"He was a once-in-a-lifetime player," said Australian skipper Steve Waugh, who was one of a select few players to meet Bradman in his latter years.

"His mind was very, very alert," he said. "He had his views on cricket and was quite pleased with the way the game is going."

Waugh said that his wife phoned him from Australia to tell him the news at 2.15 am local time in Mumbai, where the team is gearing up for the series-opening Test against India starting Tuesday.

Waugh said the death of the man regarded widely as the greatest-ever batsman could inspire Australia in pursuit of its first series win in India since 1969-70.

The Australians would continue the three-Test Indian tour as planned and play the first Test as a tribute to Bradman, who was described last year by Australian Prime Minister John Howard as a national treasure.

Bradman, 92, died on Sunday at his home in the southern Australian city of Adelaide! He had recently been released from hospital, where he was admitted last year with pneumonia.

Bradman was revered in Australia and throughout the cricketing world as much for his brilliant batting as for his fair play. "His death could also lift international cricket out of the doldrums in the wake of the match-fixing scandal," Waugh said.

"It's been a tough couple of years for world cricket. May be, this is a wake up call for all the people who are playing cricket to play for the right reasons and to look towards the future of the game rather than just to their own needs," he said. "I think that has probably been the cause of the downfall of the game. It's an important time for cricket."

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne and Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar both met Bradman to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Warne said Bradman's passing marked a sad day for all Australians. "Sir Don has been a great icon for Australia, for cricket ... for everything," he said. "Anybody who had the opportunity to meet him (regarded him) as a great fella. My sympathy goes out to his family." Warne said anybody who had heard of cricket had heard of Don Bradman, who retired in 1948 with the unrivaled Test average of 99.94 per innings.

Tendulkar, who Bradman rated as the batsman of the modern era most like himself, said meeting the aged Australian was an honor and an experience he'd treasure forever.

“His death is a great loss for all cricket fans,” Tendulkar said. "I'm sure one doesn't need to speak a lot about what he achieved ... no one can compare with him."  

 To Indians Bradman was God says, Sunil Gavaskar

Mumbai, February 26: India's most famous batsman Sunil Gavaskar paid his tributes to the Australian icon Sir Donald Bradman on Monday and stated that he was a God to cricket fans in India.

"The cricketing world assumed that like his batting, he would score a century in life as well," Gavaskar said in a message of condolence following the death."

To Indians, for most of whom cricket is a religion, Sir Donald Bradman was God and there will be immense sadness all over the cricketing world at his passing away," he said from Bombay.

Bradman, who died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, retired from first-class cricket more than half a century ago.

But his records remain the yardstick for sportsmen around the globe: he played in 52 Tests for Australia between 1928-1948, scoring 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94. He made 29 centuries with a top score of 334.

Gavaskar offered his condolences to Bradman's family and Australia, which, he said, had lost "one of the greatest men the world has ever known".

Bradman's record 29 Test centuries stood for almost four decades before Gavaskar surpassed it with his 34 hundreds.

Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, speaking in Bombay on the eve of Australia's Test series against India, said, "He is probably the greatest cricketer who ever played the game. His loss is a big one, not only to Australia but to world cricket."

Australia's first match of a three-Test series starts in Bombay on Tuesday.

 Bradman was the greatest batsman who ever lived: Fred Trueman

England Test bowling wizard Fred Trueman led the tributes to Australian batting legend Sir Donald Bradman (aged 92) following the announcement of his death on Sunday.

Trueman, known as Fiery Fred was one of England's finest ever pace bowlers but he had never faced Bradman in a Test.

"He was possibly the greatest batsman who ever lived," Trueman said. "I found him to be a great friend and a very nice man and when I went to Australia I used to go and see him and became very friendly with him. "I would love to have had the great honour of bowling against him that would have been marvellous.

Bradman retired from Test cricket in 1948 with a record that is never likely to be challenged. In 52 tests for Australia, Sir Donald amassed 6,996 runs at an average of 99.94 from 80 vists to the crease, with 10 double centuries and two triple centuries among his Test knocks.

Only a handful of modern cricketers have made more runs - at about half Bradman's average and from twice as many Tests. Had World War II not deprived him of his best years, he would doubtless have set yet more records.

In all first-class cricket, Bradman scored 28,067 runs at 95.14, including a staggering 117 centuries, 31 double centuries, five triple centuries and one innings of 400-plus.

"He was a wonderful man and it is a passing of a legend." When asked if he thought anyone could ever surpass Bradman's status in the world game, Trueman said: "I would not have thought so, never again or before. "He was simply the best and I am very sad."

