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New Delhi, Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Matthews on Monday became the first international cricketer to be '<keyword id="13742060" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="timed-out" source="Orion">timed out</keyword>' after not being ready to face the ball within two minutes of the fall of a wicket against Bangladesh in a World Cup match here. The 36-year-old walked out to bat after the dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama but had some issues with his helmet strap and signalled for a replacement, prompting Bangladesh to appeal for a 'time out'. Mathews was seen having an animated discussion with umpire Marais Erasmus and Richard Illingworth, explaining that he had some issue with the helmet strap but the Sri Lankan cricketer was asked to leave the field. According to article 40.1.1 of the ICC rules, "After the fall of a wicket or the retirement of a batter, the incoming batter must, unless Time has been called, be ready to receive the ball, or for the other batter to be ready to receive the next ball within two minutes of the dismissal or retirement. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batter will be out, Timed out. Article 40.1.2 says: "In the event of an extended delay in which no batter comes to the wicket, the umpires shall adopt the procedure of Law 16.3 (ICC Match referee awarding a match). For the purposes of that clause the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the two minutes referred to above." Mathews', wicket which was not credited to any bowler as per the rule, left Sri Lanka reeling at 135 for 5 in 24.2 overs. Though it has never happened in international cricket, there have been instances in domestic cricket, including one in the match between Tripura and Orissa at Cuttack in 1997 when Hemulal Yadav was at the receiving end.

Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews becomes first international cricketer to be timed out

After a wait of 22 years, India clinched their first Test series victory on Sri Lankan soil with an emphatic 117-run win over the hosts in the third and final <keyword id="1521" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Cricket">cricket</keyword> Test despite a valiant century by rival skipper <keyword id="79577" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Angelo-Mathews">Angelo Mathews</keyword>. 

	After setting a daunting victory target of 386, India managed to dismiss the Sri Lankans for 268 on a wicket which slowed down considerably to wrap up the series 2-1, their first overseas series victory since June, 2011 against the West Indies. 
	 It was new captain <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword>'s first series win ever since he took over reins of the team from Mahendra Singh Dhoni. 

	On an absorbing final day's play, the visitors took two quick wickets in the morning session before Mathews (110) and debutant Kusal Perera (70) scripted a spirited fightback to frustrate the Indians. 
	 
	The duo put on a resolute 135-run partnership for the sixth wicket, the second-highest stand in the fourth innings in Sri Lanka's Test history. Roy Dias and Duleep Mendis hold the record of biggest fourth innings partnership with a 214- run stand. 
	 Off-spinner R Ashwin was the pick of the Indian bowlers with four for 69 while paceman <keyword id="11685" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Ishant-Sharma">Ishant Sharma</keyword> scalped three for 32. Umesh Yadav chipped in with two for 65. 
	 
	The last time an Indian team won a series in Sri Lanka was way back in 1993 under Mohammed Azharuddin's leadership when they sealed the series with 1-0 scoreline. 
	 
	The fifth day's action was not devoid of drama as more on-field altercation took place with Kusal Perera being involved in a heated exchange with Indian players. 
	 
	Ashwin took the last wicket of Nuwan Pradep to bring about India's moment of glory, triggering scenes of wild celebrations in the dressing room as the players hugged each other and picked up the stumps as mementos. 
 

	Image credit: Indiatimes

India clinch a victory against Srilanka for the 1st time in 22 years

Mumbai, India became the first team to qualify for the World Cup semifinals after beating Sri Lanka by a massive 302 runs here on Thursday. Mohammed Shami (5/18) and Mohammed Siraj (3/16) ran through the Sri Lanka batting line-up as the Islanders were bundled out for 55 in 19.4 overs while chasing 358. Kasun Rajitha top-scored for Sri Lanka with 14. Only two other Sri Lanka batters -- Angelo Mathews (12) and Maheesh Theekshana (12 not out) -- could reach double digits. Earlier, sent in to bat, India amassed 357 for 8. Virat Kohli (88 off 94 balls), Shubman Gill (92 off 92) and Shreyas Iyer (82 off 56) led India's batting. Ravindra Jadeja's 35 off 24 balls pushed India past 350. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madhushanka was the stand out bowler for Sri Lanka ending with figures of five for 80 in 10 overs. Brief Scores: India: 357 for 8 in 50 overs (Virat Kohli 88, Shubman Gill 92, Shreyas Iyer 82; Dilshan Madhushanka 5/80). Sri Lanka: 55 all out in 19.4 overs (Kasun Rajitha 14; Mohammed Shami 5/18, Mohammed Siraj 3/16).

India first team to qualify for World Cup semifinals with 302-run win over Sri Lanka

<ul><ul class="summary-list "><li>At least 207 people are dead and 450 others have been injured after a series of explosions hit churches and hotels in <keyword id="6355572" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword>.</li><li>The churches were bombed as worshippers attended Easter Sunday service.</li><li>The hotels targeted are among the most luxurious in Sri Lanka's capital. 35 foreigners have been killed, <a href="https://www.afp.com/en/news/15/blasts-sri-lanka-hotels-and-churches-kill-156-doc-1ft48d4">AFP cited hospital sources as saying</a>. Eight explosions in various locations have now been reported. </li></ul></ul>At least 207 people were killed in a series of blasts on Easter Sunday Blasts in Sri Lanka, targeting three churches and three hotels. As of 1 pm, more than 400 people were wounded and hospitalized, reported Reuters. 
 
