Kumar Sangakkara compiled a well-paced century to help Sri Lanka to a two-wicket win over South Africa off the penultimate ball in the fifth one-day international at the Wanderers on Sunday.
Sangakkara scored 102 from 97 balls as Sri Lanka, chasing South Africa's 312 for four, reached 307 for five with only six runs needed off seven balls.
But they contrived to lose three wickets in the space of four deliveries before Sachithra Senanayake struck left-arm spinner Robin Peterson high over mid-wicket for six.
South Africa, who won the series 3-2, owed their total to captain Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers who each scored 125.
Sangakkara anchored Sri Lanka's run chase, reaching his fifty off 54 balls before posting his 12th one-day international.
After striking 10 fours, he fell to the first ball following the completion of his hundred when he hoisted a delivery from off-spinner JP Duminy to Pietersen at long-off.
Play was delayed for an hour before Sangakkara and fellow left-hander Lahiru Thirimanne added 100 runs for the fourth wicket on a good batting pitch.
Sangakkara departed with the score on 275 for four with the tourists needing just 38 runs off 34 balls and 22-year-old Thirimanne brought up his maiden ODI fifty on his way to 69 at better than a run a ball to set up the tense finish.
The result would have been particularly hard on Smith and De Villiers who had batted superbly during their team's innings.
The pair combined for a South African record third-wicket partnership against Sri Lanka of 186 from 28 overs.
Smith, who had not scored an ODI century since September 2009, reached his ninth one-day century off 129 deliveries to the raucous applause of the home crowd.
He struck nine fours and four sixes during his 143-ball innings before he was caught at mid-wicket off a delivery from paceman Lasith Malinga.
De Villiers has been in sublime touch during the series, scoring 329 runs in five matches, and he continued his good form with an innings full of innovative strokeplay which took only 98 deliveries.
The South Africa skipper brought up his 12th ODI century off 88 balls. He struck 10 fours and four sixes.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Courageous Clijsters through, Fed thumps Tomic
'Built Belgian tough' might become a badge of honor for future tennis generations after courageous Kim Clijsters' win over Li Na Sunday, while Roger Federer dashed the dreams of home fans by crushing young gun Bernard Tomic.
On a day when the clouds cleared, the mercury bubbled and temperatures soared, Rafa Nadal won a battle of Spanish lefties against Davis Cup team-mate Feliciano Lopez, and Tomas Berdych was booed mercilessly for a petulant show of bad sportsmanship.
Defending champion Clijsters crumpled to the court at 3-3 in the first set after her left ankle rolled sickeningly over.
The Belgian, bidding farewell to the Australian Open in the final year of her career, had her ankle heavily strapped and Li took advantage to win the first set.
The 28-year-old Belgian clawed her way back into the match to win the second set in a tiebreak as the crowd began to believe she could pull off the win. Clijsters closed out the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 to keep her hopes alive of a fifth Grand Slam title.
However, she conceded the injury had made her think about quitting against Li, whom she beat in the 2011 final.
"It definitely crossed my mind at some point, but I knew if I could just try to let the medication sink in ... the pain would go away a little bit and maybe with the adrenaline I could just fly through it," she said.
TOMIC THUMPED
Clijsters was joined in the quarter-finals by number three seed Victoria Azarenka, who endured her traditional late-game hiccup before beating Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki endured a nervy second set against Jelena Jankovic before clinching a 6-0, 7-5 win.
Still giddy from Lleyton Hewitt's heroics against Milos Raonic, Australian fans could barely believe they had two players in the men's fourth round, but hopes that 19-year-old Tomic could depose four-times champion Federer proved wide of the mark.
Teen Tomic had already come through two five-setters to reach the fourth round while 30-year-old Federer looked as fresh as a daisy in securing a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win.
The Swiss, bidding to match Roy Emerson's record of five Australian Open titles, will face former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals.
Federer agreed Tomic had the potential to win silverware.
"I think he has had a wonderful tournament and there's much more that's going to come the Australian way," he said.
"It's going to be tough against Del Potro. I don't look beyond that because he's coming up strong. He has had a good year, played all the top guys again and pushed us all."
BERDYCH BOOED
World number two Nadal, with heavy strapping on knee, ankle and foot, huffed and puffed his way past Lopez with little Spanish sparkle but was happy to go no more than three sets.
Memories of his last eight withdrawal against Andy Murray two years ago, and defeat at the hands of David Ferrer last year, still haunt him.
"Hopefully it won't happen this time," said Nadal after his 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win.
"Every year is different. I had a bad experience for the last two years here. It's tough to have to go out of a tournament like Australia in quarter-finals."
In the day's only real note of controversy, Czech Berdych was booed off Hisense Arena after a bad tempered 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 win over Nicolas Almagro.
Berdych refused to shake hands with the Spaniard after he sealed the win because he felt the 10th-seeded Almagro had deliberately blasted a return at his head during the fourth set.
"The court is pretty big and you always have some space to put the ball in," number seven Berdych complained.
"And not even if you are standing three or four metres from the guy (does he need) to hit it straight to your face.
"This is not the way how tennis is."
Berdych's courtside interview was drowned out by the crowd booing and hissing, while tennis coach and commentator Brad Gilbert said he was appalled at the Czech's decision.
On a day when the clouds cleared, the mercury bubbled and temperatures soared, Rafa Nadal won a battle of Spanish lefties against Davis Cup team-mate Feliciano Lopez, and Tomas Berdych was booed mercilessly for a petulant show of bad sportsmanship.
Defending champion Clijsters crumpled to the court at 3-3 in the first set after her left ankle rolled sickeningly over.
The Belgian, bidding farewell to the Australian Open in the final year of her career, had her ankle heavily strapped and Li took advantage to win the first set.
The 28-year-old Belgian clawed her way back into the match to win the second set in a tiebreak as the crowd began to believe she could pull off the win. Clijsters closed out the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 to keep her hopes alive of a fifth Grand Slam title.