Former England captain Brian Close pinpointed another quality in the modest Bradman's character. "He was never overpowering with his deeds, he was meek in some ways and did not thrust it down people's throat. "Today's players could learn a lot from him.

"It is a sad day for cricket in general because he was so well liked and looked up to," added the former England opener. Another England legend, former batsman Tom Graveney said that a Wisden poll summed up his greatness and standing in the sport.

"When Wisden asked 100 people for their five cricketers of the century, he got 100%. He was a wonderful man. "He was the wise man of cricket and was in a class of his own. "I cannot think that anyone would come anywhere near him and he is without any question Australia's greatest ever sportsman," he said.

Another icon of English Test cricket former umpire Dickie Bird agreed that Bradman's feats would never be matched. "No-one will get near that average," he said.

"He was a wonderful player, who seemed to caress the ball. He was a genius," Bird added. Former England skipper Mike Gatting also joined in the compliments. "He was the greatest player of his generation, there is no doubt about that," said Gatting.

"People used to write in for autographs from him long after he retired from playing. "He made a lot of people very happy. "I hope he will be remembered for the great player he was. "Wisden recognised him as one of the five greatest players in history and his average proves that beyond doubt.

"No-one scored so freely again. He seemed to be ahead of his time by such a long way. "He was a very gifted player," he added.

 Bradman’s funeral will be done as per his own wishes 

Sir Donald Bradman, the world's greatest cricketer who died Sunday will be given a private funeral in accordance with his own wishes, his family said on Monday.

John Bradman, Sir Donald's son said in a statement that the private service and cremation in Adelaide would be followed several weeks later by a public memorial service, also in Adelaide.

That service would be held at night to allow as many people as possible to take part.

Bradman said his father had also asked that instead of sending flowers, mourners should send donations to the Bradman Foundation in Bowral for a special Bradman Memorial Fund.

"This special trust fund is to be separately administered through the foundation by a committee comprising the foundation, the Australian Cricket Board and the Bradman family," he said.

"The fund will go entirely to the promotion and encouragement of cricket in disadvantaged communities, including indigenous communities."

 Bradman’s latter years were plagued  

Sir Donald Bradman, who died on Sunday at an age of 92, was idolised by generations of Australians as the greatest sportsman in the country's history but people trying to cash in on his name plagued his latter years.

Last year Prime Minister John Howard personally intervened to protect him from companies trying to use the Bradman name for commercial purposes.

The Bradman Museum in Bowral, on behalf of Sir Donald, had spent months fighting companies from cafes to sex shops trying to use the Bradman name.

Last October the government made changes to the Corporations Law regulations specifically to prevent anyone from using Bradman's name.

It all started in Adelaide where plans to rename Burbridge Road as Sir Donald Bradman Drive sparked a furore with a number of businesses on the road intending to use his name.

The Bradman Foundation, the charitable organisation that holds the rights to the Bradman name, had demanded a cafe owner on Burbridge Road drop plans to rename the business Bradman's Cafe Restaurant. The restaurant owner eventually agreed to compromise by using the name Bradman Drive Cafe Restaurant.

Earlier, the Ultimate Risk Sex Shop on the same road registered plans to re-name its business Erotica on Bradman before finally changing its plans.

Even more distressing for the intensely private Bradman was the decision by a Sydney bookstore owner to auction off personal letters that included a moving account of his wife Jessie's death.

He described the move as intrusive and a betrayal.

The letters, written between 1994 and 1998, reveal a frustrated, angry and lonely man after the death of his beloved wife from cancer in 1997 after 65 years of marriage.

He lashed out at those trying to cash in on his good name. "At 89 years of age, I am not prepared to exist just to satisfy the autograph hunters' requests. People just seem to want my signature before I die," he wrote.

His publisher sold the letters to a Sydney bookstore owner who expected to fetch 20,000 dollars (10,600 US) for them.

However, the storeowner later withdrew the letters from sale after a negative public backlash and publicly apologized to the Test legend.

Bradman's final year was also marred by the knowledge that fake memorabilia with his forged signature was being peddled.

Signed bats and balls were being advertised for sale in papers.

The Bradman Foundation, formed 11 years ago, operates the Bradman Museum at Bowral, Sir Donald's boyhood home.

It also operates a network of licences for a range of goods, which use registered trademarks including the mark "Bradman".

At one stage The Don had purposely set out to devalue his own signature by complying with the thousands of requests that poured in for his autograph.

It was a vain hope as demand for his autograph never declined.

And 70 years after his name became famous and 50 years after he retired from the crease, the potential market for Bradman products is estimated to run into millions of dollars.

