Windies fight but India on top

India marched steadily towards victory after enforcing the follow-on despite an improved batting performance by West Indies in the second innings of the second Test at Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

At the close on the third day, West Indies were 195-3, still trailing India by 283 runs, with Darren Bravo (38) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (21) at the crease.

Adrian Barath (62) and Kirk Edwards (60) scored dogged half-centuries in West Indies' second innings after the visitors collapsed in a heap to be all out for 153 in their first essay.

West Indies lost opener Kraigg Brathwaite (nine) early, but Barath (62) and Edwards added 93 for the second wicket to lead the tourists' fightback.

Brathwaite edged paceman Umesh Yadav in the fifth over for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni to complete a low catch behind the stumps.

Barath, who hit 10 boundaries, played a wild drive against paceman Ishant Sharma, four deliveries after the tea break, and Vangipurappu Laxman held on to a low chance at slip.

"I think we did not bat as well as we should have in the first innings. Basically we learnt from our mistakes in the first innings and we applied ourselves a bit more," Barath told reporters.

"It shows that as a team we are capable of playing spin well. I think it was just a matter of application in the first innings."

The 21-year old Barath was still hopeful that West Indies could avoid the innings defeat by making India bat again.

"It is going to be difficult. Shivnarine Chanderpaul is the key player for us tomorrow," he said.

"He is the one who can bat through tomorrow and make it difficult for the Indian bowlers and take the game into the fifth day and make them bat again."

The lanky Sharma, who is leading the Indian attack in the absence of Zaheer Khan, also got rid of Edwards when he got him out lbw. Edwards hit six boundaries and a six during his knock.

WICKETS GALORE

Earlier, the West Indies batsmen capitulated under the weight of India's mammoth first innings total of 631 for seven declared and were bundled out in the morning session.

Resuming on the overnight score of 34 for two, the tourists, trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, offered little resistance as India's bowlers ran riot to scuttle them in 140 minutes on the third day.

Left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha picked up four wickets while Yadav and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with three and two respectively.

The visiting batsmen lasted 48 overs in their first innings with India's bowlers extracting considerable spin and bounce from the track.

"I think right now we are in the driver's seat and things are going pretty well," Ojha said.

"We are hitting the right areas and we are confident that we can get them out tomorrow as soon as possible."

Yadav took the wickets of Bravo (30) and Marlon Samuels (25) - the only batsmen to offer some resistance - in the morning, clean-bowling both of them.

Ashwin, who got married a day before the second Test started, picked up the prized wicket of Chanderpaul.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy (18) went on the counter-attack and hit two fours and a straight six during his 14-ball knock. However, he edged Ojha to Dhoni behind the stumps immediately after hitting the six.

Trapattoni keen to lead Ireland to 2014 World Cup

Giovanni Trapattoni's ambition to remain as Ireland coach and lead them to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil will be discussed sooner rather than later, Football Association of Ireland chief executive John Delaney said on Wednesday.

The 72-year-old Italian ended Ireland's 10-year wait to reach a major tournament when he guided them to the Euro 2012 finals after Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Estonia in the second leg of their play-off in Dublin put them through 5-1 on aggregate.

Trapattoni's contract is due to expire at the end of the European Championship campaign but he says he would like to lead Ireland's bid to reach the World Cup fianls in Brazil.

He previously managed his native Italy in the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea and Euro 2004 in Portugal.

Delaney told Sky Sports on Wednesday he wanted to focus on celebrating reaching Euro 2012 for now but also said there is a willingness to sit down and discuss Trapattoni's future.

"To work with Giovanni Trapattoni, for me, has been a pleasure," he said.

"The board will meet in the next couple of weeks to sit down with Giovanni to discuss... what can happen in the future. I think that should happen sooner rather than later.

"We'll leave for another week or two the debate about the manager's contract, but what I will say is: Has Giovanni Trapattoni taken us forward? Yes, he has.

"Four years ago where were we? Today we're in a far better place and we're qualified."

GOOD ACCOUNT

Trapattoni told reporters on Wednesday he believed Ireland would give a good account of themselves at the European Champiosnhip in Poland and Ukraine next year.

"We believe, because we have confronted France, Italy, Croatia, Russia... most of the important European teams," he said.

"I have no answers but we have confronted them and I understand not only our character but the way the team is growing, our entity, our personality.

"We are happy with the team, we have trust, we have a good team and believe this team can do well."

Looking back at the campaign, Trapattoni praised the mental strength of his side following their painful defeat by France in the play-offs for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

"I am very, very proud for many reasons. We came here with an important objective," the Italian added.

"We have started the last (World Cup) campaign in a difficult group with Italy and then we had France, and we could have achieved qualification.

