Tendulkar not the best batsman in the world: Barry Richards

South African batting legend Barry Richards feels that Sachin Tendulkar is not the best batsman in the world and finds far too much politics in the selection process in India. Richards was also not pleased with the Board of Control for Cricket in India not paying a handsome amount to its top players especially when they suffer injuries.

Speaking to the press in Dubai after a meeting of the Cricket Hall of Fame, Richards said: "Sachin Tendulkar is a good batsman but only at home. He has to perform more consistently on bouncy wickets in South Africa and Australia to lay claim to be the best batsman of the world along with Brian Lara." He added: "In my book Graeme Pollock and Viv Richards were the best batsmen ever."

Speaking on the adequate payments to cricketers for the matches they have missed due to injury, Richards said: "Australia paid handsome money to Glenn McGrath when he was injured. So did the South Africans to Alan Donald. But it was not the case with Javagal Srinath, who was just paid expenses for his shoulder operations he had in Australia and was not compensated for Tests and one-dayers he missed during the period."

Lillee back at MRF Pace Foundation

Former Australian fast bowling great Dennis Lillee is back at the MRF Pace Foundation to conduct a coaching camp. This will be held from 24 January to 6 February, according to former Indian paceman and chief coach at the foundation, TA Sekhar.

Sekhar said that 45 boys in the age group of 16 to 19 who have shown promise in the junior tournaments all over the country would undergo selection trials. As usual, their is a host of talented youngsters from other countries attending the camp. For the first time, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have deputed two hopefuls David and Garry who are accompanied by their coach Andy Pick.

Apart from these two English bowlers, Ian Hunter of Durham CCC and three Sri Lankans Chanaka Welagedera, Charita Buddhika and Omesh Wijesiriwardena would also be present at the camp. The Sri Lankans are accompanied by former Sri Lankan pacemen Rumesh Ratnayake and Champaka Ramanayake.

IOB, India Pistons score facile wins to enter final

Both India Pistons and Indian Overseas Bank relied on their batsmen to enter the final of the PC India Garmax Trophy limited overs tournament in Chennai on Wednesday.

Indian all rounder Robin Singh (73) and Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy player Anand George (65) played a leading role in India Pistons' win. Robin and Tamil Nadu wicket-keeper Reuben Paul (53) added 116 runs for the sixth wicket. For IOB, Kerala lefthander Sreekumar Nair (67 not out) and Nagini Kumar (83 not out) shaped the easy victory. While India Pistons defeated SPIC by 120 runs, IOB scored a nine-wicket win over Central Excise. The two teams meet in the final at the MA Chidambaram stadium on January 26.

Results: India Pistons 276/8 beat SPIC 156; Central Excise 202 lost to IOB 204 for 1.

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