Salman Butt forced Aamir into fixing: sources

Sep 27 (Agencies)

In a shocking revelation, Mohammad Aamir has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he was lured and dragged into spot fixing by suspended Test skipper Salman Butt.

The young left-arm pacer is presently serving suspension by the ICC for his alleged involvement in spot fixing during the fourth Test against England at Lord's last month, along with Butt and Mohammad Asif.

Sources in the PCB said that Aamir had told chairman Ijaz Butt that he never wanted to be part of this "business" (spot fixing) but was forced into it by Butt and Asif. "Aamir had gone to Butt and claimed he was innocent and a victim of the "seniors power lobby" in the team," a source told PTI.

Another source revealed that Aamir, regarded as one of Pakistan cricket's most promising young talent, had told manager Yawar Saeed about the pressure being exerted on him by Butt.

"Aamir's claim is that he just did what he was told to do. He is claiming innocence now and says he didn't even know Mazhar Majeed was introduced to him by Butt and Asif," the source said.

Quite a few former Test captains, and even Pakistan's former President, Pervez Musharraf, have urged the ICC to show leniency towards Aamir, all of 18.

But chief selector, Mohsin Khan said that he didn't agree with the viewpoint that Aamir should be shown leniency because of his age.

"I don't buy this argument because if you can do something wrong at 18, you can keep on doing it later as well. If these three players are found guilty they should be punished, including Aamir," Mohsin said.

The chief selector insisted that no cricketer was indispensable and there should be no compromise on discipline and commitment towards your team and country.

"Aamir must be punished if he is guilty. I just hope that that these three are eventually cleared because they have already damaged the reputaion of Pakistan cricket and the country," Mohsin said

Chennai Super Kings Champion on CL T20

The champions are all smiles at the Bullring, Warriors v Chennai, Champions League Twenty20, Johannesburg, September 26, 2010 © AFP

Confetti rains down on the new Champions League Twenty20 champions, the Chennai Super Kings, Warriors v Chennai, Champions League Twenty20, Johannesburg, September 26, 2010 ©AFP

Chennai Super Kings pose with the Champions League Twenty20 trophy, Warriors v Chennai, Champions League Twenty20, Johannesburg, September 26, 2010 ©AFP

The Chennai players are ecstatic after their triumph, Warriors v Chennai, Champions League Twenty20, Johannesburg, September 26, 2010 ©Associated Press

It can't get bigger than this: Dhoni

Sep 27, (Agencies)

An emotional Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said it could not get bigger for his side to bag their second title of the year by by winning the Champions League Twenty20 title here.

Dhoni heaped praised on his team-mates for playing as a cohesive unit to bag their second title in five months after winning the Indian Premier League in April.

"It is a big moment. We are playing for the last time as a unit. We know some players will no longer be with us after the IPL auction. It is an emotional moment," he said after his side scored an easy eight-wicket win over Warriors in the lopsided grand finale at the New Wanderers Stadium.

"It can't get better, winning the IPL and now the Champions League Twenty20," he said.

He also gave credit to the team's success this season to coach Stephen Fleming and the "fantastic" foreigners.

"Fleming took over as coach and we wanted to create an atmosphere that was good for the younger players. The senior players have really done a good job. We had some fantastic foreign players like Mike Hussey and Matthew Hayden who had really helped out the youngsters," Dhoni said.

"I am really happy with the performance in the knockout stages. The bowlers had done really well. The pacers have done well but we had banked more on the spinners throughout the tournament. The line that Ravichandran Ashwin bowled with Muttiah Muralitharan was crucial. Laxmipathy Balaji was also very good," he added.

He said his side had faced some fitness issues initially but overcame them to win the tournament.

"The start of the tournament, a few of the players were infected with flu. But we overcame that and lifted the trophy. It was really satisfying," said Dhoni.

"The environment has been superb. We got a lot of support in Durban. It was 50-50 support for both sides here," he said.

Warriors captain Davy Jacobs said his side was disappointed to have lost in the final but admitted that Chennai deserved to win.

"We are disappointed but Chennai deserved to win. They beat us twice in the competition and they deserve to win it," he said.

"We got off to a good start but their spinners tied us down. We lost wickets and some momentum and never recovered from there. We couldn't get over the line but we're happy to have been in the final," he added.

