Team India leaves for Sri Lanka tour

The Anil Kumble-led Indian cricket team left on Tuesday for its three-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting July 23. The Indians will start their campaign with a three-day practice match against Sri Lanka Board XI from Friday. They play their first Test in Colombo from July 23. The Test series would be followed by a five-match ODI series. One-day and Twenty20 team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has opted out of this series, citing fatigue caused by non-stop cricket.

India bowlers shine in practice match

Test hopeful Thilina Kandamby top-scored with 84 to help the Sri Lanka Board XI make 224 against a visiting India on the opening day of their three-day tour match on FridayThe Sri Lankans were tottering at 82-4 before Kandamby and Chamara Silva rescued them with a 100-run fifth-wicket partnership. India captain Anil Kumble took 3-30 while his off-spin partner Harbhajan Singh took 2-52 to fold up the hosts' Lankan innings in 71.5 overs at the Nondescripts Cricket Club. Kandamby, who is yet to make his Test debut, hit 11 fours during his 138-ball knock while Silva made 68 after captain Jehan Mubarak won the toss and elected to bat. Kandamby's fine innings came to an end when he edged behind to wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik off paceman Munaf Patel while Silva was sent packing by Harbhajan. In reply, the Indians were four for one wicket at stumps after losing in-form opener Gautam Gambhir early in what is the only warm-up game ahead of the three-Test series beginning here on July 23. India have not won a Test series in Sri Lanka for 15 years.

Female bodyguards for Dhoni

Mahendra Singh Dhoni has taken time out from cricket but he still needs protection. In fact, he is being given special protection to keep him safe from his ever growing female fans. The Jharkhand Police has arranged for female bodyguards for this much sought after cricketer.

When Dhoni reached his house in Ranchi last week the Jharkhand Police promptly deployed five female bodyguards outside Dhoni's house. These armed female guards will escort Dhoni when he moves around his hometown. Clear about their duty, one of the constable said, "Dhoni has a huge number of female fans and we have been appointed to protect him from them".

The Jharkhand Police have deployed these special guards in view of the hysterical reactions with which female fans have greeted Dhoni in recent months. In Kolkata one female fan broke through the security and hugged the Indian ODI captain. To avoid any more embarrassment for Dhoni these female constables will accompany Dhoni where ever he goes including his college in Ranchi.

India MenDismissed; Lanka win Asia Cup

Sensational spinner Ajantha Mendis took six wickets for just 13 runs to help Sri Lanka beat India by 100 runs in the final on Sunday to successfully defend the Asia Cup title.As expected the 23-year-old spinner mesmerised the Indian batsmen with career-best figures to cause a slump which saw India lose nine wickets for 97 runs and were bowled out for 173 in 39.3 overs.Sanath Jayasuriya hit a fighting 125 to help Sri Lanka post a decent 273 in their 50 overs on a flat National Stadium pitch