 “The last time I met him (Don Bradman) he looked very happy,” Steve Waugh

The First man in the Australian squad to receive the news of Sir Don Bradman’s death was Australian captain Steve Waugh.  On hearing the news, he woke up Brian Murgatroyd, media manager of the Australian team and the two together wrote out little slips of paper (containing the news) and slipped them beneath the doors of the team members. The reactions that followed were:

Steve Waugh: The last time I met him was 12 months ago, and I was glad to see him looking very happy. He had his views on cricket and in general was pretty pleased with the way the game was going, however, he had some reservations as well. It was great to have met him one on one.

His death is an important wake-up call for all those who play cricket, it is definitely sad, but from his death we must understand that we have to play the game for the right reasons and to look to the future of the game rather than to their own needs. That has been the reason for the downfall of the game over the last couple of years.

I haven't really thought this true, but when it comes to whether we should play the Test starting tomorrow, I am sure the Don would want the game to go on and by playing cricket we are showing him necessary respect, and I am sure that is what his family wants, too.

Given how amazing his stats are, it is difficult to put into context his achievement, it is difficult to quantify the legacy of a man who averaged 99, given that the next best average is 60+, you can only say that he was a once in a lifetime player. His contribution off the field is significant as well. Don was an Australian, and we can all draw inspiration from the fact that the world's greatest cricketer was an Australian. All he ever wanted was to be an average person, a normal person -- but in context of what he had achieved, that was always going to be impossible.

Sachin Tendulkar: He was a great player, but more than the runs he scored, the way he played the game is important. Unfortunately, I never got to see him play, I had however heard so much about him. When I finally got to meet him and to spend time with him, it was an honour and privilege and it remains a cherished memory.

Justin Langer: A note was left under my door this morning, with the unfortunate news. This is a very sad day for me and for every Australian and, for that matter, for every cricketer and cricket lover.

There has never been any other Australian who has left an impact of this magnitude on the world. It is not just about cricket -- the Don brought all of Australia together. His cricketing feats were absolutely incredible, more incredible than anyone else ever. While he won't be there physically any more, he will always be with us spiritually, as he will be with every cricketer all over the world.

I am sure he is in a happy place right now. I met him a couple of years ago and it was an experience I will cherish forever. I had always dreamt of writing to him, but for some reason or the other I never did. Finally, six years ago, while I was a young hopeful at our cricket academy, I summoned up the nerve to write to him, asking him for advice about my game. Within two days, I got a reply -- and that to me was incredible, it was a mark of the real greatness of the man that even at that age, he could find the heart, the energy to write to a young cricketer he had never heard of. That memory, that note, will remain my most cherished possession.

Shane Warne: It is a very sad day for everyone, he was an icon for both Australia and world cricket. Sachin and I met him on his 90th birthday -- we were very nervous initially, we both got a couple of hours with him and I will cherish that time forever. I woke up to the news this morning -- his death is the inspiration, the motivation we need to do well in the first Test, as a tribute to his memory.

Kim Hughes: Like everyone else who loves cricket, I feel immeasurably saddened. He was the last of the great heroes -- his passing away makes this a day of mourning. He was 92 and not keeping good health. I was fortunate to be invited to his place when I was leading Australia, and to have a chat with him on leadership. I think the meeting was private, so I would prefer not to discuss what he said. I haven't met him in recent times, because he doesn't meet people, but the memories remain, as they will remain in the minds of every cricket lover.

Javagal Srinath: The Don was cricket's crowning jewel. Losing him makes the game that much poorer.

Cammie Smith (ICC match referee and former West Indies Test star): I was privileged to meet the Don in 1966, when Australia played the West Indies. He spoke generally about cricket, about the Australians as well as about our team. He was well respected throughout the cricket world and when he spoke, we listened.

There is one incident that stuck in my mind for a long time. Norman O'Neil, who was a very good fielder, was at point and at one point, he picked up the ball and threw down the stumps. The ball ricocheted and they ran one on the overthrow. The crowd applauded the fielding, but then I heard the Don react: "My God, he has given away a run in a Test match!"

The Don thought that it was uncalled for -- we might have loved that bit of fielding, the crowds might have clapped, but for the Don, that run given away was what was important. I was awestruck, and I learnt a cricket lesson that day.

David Shepherd (ICC umpire and former England international): It is a sad loss, for the game and all of us who play or watch it. He was a wonderful player, but even more, he was a great ambassador for the game. 

