Indian news round-up

In view of the attack on his driver, Bashir Shaikh, by unidentified persons, the former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar, who is contesting the elections for the president of the Mumbai Cricket Association against Sharad Pawar, is planning to seek police protection.

Wadekar, in a statement in Mumbai on Thursday, said "Since I am contesting the MCA elections I am thinking of seeking police protection in view of the incident." Wadekar went on to say that he was confident of winning the elections. He said "I am confident of winning tomorrow as every one knows that I have given my hundred per cent for the game for the last 40 years in every capacity."

Press Trust of India (PTI) added that Shaikh was on his way to pick up Wadekar when the attackers stopped the car at police headquarters (Worli) and started beating him resulting in bleeding injuries. They fled the scene before the driver could recover from the shock, the statement added. A complaint has been lodged with the Worli police station.

Meanwhile on Thursday, PTI, quoting police sources, said that the incident involving Bashir was a result of personal animosity with the assailants. Sharad Pawar's camp has denied any kind of involvement in the incident that caused a flutter on the eve of the MCA elections.

PTI reported on Wednesday that Indian legspinner Anil Kumble underwent a successful surgery on his right shoulder at a private clinic in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning under the watchful eyes of Dr Mark Fergusson.

Indian team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus said "Kumble is very happy the way the surgery has gone. The recovery will take four to six months. This is a rough guideline. After that, Kumble is expected to be hundred per cent fit, although initially he will have some stiffness before he warms up."

Leipus, at whose suggestion the spinner came here for the treatment to his shoulder, said "after the recovery, Kumble is expected to be back to his best and, perhaps, better than before."

Mumbai Cricket Association has named Hrishikesh Shende to lead the Mumbai Under-22 team against Baroda in the West Zone league at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from January 22 to 24.

A PTI report added that the same 15 member team under Shende will also play against Gujarat at the MIG Club in Mumbai from January 27 to 29.

The team: Hrishikesh Shende (captain), Saket Adhikari (vice captain), Amol Patil, Nishant Shivalkar, Vijay Singh, Kunal More, Sachin Sawant, Amit Dhulap, Bharat Acharya, Abhijeet Shetye (wicketkeeper), Sriram Kannan, Musavir Khote, Usman Malvi, Amol Bhalekar and Viraj Pai.

The executive secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sharad Diwadkar said in Mumbai on Thursday that the Wills Trophy limited overs cricket tournament, to be held in West Zone centres from February 8-14, has been postponed indefinitely.

Speaking to Press Trust of India (PTI), Diwadkar said "The new dates would be announced during the Executive Committee meeting at Delhi on January 22." He clarified that the change was effected due to the clash in dates with the conditioning camp for the Indian probables for the forthcoming home series against Australia.

The camp is scheduled to be held in Chennai from February 5 to 10.

S Sharath (95) and Jesubabu Honeyman (90) powered India Cements to a 143-run win over Central Excise in the PC India Garmax Trophy limited overs tournament at the AC Tech ground in Chennai on Wednesday.

In the other match featuring VCT Hyderabad and Indian Bank, Daniel Manohar scored a fine 59 but could not prevent his team winning as Indian Bank overhauled the VCT total of 212 with six wickets to spare.

Results: India Cements 288/4 beat Central Excise 145; VCT Hyderabad 212 lost to Indian Bank 213/4; Vijaya Bank 194 beat ICF 143.