Fast bowlers thrive after North century

Sep 26 (Cricinfo.com)

The Australians continued their dominance of the warm-up match against the Board President's XI in Chandigarh by producing another powerful performance on the second day. They suffered a blip with the bat, with Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke falling early, but Marcus North scored a brisk century to lead them to 505.



Ben Hilfenhaus bagged three wickets on the second day © AFP

Their fast bowlers then made inroads early in the Board President's XI innings. Ben Hilfenhaus struck twice in an over to remove Gautam Gambhir and Ajinkya Rahane, and Peter George, a rookie fast bowler, also picked up two wickets. The home team was struggling at 90 for 6 before a breezy half-century from legspinner Piyush Chawla lifted them to 143.

Scorecard

Board President's XI 143 for 6 (Chawla 64*, Hilfenhaus 3-28) trail Australians 505 (Watson 115, Katich 104, North 124) by 362 runs

Over 1000 security personnel posted at fortified Games Village

Sep 26 (PTI)

New Delhi: The Commonwealth Games Village has been transformed into a fortress with over 1000 security personnel guarding the premises on a 24 hours basis helped by a plethora of safety equipment. A drive around the Games Village itself shows the kind of security arrangements that the Delhi Police has put into place for the complex where athletes and officials, both from India and abroad, will be staying.

Along the routes, Quick Reaction Team (QRT) vehicles are parked with gun totting ITBP and Delhi Police commandos keeping a close eye on the movement of traffic. As one nears the Village, a large pose of policemen including traffic police can be seen at the entrance gate. Not to be missed are the watch towers that have been erected with an ITBP commando in each. Only people with valid passes, issued after an extensive verification drive, are allowed entry and that also after three policemen check your pass and match your face with that on the card. After a complete scan of any bags that one might carry, one is put through a thorough scan with a hand-held metal detector. It is a different thing that even when the metal detector door makes no noise, you are made to undergo the hand held detector test.
In foreign countries if the metal door makes no noise, then one is allowed to pass through. Boom barriers and cement blocks have been set up. Vehicle scanners have also been installed and not to forget the underground metal stoppers that spring up to stop a speeding vehicle with just a push of a button. Same security drills are in place everyone time one enters a different zone in the village spread over an area of 63.5 hectares. Also there are the card readers installed where one has to put their barcoded pass into the machine. The gates will open only if you have the permission to enter that area. CCTV cameras are installed everywhere.
According to the security men at the Village, about 800-900 Delhi police personnel are securing the area on a 24 hrs basis. The personnel are deployed on four shifts of eight hour each. While personnel of three shifts are deployed completely, those of the fourth are always kept on standby incase some personnel are on leave or have to go out on any personal emergency or for Court dates. Adding to the strength are the ITBP commandos who too are present in large number.
The only drawback of the extensive security arrangements is that one tends to get irritated after going through the same process everytime he or she enters a different zone. But then one African origin worker in the Village managed to sneak in with two cigarettes hidden in his inner layer of his folded handkerchief. Smoking behind a makeshift toilet inside the strictly 'no smoking' village, he was the only breach of the otherwise extensive security arrangement.

Gambhir defends bowlers, blames 'flat track'

By PTI

Chandigarh: Board President's XI captain Gautam Gambhir today defended his unimpressive bowlers and blamed a flat track for their lackluster show on the opening day of the warm-up match against Australia here. "Bowlers did a good job. There was not too much in the wicket. Our bowlers were up against a quality side and they had to bowl on a flat track.

Still, they did a decent job," Gambhir told at the post-match press conference. All the Indian bowlers proved quite expensive at a lifeless Sector 16 stadium pitch as Australia piled up a huge 319 for one on the first day, with the openers Shane Watson (115) and Simon Katich (104 retired hurt) producing a 232-run opening partnership. Gambhir also defended pacer S Sreesanth, who failed to impress, giving away 41 runs in his 13 overs without any success, saying fast bowlers take time to rediscover the rhythm after an injury lay-off. "He (Sreesanth) is coming back after an injury. You have got to give some leverage to him. He tried his best," Gambhir said. Sreesanth, who has been included in the first Test squad against Australia starting October 1 in Mohali, is trying to break into the playing eleven in the series opener after an injury lay-off. Australians had acknowledged that reverse swing played an important role when they toured India two years ago and now Gambhir said quality bowlers such as Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma's ability to move the ball would be crucial in the upcoming Test series.

