Aravinth's real world

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sunday said that in the forthcoming year the team will play more than four proposed Test matches that may help them to retain their No.1 rankings.

Next year, India are scheduled to play two Tests in Bangladesh and talks are on to host South Africa for two Tests in February. With four Tests in the calendar year, it is going to be tough for India to stay at the No.1 spot.

Last India-Sri Lanka ODI abandoned due to dangerous pitch

‘I am not till now sure how many Test matches we will play but we will certainly play more than four as there are some proposed matches. I am sure we can hold on to our No.1 spot. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) has been designed after lot of consultations and if an unscheduled series is organised between two tours it becomes difficult for players,’ said Dhoni, after receiving the ICC Test championship mace from the world body’s chief executive Haroon Lorgat.

Lorgat, a South African, said that the FTP depends upon the member countries and the ICC guideline only ask member nations to play certain number of Tests over a certain period of time.

‘But if the Test series between India and South Africa comes through it will be great to see a fascinating contest between the two top teams in the world,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Dhoni also said that the fast bowling was a concern, but he was happy with the fielding in the Tests.

India survived a thrilling Sri Lanka run chase to clinch a three-run win in the first-one day international as the teams piled up more than 800 runs between them on Tuesday.

Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed a career-best 160 off 124 balls to lead the chase after counterpart Virender Sehwag notched 146 to help India post their highest one-day total of 414 for seven after being put in to bat.

The visitors were restricted to 411 for eight after looking good to pull off the second-highest ODI run chase ever and then needing 11 runs in the final over and six off the last two deliveries.

2011 WC – preparations should begin now

Sehwag, whose 12th one-day hundred was studded with 17 fours and six sixes, added 153 for the first wicket with Sachin Tendulkar (69) and 156 for the second with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who struck 72 after promoting himself to number three.

Dilshan struck his fourth one-day hundred in a 188-run opening stand with Upul Tharanga (67) followed by skipper Kumar Sangakkara, who lashed 90 off 43 balls in a fast 128-run second-wicket partnership.

India snapped up four wickets within four overs to reduce it to 345 for five in the 41st over, but Thilina Kandamby (24) and Angelo Mathews (38) almost pulled it off until their dismissals in the end.

India completed a victory over Sri Lanka by an innings and 24 runs on Sunday, winning the series 2-0.

The result took India to the No. 1 spot in the International Cricket Council’s test rankings.

Resuming at Saturday’s score of 274-6, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 309 with India paceman Zaheer Khan claiming 5-72.

Sri Lanka made 393 in its first innings, and India responded with its highest ever test score of 726-9 declared.