 
 
 
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 AFP news agency quoting Sri Lankan Police said the toll in <keyword id="7550956" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sri-lanka-blasts">Sri Lanka blasts</keyword> had risen to 156, including 35 foreigners. The blasts took place at three churches located at Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa. The three hotels that were targeted are located in Colombo, and include Shangri La Colombo, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and Kingsbury Hotel, according to media reports. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has urged the people to remain strong and united in the tragic time. The Prime Minister is reportedly going to conduct a national security council meeting at his house. 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, in a special message read out on local news channels, has requested the people to remain calm and help the authorities in the investigation. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack and said the country stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Indian President Ram Nath Kovind also condemned the attack. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 St. Sebastian’s church, which was among the target, posted pictures showing destructions and bloodshed after the blast on its Facebook Page and urged people to help. The post read “A bomb attack to our church please come and help if your family members are there” No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attacks. Several peace messages "Pray For Sri Lanka" were trending on social media. Messages and prayers also poured in from celebrities. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Former Sri Lankan captain of the cricket team, <keyword id="79577" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Angelo-Mathews">Angelo Mathews</keyword> in a recent tweet has requested people to not to believe in rumors. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 A travel advisory had been issued by the US embassy in Colombo advising citizens to follow local security instructions and “exercise extreme caution.” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday that she was in touch with the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo as six explosions hit churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing at least 20 people. "Colombo - I am in constant touch with Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. We are keeping a close watch on the situation," the Minister said in a tweet. 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="golrizghahraman" handlename="Golriz Ghahraman" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1035120828780707840/PRgmSRXp_normal.jpg" favoritecount="121" retweetcount="22" status="Devastated for Sri Lanka, especially the targeted Christian community. In a nation who has seen so much violence an… https://t.co/a3297hWuYK" createdat="1555826450000" id="1119843413006774272"></div>
















	
	
	
	
	
	
	<div type="twitter" handle="AJEnglish" handlename="Al Jazeera English" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/875638617606987776/YBOKib96_normal.jpg" favoritecount="595" retweetcount="614" status="BREAKING: Multiple blasts hit Sri Lanka churches and hotels on Easter Sunday https://t.co/3Xn6pRk0kU https://t.co/FHAHmOUr4N" createdat="1555824930000" id="1119837039392899073"></div>















 Helpline numbers for Indian citizens in need of assistance or who seek clarification are: +94777903082, +94112422788, +94112422789, +94777902082 and +94772234176. With IANS

Easter Sunday Blasts: Deadly explosion kills 207, Sri Lankan Prime Minister urges people to stay united and strong

London: England captain <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/team-players/Alastair%20Nathan%20Cook/playerDetails.cms?profileteamid=3001&amp;profileplayerid=3056">Alastair Cook</a> remains unable to shake off criticism from Australia great <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shane-warne/32001/1011">Shane Warne</a>, who for the second time in ten days has commented on what he feels is negative leadership. Warne, who twice this year has already criticised Cook's marshaling of a flagging<a href="http://www.gocricket.com/team-players/England/players/ncriplayer.cms?profileteamid=3001&amp;cricid=3001&amp;tab=overview"> England cricket team</a>, has now said that the 29-year-old should step aside from the captaincy or take a break from the game. 
 
"There are three ways to go with Alastair 'Cooked' Cook. Everyone sticks their head in the sand and just allows things to keep going as is and hope he finds form with the bat and by a miracle discovers some tactical brains from somewhere. Two: he steps down from the captaincy to concentrate on his batting. Three: the most radical of all, he has a complete break away from the game," wrote Warne his column for the Daily Telegraph. 
 
"Lots of people, including me, think it is time for him to step down as captain. The most disappointing thing for me is that he has not learned or improved after a horrible 5-0 drumming in Australia, in fact he has got worse. He is not thinking straight. He is not there. He is confused. He does not know what to do and because he is in a rut with his form it makes life a lot worse. You just cannot captain a team in transition in that frame of mind." 
 In between the drawn Lord's Test against Sri Lanka and the start of the second at <keyword id="90858" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Leeds">Leeds</keyword> last week, Warne had used words such as "boring" and "unimaginative" to describe Cook's defensive field settings in the first match. 
 
On the eve of the second Test, Cook told the BBC in an interview that he felt such attacks on his leadership were "personal" and called for action to be taken against those who lash out at the England cricket team. But during the match, which England ended up losing by 100 runs to make it consecutive series defeats following the 5-0 Ashes debacle, Cook found himself under fire again, with the likes of former England captain and opener <keyword id="66625" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Geoffrey-Boycott">Geoffrey Boycott</keyword> terming his poor batting form as a "recipe for resignation". 
 
Cook has gone 24 Test innings without a century, but a lot of criticism has been because of a lack of positive thinking during the Headingley match, specifically on the fourth day when Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews was allowed agreeable field settings to score a match-turning 160. 
 
"On Monday at Headingley I witnessed the worst day of captaincy I have ever seen at international level in almost 25 years in the game," wrote Warne, who took 195 of his 708 Test wickets against England. "It was horrific, and I am not the only one singing that tune. He just does not get it. Everyone watching could see the game needed a change of pace; bowl the spinner or make the seamers try and actually get Angelo Mathews out. You just cannot bowl the same stuff over after over like he did - good captains try things and are proactive, not hopeful." 
 
Responding to Cook's suggestions that Warne's comments were personal, the 44-year-old wrote: "This column is not a personal attack and never has been, Alastair. Mate, you need to improve tactically or England need someone else in the job. And I am not the only one saying it. Please speak to (former England captains) Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain and other successful captains who were tough, ruthless and got it. Also, if I was an Aussie cheerleader, as the ECB thinks I am, I would not be criticising Cook. I would be saying keep him in the job because that would be the best thing for Australia during the Ashes next year. I have always been open to talking to Alastair, like I always have with any other player from any country, if they wanted a chat over a beer."

Warne To Cook: Mate, Improve Tactically Or Take A Break

Leeds: Sri Lanka batsman <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mahela-jayawardene/9001/9003">Mahela Jayawardene</a> said England failed to handle the pressure on the fourth day of the second and final test on Monday and questioned the way home captain Alastair Cook had handled recent criticism. 
 
