‘Cricketers’ arrival plans at Cuttack pre-scheduled''

Cuttack

Trashing allegations of  the 'lack of planning' on the part of Odisha Cricket Association for the second ODI between India and England to be held here on Thursday, former secretary Asirbad Behera today said that the travel plans of both the cricket teams were “pre-scheduled”. “Due to the unavailability of hotel accommodation, it was decided much in advance that the players would arrive here just a day before the match and BCCI was aware of it ever since the itinerary was fixed,” said Behera. “The hotel at Bhubaneswar was approached in October last year. But the rooms were not available. We can book rooms only when they are available,” Behera said, refuting reports that both the teams were stranded for two days in Pune after Sunday's match due to poor planning by OCA.

Karachi
Tendulkar much better player than Kohli: Yousuf

Former Pakistan batsman Muhammad Yousuf rates Sachin Tendulkar as a better performer than Virat Kohli despite the current India captain's recent astounding form. “I don't want to take anything away from Kohli. He is an exceptional talent. But I rate Tendulkar much higher because of the era he played in, against the best teams, fast bowlers and spinners,” said Yousuf. 

Sydney
Panesar to help Australian spinners ahead of India Tour

Cricket Australia (CA) has recruited England spinner Monty Panesar as a spin-bowling consultant for their upcoming tour of India in a bid to provide valuable tips to the Australian spinners as well as to the batters to tackle ace Indian spinners. — Agencies