 Muthiah and Madhavan file counter-affidavits in Hyderabad court

Board of Control for Cricket in India president A C Muthiah and vigilance commissioner K Madhavan filed their counter-affidavits in a Hyderabad court on Monday, opposing former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin's challenge on the life ban imposed on him in the match-fixing scandal.

Judge J Shyama Sundra Rao of the Second Sessions Civil Court posted the hearing on the case for March 7, as Azhar's counsel said the cricketer needs time to go through the counter-affidavit.

Muthiah's counsel K Suryanarayana, who filed the nine-page counter-affidavit, said a "point-by-point reply" has been given to Azhar's petition.

''Azhar has, in his petition, invoked inherent judicial power under section 151 of CRPC. But he does not have the right to seek such a thing,'' he said.

Sanjay Joshi, counsel for Madhavan, in his six-page document, said the BCCI special commissioner's ''role'' in imposing the ban on Azhar was ''limited'' as he was appointed by the BCCI only to conduct an inquiry in the match-fixing issue.

''In fact, Azhar had thanked him [Madhavan] for conducting the inquiry [in Hyderabad] on a letter dated November 16,'' he said.

It was on January 29 that Azharruddin filed a 17-page suit in the court, challenging the BCCI (December 5) decision to ban him for life. The disgraced banned cricketer had claimed that Muthiah was ''incompetent'' to hold office as he had not played first-class cricket.

Azharruddin had also challenged the appointment of Madhavan, a former Central Bureau of Investigation joint director, as the BCCI inquiry officer, claiming it was against the board's constitution.

Sri Lanka wins the first Test by a huge margin

Sri Lanka, February 26: England lost by an innings and 28 runs on the fifth and final day of the first Test against Sri Lanka here on Monday.

Dismissed for 253 in their first innings, England trailing by 217 runs lost the wickets of first innings century-maker Marcus Trescothick and skipper Nasser Hussain to be 118 for two wickets at the close of the fourth day. Alec Stewart and Craig White were unbeaten on 27 and 1, respectively.

Resuming the overnight score at 118 for two, England further added 56 runs in the morning session losing three wickets in the process. They were struggling at 174 for five at lunch after

being forced to follow on the final day.

Trescothick who made 122 in the first innings once again batted superbly to make an impressive half-century 57 in 197 minutes before being ruled caught behind the wicket. on the sweep off Sanath Jayasuriya.

Trescothick gave England a fighting chance by sharing an opening partnership of 101 with Michael Atherton. The stand was the first opening century partnership for England against Sri Lanka. The previous highest was 83 by the same pair in the first innings.

Hussain's bad luck with the umpires continued when he was ruled out lbw to Muttiah Muralitharan for one, four runs later.

Atherton stuck it out till the end of the day with Graham Thorpe (2 not out) to remain unbeaten on 44 made in a stay of 248 minutes during which he hit only one four.

On Day three, England resuming at a promising 202 for four in the first innings crashed to 253 all out before lunch on the fourth morning.

Sri Lanka Skipper Jayasuriya in a sensational spell of left-arm spin bowling took three wickets for eight runs to force England to follow-on.

England folded up dramatically for 253, losing their remaining six wickets for the addition of just 51 runs.

On the other hand Sri Lanka had scored 470 for five wickets in their first innings and hence was in a commanding position with a lead of 217 runs.

Fast bowler Chaminda Vaas made the initial breakthroughs by taking the wickets of M. Atherton (44) and Graeme Hick (5) and Jayasuriya ran through the rest of the batting in a seven-over spell that brought him three wickets for eight runs.

He began the day by having nightwatchman Robert Croft caught at silly point by Mahela Jayawardene for nine, and then went on to take the wickets of Craig White (25), and Andy Caddick (0) in one over.

Off-spinner Muralitharan finished the England innings off when Tillekeratne Dilshan latched onto a brilliant one-handed diving catch at slip to dismiss Ashley Giles for four.

Hick was unfortunate to be given out caught behind by umpire Peter Manuel when his bat hit the ground.

 Sir Don Bradman is dead

Adelaide, February 26: Australia was in mourning today following the death of Sir Donald Bradman, regarded by many as the world's greatest cricketer.

Sir Donald died peacefully in his sleep at his Adelaide home yesterday, aged 92, said Richard Mulvaney of the Bradman Museum.

He had been in poor health and was trying to recover from a bout of pneumonia. 

"I believe he died peacefully in his sleep and his family were there not long after," Mr. Mulvaney said. 

"He was suffering from pneumonia before Christmas and was hospitalised for a short period, went home before Christmas and was really trying to recover," said Mr. Mulvaney.

Tributes immediately began pouring in for Australia's finest batsman.