"But we started again and we have discovered new important options in terms of players. They have shown how important they have been for us.

"We have improved our quality, like against Russia (who they held 0-0 away). We have started again with new mentality and the players believe in our system."

As expected Ireland were placed in the lowest of the four seeded pots for Euro 2012 by European governing body Uefa on Wednesday along with Denmark, France and Czech Republic.

Wife files fresh complaint against Tanvir

The feud between Sohail Tanvir and his first wife, Nosheen Agha is getting worse by each passing day with the latter now filing a fresh complaint against the Pakistani cricketer for threatening her.

After the police refused to register a formal complaint against Tanvir, Nosheen has now moved to the court of the assistant commissioner in Islamabad for registration of an FIR against the cricketer for harassing her, reports PTI.

Nosheen had earlier filed a similar application for registration of a case at the Shalimar police station but the police authorities didn't register the case and instead initiated the legal procedure of reconciliation between both parties.

The assistant commissioner of Islamabad, Captain Farid heard the case on Wednesday. Nosheen appeared in court and said she was not happy and had reservations over the reconciliation process with Tanvir.

The feud between husband and wife started after Tanvir married another girl chosen by his family forcing Nosheen to come on television and claim that he had contracted a second marriage without informing her or taking her permission.

Nosheen had claimed that Tanvir has been threatening her to leave Islamabad and move to another city. The court of the assistant commissioner adjourned further proceedings until December 14 since Tanvir is currently representing Pakistan in the one-day series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.

The court ordered Tanvir and Nosheen to appear in court at the next hearing.

Spanish pride helps cover up red faces

World and European champions Spain were prickly at suggestions they had underestimated hosts Costa Rica after grabbing a face-saving 2-2 friendly draw on Tuesday that did little to enhance their reputations as favourites for Euro 2012.

David Silva and David Villa scored in the last seven minutes, the equaliser coming in stoppage-time, after they had been outclassed by their opponents in the first half.

"Spain avoid ridicule in Costa Rica" Spanish daily El Pais said on Wednesday, while the front page of sports daily Marca had a message for coach Vicente del Bosque: "Vicente, we have a problem."

Coming hot on the heels of a 1-0 friendly defeat against England at Wembley on Saturday, the latest break for internationals has had a sobering effect on Spain's hopes of becoming the first side to retain the European crown.

"When I said before the match Costa Rica were good I wasn't just saying it to be nice," Del Bosque told reporters.

"In the first half they were better than us, quicker and more aggressive. It was nothing more than that. We aren't guilty of anything. The team showed character to react even if it was at the end."

Captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who broke Spain's record for appearances with his 127th cap, gifted Costa Rica an opener with an uncharacteristic error and they were 2-0 down by the break.

"When things don't go well we are the first people to get annoyed," Andres Iniesta, the scorer of Spain's winner in last year's World Cup final, told reporters.

"We didn't play well in the first half but we have to take note of the team's reaction which was positive. I hope we learn from this."

Spain won all eight games in qualifying for Euro 2012 but have had a patchy record in friendlies since winning the World Cup - losing four, drawing two and winning four.

"We know (Euro 2012) will be difficult and that the rivals will be tough," Del Bosque added.

"Being champions doesn't mean everything is already done. We have plenty of time to think about it and make plans."

Moin hits back at Condon remarks

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has lashed out at ex-chief of ICC anti-corruption unit Paul Condon for stating that ACU was aware that in the 90s and in the following years all of cricket's leading countries were involved in fixing major matches.

"I don't understand the purpose of his statement now. If the ACU knew that fixing was so widespread what action did they take to bring guilty teams or players to book after the ACU was formed in 2000," questioned Moin, reports PTI.

Moin, who now runs his own cricket academy in Karachi, said he was surprised by Condon`s statement but said in a way it was good for Pakistan.

Condon in a fresh interview said not just Pakistan but other countries were involved in fixing.

"In the late 1990s, Test and World Cup matches were being routinely fixed," Condon, the founding head of the ICC anti-corruption unit, said in an interview with London Evening Standard.

He also spoke about how a Pakistani player who went to England on ACU expenses at the last moment refused to give evidence or unmask those involved in fixing.

"What I want to know is that if fixing was rampant in the 90s and later on like Condon says what did the ACU do. Because until now all of the cases brought against players have been unveiled by the police or media."

Moin said he was not surprised at learning about a player backing out of giving testimony and evidence because of fear to his family`s life.

"Nobody will be willing to risk his family until the ICC ACU and concerned boards provide him proper security and safety. Why should any player run the risk of his family being hurt," Moin added.

Moin noted that when the ACU was spending millions, it could have easily spend more money on persuading players to give evidence after ensuring they got proper safety and security.