"Zak (Zaheer) is going to be a big threat (for the Aussies)," Gambhir said. On Aussie plans to restrict Virender Sehwag during the series, Gambhir said every side comes up with their own strategies. Gambhir, who is also coming back after an injury lay-off, said he was looking forward to getting some practice in this match before the Mohali Test. Asked about the young bowlers in the side, he said, "When a bowler bowls against a quality opposition, it's always a good learning curve for him even if he fails to get a wicket." Meanwhile, centurion Watson said their strategy was to spend as much time in the middle as possible and get some runs under the belt before the first Test. "Big partnerships can always change the course of the game," he said. Praising Katich, Watson said, "He set up the scene for the whole tour." Watson also said that the wicket was "fairly flat" and "there was a softer area in the middle."

Vuvuzelas set to make their presence felt during CWG

By PTI

New Delhi: After becoming a rage during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Vuvuzelas are now set to make their presence felt in the Delhi Commonwealth Games. "We are going to make a lot of noise. We are going to have lots of fun," Harris Mbulelo Majeke, High Commissioner to South Africa, said here.

"We are going to blast the stadiums with vuvuzela," Majeke said. Majeke, who visited the Games Village along with Organising Committee (OC) chairman Suresh Kalmadi to check facilities there, was in high mood as he blew the musical instrument in the sprawling dinning area.
As they are part of the official merchandise, the vuvuzelas, priced at Rs 250, will be available at Games Village. Despite facing stiff criticism from players, the loud and raucous sound of vuvuzelas filled each and every stadium in South Africa during the football World Cup. Vuvuzela was used to summon distant villagers to attend community gatherings in South Africa in ancient times.

Katich, Watson tons take Australia to 319/1

By PTI

Chandigarh: Simon Katich and Shane Watson exposed the toothless bowling attack of Board President's XI by hitting a sparkling century each and put Australia in a strong position at 319 for one on the first day of the three-day tour game here today. Australian batsmen put the BP XI bowling attack on a leatherhunt all day long as they could taste only one success in the whole of 90 overs -- that of Watson (115), who fell to leg-spinner Piyush Chawla after facing 199 balls and hitting 16 boundaries.

Katich gave way for other batsmen to spend time at the middle after tea at individual score of 104 which he made from 178 balls and with the help of 15 fours. Captain Ricky Ponting, who opted to bat after winning the toss, was on 42 while his deputy Michael Clarke was on 43 at the draw of stumps at the Sector 16 Stadium here. Left-handed Katich was dropped twice, first by Shikhar Dhawan off Jaidev Unadkat while on 60 and by Ajinkaya Rahane off Pragyan Ojha two runs later.

Watson and Katich did not take much time to get accustomed to the pace and bounce of the wicket and were never troubled by the BP XI bowlers, except for left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. Only Ojha could pose problems for the Australian batsmen with some turn he extracted from the pitch, which played on the slower side because of heavy rain earlier in the week. Ojha was miserly as he conceded just 23 runs off the 21 overs he bowled in the day. The Australian pair weaved a partnership of 207 runs for the opening wicket -- the highest for the wicket on this ground in a first-class match -- before Katich retired after 58 overs. Watson, who was joined by Ponting, tried to accelerate the scoring rate. He, however, gifted his wicket while trying to play a big shot and was cleaned up by Chawla.

Ponting and Clarke, the two seniormost batsmen of the touring side, saw off the day without further trouble to give Australia a solid start in their 30-odd day tour of India. BP XI captain Gautam Gambhir introduced spin in the 19th over of the innings bringing in Chawla, who put brakes on the scoring rate but failed to get any breakthrough as Australia reached 88 for no loss at lunch. The visitors brought up their 100 in the 33rd over just after the lunch while the 200 came up in the 55th over. S Sreesanth, who was named in the India squad for the first Test starting at Mohali on October 1, opened the bowling for BP XI along with Jaidev Unadkat, but the Kerala pacer looked off-colour as he failed to put pressure on the batsmen.