A visibly saddened Prime Minister John Howard expressed sympathy to his family on behalf of all Australia.

Mr. Howard said he had visited Sir Donald a little over a week ago in Adelaide and said he had been "very ill".

"It was always going to be a shock when Don Bradman died because he has really been the most dominant figure in Australian life now for decades," he told ABC radio.

Mr. Howard said he had spoken to Sir Donald's son John this morning to express sympathy on behalf of all of Australia.

"And send our love to the Bradman family and record the appreciation of the Australian people for a wonderful life which not only gave this country and the world the greatest cricketer but, according to many people who compare these things, perhaps the greatest sportsman in 100 years.

"There has been nobody like that in the game and I doubt that there will ever be anybody quite like that."

It was too early to say what a fitting memorial to Sir Donald would be, Mr. Howard said.

"His memorial is, in a sense, a personal and almost spiritual one, it's the special place he's had in the affections of our community."

South Australian Premier John Olsen said Sir Donald would be given a state funeral in Adelaide if his family agreed.

Mr. Mulvaney said there was no question Sir Donald was the greatest batsman who ever lived. In 52 Test matches from 1928 to 1948, he scored 6996 runs at an average of 99.94.

His average is expected never to be bettered. "Any cricket lover or, in fact, any Australian and in fact many people around the world will certainly mourn Sir Donald's passing," Mr. Mulvaney said.

Sir Donald was born at Cootamundra in southern New South Wales on August 27, 1908, but grew up in the southern highlands town of Bowral, about 100km south-west of Sydney.

He married his wife Jessie Menzies in 1932 and the couple lived together for 65 years in the same home in Adelaide.

However, Sir Donald felt increasingly lonely after her death from cancer in 1997. Sir Donald is survived by the couple's two children, John and Shirley.

Following his retirement from first class cricket in 1949, Sir Donald became an Australian selector and served two three-year terms as chairman of the Australian Cricket Board.

Mr. Howard said Sir Donald was a person who lifted the spirits of the Australian people and gave them heart and a sense of belief in themselves at a time of economic and social despair during the Depression.

"He was more than just a great cricketer and a great sportsman, he was a dominant Australian personality in a way that I don't think any other person has been in the last 100 years," he said.

"A person of quite restless intelligence and someone who preserved a great respect for the values that he thought were important about behaviour, not only on the sporting field but also in life generally."

Former Australian cricket captain Bill Brown said Sir Donald was a great Australian who survived the tumultuous world of international cricket without a blemish on his character.

"You could sum it up saying he was a great Australian. He was sincere, honest and certainly cricketers ... respected him very highly both from a cricket point of view and from a personal point of view," he said.

Former test skipper Mark Taylor said Sir Donald was the greatest Australian he had ever met.

"Fifty three years after playing his final Test match, he was still revered around the world, held in incredible esteem.

"As a cricketer, the world has known no equal. He was the true symbol of fine sportsmanship, the benchmark that all young cricketers aspired to.

"His innings may have closed but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of millions of Australians."  

 Ex-captains pay tribute to Bradman

Sydney, February 26: Former Australian cricket captains Mark Taylor, Richie Benaud and Bill Brown paid glowing tributes to Sir Donald Bradman who died on Sunday aged 92.

Taylor, who paid the ultimate compliment to Bradman when, in 1998, he equaled his highest test score of 334 in a match against Pakistan but refused to better his record score, declaring his innings closed out of respect to him.

"Sir Donald is certainly the greatest Australian I have met," Taylor said in a statement.

"Fifty-three years after playing his final test match he was still revered around the world, held in incredible esteem.

"As a cricketer, the world has known no equal. He was the true symbol of fine sportsmanship, the benchmark that all young cricketers aspired to.

"His innings may have closed but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts of millions of Australians."

Bradman's former teammate Brown said Bradman was more than just a cricketer.

"He was the pinnacle of Australian cricket. You could sum it up by saying he was a great Australian," Brown said.

"I think he'd like to be remembered as someone who certainly did his best for Australia and as far as I can recollect, I'm sure I'm right, there was not a blemish I can remember on his character."

Benaud, now a highly regarded television commentator, captained Australian in the 1960s while Bradman was chairman of the Australian selection panel.

"We had a very successful time on the field because of the knowledge and awareness of those three [selectors] and particularly The Don who was very, very good," Benaud said.

"He was always a couple of overs ahead of the play, as I suspect he was on the field as well."

In England, former England captain Mike Gatting said: "We all owe him a great deal. He continued to do a great deal for the game of cricket after he finished his career.

"People don't know, but he was still getting requests for autographs after he finished in the game. He used to spend one day a week signing them."

