McIntosh’s Ton put New Zealand in a fine position

Tim McIntosh’s second Test century enabled New Zealand in a good position to end day one of the second Test against India in Hyderabad on 258 for four.He fell minutes before the close of play.

The left-handed opener faced 254 balls before inside-edging a wide Zaheer Khan delivery into his stumps.

Having won the toss and chosen to bat, New Zealand lost opener Brendon McCullum for four when he edged Shanthakumaran Sreesanth to Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

But a partnership of 147 between McIntosh and Martin Guptill (85) saw New Zealand hit back.Guptill, faced 160 balls, hitting nine fours and a six in his blazing knock.McIntosh hit ten fours and a six in a patient knock.

Guptill's was trapped in front by Pragyan Ojha.

Ross Taylor made 24 before he fell to the combination of Zaheer and Dhoni.

Unbeaten at stumps on 22 was Jesse Ryder, and yet to score was wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins as Zaheer returned figures of two for 41.

Sachin Tendulkar- 2011 Cricket World Cup Ambassador

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has been named as the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Ambassador for the 2011 World Cup.
The tournament is now just 100 days away.It will begin on 19th February and is to be hosted by Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Tendulkar, who made his international debut at the age of 16 in 1989, has been chosen as the ambassador for the 2011 World Cup. He prepares to play in his sixth World Cup - a record he will share with Pakistan's Javed Miandad.
“There are just 100 days to go and I am really looking forward to playing in another Cricket World Cup,” Tendulkar said.

“In terms of limited-overs cricket, the ICC Cricket World Cup is the highest level you can play so it is always a thrill to take part in such an important and widely followed event.

“The fact that the 2011 event will be staged here in the sub-continent makes it even more special for me and I am keen to ensure we play well. As a team we would be doing everything we can to win the world cup on home soil."