However, she conceded the injury had made her think about quitting against Li, whom she beat in the 2011 final.
"It definitely crossed my mind at some point, but I knew if I could just try to let the medication sink in ... the pain would go away a little bit and maybe with the adrenaline I could just fly through it," she said.
TOMIC THUMPED
Clijsters was joined in the quarter-finals by number three seed Victoria Azarenka, who endured her traditional late-game hiccup before beating Iveta Benesova 6-2, 6-2.
World number one Caroline Wozniacki endured a nervy second set against Jelena Jankovic before clinching a 6-0, 7-5 win.
Still giddy from Lleyton Hewitt's heroics against Milos Raonic, Australian fans could barely believe they had two players in the men's fourth round, but hopes that 19-year-old Tomic could depose four-times champion Federer proved wide of the mark.
Teen Tomic had already come through two five-setters to reach the fourth round while 30-year-old Federer looked as fresh as a daisy in securing a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win.
The Swiss, bidding to match Roy Emerson's record of five Australian Open titles, will face former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro in the quarter-finals.
Federer agreed Tomic had the potential to win silverware.
"I think he has had a wonderful tournament and there's much more that's going to come the Australian way," he said.
"It's going to be tough against Del Potro. I don't look beyond that because he's coming up strong. He has had a good year, played all the top guys again and pushed us all."
BERDYCH BOOED
World number two Nadal, with heavy strapping on knee, ankle and foot, huffed and puffed his way past Lopez with little Spanish sparkle but was happy to go no more than three sets.
Memories of his last eight withdrawal against Andy Murray two years ago, and defeat at the hands of David Ferrer last year, still haunt him.
"Hopefully it won't happen this time," said Nadal after his 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win.
"Every year is different. I had a bad experience for the last two years here. It's tough to have to go out of a tournament like Australia in quarter-finals."
In the day's only real note of controversy, Czech Berdych was booed off Hisense Arena after a bad tempered 4-6, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 win over Nicolas Almagro.
Berdych refused to shake hands with the Spaniard after he sealed the win because he felt the 10th-seeded Almagro had deliberately blasted a return at his head during the fourth set.
"The court is pretty big and you always have some space to put the ball in," number seven Berdych complained.
"And not even if you are standing three or four metres from the guy (does he need) to hit it straight to your face.
"This is not the way how tennis is."
Berdych's courtside interview was drowned out by the crowd booing and hissing, while tennis coach and commentator Brad Gilbert said he was appalled at the Czech's decision.
Monday, January 23, 2012
PCB wants to host Bangladesh Test series
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has informed the ICC that it intends to host Bangladesh for a Test series in April in a bid to revive international cricket at home.
A PCB official said that the board was confident of the Bangladesh tour going ahead since the government had also given its assurance of top level security arrangements for the touring side.
"The reason we have kept the ICC in the loop is that even their security experts are aware of the arrangements being made for the Bangladesh team. But primarily this is a bilateral series that has to be finalized between two boards," a PCB official said on Sunday, reports NDTV sports.
"Our main aim is to break the ice of Test teams not coming to Pakistan. If Bangladesh come we will have better chances of convincing other Boards that they also now need to support us," he said.
The PCB sent its chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad recently to Dhaka to personally offer condolences on the sad demise of the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Manzur Ahmed.
The official said Subhan had not officially discussed the invitation to Bangladesh Board to send its team to Pakistan but the BCB officials had indicated that they were in the process of getting clearance from their government to send a high level delegation to Pakistan to inspect the security arrangements for their team.
The official, who declined to be named, admitted that the chances of Bangladesh touring Pakistan would depend entirely on the briefing given to their security delegation.
"If their security delegation is satisfied than the tour is on and it will be a big breakthrough for Pakistan cricket," the official said.
No foreign Test team has toured Pakistan since the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
The official also said that the PCB was not concerned with reports emanating from Bangladesh that some of their players and team officials were not keen on playing in Pakistan because of security concerns.
"That is an internal matter between the Bangladesh board and their team. Our primary concern is that the BCB first clears the tour," he added.
He said that the PCB was also ready to welcome visits by any security experts of the ICC or the Maryleborne Cricket Club (MCC) cricket committee.
"We would welcome such visits because the ICC special task force team on Pakistan did not send a team to Pakistan but if the ICC and MCC decide to send their security delegations even before the Bangladesh tour we would be very happy," he said.
A PCB official said that the board was confident of the Bangladesh tour going ahead since the government had also given its assurance of top level security arrangements for the touring side.
"The reason we have kept the ICC in the loop is that even their security experts are aware of the arrangements being made for the Bangladesh team. But primarily this is a bilateral series that has to be finalized between two boards," a PCB official said on Sunday, reports NDTV sports.
"Our main aim is to break the ice of Test teams not coming to Pakistan. If Bangladesh come we will have better chances of convincing other Boards that they also now need to support us," he said.
The PCB sent its chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad recently to Dhaka to personally offer condolences on the sad demise of the chief executive of the Bangladesh Cricket Board Manzur Ahmed.
The official said Subhan had not officially discussed the invitation to Bangladesh Board to send its team to Pakistan but the BCB officials had indicated that they were in the process of getting clearance from their government to send a high level delegation to Pakistan to inspect the security arrangements for their team.
The official, who declined to be named, admitted that the chances of Bangladesh touring Pakistan would depend entirely on the briefing given to their security delegation.
"If their security delegation is satisfied than the tour is on and it will be a big breakthrough for Pakistan cricket," the official said.
No foreign Test team has toured Pakistan since the March 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore.
The official also said that the PCB was not concerned with reports emanating from Bangladesh that some of their players and team officials were not keen on playing in Pakistan because of security concerns.