"It is responsibility of ACU to provide security and safety to a player wiling to come forward if he knows something. But that is not happening now and that is something the ICC must look into," he said.

He also said Condon was now speaking about the need to have former cricketers involved in the ICC and also in ACU.

"This suggestion to have former players work with the ACU was given any years ago why didn't Condon work on it, why say this now."

Moin said he was happy that Condon's statement would ateast clear the misconception that only Pakistani players were involved in corruption and fixing.

"His statement in a way does restore Pakistan's image and confirms corruption and fixing is not a problem restricted to one team or region it is a global issue," Moin said.

PREVIEW High-flying Newcastle brace for City juggernaut

Newcastle United's owner Mike Ashley's bitter-sweet relationship with fans suffered another low last week with his stadium renaming plans, but his waning popularity could improve if the unbeaten team halt the Manchester City juggernaut on Saturday.

The Eastlands clash (1500 GMT) pits the only two remaining unbeaten sides in the Premier League against each other with leaders City already five points clear of second-placed Manchester United after 11 games.

Newcastle have provided the surprise storyline of the season by sitting third on 25 points with seven wins and four draws.

Their resurgence under manager Alan Pardew has been a rare highlight since Ashley's turbulent reign began in 2007.

He has overseen the return and then resignation of club hero Kevin Keegan among a succession of managers, the on-off sale of the club as well as relegation from and then promotion back to the Premier League.

Newcastle's impressive start had diverted some of the attention away from Ashley, who found himself squarely back in the firing line when he announced his intention to rename their St James' Park stadium, their home since 1892, with his sporting goods brand.

The 'Toon Army' fans packing the away end on Saturday are certain to voice their disapproval, although the shouts of discontent against Ashley will die down if Pardew can find a way to quell free-scoring City's fire.

It is the first in a series of three big tests for Newcastle, who follow the City clash with a visit to face Manchester United at Old Trafford the following week before hosting Chelsea in early December.

Saturday's game is a battle between the Premier League's top scorers - City have hit 39 - and the division's stingiest defence - Newcastle have conceded just eight times.

While Manchester United will hope Newcastle can take at least a point at City, Alex Ferguson's side head for Wales to face a Swansea City (1730) team adapting well to the top flight.

Swansea, nicely placed in mid-table in their first season back with the elite since 1983, are proving tough customers at the Liberty stadium, unbeaten in five games and conceding just once.

CHELSEA V LIVERPOOL

Fourth-placed Chelsea welcome sixth-placed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge on Sunday (1600), with Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher poised to return after missing two games with a minor calf injury.

Chelsea, who lost 1-0 at home to Liverpool last season, will need to nullify the threat of in-form striker Luis Suarez who has experienced a mixed week.

He scored all four goals for Uruguay in a crushing World Cup qualifying win over Chile before being charged by the FA with making alleged racist remarks to Manchester United's Patrice Evra.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said Suarez had the potential to be one of the best in the world.

"To see Luis day in, day out has been a real eye-opener for me," Gerrard told LFC magazine. "I knew he was a good player."

Resurgent Arsenal visit Norwich City in the Saturday lunch time kick-off (1245).

After a patchy start Arsene Wenger's side have won their last four league games since losing to Tottenham Hotspur in early October, and have surged up to seventh place on 19 points.

The league's bottom two clubs meet at the DW Stadium where Wigan Athletic, rooted to the foot of the standings on five points, host Blackburn Rovers, just one point better off.

Hiddink hints at Chelsea return

Guus Hiddink has not ruled out a return to Premier League side Chelsea following the termination of his contract as Turkey coach by mutual consent.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced Hiddink had left the role following the national team's failure to reach next summer's European Championship, reports ESPNstar.

Tuesday night's 3-0 aggregate defeat to Croatia in the Euro 2012 play-offs brought an end to Turkey's hopes of reaching the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Hiddink managed Chelsea between February and May 2009, leading them to FA Cup success. He has a good relationship with the Blues' Russian owner Roman Abramovich, and has again spoken fondly about his time in London.

"I'm going to take some time off and then we will see what happens, but I had a wonderful time in England," Hiddink said in quotes reported by the Daily Telegraph.

"It was great at Chelsea, a terrific time, but that doesn't mean I am ready to start tomorrow. I need some time to reflect."

Andre Villas-Boas is Chelsea's manager now after replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, but Hiddink appears ready to consider a sporting director or similar role in the future.

However, Hiddink is not contemplating a move back to Holland after being linked with a potential position at reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax.

"A while ago I just had contact with (Ajax supervisory board member) Johan Cruyff and then was told that the door would be open and that I would be welcome," he told Dutch website www.vi.nl.

"I want something else, perhaps an advisory role.

