Clarke,Ashwin shine on absorbing day 1 – Cricket News Roundup – Part 1 – February 22, 2013
A captain’s knock from Michael Clarke helped Australia recover from a precarious position to post 316 for 7 on day 1 of the opening Test against India, played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai.
After opting to bat first on a dry track, the tourists held the ascendency early on courtesy a solid 64-run opening stand from Ed Cowan and David Warner. However, the Aussies were soon pegged back by Ravichandran Aswhin, who took a quick five-wicket to leave the away side in plenty of trouble at 5 for 153.
The recovery was then led by Clarke and debutant Moises Henriques, who duly filled the all-rounder spot in the side to notch up a confident 68. Ashwin picked up his sixth shortly before the close of play before Ravindra Jadeja added another. However, Clarke kept on his imperious touch with the bat and smashed the last ball of the day for a four to bring up a deserved century.
South Africa asserted their dominancy on the third and final Test against Pakistan, reaching 334 for 6 at stumps on day 1, played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.
Pakistan were dealt a blow on the eve of the match after premier pacers Umar Gul and Junaid Khan were ruled out of the tie due to throat and thigh injury respectively. Still they managed to make early inroads with Rahat Ali and debutant Ehsan Adil sending back the Proteas openers.
However, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers kept the host in front, scoring 92 and 98 respectively. The latter remained unbeaten at the close of play, accompanied by Vernon Philander who reached a confident 45.
West Indies took control of the opening ODI against Zimbabwe after posting a whopping 337 for 4 in their fifty overs.
After being put in bat, the hosts were guided by the young duo of Johnson Charles and Kieran Powell, both of whom added 168 for the first wicket. Powell eventually fell for 79 but Charles and Darren Bravo kept the onslaught before the former was cleaned up on an impressive 130.
The Windies are missing some of their key personnel in Chris Gayle (injury), Darren Sammy and Kieran Pollard, with the latter two advised rest.
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