"That is an internal matter between the Bangladesh board and their team. Our primary concern is that the BCB first clears the tour," he added.
He said that the PCB was also ready to welcome visits by any security experts of the ICC or the Maryleborne Cricket Club (MCC) cricket committee.
"We would welcome such visits because the ICC special task force team on Pakistan did not send a team to Pakistan but if the ICC and MCC decide to send their security delegations even before the Bangladesh tour we would be very happy," he said.
Juve go four points clear, Totti breaks record
Second-half goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner and Emanuele Giaccherini sent Juventus four points clear in Serie A after they defeated Atalanta 2-0 in Bergamo on Saturday to finish the first half of the season unbeaten.
In the day's other match, Francesco Totti struck twice to set a league scoring record as resurgent AS Roma climbed to sixth by crushing Cesena 5-1.
"I will play until I'm physically unable to do what I want," the 35-year-old Totti told the Mediaset Premium TV channel.
"If we continue to play like this we'll go far. We're enjoying our football and pleasing fans too," he added after claiming his 211th goal for Roma, a league record for a single club.
In Bergamo, Swiss defender Lichtsteiner nodded in Andrea Pirlo's brilliant pass after 55 minutes to give Juve a deserved lead before substitute Giaccherini's volley made the game safe eight minutes from time.
Atalanta remained sixth from bottom while the win gave Juve 41 points from 19 games, four ahead of AC Milan who visit bottom club Novara on Sunday.
Juve had early chances to open the scoring with Alessandro Matri blasting Simone Pepe's inviting centre over the bar and Pepe screwing a right-foot effort wide five minutes later.
Defender Andrea Barzagli then struck the post in the 11th minute and Mirko Vucinic's half-volley forced Andrea Consigli into a near-post save.
The home side threatened on the break but Juve continued to carve out chances with left back Paolo De Ceglie twice going close and Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal crashing a 25-metre shot against the crossbar three minutes before the break.
NEAR POST
The visitors finally broke through when right back Lichtsteiner sneaked a header inside the near post after being picked out by Pirlo.
Substitute Luca Marrone fired straight at Consigli after a fine one-two with Matri before setting up Giaccherini to wrap up the points.
Juve coach Antonio Conte said the tag of 'winter champions', handed out by the media after the first half of the season, had no value.
"That title means nothing to me ... but my boys are overcoming all obstacles. It's been an incredible first half," he told Sky Sports.
"We're top and unbeaten after playing against some teams that started our matches as favourites."
At the Stadio Olimpico, captain Totti struck after 34 seconds before volleying his second from an Erik Lamela pass.
Striker Fabio Borini grabbed the third in the ninth minute as Roma went on the rampage.
Third from bottom Cesena pulled a goal back through Brazilian Eder after 59 minutes but defender Juan (62) and Miralem Pjanic (70) clinched Roma's fourth straight league win as they chalked up 30 points from 18 games.
Roma, who had their previous match against Catania abandoned because of a waterlogged pitch, went 1-0 up when Totti ran on to a cheeky back-flick from Lamela and his fierce shot took a deflection to beat keeper Francesco Antonioli at the near post.
The home team poured forward and quickly doubled the lead with Argentine striker Lamela again finding his skipper and Totti overtaking Swedish striker Gunnar Nordahl who hit 210 goals for AC Milan between 1949-56.
Borini, preferred to Bojan Krkic in attack, then swept home Leandro Greco's left-wing centre as Cesena's defence was once more cut to ribbons.
Pjanic had a shot blocked on the goalline after 11 minutes but the score stayed the same until Eder raced through before lifting the ball over keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and slotting in for the visitors.
Totti went agonisingly close to a hat-trick with a rasping drive on the hour but Juan made it 4-1 by sidefooting home the rebound after Borini's header struck the woodwork.
Bosnia midfielder Pjanic netted the fifth, slamming the ball past Antonioli with his left foot after the keeper had failed to hold his initial effort.
In the day's other match, Francesco Totti struck twice to set a league scoring record as resurgent AS Roma climbed to sixth by crushing Cesena 5-1.
"I will play until I'm physically unable to do what I want," the 35-year-old Totti told the Mediaset Premium TV channel.
"If we continue to play like this we'll go far. We're enjoying our football and pleasing fans too," he added after claiming his 211th goal for Roma, a league record for a single club.
In Bergamo, Swiss defender Lichtsteiner nodded in Andrea Pirlo's brilliant pass after 55 minutes to give Juve a deserved lead before substitute Giaccherini's volley made the game safe eight minutes from time.
Atalanta remained sixth from bottom while the win gave Juve 41 points from 19 games, four ahead of AC Milan who visit bottom club Novara on Sunday.
Juve had early chances to open the scoring with Alessandro Matri blasting Simone Pepe's inviting centre over the bar and Pepe screwing a right-foot effort wide five minutes later.
Defender Andrea Barzagli then struck the post in the 11th minute and Mirko Vucinic's half-volley forced Andrea Consigli into a near-post save.
The home side threatened on the break but Juve continued to carve out chances with left back Paolo De Ceglie twice going close and Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal crashing a 25-metre shot against the crossbar three minutes before the break.
NEAR POST
The visitors finally broke through when right back Lichtsteiner sneaked a header inside the near post after being picked out by Pirlo.
Substitute Luca Marrone fired straight at Consigli after a fine one-two with Matri before setting up Giaccherini to wrap up the points.
Juve coach Antonio Conte said the tag of 'winter champions', handed out by the media after the first half of the season, had no value.
"That title means nothing to me ... but my boys are overcoming all obstacles. It's been an incredible first half," he told Sky Sports.
"We're top and unbeaten after playing against some teams that started our matches as favourites."
At the Stadio Olimpico, captain Totti struck after 34 seconds before volleying his second from an Erik Lamela pass.
Striker Fabio Borini grabbed the third in the ninth minute as Roma went on the rampage.
