DURBAN: Cheteshwar Pujara isn't famous for his attacking instincts, but after a superb first Test, he doesn't mind a few verbal volleys at his rivals.

NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League auction will be held on February 12, a release from the BCCI said on Tuesday. And as reported by TOI on Tuesday, franchisees will be allowed to retain a maximum of five cricketers. The teams also have the option of buying back a limited number of cricketers through the 'right to match' system (joker's card). "The 2014 player auction will be held on 12 February, and if necessary, 13 February 2014. The venue will be announced soon," a BCCI release said on Tuesday.

DURBAN: The Wanderers Test was memorable for most Indian players, but R Ashwin was not one of them. When the cameras zoomed onto the pitch on the final day, the wide cracks were there for all to see.

New Zealand cricket coach Mike Hesson has called on the country's curators to serve up green pitches when India tour for their two-Test series in February.

MELBOURNE: Colourful England batsman Kevin Pietersen rebuffed suggestions Tuesday he might be next to quit after Graeme Swann's shock exit and expressed "less than zero" interest in the spinner's retirement saga.

LONDON: Graeme Swann delivered a full-blooded parting shot at some of his England teammates on Sunday, claiming "they have no idea how far up their own backsides they are".

 JOHANNESBURG: If ever there was a cricket heaven, it was at the Wanderers on Sunday . Who cares India if didn't win? Who cares that they are not one up in the series? It was the sport that raised its bat and took a bow after the seven-hour thriller!

JOHANNESBURG: Young Indian batsman Virat Kohli on Sunday said the Indian team was 'shocked' that the hosts did not go for victory in the dying moments of the match, which ended in an exciting draw.

 JOHANNESBURG: It swung late at Wanderers on Thursday, but when it did, the South Africans didn't know how to counter it.

HYDERABAD: Saina Nehwal's steep slide in the world rankings is a cause for concern. The 23-year-old slipped to eighth on Thursday after being ranked No. 2 earlier this year. The slide began in July when she slipped to No. 4.