"I'm not ready to retire, I like to be involved with a team on a daily basis, but maybe I am ready to step out of the limelight a little bit, away from the cameras. Hopefully I will still be involved but perhaps it will be as an adviser or a consultant.

"I don't see myself working in the Netherlands."

Hiddink's departure from the Turkey job was confirmed in a statement on the official TFF website which read: "Following the meeting between Turkish Football Federation Executive Committee and Turkey head coach Guus Hiddink, the Dutch coach's contract has been terminated by mutual consent.

"We would like to thank Mr Guus Hiddink for his services during his working period, and wish him all the best in his future career."

Hiddink, who has also managed Holland, South Korea, Australia and Russia at international level, took charge of the Turkish national team in August last year and leaves the post after just 15 months.

Hiddink's contract with Turkey was due to run until next summer, although it was widely expected the 65-year-old would move on before that time if Turkey were unsuccessful in the qualification campaign.

Speaking after last night's match, Hiddink hit out at the structures in place in Turkish football, insisting that the present system was affecting the national team's chances.

"All national teams representing a country, starting with the under-14 side up to the senior level, depend on how the clubs are organised and how seriously they take the education of young players from the age of 10," Hiddink said in quotes reported by Turkish newspaper Today's Zaman.

"In countries like Germany and Holland, this system is highly developed and the results are obvious.

"On the other hand, only one or two players from Turkey's Under-19 and Under-21 sides have come through to senior level and while in those countries it's a reliable process, in Turkey it's an exception.

"Turkey has a lot of potential but will only take part in big tournaments more frequently if the system is organised in a better way, because the foundation must lie in the clubs and be 100 percent efficient."

Hiddink leaves his post having won just seven of 17 games in charge of Turkey, with five draws and five defeats.

Three of those losses came in Euro 2012 qualifying, as Turkey finished a distant second to Germany in Group A, just two points ahead of third-placed Belgium.

Bangladesh likely to tour Pakistan in Apr 2012

According to international media outlets, the Bangladesh cricket team is expected to tour Pakistan in April next year.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf has spent the last two days in Dubai trying to convince the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) how important it is for them to support the restoration of international cricket in the country.

During his talks with BCB president Mustafa Kamal, Zaka also proposed that Pakistan play its league matches of a planned tri-nation tournament to be hosted by the BCB in Pakistan.

"The tournament will involve Pakistan and Sri Lanka besides the hosts and the idea is that Pakistan should be allowed to play at least two of its league matches in Pakistan against the two other teams," one source said, reports PTI.

Kamal told reporters that the Bangladesh board was not in a position to take a decision on sending its team to Pakistan and this can only be possible after the ICC gives its security clearance for the tour.

Zaka said he had assured the ICC that Pakistan would have foolproof security for the Bangladesh team and all security measures would be put in place with consultation of ICC experts and advisors.

"We will have bulletproof vehicles for the teams and the routes on which teams travel between their hotel and ground would be sealed off when they are passing through it," he said.

Zaka, who took over as PCB chief from Ijaz Butt last month, said he had emphasised on international teams to start touring Pakistan during his meetings with the ICC and Bangladesh officials.

"The meetings were very positive and there will be follow-ups with all stake holders. We are willing to work closely with the ICC to ensure touring teams can regain confidence about playing in Pakistan," he added.

Kamal said that while his board felt for Pakistan cricket and wanted to help them they will have to go by ICC and government advice and clearance.

"We want to help Pakistan cricket as they have always helped and supported us. But we need to follow certain ICC protocols," he added.

Relations between the two boards soured after the militants attack on the Sri Lankan team in March, 2009 in Lahore after which Bangladesh also joined the other Test-playing nations in supporting a move to move the 2011 World Cup matches out of Pakistan due to security issues.

Pakistan is due to tour Bangladesh from November 26. It is their first full tour since 2002. On other hand, Bangladesh last visited Pakistan in 2008 for a one-day series.

Balotelli rules out City departure

Mario Balotelli has again played down reports of an imminent return to Italian football. The Manchester City striker has never hidden his desire to one day return to his homeland, but he insists that it will not be any time soon.

Italian media claim that the likes of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli could try to land him in January - but he says this is not the case.

"Not now," he said after playing in Italy's 1-0 defeat to Uruguay in Rome, reports ESPNstar.

"One day we will see. It is true I have spoken about Inter or Milan but there are also other teams in England or in Spain.

"Napoli I have said that I like the town, and I thank Moratti [Inter president Massimo] for saying he would sign me back immediately."

Speaking about Italy, Balotelli insists the Azzurri will go to Poland and Ukraine as one of the favourites to win the European Championship.

"The European Championship? We go to Ukraine and Poland to win, otherwise it is the end of the world," he said.