Third from bottom Cesena pulled a goal back through Brazilian Eder after 59 minutes but defender Juan (62) and Miralem Pjanic (70) clinched Roma's fourth straight league win as they chalked up 30 points from 18 games.
Roma, who had their previous match against Catania abandoned because of a waterlogged pitch, went 1-0 up when Totti ran on to a cheeky back-flick from Lamela and his fierce shot took a deflection to beat keeper Francesco Antonioli at the near post.
The home team poured forward and quickly doubled the lead with Argentine striker Lamela again finding his skipper and Totti overtaking Swedish striker Gunnar Nordahl who hit 210 goals for AC Milan between 1949-56.
Borini, preferred to Bojan Krkic in attack, then swept home Leandro Greco's left-wing centre as Cesena's defence was once more cut to ribbons.
Pjanic had a shot blocked on the goalline after 11 minutes but the score stayed the same until Eder raced through before lifting the ball over keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and slotting in for the visitors.
Totti went agonisingly close to a hat-trick with a rasping drive on the hour but Juan made it 4-1 by sidefooting home the rebound after Borini's header struck the woodwork.
Bosnia midfielder Pjanic netted the fifth, slamming the ball past Antonioli with his left foot after the keeper had failed to hold his initial effort.
Away days problematic for Test best contenders
With Pakistan shedding their notorious unpredictability and Australia coming to terms with a tricky transition, Test cricket hierarchy in the next couple of months might look more like a banana republic... ripe for a coup.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) dangles an annual $175,000 carrot for whichever team tops Test rankings on the April 1 cut-off date and table-toppers England were justified in believing they could be cashing the cheque in a few months.
They still lead the race by a healthy margin but being thumped by an ambitious Pakistan team inside three days of their first Test this year, skipper Andrew Strauss and his team-mates can no longer take it for granted.
If England may be lined up for an April Fool's Day surprise, the situation is even worse for the team they inherited the number one ranking from.
India, beaten 4-0 by England last year, are staring at their second successive overseas whitewash against an Australian team determined to claw their way back to the top.
The inconsistencies at the top is good news for South Africa, who now sniff a slim chance to gatecrash England's party.
At present, England top the official rankings with 125 points, followed by India (118), South Africa (117), Australia (103), Pakistan (99) and Sri Lanka (98).
England's rise to the top was a reward for a blemish-free 2011 when Strauss's men did not lose a single Test.
But the side were given a rude awakening in Dubai earlier this week where Pakistan, one of the most improved teams last year with just one loss and six wins, spanked them in three days to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
"This England team have not won in the subcontinent. They even played badly in the World Cup last year, which was held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," former England opener Geoffrey Boycott wrote in a column in the Telegraph newspaper.
"Until they start playing well in the subcontinent they can't call themselves the best team in the world and definitely can't be judged against some of the other great England sides," Boycott added.
Former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad was also quick to pour scorn over the ICC system.
"I don't believe much in rankings because it doesn't give a clear picture of the team's overall performance in the world," Miandad was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
"England are now the number one team because they had the home advantage and never lost in their backyard."
There was similar disputing of India's rise to the top despite their woeful record outside the subcontinent.
However, England can still guarantee themselves the hefty ICC cheque by winning at least one of the remaining two Tests against Pakistan or drawing both.
But if Pakistan beat England by a 2-0 margin or more, South Africa could pocket the cheque, provided they can blank New Zealand in the away test series in March.
England now have two Tests to redeem themselves or it would be more instability at the top, which maybe good for the game but certainly not for Strauss and his men.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) dangles an annual $175,000 carrot for whichever team tops Test rankings on the April 1 cut-off date and table-toppers England were justified in believing they could be cashing the cheque in a few months.
They still lead the race by a healthy margin but being thumped by an ambitious Pakistan team inside three days of their first Test this year, skipper Andrew Strauss and his team-mates can no longer take it for granted.
If England may be lined up for an April Fool's Day surprise, the situation is even worse for the team they inherited the number one ranking from.
India, beaten 4-0 by England last year, are staring at their second successive overseas whitewash against an Australian team determined to claw their way back to the top.
The inconsistencies at the top is good news for South Africa, who now sniff a slim chance to gatecrash England's party.
At present, England top the official rankings with 125 points, followed by India (118), South Africa (117), Australia (103), Pakistan (99) and Sri Lanka (98).
England's rise to the top was a reward for a blemish-free 2011 when Strauss's men did not lose a single Test.
But the side were given a rude awakening in Dubai earlier this week where Pakistan, one of the most improved teams last year with just one loss and six wins, spanked them in three days to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.
"This England team have not won in the subcontinent. They even played badly in the World Cup last year, which was held in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka," former England opener Geoffrey Boycott wrote in a column in the Telegraph newspaper.
"Until they start playing well in the subcontinent they can't call themselves the best team in the world and definitely can't be judged against some of the other great England sides," Boycott added.
Former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad was also quick to pour scorn over the ICC system.
"I don't believe much in rankings because it doesn't give a clear picture of the team's overall performance in the world," Miandad was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
"England are now the number one team because they had the home advantage and never lost in their backyard."
There was similar disputing of India's rise to the top despite their woeful record outside the subcontinent.
However, England can still guarantee themselves the hefty ICC cheque by winning at least one of the remaining two Tests against Pakistan or drawing both.
But if Pakistan beat England by a 2-0 margin or more, South Africa could pocket the cheque, provided they can blank New Zealand in the away test series in March.
England now have two Tests to redeem themselves or it would be more instability at the top, which maybe good for the game but certainly not for Strauss and his men.
Chelsea thwarted, Newcastle and Liverpool slump
Chelsea were held and Newcastle United and Liverpool humbled on a day of surprises in the Premier League on Saturday when the lesser lights enjoyed some unexpected success against the more established teams.
