Clarke’s opinion

Adelaide: They may have gone through a rough patch in the run-up to the World Cup but Australia captain Michael Clarke has warned against writing off India’s chances of defending the title. “Look, I think MS Dhoni and the Indian team have always been successful, especially under his leadership. I have no doubt that India are going to be one of the toughest teams to beat, that’s for sure.”

AB cautious
Wellington: South Africa captain AB de Villiers admits the Proteas are one of the form sides going into the World Cup, but he is reluctant to talk up his team’s chances. “We’ve been the favourites before in the tournament. It didn’t work out for us,” he said.

Prasanna view
New Delhi: Erapalli Prasanna feels it would be tough for India to progress beyond the World Cup quarter finals with the bowling line-up they possess. “I wish there was a leg-spinner in the squad so there was a combination of a leg and off-spinner,” he said.

Eoin angry

Sydney: England captain Eoin Morgan has termed suggestions that the size of cricket bats should be reduced after the World Cup to restore the balance between bat and ball as “ridiculous”. “I think it's ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous,” he said.

Lahiri show
Kuala Lumpur: Firing the week’s lowest round, Anirban Lahiri charged into contention with a brilliant 10-under-par 62 at the Maybank Malaysian Open here on Saturday. Lahiri, who at one stage was at the second position, ended round three on fifth spot. Bernd Wiesberger of Austria is in the lead.

Sandeep shines
Mohali: Sandeep Singh struck thrice as Punjab Warriors blanked Delhi Waveriders 7-0 in an HIL match here. In the first quarter of the match, Punjab Warriors kept the visitors busy with their continuous attacks.

BHA League
Calcutta: Pitrus Ekka of Calcutta Adibasis Club scored the first hat-trick of the BHA League, against CCFC Gremlins, on the first day on Saturday. Calcutta Adibasis Club won 4-1. P Herni was the other scorer for the winners while Cyril Lindsay pulled one back for the Gremlins.

Abhishek & NBA
 Mumbai: Abhishek Bachchan will attend NBA All-Star 2015 and participate in the Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on February 13, at Madison Square Garden, as a goodwill ambassador to the league.

Staff Reporter & Agencies