"I can comfortably say he was the best of his time and certainly the averages suggest he was the best of all time. I don't think we'll ever see his like again. People just don't score as freely any more."

Former England fast bowler Fred Trueman said: "He was possibly the greatest batsman who ever lived. I would have loved to have had the great honor of bowling against him. That would have been marvelous. He was the best.

Ex-test umpire Dickie Bird said: "He was a wonderful player who seemed to caress the ball. He was a genius. It is a massive blow to cricket. He had balance, saw the ball early and had a tremendous eye."

The Bodyline series will always be remembered, but he also skippered the 1948 side which was probably the greatest team ever.  

 Mumbai rolls out a red carpet welcome for players

Mumbai, February 26:  The newly elected Mumbai Cricket Association president, Sharad Pawar, expressed hope that Australians would give a good account in the first Test commencing here on Tuesday. He was speaking at the official reception for the two teams, Australia and hosts India, at the Taj President on Sunday evening.

“Cricket is a passion for Mumbai and its people and we all expect a good game,'' said the former Maharashtra chief minister. Pawar was standing at the entrance of the hall to personally welcome the players.

The Maharashtra chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh and deputy chief minister, Chagan Bhujbal were present at the reception. The CM presented mementos to the two teams and also the Mumbai team.

Most found it hard to remember when was the last time an official reception had been held for international sides as such gatherings didn't go down well with the players.

As Prof Ratnakar Shetty the MCA secretary explained, “As players don't like such functions, they have been brought down. After this function, players are only obliged to attend one more in Chennai, the hometown of the Indian board president A C Muthiah.

For Mumbai's ex-players the official reception was an opportunity for a reunion. The only notable absentees were Ajit Wadekar and Sunil Gavaskar. Former Aussie skipper Kim Hughes renewed friendship with adversaries like Ashok Mankad, Dilip Vengsarkar, Karsan Ghavri and Dhiraj Parsana. They talked of the 1977-78 tour when Hughes played under Simpson against the Indians. "We used to call him `Chappela,' " said Ghavri, a fan of Ian Chappell, who was called `Chappelli'.

Hughes was happy to be introduced to Salim Durrani, the crowd puller of the sixties. When told that Durrani had tied a batsman like Sobers in knots, Hughes was impressed. ``Must have been a great player, Sobers'' he said.

Hughes when told how Durrani once hit Underwood for sixes on crowd demand told that he met the great England bowler at a Masters' game recently.

Ticket sale is good even though the Test match is clashing with class tenth and twelfth standard exams and also the budget day. MCA joint secretary Mayank Khandwalla said sixty per cent tickets had been sold. The response from the affiliated clubs has been about fifty per cent. Of the 323 clubs 179 had lifted their quota of tickets. [ Australia in India ]

 Graeme Hick given a one-match suspension sentence

Galle, February 26: England batsman Graeme Hick was given a one-match suspended sentence for opposing an umpire's decision on the 4th day of the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Hick was given out caught behind the wicket by Kumar Sangakkara off Chaminda Vaas by Sri Lanka umpire Peter Manuel for five in the England first innings.

Hick stood at the wicket after being given out and gestured with his hands before walking off.

ICC match referee Hanumant Singh in handing out the one-match suspended sentence to Hick said that he had taken into consideration his past record and his sincerity, together with the specific incidents during the game and the situation on both sides.

Hick's suspension is effective from Monday till the end of the tour on March 28.

Singh also warned the England team management to stop their players from bringing bats and balls onto the pitch when inspecting it.

He had noted that England batsman Michael Atherton had used his bat on the pitch in the past two days.

The match referee also warned the Sri Lankan team for appealing unnecessarily. [ England in Sri Lanka ]

 Inzamam's injury is a big worry, says Moin

Christchurch, Feb 26: Injuries to batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq and fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar have caused serious concern in the Pakistan camp as the tourists slid to a 138-run defeat against New Zealand on Sunday.

While Inzamam aggravated a groin strain sustained while training the day before the match, Shoaib is still nursing a leg injury he picked up during the second one-day international in Napier last week.

Inzamam, a veteran of 70 Tests and 238 one-day internationals, is a vital part in Pakistan's batting lineup and the injury is being treated very seriously.

New Zealand beat Pakistan in the fourth match of the five-match series to level at 2-2. "He's a key player," skipper Moin Khan said. "He's the backbone of our batting and it is quite serious at this stage."

After leaving the field with New Zealand on 92 for one after 16 overs, Inzamam was forced to bat with Imran Nazir as runner and contributed a painstakingly made 37 runs off 101 balls in Pakistan's 146 all out.