Chelsea drew 0-0 at Norwich City, Newcastle crashed 5-2 at Fulham and Liverpool, who had beaten Bolton Wanderers in their last 10 league meetings over the past five years, lost 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium as the home side climbed out of the bottom three for the first time since mid-September.
There was also a notable win for Queens Park Rangers, who moved out of the relegation zone after beating bottom side Wigan Athletic 3-1 to record their first league win in 10 games and their first three points under new coach Mark Hughes.
With four of the top five not playing until Sunday - when leaders Manchester City host third-placed Tottenham Hotspur and second-placed Manchester United visit fifth-placed Arsenal - Chelsea had a chance to close the gap but missed out at Norwich.
The West London side remain fourth, five points behind Harry Redknapp's high-flying Tottenham team.
DISAPPOINTING DAY
Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas said his side did not do well enough at Norwich despite dominating much of the game as they were thwarted by a fine goalkeeping display by John Ruddy.
Chelsea's Spain striker Fernando Torres, their 50 million pounds signing from Liverpool a year ago, failed to find the net for the 17th successive match for club and country.
Chelsea also lost England midfielder Frank Lampard with a suspected torn calf muscle in the first half.
Villas-Boas, who delayed giving a debut to England defender Gary Cahill, the club's new signing from Bolton, said Chelsea should have done better and a point was not enough.
"It was a frustrating day because we were dominant, particularly in the second half, but we just couldn't find the net," he told Sky Sports.
"I thought John Ruddy was magnificent for them and for the coordination of his defence, but for our progress in the league a point is not enough."
Regarding another goalless Torres appearance, he added: "He had good chances and to have good chances you have to position yourself well, and with a bit more luck he will find the back of the net.
FULHAM FAVOUR
In some respects Chelsea's West London neighbours Fulham did them a favour by crushing Newcastle who stayed in sixth place on 36 points, five behind Chelsea.
Danny Guthrie put Newcastle ahead just before half-time with a superb strike, before Fulham netted four quick goals with Clint Dempsey scoring twice before adding a third later on for his second hat-trick in three games.
Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora also converted penalties for Fulham who climbed to 12th.
Dempsey told the BBC: "We never found our rhythm in the first half but we began to get into their penalty area in the second half.
"Danny Murphy scored the first goal and then we kept going and going. Luckily the ball kept going in. We never took our foot off the gas and we took our chances."
LIVERPOOL DEFEAT
Liverpool also had a day to forget at Bolton, who scored three goals against them in a league match for the first time since 1950 and won at home in the league for only the second time in 11 games this season.
Bolton, in the bottom three for four months, ended the day in 17th place after goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo Coker and a rare second half strike from Gretar Steinsson.
Craig Bellamy had pulled one back for Liverpool when they were 2-0 down following a nod-on from his much criticised goal-shy partner Andy Carroll.
The loss left Liverpool adrift in seventh place, six points behind a Champions League spot.
"We are out of the bottom three and we have to move on from that. I thought we deserved it today," Bolton manager Owen Coyle told ESPN.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said of his players: "If they think they can just turn up and get a result, not be as competitive and not match the opposition for effort and commitment then they've got a lesson today."
It was a good day for Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, on loan at Aston Villa from Los Angeles Galaxy, who scored twice on his full debut to help earn a 3-2 win at 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers where he started his career 15 years ago.
Tim Cahill scored for Everton for the first time in 34 matches after a blatant handball by team-mate Marouane Fellaini was missed by the referee as Everton drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers, who equalised through David Goodwillie.
That briefly lifted Blackburn out of the bottom three but they ended the day back in it with just Wolves and Wigan beneath them.
Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion won 2-1 at Stoke City with a stoppage time winner from a free kick by Graham Dorrans after Jon Walters missed a penalty for the home side, and Sunderland continued their revival under new boss Martin O'Neill with a 2-0 win over Swansea City.
Chelsea drew 0-0 at Norwich City, Newcastle crashed 5-2 at Fulham and Liverpool, who had beaten Bolton Wanderers in their last 10 league meetings over the past five years, lost 3-1 at the Reebok Stadium as the home side climbed out of the bottom three for the first time since mid-September.
There was also a notable win for Queens Park Rangers, who moved out of the relegation zone after beating bottom side Wigan Athletic 3-1 to record their first league win in 10 games and their first three points under new coach Mark Hughes.
With four of the top five not playing until Sunday - when leaders Manchester City host third-placed Tottenham Hotspur and second-placed Manchester United visit fifth-placed Arsenal - Chelsea had a chance to close the gap but missed out at Norwich.
The West London side remain fourth, five points behind Harry Redknapp's high-flying Tottenham team.
DISAPPOINTING DAY
Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas said his side did not do well enough at Norwich despite dominating much of the game as they were thwarted by a fine goalkeeping display by John Ruddy.
Chelsea's Spain striker Fernando Torres, their 50 million pounds signing from Liverpool a year ago, failed to find the net for the 17th successive match for club and country.
Chelsea also lost England midfielder Frank Lampard with a suspected torn calf muscle in the first half.
Villas-Boas, who delayed giving a debut to England defender Gary Cahill, the club's new signing from Bolton, said Chelsea should have done better and a point was not enough.
"It was a frustrating day because we were dominant, particularly in the second half, but we just couldn't find the net," he told Sky Sports.
"I thought John Ruddy was magnificent for them and for the coordination of his defence, but for our progress in the league a point is not enough."
Regarding another goalless Torres appearance, he added: "He had good chances and to have good chances you have to position yourself well, and with a bit more luck he will find the back of the net.
FULHAM FAVOUR
In some respects Chelsea's West London neighbours Fulham did them a favour by crushing Newcastle who stayed in sixth place on 36 points, five behind Chelsea.
Danny Guthrie put Newcastle ahead just before half-time with a superb strike, before Fulham netted four quick goals with Clint Dempsey scoring twice before adding a third later on for his second hat-trick in three games.
