Gambhir, Pujara slam tons vs Windies A
Hubli (KARNATAKA): Out-of-favour opener Gautam Gambhir cracked his first century in more than two years as India A came up with a solid batting display to take firm control of the third first-class match against West Indies A here on Thursday. Day two saw host batsmen dominating throughout as out-of-form skipper Cheteshwar Pujara’s also hit a brilliant ton to remain unbeaten on 139 when the stumps were drawn. Giving him company at the other end was Abhishek Nayar on 10. India A were leading by 66 runs in their first innings with as many as seven wickets remaining. Despite a poor start as they lost overnight opener V A Jagadeesh (16) early after resuming at 10 for one, India A went on to score 324 runs during the day. Seeking to make a comeback to the national team, Gambhir, who was woefully out of form for a long time, notched up 123 off 236 balls with the help of 11 boundaries. (PTI)
Hot Spot dropped for Ashes
Sydney: The decision-review technology known as Hot Spot has been dumped just weeks before Australia’s Ashes series against England, reports said on Thursday. The controversial infrared camera system has been dropped by the host broadcaster due to costs, Hot Spot’s Australian inventor Warren Brennan told Fairfax Media. The decision-review device, which uses heat sensors and infrared cameras to detect contact between the ball, bat and pads, will now not feature in the showpiece five-Test series, beginning at Brisbane’s Gabba ground on November 21. “It’s their decision and that’s what’s been communicated to us. As far as I’m concerned, it is final,” Brennan said. “We’re just moving on with things. Channel Nine have got a new deal with Cricket Australia which I know has cost them a lot more money. I gather there had to be some restructuring of costs.” The development leaves the ball-tracking component, Eagle Eye, audio evidence picked up by stump microphones and slow-motion replays as the remaining tools at the disposal of the third official for decision reviews in the Ashes. Trust in the Hot Spot technology was severely tested during the first leg of the back-to-back Ashes series won 3-0 by England in July-August. While match umpires were criticised for poor decisions, Hot Spot was at the centre of a succession of contentious verdicts involving fine edges. (AFP)