Shoaib damaged one of his four muscles in his quadriceps and is considered 70 per cent fit.

Both players have been temporarily ruled out of the series decider in Carisbrook, Dunedin on Tuesday. The focus is to get the pair fit in time for the first Test starting in Auckland on March 8.

According to team doctor Mohammed Rauf, Inzamam had complained of pain in his groin on the eve of the match but had made himself available for the game.

"He aggravated the injury while fielding," Rauf said. "It's a new injury he's picked up and given the length of time he was on the field, I am sure he has done a fair amount of damage.

"We are treating him at the moment with a lot of ice and rest and only after 24 to 48 hours we'll be able to evaluate his situation properly."

Rauf also said Shoaib was not 100 per cent fit. "He's still in the process of completing his treatment and the way he has responded has been very encouraging."

India and Australia will start off on the same note and there will be no favourite to win the series as we are still trying to get adjusted to the wickets over here," he added.

"We would have liked to get more runs than we did in the first innings of both the three-day matches at Nagpur and Mumbai and I hope our top order strikes form at the right moment," he added.  [ Pakistan in New Zealand ]

 Ganguly slams media and fans for favouring Australia

Mumbai, February 25:The Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly on Sunday lashed out at the media and fans for favouring Australia in the upcoming Test series.

Ganguly, preparing for the first Test starting in Mumbai on Tuesday, rued the Indian tradition of placing more faith in the opposition than in their own team.

"Every country backs their own team, only we Indians think negatively about ourselves," the embattled skipper said.

"But deep inside, I believe it is really possible to beat Steve Waugh's side."

The Indian media has forecast a drubbing for Ganguly's men against the formidable Australians, rated the best team in the world after securing a record 15 consecutive Test wins.

India, always a formidable side at home despite moderate success overseas, had not lost a series in their backyard for 13 years before South Africa ended that streak last year with a 2-0 whitewash.

South Africa routed India in three days at the same Wankhede stadium where the first Test will be played, suggesting the home team is vulnerable even in familiar conditions.

"They may be the world champions with 15 wins in a row, but they have not won a series in India since 1970," Ganguly said for Australia.

"We beat them easily the last two times they played here in 1996 and 1998, so they are the ones who have a point to prove.

"The home advantage is very important and that is with us. Of the 15 wins by the Aussies, 11 have been in Australia. I think they will have a tough time here.,” the Indian skipper added.

The tourists got a taste of the hazards of playing in India when the batsmen struggled to adapt to the slow, spin-friendly wickets in the two lead-up matches to the Test.

They slipped to 133-8 against Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai last week before Steve Waugh scored a typically gutsy century to avoid the embarrassment of a follow-on.

Waugh came to his team's rescue again in the second innings when defeat stared the Aussies in the face at 80-6, adding an undefeated 61 for the seventh wicket with tailender Damien Fleming to force a draw.

With star batsman Mark Waugh uncertain of playing the first Test because of injury and the top order short of runs, the Australians are clearly on the backfoot.

"Time is running out for the batsmen," said captain Steve Waugh said, who considers the Indian tour as the last frontier for his all-conquering side.

"We will have to bat much better if we are to win the series."

Australia's plight against the turning ball could see India including three spinners for the first Test at the expense of a medium-pacer.

With the hosts determined to play six batsmen, Ganguly himself may share the new ball with Javagal Srinath to accommodate the three spinners - recalled leggie Narendra Hirwani, off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh and left-arm debutant Rahul Sanghvi.

Ganguly was confident the trio would fill the void created by the absence of spin spearhead Anil Kumble, who was ruled out of the series after a shoulder surgery last month.

"I would rather concentrate on what we have, instead of blaming any one," Ganguly said.

 Warne; 25^th Australian bowler to join the 700-club

Mumbai, February 24:  Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne became the 25th Australian bowler to capture 700 or more wickets in first-class cricket after he claimed the wicket of Mumbai's Amol Muzumdar in the second innings at the Brabourne Stadium.

Playing in his 169th match Warne now has exactly 700 wickets (avg. 26.29) to his credit since making his first-class debut in 1990-91.  

Warne also finally managed a five-plus wicket haul on Indian soil. His previous best figures were four for 85 at Chennai in the first Test match during the last tour in 1997-98.
His best figures before this effort in the Indian sub-continent were the six for 136 against Pakistan in the Karachi Test match at Lahore in 1994-95. His seven for 56 was now the third best figure by an Australian bowler on Indian soil.