Danny Murphy and Bobby Zamora also converted penalties for Fulham who climbed to 12th.
Dempsey told the BBC: "We never found our rhythm in the first half but we began to get into their penalty area in the second half.
"Danny Murphy scored the first goal and then we kept going and going. Luckily the ball kept going in. We never took our foot off the gas and we took our chances."
LIVERPOOL DEFEAT
Liverpool also had a day to forget at Bolton, who scored three goals against them in a league match for the first time since 1950 and won at home in the league for only the second time in 11 games this season.
Bolton, in the bottom three for four months, ended the day in 17th place after goals from Mark Davies, Nigel Reo Coker and a rare second half strike from Gretar Steinsson.
Craig Bellamy had pulled one back for Liverpool when they were 2-0 down following a nod-on from his much criticised goal-shy partner Andy Carroll.
The loss left Liverpool adrift in seventh place, six points behind a Champions League spot.
"We are out of the bottom three and we have to move on from that. I thought we deserved it today," Bolton manager Owen Coyle told ESPN.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said of his players: "If they think they can just turn up and get a result, not be as competitive and not match the opposition for effort and commitment then they've got a lesson today."
It was a good day for Ireland skipper Robbie Keane, on loan at Aston Villa from Los Angeles Galaxy, who scored twice on his full debut to help earn a 3-2 win at 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers where he started his career 15 years ago.
Tim Cahill scored for Everton for the first time in 34 matches after a blatant handball by team-mate Marouane Fellaini was missed by the referee as Everton drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers, who equalised through David Goodwillie.
That briefly lifted Blackburn out of the bottom three but they ended the day back in it with just Wolves and Wigan beneath them.
Elsewhere, West Bromwich Albion won 2-1 at Stoke City with a stoppage time winner from a free kick by Graham Dorrans after Jon Walters missed a penalty for the home side, and Sunderland continued their revival under new boss Martin O'Neill with a 2-0 win over Swansea City.
Indian pride, Sachin quest add spice
India have five days at the Adelaide Oval to show some fighting spirit, restore a modicum of pride and avoid a whitewash in the fourth and final Test against Australia this week.
The tourists arrived Down Under ranked second in the world Test rankings with confidence high that their record of having never won a series on Australian soil might finally be banished.
Three humbling routs later and, starting on Tuesday, a squad containing some of the finest batsmen the game has seen will be reduced to scrapping for a face-saving victory against the fourth-ranked Australians.
They will have to do it without captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was banned for the Test because of his team's slow over rate in the third test in Perth, which the hosts won by an innings and 37 runs in two and a half days.
"Whatever backlash is happening in India, we have to accept it," opener Gautam Gambhir said this week.
"There was a lot of expectations from us that we should have done well with the kind of batting we have. We have let the entire nation down."
Sachin Tendulkar's continuing quest for his century of international centuries at least offers Indian fans the prospect of something to celebrate in the series.
The Adelaide Oval, one of Test cricket's most picturesque venues, would be a suitable setting for the milestone and is also likely to offer a suitably batting-friendly track.
"I'll be looking at a traditional Adelaide Oval pitch," head groundsman Damian Hough said this week.
"A little bit in it on day one for the quicks, then settling down on days two and three, and then offering a bit for the spinners on days four and five."
GREAT CHALLENGE
Australia are almost certain to drop one of the quartet of quicks who bowled them to victory in Perth to allow the recall of spinner Nathan Lyon.
Mitchell Starc, by his own admission, is most likely to carry the drinks leaving Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris to once again get stuck in to the Indian batsmen.
Lyon is looking forward to bowling against Tendulkar at a venue where a year ago he was cutting the grass as a member of the ground staff as Australia crashed to innings defeat in the Ashes series against England.
"India's a great side to play against. Even though we're up three-nil, we're expecting India to come out and hit us hard," he told reporters in Adelaide this week.
"They have just been a great challenge for myself, being a young spinner and bowling against the best batters against spin.
"Their hands are unbelievable and they're really confident against spin."
Lyon is possibly alone in his appreciation of the Indian batting in this series as the much vaunted line-up has failed to hit a single century between them.
Gambhir's opening partner Virender Sehwag will captain the side in Dhoni's absence, while Wriddhiman Saha is almost certain to play his second Test match as replacement wicketkeeper.
"Pressure is there but it's a positive," Saha said.
"There is no negative in it. There is only good positive pressure."
The tourists arrived Down Under ranked second in the world Test rankings with confidence high that their record of having never won a series on Australian soil might finally be banished.
Three humbling routs later and, starting on Tuesday, a squad containing some of the finest batsmen the game has seen will be reduced to scrapping for a face-saving victory against the fourth-ranked Australians.
They will have to do it without captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was banned for the Test because of his team's slow over rate in the third test in Perth, which the hosts won by an innings and 37 runs in two and a half days.
"Whatever backlash is happening in India, we have to accept it," opener Gautam Gambhir said this week.
"There was a lot of expectations from us that we should have done well with the kind of batting we have. We have let the entire nation down."
Sachin Tendulkar's continuing quest for his century of international centuries at least offers Indian fans the prospect of something to celebrate in the series.
The Adelaide Oval, one of Test cricket's most picturesque venues, would be a suitable setting for the milestone and is also likely to offer a suitably batting-friendly track.
"I'll be looking at a traditional Adelaide Oval pitch," head groundsman Damian Hough said this week.
"A little bit in it on day one for the quicks, then settling down on days two and three, and then offering a bit for the spinners on days four and five."
GREAT CHALLENGE
Australia are almost certain to drop one of the quartet of quicks who bowled them to victory in Perth to allow the recall of spinner Nathan Lyon.
Mitchell Starc, by his own admission, is most likely to carry the drinks leaving Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris to once again get stuck in to the Indian batsmen.
