NCA completes formalities

By Our Sports Reporter

CHENNAI, SEPT. 3. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) went through the formalities on the final day and it was a big moment for the young outfit when cricket legend Sir Richard Hadlee congratulated the side for playing winning cricket in the MRF-Buchi Babu all- India invitation tournament.

``I am proud to be the captain of such a talented team. All the players put in more than 100 per cent. Being NCA's first batch there was a lot of attention and pressure on us. I am glad we could pull it off. Spending four months at the NCA has benefited all of us technically, mentally and physically,'' skipper Reetinder Singh Sodhi revealed with a glint in his eyes after the rather one-sided final at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday.

Coach Vasu Paranjpe was a satisfied man too.``The boys were well focussed and committed. Physically they were in top condition and one could see it in their catching and fielding... in all those sliding stops. The batting was good with Yuvaraj outstanding, but I felt the spinners did not back up the medium- pacers as well I expected them to.''

ONGC, in pursuit of an improbable 488 in 64 overs, was 134 for three, when play was called off, with the mutual consent of both the captains, at the stroke of tea. The contest was decided on the huge 291-run lead secured by the Academy team.

Earlier, Sriram, among the runs yet again, was unbeaten on 67 (79b, 8x4, 2x6) and Yuvaraj Singh blazed his way to 75 (80b, 12x4, 2x6) as NCA declared at lunch on 197 for two (inclusive of 28 penalty runs as ONGC bowled five overs short).

And when ONGC batted, Radhey Shyam and Virendra Sehwag, made runs but these were only of academic value, with NCA having the trophy in its pocket.

At a pleasant prize distribution function, chief guest Sir Richard Hadlee, Administrative Manager, New Zealand Cricket Academy team, thanked the BCCI and added the tournament was a tremendous cricketing and life experience for his boys.

He spoke about his role model Dennis Lillee and the great Aussie's contribution at the MRF Pace Foundation where three of the Kiwi boys will stay on for a stint. Hadlee also came down heavily on the controversy regarding fixing results. ``One thing we can never ever accept is bribery, corruption, match- fixing,'' he thundered. Mr. K.M. Mammen, vice-chairman and managing director, MRF Ltd., presided on the occasion. Mr. Ashok Kumbhat, Secretary, TNCA, also spoke at the function.

The scores (final): NCA 449 and 197 for two decl. in 30 overs (S. Sriram 67 not out, Yuvaraj Singh 75) drew with ONGC 158 and 134 for three in 27 overs (Radhey Shyam 51 not out, Virender Sehwag 46), at MAC. NCA won the title on first innings lead.

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