csconstantine.com

{

By Simon Cass Motor Racing Reporter
Last updated at 11:25 PM on 21st February 2011

The Bahrain Grand Prix has been called off after the Arab state's rulers admitted it was too dangerous to stage the opening race of the Formula One season on March 13 due to the continued political unrest.

The first race will now be held in Melbourne, Australia, two weeks later. No decision has been taken over whether Bahrain will get the chance to host a race later this year.

No go: this season's curtain-raiser has been abandoned over safety fears

The Bahrain race had been in doubt for more than a week due to anti-government protests but crown prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa has now conceded defeat.

He said: 'We must focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting to a later date.

Big decision: Ecclestone refused to confirm whether the race would be rescheduled

'Our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws us together to remind the world of the best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation.'

Agences de presses

Labels: Bahrain, cancel, country, daily, Dangerous, Formula, opener, rulers

{ By Azad Majumder

DHAKA | Sat Feb 19, 2011 7:23pm GMT

DHAKA Feb 19 (Reuters) - Favourites India launched the World Cup with fireworks from Virender Sehwag and the expected opening day big victory over their co-hosts and neighbours on Saturday but Bangladesh will surely rue their lack of ambition.

Instead of opting to bat first on a featherbed of a batting pitch after winning the toss, the home side's Shakib Al Hasan inserted India's crack batting line-up and then watched virtually helpless as they amassed an enormous total of 370-4.

Bangladesh made an early stab at the daunting seven and a half runs an over they needed for the unlikeliest of wins before a conservative approach bogged them down and from then on the match as a contest was all but over.

In the end, India moved on to a far more serious test of their title credentials -- at least on paper -- against England on Feb 27 with a comfortable 87-run victory and Bangladesh departed with heads held still high after a respectable 283-9.

Sehwag did most to enhance an already formidable reputation as a match-winner with easily his highest one-day score which even threatened to eclipse South African Gary Kirsten's World Cup record 188 not out before he dragged Shakib on to his stumps.

The fact that he played much of his innings with a runner after tweaking his knee attempting a quick single spoke volumes for his striking power which enthralled the India fans and did much to silence most of the 25,000 capacity crowd.

EARLY DEMISE

Sehwag, who earlier had a mix-up with Sachin Tendulkar which led to the latter's early demise for 28 in a run out in his record-breaking 445th ODI appearance, hit five sixes and 14 fours often without moving his feet because of the injury.

It was an extraordinary exhibition of power hitting and an enviable eye for a ball.

He was given super backing by the 22-year-old prospect Virat Kohli, who reached an unbeaten 100 in the final over showing excellent technique, but the combination of a flat track and an innocuous attack hardly tested either batsmen.

Nevertheless, Sehwag, who said he had not thought about surpassing the magical 200 mark or particularly concentrated on Kirsten's record, believes India have unearthed a real gem in his partner on Saturday.

"Kohli played very well. I think he is showing that he is a very mature batsman now. He is not throwing his wicket away, he is quick learner," he said.

It was, however, not all positive news for Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

His volatile seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth had the kind of a day he will want to forget in a hurry, bowling with fire but precious little accuracy or guile and conceding a rapid 53 without reward from five wayward overs.

Agences de presses

Labels: ANALYSISCricketSehwag, India, learn, little, opener, Reuters, shines