Sachin formula for WC success   - Agencies

Dubai, Aug 06: The Master Blaster has highlighted two key factors that can lead India to the World Cup trophy. Senior batsman Sachin Tendulkar is optimistic about India's chances at next year's cricket World Cup and said pre-tournament recovery and maintaining the momentum will be the key to success.
"We've been performing well as a side and I think it's important that the India team carry its momentum into the tournament next year," Tendulkar said. "I think it's difficult to say which team will do well in the tournament next year as it's about who performs well on that given day," he said. "Whoever does well will carry the confidence with them through the tournament once they've won a few matches. It (World Cup) makes it a totally different ball game," said Tendulkar, who has played in five ICC Cricket World Cups. The 50-overs cricket World Cup will be hosted in the sub-continent by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starting in February next year.

Ryder in trouble again over drunken behavior   - Agencies

Wellington, Aug 07: Jesse Ryder has been fined by New Zealand Cricket after admitting to drunken behavior, the latest disciplinary lapse for the talented but often wayward opening batsman. Ryder admitted his drunk and noisy behavior drew complaints from guests at a hotel at which he was staying during an indoor cricket tournament. New Zealand Cricket would not say when or where when the incident occurred. General manager of cricket Geoff Allott said NZC was extremely disappointed at the "breach of trust and protocol" by Ryder who has previously admitted problems with alcohol.

‘I’ve learnt from my mistakes’   - GS Vivek

New Delhi, Aug 05: On the road since the last couple of months, Shikhar Dhawan is loving his packed itinerary. After a successful England tour, Dhawan is now off to Australia with India A for the Emerging Trophy and will be jetting off to South Africa in September for the Champions Trophy, representing Mumbai Indians. In between though, Dhawan talks to Sportline about his roller-coaster journey — from first breaking into the scene following his success in the under-19 World Cup to losing his way, and making another push for a place in the Indian team afresh. Excerpts