Wasim Akram Says India's defeat as a 'subcontinental shame'

Akram reckons that criticism on the Indian team is completely justified and selectors need to take some brave decisions.

"The criticism on the Indian team is fully justified. Dhoni is talking about phasing out the senior players and that's exactly how the entire world feels. The onus is now on the Indian selectors, who have to take some brave decisions. Dravid, Laxman and Tendulkar have been legends but past laurels don't win you matches. You need to accept reality and move on."

"For a cricketer who is nearing 40, these are signs that tell him to move away from the intensity of international cricket."

For the record, Rahul Dravid is 39 while Sachin Tendulkar is aged 38 and VVS Laxman is 37.

Akram termed India's performance as a matter of "sub-continental shame".

Beer party at Perth pitch

NEW DELHI: A controversy broke out on Thursday after news channel Times Now aired footage which showed ground-staff at the stadium in Perth sipping and drinking beer on the pitch only hours before India and Australia play the third Test on it.
The footage showed three or four ground-staff sitting on the wicket with beer cans and the TV channel said it had acquired it through independent source.
The visuals showed some of the barefooted staff having accreditation card while there were others who did not have any card at all.
Senior BCCI functionary Rajiv Shukla said the Cricket Australia must look into the issue.
"It is a serious matter and the Australian cricket Board should look into it, It is the responsibility of the host cricket Board to maintain the wicket. It is their prime responsibility," Shukla said.
Asked if they have talked to the Cricket Australia about it, he said, "It's upto the team management to look into it. if there is a complaint only then we can take it up. We are awaiting the report of the team management. "
"I would like to urge the Australian Cricket Board to look into it. There should be no foreign element on the wicket. The sanctity of the wicket should be maintained," he added.
The channel said as per the ICC rules, the track should be covered and cordoned off ahead of a Test match.
It was not clear whether the Indian team management has lodged a protest.