Lyon is looking forward to bowling against Tendulkar at a venue where a year ago he was cutting the grass as a member of the ground staff as Australia crashed to innings defeat in the Ashes series against England.
"India's a great side to play against. Even though we're up three-nil, we're expecting India to come out and hit us hard," he told reporters in Adelaide this week.
"They have just been a great challenge for myself, being a young spinner and bowling against the best batters against spin.
"Their hands are unbelievable and they're really confident against spin."
Lyon is possibly alone in his appreciation of the Indian batting in this series as the much vaunted line-up has failed to hit a single century between them.
Gambhir's opening partner Virender Sehwag will captain the side in Dhoni's absence, while Wriddhiman Saha is almost certain to play his second Test match as replacement wicketkeeper.
"Pressure is there but it's a positive," Saha said.
"There is no negative in it. There is only good positive pressure."
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Fergie and I will not retire: Wenger
Arsene Wenger believes Sir Alex Ferguson could be stuck with him for a long time to come as he reveals his retirement plan - or a lack of.
The two managers will face off against each other for the umpteenth time on Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Their rivalry throughout their mangerial careers in England has been one of the attractions of the Premier League.
And Wenger does not expect that to end anytime soon.
"I can't imagine [me retiring] but it will happen. I will never retire completely. I will maybe do a different job, not every day out there with the football team. But I will work, that's for sure," the Frenchman told the club's official website, reports ESPNstar.
"I don't stay sane!" he added. "It is a life where you need to take a certain distance from the immediate emotional aspect of the game and you learn that with experience. You have to be involved emotionally because it is part of your job.
"He [Ferguson] will manage until he dies and I think he will be 100," "I only said that [I have the same hunger] because I'm very polite!
Wenger, who celebrates his 15th-year anniversary with the Gunners this season, admits it would be hard to surpass Ferguson, who is in his 25th year at Old Trafford.
But his eyes are only fixed on Sunday's showdown.
"My motivation is to beat him. To last the longest is not a record. Of course I will never beat his record. But to win the game on Sunday is my motivation.
"We have to consider that we are in a job where we need our physical strength and health. That weakens, I've heard, the older you get."
The two managers will face off against each other for the umpteenth time on Sunday as Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Their rivalry throughout their mangerial careers in England has been one of the attractions of the Premier League.
And Wenger does not expect that to end anytime soon.
"I can't imagine [me retiring] but it will happen. I will never retire completely. I will maybe do a different job, not every day out there with the football team. But I will work, that's for sure," the Frenchman told the club's official website, reports ESPNstar.
"I don't stay sane!" he added. "It is a life where you need to take a certain distance from the immediate emotional aspect of the game and you learn that with experience. You have to be involved emotionally because it is part of your job.
"He [Ferguson] will manage until he dies and I think he will be 100," "I only said that [I have the same hunger] because I'm very polite!
Wenger, who celebrates his 15th-year anniversary with the Gunners this season, admits it would be hard to surpass Ferguson, who is in his 25th year at Old Trafford.
But his eyes are only fixed on Sunday's showdown.
"My motivation is to beat him. To last the longest is not a record. Of course I will never beat his record. But to win the game on Sunday is my motivation.
"We have to consider that we are in a job where we need our physical strength and health. That weakens, I've heard, the older you get."
Schalke in dreamland
Schalke 04 joined Bayern Munich at the top of the table after easing past VfB Stuttgart 3-1 on Saturday to collect their fourth straight Bundesliga win.
Hosts Schalke took a third-minute lead through Joel Matip's close-range effort and Kyriakos Papadopoulos rose above two defenders at the near post to drill home a header in the 57th.
Teenager Julian Draxler finished off a quick passing move involving Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul to grab the third goal 10 minutes from time before lacklustre Stuttgart notched a late consolation through Shinji Okazaki.
Bayern are top on goal difference despite slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday, the first game since the league's winter break.
Gladbach are third on 36 points, one off the pace and two ahead of fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund who visit Hamburg SV on Sunday.
"I was surprised by how strongly we started," Schalke coach Huub Stevens told reporters.
"Tactically we played a very strong game. We now have as many points as Bayern and it is nice to dream."
HEAD INJURY
The only sour note for Schalke was the head injury sustained by captain Benedikt Hoewedes.
He could be out for some time after colliding with team mate Marko Hoeger just before the break and being taken to hospital.
VfL Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath fielded four of his eight new signings in the 1-0 victory over Cologne but it was youth academy product Sebastian Polter who headed in the only goal from a Christian Traesch cross.
Werder Bremen missed the chance to close in on the top spots, drawing 0-0 at lowly Kaiserslautern to remain in fifth place on 30 points after 18 games.
Nuremberg kicked off their year in style, beating fellow strugglers Hertha Berlin 2-0 to move above their opponents into 12th spot with 21 points.
In another relegation battle Freiburg struck two minutes from time through Matthias Ginter to snatch a 1-0 win over bottom club Augsburg while Hoffenheim and Hanover 96 shared a 0-0 draw.
Hosts Schalke took a third-minute lead through Joel Matip's close-range effort and Kyriakos Papadopoulos rose above two defenders at the near post to drill home a header in the 57th.
Teenager Julian Draxler finished off a quick passing move involving Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Raul to grab the third goal 10 minutes from time before lacklustre Stuttgart notched a late consolation through Shinji Okazaki.
Bayern are top on goal difference despite slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday, the first game since the league's winter break.
Gladbach are third on 36 points, one off the pace and two ahead of fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund who visit Hamburg SV on Sunday.
"I was surprised by how strongly we started," Schalke coach Huub Stevens told reporters.
"Tactically we played a very strong game. We now have as many points as Bayern and it is nice to dream."
HEAD INJURY
The only sour note for Schalke was the head injury sustained by captain Benedikt Hoewedes.
He could be out for some time after colliding with team mate Marko Hoeger just before the break and being taken to hospital.