England, chasing 350 to win, were staring defeat in the face at the close of play on 57 for five after <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/dhammika-prasad/9001/9056">Dhammika Prasad</a> grabbed four wickets during a fiery spell of fast bowling. 
 
Earlier, a test-best 160 from skipper <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/angelo-mathews/9001/9058">Angelo Mathews</a> helped Sri Lanka amass a second-innings total of 457 after starting the day in a tricky position on 212 for four. 
 
"We've seen that under pressure they (England) are not quite up to it," said Jayawardene after having chipped in with a typically cultured knock of 79. "They were quite chirpy but they quietened down after the first hour. We know who's on top and who's not," he told reporters at Headingley. 
 
Cook, on the receiving end of a 5-0 Ashes whitewash at the beginning of the year, has been criticised by former Australia great Shane Warne who branded the captain as "boring" and "unimaginative". 
 
The out-of-form opening batsman made only 16 on Monday and is now without a test hundred for 24 innings. Former Sri Lanka skipper Jayawardene questioned the way Cook had responded to the recent criticism from Warne who is a regular pundit on Sky Sports television. "I feel for Alastair but it doesn't help arguing with commentators," he said. "That is something you can't control. 
 
"You just need to control the things you can control out there and that is perform and carry your team through. I'm a great believer in forgetting things you can't control." 
 
Jayawardene heaped praise on Mathews' knock and said, "Angelo batted really well in that situation, safeguarding the tail and taking the opportunity to go for those big shots when the field was in. He didn’t have to take too many risks when the field was back, but whenever he needed to take a risk, he did. In that context, that showed that they were on the back foot and we just needed to drive that advantage we had forward." 
 
However, Ian Bell, the England vice-captain and playing in his 100th Test backed Cook and said that the team will back the England skipper despite staring at a potential series defeat. Speaking in The Telegraph, Bell said that the tactics that England adopted during Mathews' knock of 160 was wrong. "If you want to stop somebody like that scoring runs you get them out don’t you, you don’t try and stop them from scoring runs," he said.

England cannot handle pressure: Jayawardene

India's fourth bilateral ODI series win at home by a 5-0 margin should be seen through the lens of the team's defence of the ICC World Cup next year, in specific the roles given to players either just finding their feet in international cricket or returning from injury or filling in for first-choice names. 
 
Make no mistake - Sri Lanka were very poor in the series, their bowlers in particular lining up as fodder for India's batsmen on mostly docile surfaces, and their batsmen, barring <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/angelo-mathews/9001/9058">Angelo Mathews</a> and to a lesser extent <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mahela-jayawardene/9001/9003">Mahela Jayawardene</a>, massively under-performing. But in a World Cup season it is encouraging to see an experimental Indian side finish the job they started without losing much intensity. 
 
Through the series, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/virat-kohli/4001/25007">Virat Kohli</a> spoke of taking each game of this series as a stepping stone towards the 2015 ICC World Cup, particularly in testing out players in different roles to give them the confidence that they are wholly supported with an eye on next year’s big prize. He spoke of the team taking each match as a knock-out, and of learning to be "ruthless" to close out matches. 
 
Sample the margins of victory: by 169 runs, six wickets with 33 balls remaining, six wickets with 35 balls remaining, 153 runs and three wickets with eight balls on Sunday in Ranchi. Four big wins, fashioned by performances from individuals and collectively against a side that looked disgruntled from the time it departed from Colombo following West Indies' abrupt pull-out. The one match in which the batting didn’t click as a unit, Kohli stepped up with one of his finest centuries in a chase. Where his team-mates failed to be ruthless, Kohli was. 
 
The 26-year-old, leading India in MS Dhoni's absence, did his job well. The decision to take the batting Powerplay in the 24th over during the first ODI proved decisive, for it was in that five-over period that his team took the match away from Sri Lanka. He backed <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/akshar-patel/4001/31051">Akshar Patel</a> to bowl during the mandatory and batting Powerplays and this was a huge factor in the series win, and backed his rookie spinner with the right fields. Kohli also ensured <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ambati-rayudu/4001/31025">Ambati Rayudu</a> a spot at the World Cup by sending him in at No 3 in Ahmedabad, where the 29-year-old scored his maiden ODI century. 
 
Apart from his dynamic captaincy, Kohli also had a solid series with the bat, scoring 277 runs at an average of 69.25 with two fifties and a superb century to almost single-handedly chase 287 in the final game. Kohli's emphatic celebrations at hitting the winning six, with eight balls and three wickets left in Ranchi, and then as he acknowledged the crowd after picking up a stump, were stirring. Such form will, at the very least, send him to Australia with some confidence. 
 
India’s other main batsmen all scored runs, too. <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shikhar-dhawan/4001/28004">Shikhar Dhawan</a> reeled off 283 in three innings before he was rested. Rayudu's four innings at No 3 produced 223 runs while <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/rohit-sharma/4001/4095">Rohit Sharma</a>'s roaring comeback from injury with an astonishing 264 off 173 balls should earn him first dibs as opener alongside Dhawan in the World Cup ahead of <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ajinkya-rahane/4001/32045">Ajinkya Rahane</a>, who after stroking 111 in the series opener trailed off with scores of 8, 31, 28 and 2. The two wicketkeeper-batsmen tested in the series, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/wriddhiman-saha/4001/30016">Wriddhiman Saha</a> for three ODIs and <keyword id="6405247" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Robin-Uthappa">Robin Uthappa</keyword> for the last two, did not make strong statements to tilt the selectors’ votes either way for the World Cup. 
 
