* Das dedicates man of the match award to his parents

Indian opening batsman Shiv Sundar Das, who was chosen as the man of the match in the first Test between India and Zimbabwe at Bulawayo for his two innings of 30 and 82 not out has dedicated the award to his parents and coach. In an interview to a Kolkata newspaper, Das said, "I am a relative newcomer to the team. For me to have played a part in this historic win, is quite thrilling. I dedicate the MoM award to my parents Uttam Das and Kanchanbala Das and to my coach Kishore Mania."

In the interview, Das also stated that at one point, he thought of going for a hundred. "However, once Laxman got out, I decided to hang on till the end. Even Sachin Tendulkar told me to hang on till the win was completed. After this, I decided not to get out," said Das.

However, inspite of his two innings, Das is unhappy at the way he batted. "Maybe I got the runs. However, I had a few close shaves. That is why, before the second Test begins, I will have a session with Mr. Gavaskar. Since he is on this tour, I will discuss a couple of problems that I am having."

* Das' performance hailed in home state

Cricketing circles in Orissa exploded in joy after opener Shiv Sundar Das played a stellar role in India's victory over Zimbabwe in the first Test at Bulawayo on Sunday. While the Orissa Cricket Association (OCA) announced at Cuttack an award of Rs. 50,000 to the batsman for his performance in the Indian win, the first in a Test outside the sub-continent in 15 years, Das' unassuming coach praised the opener's temperament in taking up a challenge.

"I have been impressed with Shiv Sundar's temperament and attitude," Kishore Mania, who honed the diminutive opener's skill all these years, said. A coach with the state directorate of sports, Mania said Das looked more and more assured as the innings progressed.

Family members of the cricketer sat glued before the TV and saw Buddha (as Shiv Sundar is known at home) return to the pavilion undefeated on a brilliant 82. "Budha called home shortly after the match ended to share his happiness with us. We asked him to continue the good work for the country," Uttam Das, the batsman's father said. OCA sources said Das would be presented a purse on his return.

* Cricket academies a step in right direction: Malhotra

Current Test selector and former Indian cricketer Ashok Malhotra feels that the establishment of zonal cricket academies is a step in the right direction for nurturing young talents in the country. Talking to reporters in Bhubaneshwar on Sunday, Malhotra said that the move would help in spotting more talented cricketers.

Malhotra said he was satisfied over the composition of the Indian team, now in Zimbabwe. Asked about the players who could figure in the one-day squad to be picked on June 13, he said it would be too early to speculate because the team was to play another Test at Harare. He however, indicated that Delhi's Vivek Sehwag, who created a fine impression in the first one-dayer against Australia before being sidelined with an injury, and Punjab all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi were in the race. Bengal wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta was also under watch, he said.

Malhotra said the present Ranji teams of Punjab and Orissa were the two best young sides in the country. They needed to sustain this level of performance, he added. The success of the Orissa team which qualified for the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time this season was a very good sign for Indian cricket, the national selector said.

Praising Orissa's Shiv Sundar Das, Malhotra said the diminutive opener from Bhubaneshwar had cemented his place in the Test team. Former cricketers and commentators including Sunil Gavaskar are happy with his performance, he said.

* Asoka de Silva to officiate in India-Zimbabwe Test

Former Sri Lankan cricketer turned umpire Asoka de Silva is the man expected to restore the battered image of the Sri Lankan umpires. Asoka has been assigned to officiate the second Test between India and Zimbabwe along with Zimbabwean Ian Robinson starting on June 15 at Harare.

The standard of Sri Lankan umpires has been highly criticized in the recent past and during the recently concluded English tour, it was at it's lowest ebb in the first two Tests. Sri Lanka had the benefit of some dubious umpiring decisions in the first Test at Galle while England had their share of luck in the second at Kandy. However, Asoka who has been in the international arena for a little over two years commanded the respect of the players in the third Test at the SSC.

According to the Director of Umpiring of the BCCSL, KT Francis, English skipper Nasser Hussain in his report had admired Asoka and even had recommended him to be picked to officiate in further international matches on a regular basis.

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