Chawla was not so impressive as he conceded 120 runs from the 26 overs he bowled though he snapped up the lone wicket today. Unadkat and Umesh Yadav conceded 65 runs each from a they 15 overs each they bowled in front of five national selectors, led by chairman Kris Srikkanth, who were watching the match. The BP XI bowlers will have to come up with a much improved performance tomorrow if they want to give their batsmen enough time at the middle in the remaining two days ahead of the first Test at Mohali from October 1. Watson crossed the 6,000 run mark in first class cricket when he reached 60 while Katich struck the 51st century of first class career. All-rounder Steven Smith, batsman Marcus North and pacer Peter George made it to the Australian playing XI for the tour game while Phil Hughes was the 12th man

Come as a friend and go back as family: Kalmadi's message

By PTI

New Delhi: "Come as a friend and go back as a family," is the message that Commonwealth Games Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi today sent out to athletes and officials of the 71 Commonwealth countries. After conducting a guided tour of the athletes village for journalists, Kalmadi, who is in the eye of a storm over Delhi's under-preparedness for the Games, said there was no question of him resigning and he would continue to be the President of Indian Olympic Association even after the Games.

He drifted away from giving any direct answers when asked about India's future as a venue for the Olympics Games in the near future. "I am concentrating on the Commonwealth Games. We will talk about rest of it when the Games get over," he said. Addressing a media conference at the Village, Kalmadi said there is some work yet to be completed but will be done soon. "Work is something that will happen till the end of the Games. We all have to work to make things possible. There is some work yet to be done but it would be completed," he said. Talking about the Games and what Delhi has in store for the foreign athletes and officials, Kalmadi said, "Our slogan is 'come as a friend and go back as a family'. We are one big family and we will take care of everyone."

Seeking to allay fears over security after the recent shooting incident outside Jama Masjid, Kalmadi said, "That incident was not related to the Games but security has been spruced up after that. There is nothing to worry." Asked if the pullout by a few star foreign athletes, citing health and security concerns, was a setback to the Games, he said, "I am sure lot of world champions are coming and new champions would be made here." Kalmadi also said the cleaning process in the residential towers was already on and the water logging in the campus was due to the rains. "It rained so much and hence the water logging had to happen. But today being a bright sunny day, the water has receded and rest has been pumped out. Hopefully, sunny days lie ahead."

Organising Committee Secretary General and spokesperson Lalit Bhanot, who came under criticism for saying Indian concept of cleanliness and hygiene was different from foreigners, said he was "misunderstood" earlier. "I never meant anything of that sort. I was just telling about the difference of views on the methodology of cleaning things and I was misunderstood," he said

Tendulkar world's best but he too is vulnerable: Hauritz

CHANDIGARH: Australia spinner Nathan Hauritz today admitted that it would be a "tough challenge" to bowl against Sachin Tendulkar in the upcoming Test series but said the champion batsman too is vulnerable to mistakes. "He (Tendulkar) is the world's best batsman, he is unbelievable. I am looking forward to bowl to him, in what I know, is going to be a tough challenge. But people make mistakes and Tendulkar too can make mistakes," Hauritz told reporters ahead of the three-day practice match against Board President's XI starting here tomorrow.

Hauritz, who made his Test debut against India at Mumbai six years ago and took the prized wicket of Tendulkar in that match, will be leading the Australian spin attack during the two-Test series starting here on October 1. "I would be looking to bowl in the right areas but lot depends on the wicket as it has been raining here. Generally, the wickets don't turn much here after the first two days," said the off-spinner, who is returning after an injury. He also sees a "great challenge" in bowling to other Indian batsmen, including Virender Sehwag, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, saying all of them play spin very aggressively. "I know it's going to be a tough challenge, but my focus would be to see the ball comes out well out of my hands," said Hauritz, who has so far scalped 57 wickets from 15 Tests.

Hauritz also heaped praise on his spin counterpart Harbhajan Singh and rated the temperamental Indian off-spinner as "one of the best spinners in the world". Asked if he had made any special preparation for the strong Indian bating line-up, he said, "There is no different preparation as such. It's only a matter of adapting to the wicket." India go into the Test series as the number one side and Hauritz said the Aussies never take any team lightly, no matter who the opposition is. "We respect every opposition. Once you start disrespecting your opponents, you will get beaten," he said.