There were personal bests for a few players, of which five look certain for the World Cup. <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ishant-sharma/4001/4094">Ishant Sharma</a> beat his previous best returns with 4/34 in Cuttack; Rayudu scored his first ODI century in the second ODI; Akshar (3/40) and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/umesh-yadav/4001/28013">Umesh Yadav</a> (4/53) achieved career-best bowling performances in Hyderabad; and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/dhawal-kulkarni/4001/31006">Dhawal Kulkarni</a> smoothed over a shoddy outing in that match by taking 4/34 in the Kolkata drubbing. Rohit marked his first ODI in three months by scoring the highest individual innings in ODI history at Eden Gardens. 
 Rohit's freak innings aside, the big gains were the bowling of Akshar and the fact that Umesh, on the comeback from an injury break, did not break down or pick up a niggle. The rise of 20-year-old allrounder Akshar has been the story of the series. His left-arm spin accounted for 11 wickets in five matches, at an <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword> rate of 4.61, and it was his bowling in the batting Powerplay all series that was instrumental in India’s 5-0 result. Akshar was unfortunate not be named Man of the Match in Hyderabad, where his 3/11 during the batting Powerplay sealed the series for India. 
 
Akshar controls the percentage shots and that ability resulted in some big wickets, and the manner in which he lands the ball outside off stump to bring out loose shots is a trait that could be very handy in Australia. Twenty20 cricket has forced spinners to experiment and Akshar is one of the best examples of how this can have a positive spin - no pun intended - because he varies his flight and pace without compromising too much on his length. He conceded over 40 just twice - at Eden Gardens where he conceded 51 in 43 balls and in Ranchi, where in the 48th of Sri Lanka's innings, Angelo Mathews swatted three sixes to give Akshar figures of 2/45 from his quota. His only two innings, at either ends of the series, were contrasting efforts that showed the value Akshar brings down the order: a four-ball 14 to get the total past 350 and 17 off 14 balls in match-clinching stand of 57 in 5.2 overs with Kohli. 
 
Akshar made rapid strides in the series, and the fact that <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ravindra-jadeja/4001/32004">Ravindra Jadeja</a> was benched for the Cuttack and Hyderabad ODIs and bowled well after Akshar in Hyderabad is testament to Kohli's line of thought that fringe players need to feel that they belong. 
 
Umesh was quick and lively in each outing and consistently delivered breakthroughs in his first spell in all four games he played - three times in the first over of Sri Lanka’s innings, getting <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kusal-perera/9001/52007">Kusal Perera</a> each time. He took at least two wickets in each match and finished with ten wickets at an economy of 5.07, and though he still has to work on conceding wides in the death overs, that Umesh hustled and troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen all throughout was encouraging. Considering Ishant injured himself in his return series, having Umesh fit and feisty is crucial to India in Australia. 
 
Ishant did not feature in the series after leaving the field following his four overs in Hyderabad, adding to the injury list that comprises <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/varun-aaron/4001/30019">Varun Aaron</a>, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mohammed-shami/4001/30030">Mohammed Shami</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mohit-sharma/4001/26024">Mohit Sharma</a>. These are the frontline bowlers India will hope to have available for the World Cup, along with the rested <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/bhuvneshwar-kumar/4001/25023">Bhuvneshwar Kumar</a>. 
 
Injuries to Ishant and Aaron - themselves called up in the absence of the injured Shami and Mohit - opened up chances for Kulkarni and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/stuart-binny/4001/31034">Stuart Binny</a> and both were decent without being threatening. Kulkarni does not have the pace to consistently worry batsmen and appears to be easily rattled, while Binny's medium pace does not look like getting him a berth in the World Cup squad considering that pace is a must in Australia and New Zealand. The only player blooded in the series who did not do anything was legspinner <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/karn-sharma/4001/27046">Karn Sharma</a>, who is part of the Test squad to play in Australia. 
 
All in all, a good workout for an experimental Indian side in these five ODIs but how much these matches actually matter will only be judged if these players step up in Australia.

Kohli's Well-Oiled India Achieve Series Goals

In the gloom of the Edgbaston weather, there was a moment which sparked a talking point in the fifth ODI. In the 43rd over, Sachithra Senanayake mankaded Jos Buttler. Apparently, Buttler was warned twice which was fair enough. When he did it for the third time, Senanayake knocked the bails off at the bowler's end and the appeal was made. The umpires conferred with <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> <keyword id="16561" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="skipper">skipper</keyword> Angelo Mathews and he did not withdraw the appeal. Buttler was given the marching orders and Edgbaston roared with boos. 
 
It was interesting to note that Senanayake was in the midst of this situation. Prior to the match, there was some tension on the surface when it emerged that his action was reported after the conclusion of the fourth ODI at Lord's. The furore generated by the British press centred on only one broad fact which was: The move was technically sound but not in the spirit of the game. Now, cricket has often been caught in the crossroads when it comes to technical execution and spirit of the game. This can be a subject matter for later. 
 The controversy generated by the off-spinner takes our memory back to that warm and sunny day in Adelaide during the Carlton and United tri-series in 1999 between England and Sri Lanka. Umpire Ross Emerson no-balled <keyword id="26689" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Muttiah-Muralitharan">Muttiah Muralitharan</keyword> and signalled that he was called for chucking. Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga did not appreciate it and play was held up for 14 minutes as Ranatunga led his players off the park. After heated consultations with the <keyword id="343751" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Sri-Lankan-Cricket-Board">Sri Lankan Cricket Board</keyword>, play went on but the bad blood did not end there. Darren Gough head-butted Roshan Mahanama after the batsman was apparently trying to obstruct the bowler's path while taking a run. Alec Stewart also did it and he went one step further by telling Ranatunga that his behavior as a country <keyword id="1411" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="captain">captain</keyword> was appalling. 
 
