SA conditions will be reality check for India

Another home series wrapped up in style but soon India will be up for a reality check in South Africa. In a country where the going has always been tough for the tourists, their number one ranking will be seriously questioned.

Of the many areas of concerns, Suresh Raina’s form tops the list. M.S. Dhoni lashed out at the selectors for not giving the left-hander the required rest to recuperate mentally.

The left-hander, who scored a hundred on debut, has managed 58 runs in his last six innings will find it hard to hang on to his spot.

“If Raina doesn’t get a break in the ODI series (after the first two games) then you have to replace him. One of the options was to give him a rest during the last Test match but we thought he was most likely to get a break in the ODIs so we played him here. So, it’s a bit tough on him. What he needs is a 10-15 day break,” said Dhoni.

The tour will be soon after the five match ODI series against New Zealand and the decision to send the senior players in advance is the way forward. The long tour will test all components of the best side in the world.

Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori did not mince words. “I am not sure of the grounds they are going to be playing, that is bound to have a huge bearing. India are the No. 1 team in the world for a reason and they have started to play exceptionally well overseas and so South Africa seems a final frontier for them,” said the Kiwi skipper.

Both Rahul Dravid and Ishant Sharma have returned to form. Dhoni noted it was a good sign but asked not to place everything in relation to the series in South Africa.

The bowling to be spearheaded by Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh and the two senior bowlers have five caps between them against the Proteas away from home. Harbhajan has three wickets at 56, while Zaheer has 13 scalps at an average 38.61.

Indian batsman in South Africa
Batsman M Runs HS Avg
V. Sehwag 5 238 105 26.44
R. Dravid 8 504 148 33.60
S. Tendulkar 12 835 169 39.76
VVS Laxman 7 370 89 41.11
MS Dhoni 2 104 47 26.00

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Basketball Goals - What Are Your Option When Buying A Portable Basketball Goals?

Here I am going to share with you the various options you have to make buying more enjoyable and fun. First thing being first, you need to know that portable basketball goals is also term as portable basketball system or portable basketball hoops. All this 3 names refer to the similar thing. You can easily get them online and they costs you around $200 to $500 for an average system. When you buy such goals, usually they comes with everything, that is the pole, backboard, bracing and base and once you assemble them, they are good to play. Most reputable companies such as Lifetime will provide assembly services for you when you purchase the system at minimum costs if you do not want the hassle of fixing it. An average professional assembling costs is around $75 but it could be great fun too if you assemble the system yourself.

Here are the options you have when you purchase a portable basketball goal. Most system comes are adjustable system and there will be a standard rectangular backboard attached to it. Sometimes you might be given an option of a fan backboard but to my opinion, a rectangular one will work better. The backboard is usually acrylic but if you are given an option, it is better if you could exchange it with a polycarbonate backboard as they are 5 times harder and more durable. When you get your backboard, always ensure that the one you are getting is at least 48 inch wide for better playing.

The pole of your basketball goal is also an important factor to consider, most companies will sell you a round pole but in terms of better stability, a square pole is better as it is sturdier. No one likes a non steady goal, almost all system comes with wheels on the base which is a big pro to people as you can move them easily when needed. These are the option you will be face when you are buying a portable basketball goal.
As a conclusion, if you follow my above tips, you should be on the right track in getting a good round of basketball game with your family and friends.

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Tendulkar named ICC’s ambassador for 2011 World Cup

The International Cricket Council today announced the appointment of Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar as the official event ambassador for the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

With exactly 100 days to go, Tendulkar in his role as ambassador will be called upon to promote and support a variety of ICC initiatives for the World Cup, which will take place in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka from February 19 to April 2 next year.

“There are just 100 days to go and I am really looking forward to playing in another Cricket World Cup,” said Tendulkar, who will join Pakistan’s Javed Miandad as the only other player to take part in six World Cups.

“In terms of limited-overs cricket, the ICC Cricket World Cup is the highest level you can play so it is always a thrill to take part in such an important and widely followed event,” he said.
“The fact that the 2011 event will be staged here in the sub-continent makes it even more special for me and I am keen to ensure we play well. As a team we would be doing everything we can to win the world cup on home soil,” Tendulkar added.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “We are very lucky to have such an extraordinary player as Sachin supporting our flagship event.

“I don’t think any other player has inspired a nation like he has and the respect and affection he enjoys goes way beyond his native India. Many other athletes and sports fans around the globe admire what he consistently achieves and what he does for cricket.”

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