Hauritz also said that Australia was slowly and steadily coming to terms with the transition phase after the retirements of greats like Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Mathew Hayden, Glenn McGrath among others. "Transition is never going to be easy, it is going to be tough, but it is beginning to take shape," he said.

Hauritz, who has not bowled since June due to a foot injury, also praised his compatriot Steven Smith, who made an impressive debuted against England earlier this year. "He is a very good bowler," he said. Meanwhile, Australia all-rounder Shane Watson lauded Indian pace duo of Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, saying his batting colleagues will have to watch out the pair in the upcoming series. "They are very skillful bowlers and we will have to try and reduce their impact on the game as much as we possibly can," Watson said. "It's always hardest facing a new ball that is reversing and Indian pacers have the ability to reverse the ball early in the innings," he added.

Watson further said that playing against India on their backyard is always a "huge challenge" but every player of the Ricky Ponting-led side was looking forward to the tour. "It's always great to tour to this part of the world, where we get an opportunity to experience different culture, different people and meet fans who are so passionate about this game," he said.

Saina Nehwal disappointed over athletes pulling out

Commonwealth Games is in a mess and with just nine days remaining for kick-off, Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal is disappointed with the news of top athletes pulling out of the mega event over safety and hygiene concerns.

"I am disappointed that many athletes have pulled out from the Games. This will make the field less challenging. But as a player my job is to work hard and perform well on the given day. I am ready for any challenge," said Saina during the announcement of her association with an edible oil brand yesterday.

The World No 3 shuttler however, is banking on home support. "I am excited to play at home and will aim for gold in the CWG," she said.

Back from World C'ship, Mary gets set for Asian Games trials

NEW DEHLI: A five-time world champion but Indian woman boxer M C Mary Kom will still have to undergo trials to find a berth in the Asian Games squad in an all-new weight category. The Manipuri, however, is unfazed by the challenge and said that she can pull it off riding on sheer willpower and experience. Mary Kom (48kg), who returned today after clinching a historic fifth World Championship title in Barbados, originally competed in the 46kg category.

She went up a couple of kilograms ahead of this year's World Championships and is all set to bulk up more to fight in the 51kg, one of the three weight categories to have got the International Olympic Committee's nod for the Olympics and Asian Games. Back after a gruelling journey, Mary Kom will tomorrow head to the ring once again for the second phase of trials. The Indian Boxing Federation deemed the initial trials before the World Championships “inconclusive”. "I don't have any problem in putting on weight. I have 10 years of experience in international boxing. I'm a mentally strong boxer and have the willpower to continue competing," the 27-year-old mother-of-two from Manipur told reporters here.

The IBF was willing to delay the trials by a week to give Mary Kom a break after the World Championships but the boxer wanted to have it over and done with as quickly as possible. "We told her that she can take a break because she fought five rounds in the World Championships and then endured a very long journey but she would have none of it. Even after her final bout in Barbados, she trained for two hours. She is truly a very resolute athlete," said IBF Secretary General Col P K Muralidharan Raja. "Yes, we had trials in Bhopal but they were inconclusive and therefore it was necessary to have another round. I'm sure Mary Kom would do well," he added.

Asian Games are scheduled from November 15 in Guangzhou, China next month and Mary Kom's main challenger in her division will be statemate L Sarita Devi, a former World Championship silver-medallist, but who lost in the second round of the just-concluded edition. "I don't think I would have a problem. I am just coming off a big tournament and would be in good form," Sarita said. Mary Kom is one of the six brand ambassadors for the controversy-marred Commonwealth Games but the only one who would not be seen in action at the event.

Expressing her disappointment, Mary Kom said, "I'm hurt that women's boxing has not been included in the Commonwealth Games. It was saddening but these things are not in my hands." Col Raja said all efforts were made to get women's boxing included in the CWG roster but it ultimately missed the bus due to lack of support in the Commonwealth Games Federation board. "We spoke to (CGF chief) Mike Fennell but were told that the Board didn't accept it," he said. For all the accolades she has won in the ring, Mary Kom is not too keen to see her twin sons follow in her footsteps and would prefer seeing them wielding a tennis racquet. "I don't want my kids to go through what I have gone through to make it this far. I don't want them to get hurt and do all the hard work that I have done," she said. "I would want them to be tennis players instead," she laughed.

