Pakistan Information & News

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has become the world record Test runs scorer, surpassing Brian Lara’s previous best mark of 11,953.
Tendulkar, 35, needed 15 runs to overtake West Indies legend Lara in the standings on the first day of the second Test against Australia in Mohali. And despite being forced to go to tea on 13 not out, the ‘Little Master’ came out after the interval to hit Australian debutant Peter Siddle’s first ball of the session for three runs to spark wild celebrations in the ground.
The crowd gave Tendulkar a standing ovation to celebrate his achievement, while a pre-prepared fireworks display was also set off outside. The entire Australian team also stood to applaud the batsman, who received warm handshakes from each member of the opposition lineup.
Tendulkar already held the record for Test centuries with 39 in 152 Test matches for India and he is regarded as a living legend in many parts of his homeland - particularly in his native city, Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The batsman’s achievement - and brilliance on the big occasion - was almost underlined with a 40th Test century, but it was not to be as he was dismissed on 88 after a catch at slip by Matthew Hayden off the bowling of Sidde.
The innings takes Tendulkar’s career total to 12,041 – making him the first batsman ever to surpass 12,000 Test runs.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Rahul Dravid has resigned as India captain with immediate effect. In a letter written to the Indian board, he has asked to be relieved of the captaincy before Australia’s forthcoming tour of India, beginning later this month.

Niranjan Shah, secretary of the Indian board, said Dravid met Sharad Pawar, the board president, in New Delhi yesterday. “He expressed his desire to step down as captain of the Indian team and requested that he should not be considered for the job from the ensuing Australia series,” Shah said.

The board, he said, did not try to dissuade Dravid, who wanted to concentrate on his game. “A player has to decide for himself”, Shah said.

Dravid had opted out of the ICC World Twenty20 currently on in South Africa and the captaincy of that team was handed to Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Shah told Cricinfo the board would meet within the next two days to appoint the next captain. “We will take a decision very soon.” Australia arrive in India on September 25 and the first of seven ODIs is in Bangalore four days later.

Dilip Vengsarkar, the chairman of selectors, said a decision would be taken on September 18, when the team for the Australia ODIs is to be picked.

Vengsarkar, who was in New Delhi watching the match between India A and South Africa A, appeared unaware of the news until told about it by journalists. Asked for his reaction, Vengsarkar said: “I can’t even be shocked because [officially] I haven’t heard anything.”

Full story at www.cricinfo.com

Popularity: 1% [?]