Shahrukh downplays England skipper Hussains comments

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan on today played down former England skipper Nasser Hussain's controversial "donkey" remarks against some Indian players, saying they should not be taken at face value.

"Some of the expressions in English language are differrent. They should not be taken at face value," said the actor at a media conference related to Nokia Champions T20 League. "Log mujhe bhi Gadha bolte hai but sher sher hota hai, (People call me a donkey too but a lion is a lion)" he added.

The former England captain had earlier termed some of the Indian players as "donkeys" in fielding, during the one-off T20 match against England had enraged a lot of former cricketers and the BCCI. Shah Rukh though mentioned that somethin on the lines of comments made by Hussain would not happen when the England team tours India.

"We are one of the finest teams in the world. One does not turn into a donkey from a tiger just because some one says so," he added saying that the team needs to be supported now as much as it was after the World Cup.

The Bollywood star also condemned Wednesday's bomb blast outside the Delhi High Court, which killed 12 people and injured over 70.
"Any act of terrorism is an act of cowardice. We need to condemn it. I pray for all those (victims)," he added.

Zaheer Khan Doubtful: to miss rest of the Test

Zaheer Khan was suffering from hamstring strain as it was suspected earlier when he left the middle after bowling three deliveries in his 14th over.

The injury was an unfortunate incident which is bound to affect the predictions for the series because till he went back to the dressing room Zaheer was simply unplayable.

After lunch, Zaheer kept England under intense pressure; he bowled 5.3 overs without a run being scored off the bat. Trott and Kevin Pietersen had to endure tight lines and teasing lengths, and had to be careful.

Zaheer is the most complete seam bowler in the world at present. Zaheer's skills are more varied: he can swing the new ball both ways, also cut the old ball both ways, and then cup the ball when it is roughed up on one side to reverse swing it. He does all that while using the crease and bowling from both over and around the wicket. The batsman never knows what Zaheer is thinking.

One key to success in Test cricket - is patience. Zaheer is never in a rush to get his men. He works them out in spells. He is willing to play the waiting game. Perhaps, he gets some sadistic pleasure out of playing with his catch, having already hooked the bait.

Due to this suffering it could be forced to miss the remaining four days of the match But he knows that if India have to maintain their No. 1 Test ranking they need a fit Zaheer back.

Bad weather delays: India vs England at Lord

The historic first Test of a high-profile four-match Test series between India and England has been delayed due to bad weather at the Lord's cricket ground in London.

The fickle English weather, however, could play spoilsport as rain is predicted on all the five days of the match which has generated a lot of interest.
Gloomy weather played spoilsport to the start of the proceedings as covers were on and off due to passing drizzles as the umpires checked and re-checked the turf to get the game going.

Cricketers the world over are waiting with bated breath to see India and England play the 2000th Test match at the Lord`s in London