In this backdrop, the accusations came from both sides. Umpire Emerson went on to say that Muralitharan's action was worse than ever but the ICC had cleared the bowler of chucking. The media, in general, was critical of Emerson for pursuing his own agenda. 
 There have been further instances of controversy when England and Sri Lanka squared off in a three-Test series in 2001. In that series, bad umpiring from all the officials, most notably from BC Cooray in the second Test at Kandy, led to a breakdown in behavior from players in both teams. The moment which grabbed plenty of eyeballs came when Kumar Sangakkara and <keyword id="90933" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Michael-Atherton">Michael Atherton</keyword> were involved in a heated argument with Atherton wagging his finger at Sangakkara. Apparently, Atherton claimed that Sangakkara called the England team cheats. 
 When one looks at the events in Edgbaston, the issue is not on whether Senanayake had broken the law. Clearly, he and Sri Lanka did no wrong in mankading Buttler. Once bitten, twice shy is a sign for individuals to be careful. Repeating the offence a third time, even after getting warned in the previous over, was a clear sign that it was time for Buttler to go. England captain <keyword id="9234" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Alastair-Cook">Alastair Cook</keyword> said that a line has been crossed. However, he would do well to remember this line from British novellist George Jenkins' book, 'The Strange Case of Mr. Challoner'. In that, the now famous line was said when a crime was committed, 'The But(t)ler did it.' 
 
Senanayake and Sri Lanka should be commended for this action. England, and more urgently, Buttler needs to introspect and look carefully at the laws. It is clear: Sri Lanka were right and England were in the wrong. What is your opinion?

Sri Lanka And England: A Controversial Past

Cuttack: India's poor showing with the white ball, especially in the death overs has been troubling the team as recently as the abandoned series against the West Indies, but their fast bowlers gave a favourable account of themselves during a comprehensive 169-run win over <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> in their first game of the series on Sunday. While the batsmen continued to dominate the performances with <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shikhar-dhawan/4001/28004">Shikhar Dhawan</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ajinkya-madhukar-rahane/4001/32045">Ajinkya Rahane</a> hitting fluent centuries, it was the pace bowling triumvirate of <keyword id="149050" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Umesh-Yadav">Umesh Yadav</keyword>, <keyword id="6370607" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Varun-Aaron">Varun Aaron</keyword> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ishant-sharma/4001/4094">Ishant Sharma</a> that impressed under lights and heavy dew at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. 
 
An early start to day/night fixtures on account of the dew prompted Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews to put the hosts in to bat, but an extremely good batting surface, coupled by rapid centuries from Rahane ​(111, 108b, 13x4, 2x6) and Dhawan ​(113, 107b, 14x4, 3x6) took out any advantage the chasing side may have had. The Indian openers added 231 runs in 35 overs, and despite their quick dismissals soon after, the middle order powered them to 363 for 5 in the first game of the five-match contest. 
 
In reply Sri Lanka were bowled out for 194 inside 40 overs, with Ishant picking up 4 for 34 - his best bowling figures in ODI cricket - to highlight an eye-catching performance from the Indian seamers, even though India would be sweating over the status of Aaron, who had hobbled off the field while bowling his fifth over with a thigh strain. While India impressed, Sri Lanka were left to rue their poor bowling performance and the batsmen's inability to put pressure on India's bowlers instead, with only <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/denagamage-proboth-mahela-de-silva-jayawardene/9001/9003">Mahela Jayawardene</a> (43, 36b, 6x4, 1x6) looking comfortable in the middle until hitting straight into Virat Kohli's hands off Akshar Patel. 
 The Sri Lankan batsmen would have expected some freebies especially early on with the new ball, but Yadav and Aaron began probingly, repeatedly beating the outside edges of both <keyword id="352871" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Upul-Tharanga">Upul Tharanga</keyword> and Tillakaratne Dilshan. India's pace bowling duo cranked up the pace from the start and the Sri Lankan openers struggled to time the ball. Dilshan fell to Yadav caught behind for 18 in the ninth over and Sri Lanka had failed to get a move on. <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword>'s wicket for 13 made matters worse, and the trend of regular wickets continued right until the last wicket. 
 Dhammika Prasad and debutant Lahiru Gamage, opening the bowling in the absence of the injured <keyword id="64162" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lasith-Malinga">Lasith Malinga</keyword> and Nuwan Kulasekara - not picked for this game - had earlier kept the Indian openers quiet as Gamage even slipped in a maiden over, but Rahane and Dhawan hit their groove soon after. They were also helped by two rare tough chances put down by Kumar Sangakkara, but aside from that they were seldom troubled on a batting paradise. 
 
Run-fests are common in limited overs contests played in India, but what was encouraging in terms of Virat Kohli's captaincy was India's decision to take the batting Powerplay early, allowing the openers to step up the scoring rate between overs 23 and 28. Dhawan and Rahane took 62 runs in those five overs as they capitalized on the fielding restrictions, as opposed to the usual ploy to take the Powerplay towards the latter stages of the game. 
 Suraj Randiv (3/78) and Ashan Priyanjan managed to pull the hosts back by sending back Rahane and Dhawan respectively, but the damage had already been done. <keyword id="14587" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Suresh-Raina">Suresh Raina</keyword>, playing his 200th one-day international, also completed 5000 ODI runs while scoring a brisk 34-ball 52, before being trapped leg before by Randiv. Quick wickets towards the end didn't allow India to reach that 400-run mark, but Kohli (22), Ambati Rayudu (27) and Akshar Patel (14*) ensured they weren't too far behind. 
 
