Former cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar had a close shave during the second India vs West Indies T20 International match here when the glass door of the commentary box at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium broke into pieces while they were standing a few feet away. The incident happened when a security official tried to close the door but it crumbled, leaving the commentary team shell shocked. Manjrekar was quick to react, saying, “Thank God we are safe. Nothing happened to us.” But the expression on the faces of other commentators said it all. The housekeeping personnel were pressed into service immediately and the commentary box was cleared of the rubble within minutes but the commentary team remained edgy all through. This wasn’t the only issue that left a sour taste and exposed the inexperience of the authorities concerned. Team buses were stuck in traffic for 20 minutes and reached the venue late.

McDermott in Australia ODI squad

Young Queensland batsman Ben McDermott was added to the Australian squad  for their remaining two ODIs against South Africa as concerns linger over the fitness of Shaun Marsh. Marsh missed the first clash for minor surgery on an abscess in his “buttock region” and selectors are worried he might not be ready in time for the next one in Adelaide on Friday. “We will monitor Shaun’s progress and give him every opportunity to prove his fitness ahead of the match,” said selector Trevor Hohns.

Aaron Finch (capt), Shaun Marsh, Travis Head, Chris Lynn, Glenn Maxwell, Darcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Ben McDermott, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Adam Zampa_

Lenders take over Pune stadium

A cricket stadium in Pune has been taken over symbolically by lenders for non-payment of  Rs 69.53 crore loan by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). The state cricket association blamed its financial troubles on non-receipt of payments from the BCCI for the last 10 months. MCA International Stadium, located at Gahunje on the outskirts of Pune, has hosted a Test match and one-day international matches in the past. Bagwan said until the BCCI gives them funds, they won’t be able to repay the dues.