Among Australian bowlers only off-spinner Ashley Mallett (seven for 38) against Central Zone in 1969-70 and fast bowler Ray Lindwall (seven for 43) in the Test match at the Corporation Stadium, Madras during the 1956-57 series have better figures than Warne.

Five-plus wicket hauls by Australian bowlers on Indian soil (excluding Tests): seven for 38 Ashley Mallett v Central Zone at Jaipur in 1969-70; seven for 56 Shane Warne v Mumbai at Mumbai (BS) in 2000-01; six for 63 Eric Freeman v North Zone at Jullundur in 1969-70; six for 68 Mark Waugh v Board President's XI at Patiala in 1996-97; five for 23 John Gleeson v East Zone at Guwhati in 1969-70; five for 33 Alan Hurst v North Zone at Srinagar in 1979-80; five for 37 Ashley Mallett v East Zone at Guwhati in 1969-70; five for 71 Peter Sleep v Central Zone at Nagpur in 1979-80.  

 Marcus Trescothick scores his maiden century 

Galle, February 24: Opener Marcus Trescothick scored his maiden Test century today as England reached 202 for four at stumps on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka.

England still require 69 runs to avoid the follow-on target of 271 after Sri Lanka posted a massive total of 470 for five declared in the first innings of the first ever Test series between the two nations.

At stumps, Trescothick remained 119 not out and nightwatchman Robert Croft had not scored after facing 18 balls. England trail Sri Lanka’s first innings by 268 runs.

Trescothick reached his first Test century with a single to cover off Muttiah Muralitharan after surviving five hours and facing 340 deliveries.

Muralitharan removed England skipper Nasser Hussain (3) and No. 4 Graham Thorpe (7) in quick succession after Sri Lanka’s left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas had opener Michael Atherton (33) adjudged leg-before wicket in the first over after lunch.

Trescothick could have been out in the second over of the day when he edged Vaas just short of Aravinda de Silva at slip having added only one run to his overnight 11. He was dropped on 27 when Muralitharan spilled a difficult, diving return catch.

For Sri Lanka, Muralitharan was the most successful bowler with two for 57 off 41 overs.

Despite having played six Tests dating back to 1982, England and Sri Lanka have never before met in a Test series. England lead head-to-heads 3-2 with one draw.

Before the day’s play started today, Atherton, a former England skipper, faced charges of code violation.

Atherton’s minor brush with match referee Hanumant Singh of India occurred before play started when he went to examine the pitch.

He walked onto the wicket as his teammates practiced and took his stance at each end, lightly patting his bat on the crease before Singh intervened.

Singh warned Atherton that his actions were contrary to the rules and referred the matter to England coach Duncan Fletcher. The rules dictate that: “Only the captain and coach may go onto the pitch” before the start of play and “no one may strike (the pitch) with the bat to assess its condition.

 India clinches Under-17 Asia Cup

Dhaka, February 24: India's top-order batsmen demolished the Bangladesh bowling attack to register a six-wicket victory and lift the ACC- Under-17 cricket Asia Cup here on Saturday.

Opting to bat, Bangladesh made 225 for six in the allotted 45 overs, and in reply India scored 228 for four in 43.1 overs.

The scores: Bangladesh 225 for six (Mohammed Ashraful 89, K. Hasibul Haq 52) lost to India 228 for four in 43.1 overs (S.M. Dholpure 50, P.A. Patel 40, D.A. Chougule 46, M. Mishra 51).

 Players appreciate King Commission’s timely end

Johannesburg, February 24: Former teammates of Hansie Cronje believe that South Africa’s King Commission has served its purpose and has come to a timely end.

Judge Edwin King controversially closed the inquiry on Thursday, before ruling on many outstanding issues, including whether or not he believed Cronje had revealed the whole truth to the Commission. King’s attempts to resume the hearing where repeatedly thwarted by Cronje’s legal team, who were set to challenge the retired judge’s legal right to chair the inquiry.

"This step that I have taken has been precipitated by the threat of Mr Hansie Cronje's attorney to challenge the constitutional validity of my appointment," said King about the decision.

Former South African wicketkeeper Dave Richardson agrees that the Commission’s useful life is over.

“I think Hansie should be allowed to rebuild and get on with his life,”

“He knows that he messed up and shouldn’t have to be left in limbo. But only Hansie knows if he hasn’t made a full disclosure. Personally, I don’t feel there’s anything more to come out.” Dave said.

“If the commission had carried on, it would have been on a fishing expedition that would have wasted time and money. It would have done more harm than good. I honestly believe that we have got to the bottom of the matter and it’s only the manner in which the commission ended that has placed it in a bad perspective.” He added.

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