Brief scores: India 363/7 in 50 overs (Dhawan 113, Rahane 111; Randiv 3/78) beat Sri Lanka 194 in 39.2 overs (Jayawardene 43; Ishant 4/34, Yadav 2/24, Akshar 2/24) by 169 runs

Ishant, Openers Power India To 169-Run Win

High on confidence after win in the first Test at Galle, <keyword id="6355117" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="South-Africa">South Africa</keyword> will look to create history by sealing their first series win in <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> in 21 years as the Proteas take on the hosts in the second match, starting Thursday at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in Colombo. Traditionally, the SSC pitch can easily be regarded as a sleeping beauty. However, with the series on the line and a Test required to win, Sri Lanka will hope for a surface that offers a lot of turn. They would need all the help from the pitch as the South African pacer <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/dale-steyn/8001/8051">Dale Steyn</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/morne-morkel/8001/8057">Morne Morkel</a> have showed that no matter what the surface is, disciplined bowling can help in taking wickets. 
 
Sri Lanka have not lost a Test here in more than 10 years. However, on a happy hunting ground for the hosts, only four out of the last 10 Tests have produced a result in their favour, rest have been draws. Once again they will be banking heavily on their stalwarts <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/kumar-sangakkara/9001/9011">Kumar Sangakkara</a> and <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/mahela-jayawardene/9001/9003">Mahela Jayawardene</a>. The famed duo carved the South African attack to all parts of the SSC the last time the two teams met here when the world-record stand of 624 saw Sangakkara miss out on a triple ton and Jayawardene miss out on a 400. 
 For South Africa though, only two current players from their 2006 squad will be having the horrid memories - AB de Villiers and <keyword id="12829" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Dale-Steyn">Dale Steyn</keyword>. With a settled and hungry middle order comprising Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and De Villiers plus form of the Galle centurions Dean Elgar and <keyword id="69475" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="JP-Duminy">JP Duminy</keyword>, the Proteas go into the final Test as a slightly better batting force. Their bowling, however lethal in the first Test, will be tested to the limit on a deck full of runs. 
 
Team News: 
 
Sri Lanka: The hosts have made two changes in their squad. One has been form-based call of Dinesh Chandimal being dropped and uncapped wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella nearly set for debut. The other forced decision is that Shaminda Eranga misses out due to injury and Dhammika Prasad is favourite to take his spot in the playing XI. Spinners Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera will have to raise their game in order to trouble the South African batsmen. 
 
Probable XI: 1.Kaushal Silva 2. Upul Tharanga 3. <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword> 4. Mahela Jayawardene 5. Lahiru Thirimanne 6. Angelo Mathews 7. Niroshan Dickwella 8. Dilruwan Perera 9. Dammika Prasad 10. Rangana Herath 11. Suranga Lakmal 
 
Watch out for 
 
Local boy Jayawardene has some appetite for runs at this venue. With 2698 runs at an average of 77 and 10 hundreds to boot here, the former skipper has more runs than any other player on a single venue. He will be more than eager to once again make an impact as he plays his penultimate game on his choicest venue. If he scores big, Sri Lanka will garner enough wherewithal to challenge their opposition. 
 
South Africa: 
 
Their potent bowling makes them one of the biggest challenges that hosts would have faced of late, on what has usually been a placid track. At Galle, Steyn and Morkel took a total of 16 wickets with a deadly combination of pace, seam and reverse swing. They are likely to make the ball talk if and when the surface becomes abrasive. The only possible change in their ranks could be Wayne Parnell replacing Vernon Philander, who went wicketless in the first Test. With the bat, new captain Amla will have to impress upon as a leader, while opener Alviro Petersen is due a big score. 
 
Probable XI: 1. Alviro Petersen 2. Dean Elgar 3. Faf du Plessis 4. Hashim Amla 5. AB de Villiers 6. JP Duminy 7. Quinton de Kock 8. Dale Steyn 9. Vernon Philander/Wayne Parnell 10. Imran Tahir 11. Morne Morkel. 
 
Watch out for 
 
Steyn - world's best Test bowler and by some distance, is in rollicking form and by the looks of his showings this year (21 wickets in 4 games), he is on course to better his best figures in Sri Lanka, 9/99, which he took in Galle. Steyn's skill as a pacer is unparalleled and each batsmen will have to be at the top of his game to counter his penetrative style of attack. SSC will test him, but if any fast bowler one would want to bank upon to make an impact here, it would be Steyn.

2nd Test: SL Aim To Square Series On Batting-Friendly SSC

On the eve of their second game at Ahmedabad, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/tillakaratne-mudiyanselage-dilshan/9001/9034">Tillakaratne Dilshan</a> had explained how a total in the region of 280-300 had become a norm in 50-over cricket, especially after the new field restrictions were put in place. His words were almost prophetic as after being restricted to 274, <keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> weren't able to control a rampaging Indian batting order that finished off the job with six wickets in hand and 5.3 overs to spare, going 2-0 up in the five-match series and moving ever so close towards taking an unassailable lead. 
 
The pre-match buzz centred mostly around local lad <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/akshar-rajeshbhai-patel/4001/31051">Akshar Patel's</a> first international match at his home ground, but even as he impressed with his accurate left-arm spin in the middle overs to stifle Sri Lanka, <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/ambati-thirupathi-rayudu/4001/31025">Ambati Rayudu</a> walked away with the honours near his adopted home - Baroda - where he plays his domestic cricket. He has mostly been confined to a back-up role in a star-studded line-up, but has made the most of the limited opportunities he has had so far, and returning not out on 121* (118b, 10x4, 4x6) after setting up the chase would have been doubly satisfying. 
 