‘Players should be allowed to stay put’

The Mumbai Indians’ match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday was the last game together for its current set of players.

The fresh Indian Premier League auctions in November will see the teams virtually getting disbanded with all players, barring four, will be back in the pool. It’s anybody’s guess who the Mumbai Indians management will retain but Sachin Tendulkar said on Sunday that the players should be allowed to stay put where they want to. Tendulkar was asked to give a sense of his feeling after playing the last game with the current crop of players.

He said: “That’s really difficult (rebuilding a side). We have really worked hard to build this team.

“We got together brilliantly. In the third year we held a couple of camps. It had nothing to do with cricket, just to know each other well, playing table tennis, swimming and other sports.

“It was all about building team spirit. Right from the management and owners, they all have put in lots of efforts along with the players and then you realise that team has to change and it’s tough to accept that.

“I feel it’s about building teams, not breaking teams.”

When asked if he was categorically against putting the players back on the block, he said, “I don’t know, it’s not my job to figure what’s right or wrong.

“But I feel if a player is happy to play for a particular team, it’s good if he stays with that team. There is some sort of an identity with that team. We have a huge following now, and it’s also an attachment with a particular team, so that’s how I feel.”

Dravid’s view

Earlier, Rahul Dravid had come out in support of fresh auctions, something the Royal Challengers Bangalore team owner Vijay Mallya had endorsed in his tweet.

Dravid had said that the IPL Governing Counil had no solution but to put the players back in the auction ring.

“You have to understand that two new teams are there. The beauty of the IPL here is the competitiveness, anyone could have won,” Dravid had insisted.

The Mumbai Indians’ match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday was the last game together for its current set of players.

The fresh Indian Premier League auctions in November will see the teams virtually getting disbanded with all players, barring four, will be back in the pool.

It’s anybody’s guess who the Mumbai Indians management will retain but Sachin Tendulkar said on Sunday that the players should be allowed to stay put where they want to. Tendulkar was asked to give a sense of his feeling after playing the last game with the current crop of players.

He said: “That’s really difficult (rebuilding a side). We have really worked hard to build this team.

“We got together brilliantly. In the third year we held a couple of camps. It had nothing to do with cricket, just to know each other well, playing table tennis, swimming and other sports.

“It was all about building team spirit. Right from the management and owners, they all have put in lots of efforts along with the players and then you realise that team has to change and it’s tough to accept that.

“I feel it’s about building teams, not breaking teams.”

When asked if he was categorically against putting the players back on the block, he said, “I don’t know, it’s not my job to figure what’s right or wrong.

“But I feel if a player is happy to play for a particular team, it’s good if he stays with that team. There is some sort of an identity with that team. We have a huge following now, and it’s also an attachment with a particular team, so that’s how I feel.”

Dravid’s view

Earlier, Rahul Dravid had come out in support of fresh auctions, something the Royal Challengers Bangalore team owner Vijay Mallya had endorsed in his tweet.

Dravid had said that the IPL Governing Counil had no solution but to put the players back in the auction ring.

“You have to understand that two new teams are there. The beauty of the IPL here is the competitiveness, anyone could have won,” Dravid had insisted.

Games Village is filthy: Hooper - Fennell says nations 'shocked' at athletes' village

Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell on Tuesday demanded immediate action from the Indian government to fix what he called a "seriously compromised" athletes' village in New Delhi.

Advance parties from participating nations have been arriving in the Indian capital ahead of the troubled October 3-14 multi-sport Games and been "shocked" at what they have seen, he said in a statement.

"Many issues remain unresolved and as such last night (Monday) I wrote to the Indian cabinet secretary, expressing my great concern with the preparedness of the athletes village ...," he said.

"Many nations that have already sent their advanced parties to set up within the village have made it abundantly clear that, as of the afternoon of September 20, the Commonwealth Games Village is seriously compromised."

New Zealand officials are one of the team delegations already in New Delhi, and officials on Tuesday said that dirty and unhealthy conditions at the village were compromising the entire Games.