VfL Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath fielded four of his eight new signings in the 1-0 victory over Cologne but it was youth academy product Sebastian Polter who headed in the only goal from a Christian Traesch cross.
Werder Bremen missed the chance to close in on the top spots, drawing 0-0 at lowly Kaiserslautern to remain in fifth place on 30 points after 18 games.
Nuremberg kicked off their year in style, beating fellow strugglers Hertha Berlin 2-0 to move above their opponents into 12th spot with 21 points.
In another relegation battle Freiburg struck two minutes from time through Matthias Ginter to snatch a 1-0 win over bottom club Augsburg while Hoffenheim and Hanover 96 shared a 0-0 draw.
Late Balotelli penalty sinks Spurs
Mario Balotelli scored the winner with a stoppage-time penalty as Manchester City beat title rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 on Sunday to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League.
The game had been heading for a draw, with City having squandered a two-goal lead after four goals in a mad nine-minute spell midway through the second half.
The hosts had gone ahead in the 56th minute through Samir Nasri and doubled their lead three minutes later courtesy of Joleon Lescott's bundled effort.
Spurs got themselves right back in it with a Jermain Defoe goal on 60 minutes after a blunder by City defender Stefan Savic followed five minutes later by an exquisite Gareth Bale strike.
The visitors could have grabbed all the points in stoppage time when Defoe went agonisingly wide with a golden opportunity but City made the most of their chance at the other end when Ledley King brought down Balotelli.
The Italian converted calmly to send the packed stadium into raptures as City moved to 54 points from 22 games, with second-placed Manchester United on 48 before their game at Arsenal later in the day. Spurs stay third with 46.
The game had been heading for a draw, with City having squandered a two-goal lead after four goals in a mad nine-minute spell midway through the second half.
The hosts had gone ahead in the 56th minute through Samir Nasri and doubled their lead three minutes later courtesy of Joleon Lescott's bundled effort.
Spurs got themselves right back in it with a Jermain Defoe goal on 60 minutes after a blunder by City defender Stefan Savic followed five minutes later by an exquisite Gareth Bale strike.
The visitors could have grabbed all the points in stoppage time when Defoe went agonisingly wide with a golden opportunity but City made the most of their chance at the other end when Ledley King brought down Balotelli.
The Italian converted calmly to send the packed stadium into raptures as City moved to 54 points from 22 games, with second-placed Manchester United on 48 before their game at Arsenal later in the day. Spurs stay third with 46.
Magic Messi fires Barca
Lionel Messi netted two typically brilliant goals and a rare header as Barcelona closed to within two points of La Liga leaders Real Madrid, at least for a few hours, with a 4-1 win at Malaga on Sunday.
The Argentine World Player of the Year leaped to nod Adriano's floated cross into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.
Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when Messi slotted his second, a trademark run and finish that left the home defence in disarray.
The 24-year-old, who won a third successive World Player award this month, curled a free kick on to the underside of the crossbar 15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing to complete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart.
Substitute Salomon Rondon, who replaced former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home side five minutes from time.
"It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too so I am pleased all round," Messi, clutching his 'hat-trick' match ball, told Spanish television.
"All the games are tough when you are away from home but now we need to recuperate for what will definitely be a difficult match on Wednesday," he added, in reference to Barca's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Real.
REPORTED RIFT
Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on 46 ahead of their home game against Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday (2030 GMT).
Third-placed Valencia dropped points for the fourth time in five matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.
Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery's side when he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.
However, Valencia captain David Albelda was shown a straight red card moments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Lolo scrambled the ball home from the resulting free kick to rescue a point for the home side.
Levante can close to within two points of city rivals Valencia with a win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).
Real Madrid need to recover from Wednesday's 2-1 Cup defeat at home to Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.
Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row between coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some Real players had lost confidence in the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager.
The Argentine World Player of the Year leaped to nod Adriano's floated cross into the bottom corner in the 33rd minute at the Rosaleda before Alexis Sanchez made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half.
Any lingering Malaga hopes were snuffed out three minutes later when Messi slotted his second, a trademark run and finish that left the home defence in disarray.
The 24-year-old, who won a third successive World Player award this month, curled a free kick on to the underside of the crossbar 15 minutes from time before he again left his hapless markers trailing to complete his hat-trick in the 82nd minute.
His 22nd goal of the campaign put him one ahead of Real forward Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scorers chart.
Substitute Salomon Rondon, who replaced former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with half an hour remaining, scored a consolation for the home side five minutes from time.
"It was important to win today and I managed to get a few goals too so I am pleased all round," Messi, clutching his 'hat-trick' match ball, told Spanish television.
"All the games are tough when you are away from home but now we need to recuperate for what will definitely be a difficult match on Wednesday," he added, in reference to Barca's King's Cup quarter-final second leg at home to Real.
REPORTED RIFT
Victory lifted Barca to 44 points from 19 of 38 matches, with Real on 46 ahead of their home game against Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday (2030 GMT).
Third-placed Valencia dropped points for the fourth time in five matches and are nine behind Barca after conceding a goal in added time in a 1-1 draw at Osasuna earlier on Sunday.
Roberto Soldado looked to have secured victory for Unai Emery's side when he nodded his 12th goal of the season six minutes from time at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona.
However, Valencia captain David Albelda was shown a straight red card moments later for a badly-timed lunge on David Timor and defender Lolo scrambled the ball home from the resulting free kick to rescue a point for the home side.
Levante can close to within two points of city rivals Valencia with a win at home to bottom club Real Zaragoza later on Sunday (1845).
Real Madrid need to recover from Wednesday's 2-1 Cup defeat at home to Barca amid reports in local media of a rift in the dressing room.
Sports daily Marca carried quotes from what it said was a row between coach Jose Mourinho and defender Sergio Ramos and the paper said some Real players had lost confidence in the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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