 
 
India went into the game with three spinners on a Motera surface that looked like it would assist the medium pacers more, but <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/virat-kohli/4001/25007">Virat Kohli's</a> ploy worked wonders as Sri Lanka were kept to 274 for 8 in the day/night fixture. The visitors put in a better batting effort as compared to Cuttack, but <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/angelo-davis-mathews/9001/9058">Angelo Mathews</a> - whose 92* (101b, 10x4, 1x6) added some solidity to the total - would have been kicking himself for not capitalizing on what looked like a good toss to win. 
 India's run chase wasn't perfect in any way after Ajinkya Rahane was removed by Dhammika Prasad in the seventh over for 8, caught brilliantly by <keyword id="23015" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahela-Jayawardene">Mahela Jayawardene</keyword> at slip on rebound after wicketkeeper <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword> had spilled a regulation chance. To their credit, Sri Lanka's pacers began well and Lahiru Gamage could have had Dhawan for 10 in the eighth over when the umpire turned down a frantic appeal for caught behind. 
 
Promoted to No. 3, Rayudu, along with <a href="http://www.gocricket.com/player/shikhar-dhawan/4001/28004">Shikhar Dhawan</a> consolidated for long periods before laying into the change bowlers, and Dhawan took the lead after reaching his seventh ODI half-century. As Dhawan accelerated by taking 16 off a Thisara Perera over, Rayudu continued to play the accumulator, and wasn't until the left-hander holed out to deep square leg off Seekkuge Prasanna for 79 (80b, 7x4, 1x6) did Rayudu decide to step it up. 
 Rayudu was particularly impressive against Sri Lanka's spinners, nimble on his feet as he took boundaries and sixes off them with ease, and exercised restraint when the bowlers were on top. After adding 122 with Dhawan, Rayudu combined with <keyword id="6354486" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Virat-Kohli">Virat Kohli</keyword> to add 116 more as the asking rate dropped significantly. Kohli (49, 44b, 2x4, 2x6) and <keyword id="14587" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Suresh-Raina">Suresh Raina</keyword> (14, 6b, 1x4, 1x6) fell in quick succession to Prasanna (3/53) towards the end, but Rayudu ensured India closed the chase without much drama. 
 
Mathews' innings in the afternoon had turned out to be pivotal, as with Kumar Sangakkara (61, 86b, 4x4) they added 90 vital runs that revived Sri Lanka's innings after being reduced to 64 for 3 in the 14th over. But unlike India who had decided to take their batting Powerplay early at Cuttack, Mathews and Sangakkara held back and only chose to go for it in the 32nd over, and lost three wickets during that period, losing Sangakkara, Prasanna and Ashan Priyanjan while adding just 30. 
 Umesh Yadav, who had begun with the wicket of Kusal Perera in the very first over of the innings, returned to break the threatening stand when Sangakkara smacked a full toss straight to Dhawan's at long on, while Akshar Patel delivered another impressive spell of 2/39 in front of cheering home fans. <keyword id="6359948" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ravindra-Jadeja">Ravindra Jadeja</keyword>, who was included in place of the injured <keyword id="6370607" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Varun-Aaron">Varun Aaron</keyword>, went for plenty (1/64) but R Ashwin (2/49) and Patel ensured the wickets continued to tumble. 
 Yadav and <keyword id="11685" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ishant-Sharma">Ishant Sharma</keyword> bowled a tidy opening spell and kept things tight until Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sangakkara stuck up a breezy partnership, and Dilshan somewhat broke the shackles by belting four consecutive boundaries in Ashwin's first over. But Patel struck with the second ball of his spell when he bowled Dilshan in the next over, and Mahela Jayawardene could only muster 4 before scooping one straight to midwicket off Ashwin. Sri Lanka's stuttering innings was revived by Mathews and Dhammika Prasad (30*, 28b, 4x4) towards the end, as the pair put on 54 for the ninth wicket and played out their full quota of overs.

Ambati Rayudu's Maiden Ton Takes India 2-0 Up

<keyword id="6355572" type="COUNTRY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Sri-Lanka">Sri Lanka</keyword> have been meticulously planning for the 2015 ICC World Cup. For Sri Lankans the focus on the World Cup started with the Asia Cup tournament in Bangladesh in February. That was exactly with one year to go for the tournament. 
 
The Sri Lankans won that competition comfortably with an unbeaten record. But their main focus was to win series away from home before the challenge in Australia and New Zealand. Hence, the five-match series against England was high on the agenda. 
 
That Sri Lanka overcame this challenge with a hard fought 3-2 win in tough conditions is indication that they are moving in the right direction. They were the losing the finalists in the last two World Cups in the West Indies (2007) and subcontinent (2011) and they want to go all the way in 2015. 
 Prior to the 2015 World Cup, there will be two short home series against <keyword id="6355117" type="COUNTRY" weightage="40" keywordseo="South-Africa">South Africa</keyword> and Pakistan, two strong outfits and then a lengthy seven-match series against New Zealand away from home just before the World Cup. These games, especially the lengthy tour of New Zealand, should get the team well prepared for a grand show in the World Cup. 
 
They will savour the ODI series win in England for many reasons. One of the things that the selectors and the team management focused on was allowing younger players in the team to take more responsibility. They will be glad that vice-captain Lahiru Thirimanne kept his cool in the series deciding final game in Birmingham to post an unbeaten half-century during a tense run chase. Thirimanne was named Man of the Match 
 Ashan Priyanjana was another player who was tried out during the series and his 43 off 33 balls with two fours and two sixes in the second game in Durham was another highlight from a <keyword id="197090" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="young-player">young player</keyword>. Fielding was another discipline that Sri Lankans were putting a conscious effort to improve on and although this tour hasn't stood out for excellence on the field, there are signs that the team is gradually getting there. The ambition for Angelo Mathews' side is to be the best fielding unit during the World Cup above New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. 
 The senior players – <keyword id="22772" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Kumar-Sangakkara">Kumar Sangakkara</keyword>, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakeratne Dilshan - all played crucial roles during the series and Sangakkara's brilliant century at Lord's in the fourth ODI, his first hundred at the Home of Cricket was the standout. 
 