Chef de mission Dave Currie said large sections of the village were still not ready with the clock ticking to its official opening on Thursday.

"The reality is that if the village is not ready and athletes can't come, the implications are that it's not going to happen," Currie told New Zealand commercial radio, referring to the Games as a whole.

His warning came after Australian and New Zealand officials pointed to concerns about security following a gun attack Sunday in the Indian capital.

Fennell said the village was the cornerstone of any Games and athletes deserved the best possible environment to prepare.

"The condition of the residential zone has shocked the majority of Commonwealth Games Associations that are in Delhi," he said.

"Despite their attempts to work with the Organising Committee in a constructive manner since arriving on September 15, significant operational matters remain unaddressed."

He said problems had arisen because deadlines for the completion of the village had consistently been missed.

"Now, the high security around the site, while vital, is slowing progress and complicating solutions," he added.

"Security remains of the utmost importance to the CGF and our advisors continue to monitor the situation. Currently, this matter remains on track.

"However, with the village to be officially opened on September 23, timely acceptable solutions to prepare for the arrival of athletes are of paramount importance.

"The CGF has asked the cabinet secretary to immediately deploy the necessary resources to fix all the outstanding issues to an acceptable level."

Yuvraj dropped, Pujara new face in Test squad against Austarlia

CHENNAI: Out-of-form Yuvraj Singh was today dropped while young Saurashtra batsman Cheteshwar Pujara was selected in the 15-member Indian squad for the two-Test series against Australia, starting October 1 in Mohali. Pujara was the lone new face in the team announced by the Cricket Board selection committee here. Selection committee chairman Krish Srikkanth said the criteria for selecting the team was performance and fitness. "We don't have to give any particular reason (for dropping Yuvraj). I think, performance and fitness... everything is taken into account. That itself answers the question," Srikkanth said when asked the reason behind Yuvraj's axing.

Ironically, Yuvraj has been named captain of the 'Rest of India' team which will take on Ranji champions Mumbai for the Irani Cup from October 1. Srikkanth said by virtue of his fine performance in the domestic circuit, Pujara has powered his way into the national squad. "Pujara has done very well in the domestic circuit in the last couple of seasons. He is a good player and also did well in the 'A' series. With the sheer weitage of his performace he has muscled his way into the team. You will have to give credit to his domestic performance," he said. "We have given weightage to performance in domestic A series and this it how overall performance of every player has been taken into account. We have consulted (coach) Gary Kirsten and Dhoni and ultimately, this was the consensus," the chairman of selectors added.

As expected paceman Zaheer Khan, who was not picked for the Sri Lanka tour in July due to a shoulder injury, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who missed the third Test in Sri Lanka due to fitness issues, and S Sreesanth have returned to the squad. While Zaheer replaced Munaf Patel, Sreesanth made his way into the squad at the expense of young Karnataka pacer Abhimanyu Mithun. Among batsmen, opener Gautam Gambhir, who suffered a knee injury after the first Test in Sri Lanka, also returned to the Indian squad, which will be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Suresh Raina's impressive display with the bat in Sri Lanka paid rich dividends for him as he retained his place in the 15-member side along with other opener Virender Sehwag, and seniors such as Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. Tamil Nadu opener Murali Vijay also found a place in the squad as a back-up batsman. Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra have retained their place in the spin department which will be spearheaded by Harbhajan. Pujara has been a prolific run-scorer in the domestic circuit and for quite some time the right-hander was in the reckoning for a place in the national team.

The 22-year-old's dominance with the bat in domestic circuit can be gauged from the fact that he has so far made 14 centuries and 13 half centuries during his five-year-old first class career. Srikkanth said he and his colleagues have selected a balanced team for the Test series against Australia. "We have a strong batting line-up backed by some good bowling. We are confident of doing well against Australia," he said.

Teams: Indian team for Test series: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, V V S Laxman, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, S Sreesanth, Pragyan Ojha, M Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara. Rest of India team: Yuvraj Singh (capt), Abhinav Mukund, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, S Badrinath, Saurabh Tiwary, Parthiv Patel, Piyush Chawla, R Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav, R Vinay Kumar, Manish Pandey, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ravindra Jadeja.