5th ODI: Time for India to test bench strength

New Delhi: With Virender Sehwag's double-hundred having sunk in and the series in the bag, the fifth and final ODI at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium presents India an opportunity to test their bench strength ahead of their tour to Australia.

Dravid, Wadekar get top BCCI honours

Chennai: Veteran India batsman Rahul Dravid and former captain Ajit Wadekar were honoured with the Indian cricket board's top recognitions, the Polly Umrigar Award and the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, at a ceremony in Chennai on Saturday.

Pradeep injury caps difficult day for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka quick bowler Nuwan Pradeep limped out of the tourists' warm-up match as the South Africa Invitation XI piled up the runs on day two in Benoni.

No play was possible on the first day, owing to rain, meaning time was running out for Sri Lanka to get in some meaningful practice ahead of the first Test, starting on Thursday.

Pakistan pile on the misery for Bangladesh

Pakistan closed on 415-4 after day two of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.

The tourists advanced their total from 132-0 at the start of the day to finish with a lead of 280.

Mohammad Hafeez completed his fourth Test century during the morning session before Younus Khan ended the day close to his 19th Test hundred on 96 not out.

SL players promised to be paid soon

Benoni: Sri Lanka's players have received promises they'll be paid before next week's first Test against South Africa after going nine months without salaries as their national board ran up debts of $69 million.

Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said on Wednesday that Sri Lanka Cricket told him the problems would be resolved ahead of the series opener starting next Thursday at Centurion.

India can beat Australia, says Symonds

Former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds echoed ex-teammate Adam Gilchrist's view, saying India have a good chance to score their first Test rubber win Down Under when they tour the country later this month.

"Indians can put pressure on the young Australian players. They have a good opportunity to beat Australia in their home country. I think there are good chances of India beating them," the 36-year-old all-rounder said.

"However, the young Australian players too have an opportunity to beat the Indians. There are positive chances for both the sides. One needs preparation and also needs to respond properly in big games," he added.

Ashwin rises, Gambhir slips in ODI rankings

Following his consistent performance in the recent past, India's R Ashwin broke into the top 20 of the ICC ODI bowling charts for the first time in his career, while batsman Virat Kohli moved one rung to be placed fourth in the latest ranking released in Dubai on Wednesday.