The series win is doubly special as the senior players were angered by the defection of Head Coach Paul Farbrace to England's ranks, a mere two weeks before the tour. There were concerns that England had the edge with Farbrace possessing a sound knowledge of Sri Lanka's strong points and weak links. The players, particularly, the seniors were pumped up to prove that Farbrace defection wasn't a major blow. 
 
The icing on the cake was the series win resulting in Sri Lanka moving up to No 2 in the official ICC Rankings just below Australia. 
 
The idea is to knock Australia out and take the number one spot before long, but for the home series against South Africa and Pakistan they will carry on a few more experiments in order to get the combination right for the World Cup. The proof for their meticulous planning is in their ODI record as this year of the 14 ODIs they have played, Sri Lanka have won 12. With so much planning going in ahead of the World Cup, there's no reason why they should not do well in Australia and New Zealand in eight months time. 
 Everything is not perfect though. The two defeats the tourists suffered at The Oval and <keyword id="2023" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Old-Trafford">Old Trafford</keyword> saw humiliating batting collapses. In the first ODI at The Oval they were shot out for 144 as the top order failed to negotiate the moving ball well. At Old Trafford they hit a new low getting bowled out for 67 runs, their lowest against England and third lowest overall. The Sri Lankans definitely need to tighten their games when conditions aren't to their linking as it was in the case at The Oval and Old Trafford when the seam bowlers got plenty of assistance. 
 
A huge drawback was offspinner Sachithra Senanayake, who was their highest wicket-taker during the series getting reported for a suspect bowling action. Senanayake's action now will come under the microscope and his reporting has upset Sri Lanka's planning somewhat. They weren't too pleased when the bowler was reported after they had squared the series and just before the deciding ODI. 
 
It was a massive disappointment to see allrounder Thisara Perera being discarded after the first game at The Oval. The move was initiated in order to get the balance right. But Perera is not the kind of player Sri Lanka should be discarding to get the balance right. His name should be one of the first picks after the five names that are certain to play – Mathews, Malinga, Sangakkara, Jayawardene and Dilshan. 
 Mind you Perera was Man of the Match in the one off T20 international where his monstrous hitting powered the tourists to 183 runs. Perera smashed 49 off 20 deliveries with seven fours and two sixes before accounting to England <keyword id="16561" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="skipper">skipper</keyword> Eoin Morgan. Perera truly is a match-winner. 
 
For some reason, the selectors believe that Perera is better suited for T20 cricket. But the selectors having indicated that they are desperately looking at fast bowling allrounders for the 2015 campaign, there's no way they can discard Thisara Perera. 
 
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Series Win An Indication SL Moving In Right Direction

Had it been 2010 or 2012, TV shows like Yeh Moh Moh Ke Dhaage, Jaat Ki Jugni, Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh, Piyaji, Nach Baliye 8 would have never dared to open their seasons in mid April. No the high level of mercury or power cuts isn’t the reason for it. These shows had one common competition – the <keyword id="18413" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-premiere-league">Indian Premiere League</keyword> (<keyword id="6354312" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="IPL">IPL</keyword>). Move to 2017, things are quite under control. Even as the IPL series has just kicked off with loaded excitements, new shows are coming up almost every week. 
 
In fact the change started reflecting since 2013, much to the relief of the<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/vivo-ipl-2017-injury-is-the-main-concern-for-todays-delhidaredevils/articleshow/58078710.cms"> TV producers</a>. While the average <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/vivo-ipl-2017-injury-is-the-main-concern-for-todays-delhidaredevils/articleshow/58078710.cms">TVR rating </a>was 4.64 in 2012, it went down to 3.8 in 2013. In 2016, TVR of IPL series was around 3.5. 
 While IPL is one of the biggest events in small screens in India, new strategies <keyword id="1498175" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="general-entertainment-channel">General Entertainment Channel</keyword> (<keyword id="264938" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="GEC">GEC</keyword>) have ensured<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/vivo-ipl-2017-injury-is-the-main-concern-for-todays-delhidaredevils/articleshow/58078710.cms"> TV soaps </a>are not affected. 
 
Here’s how it is done: 
 
Repeat telecasts The afternoon telecast of most popular TV series is a popular strategy to make sure viewers can watch it at the slots of their choice. Channels like <keyword id="14750" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="SAB-TV">Sab TV</keyword> telecasts popular shows like <keyword id="1628580" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tarak-Mehta-Ka-Ulta-Chasma">Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chasma</keyword> almost every alternate hour. 
 
Afternoon telecasts 
The afternoons are a perfect time for homemakers who love keeping themselves entertained in the afternoons. So houses with single television set hogs onto IPL in the evening and daily soaps during afternoons. 
 
“We are launching new content in afternoon slot with varied storylines and different backgrounds that will strike a chord with viewers in that time-band around IPL so that new shows cater to <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/vivo-ipl-2017-injury-is-the-main-concern-for-todays-delhidaredevils/articleshow/58078710.cms">right audience</a> at right time band," <keyword id="28971" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="gaurav-banerjee">Gaurav Banerjee</keyword>, president and head of content studio of a leading Hindi GEC told The Times of India. 
 
Apps help too 
It is a common argument in a middle class Indian household as in which show to watch. While homemaker mothers prefer TV soaps, father wants to watch news and children want sports or movies. At such a juncture, the smartphone penetration in India has saved the GECs. With apps like Hotstar streaming the IPL matches live, most<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/vivo-ipl-2017-injury-is-the-main-concern-for-todays-delhidaredevils/articleshow/58078710.cms"> youngsters</a> prefer not to bother their mothers and instead stick to mobiles. 
 
(Image: India Times)

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