Cycling

Cycling, also called bicycling or biking, is the use of bicycles for transport, recreation, or forsport. Persons engaged in cycling are cyclists or bicyclists.


Bicycles were introduced in the 19th century and now number about one billion worldwide. They are the principal means of transportation in many regions.




Cycling is an extremely efficient mode of transportation optimal for short to moderate distances. Bicycles provide numerous benefits compared to motor vehicles, including exercise, an alternative to the use of fossil fuels, no air or noise pollution, much reduced traffic congestion and likelihood of causing a fatality, easier parking, greater maneuverability, and access to both roads and paths. The advantages are at less financial cost to the user as well as society (negligible damage to roads, and less pavement required). Criticisms and disadvantages of cycling include reduced protection in crashes, particularly with motor vehicles, longer travel time (except in densely populated areas), vulnerability to weather conditions, difficulty in transporting passengers, and the skill and fitness required.

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar ( born 24 April 1973) is an Indian cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in thehistory of cricket. He is the leading run-scorer and century maker in Test and one-day international cricket. He is the only male player to score a double century in the history of ODI cricket. In 2002, just 12 years into his career, Wisden ranked him the second greatest Test batsman of all time, behind Donald Bradman, and the second greatest one-day-international (ODI) batsman of all time, behind Viv Richards. In September 2007, the Australian leg spinner Shane Warne rated Tendulkar as the greatest player he has played with or against.

Tendulkar is the first and the only player in Test Cricket history to score fifty centuries, and the first to score fifty centuries in all international cricket combined; he now has 99 centuries in international cricket. On 17 October 2008, when he surpassed Brian Lara's record for the most runs scored in Test cricket, he also became the first batsman to score 12,000, 13,000 and 14,000 runs in that form of the game, having also been the third batsman and first Indian to pass 11,000 runs in Test cricket. He was also the first player to score 10,000 runs in one-day internationals, and also the first player to cross every subsequent 1000-run mark that has been crossed in ODI cricket history and 200 runs in a one-day international match. In the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, Tendulkar surpassed Australia's Allan Border to become the player to cross the 50-run mark the most number of times in Test cricket history, and also the second ever player to score 11 Test centuries against Australia, tying with Sir Jack Hobbsof England more than 70 years previously. Tendulkar passed 30,000 runs in international cricket on 20 November 2009. He also holds the world record for playing highest number of Test and ODI matches.Tendulkar has been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan award, India's second highest civilian award, and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratnaaward, India's highest sporting honor. Tendulkar became the first sportsperson and the first personality without an aviation background to be awarded the honorary rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force. He has received honorary doctorates from Mysore University and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences He won the 2010 Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for cricketer of the year at the ICC awards.

Sachin Tendulkar Records List

It is rightly said, "Sachin does not chase records, records chase Sachin." If you go about listing Sachin's Tendulkar's batting records, you will soon realize that it is an extremely tiring (and endless) job, simply because, the man keeps coming up with a new record or achievement every other fortnight! Therefore, for the purpose of simplicity (and subsequent updation), I will divide this article on Sachin Tendulkar records into various categories such as Sachin Tendulkar ODI Records, Sachin Tendulkar Test Records, Sachin Tendulkar World Records, etc. Enjoy the read!

Sachin Tendulkar ODI Records

Here are some of the records held by Sachin Tendulkar in ODIs (One Day Internationals):
Highest individual score in the history of One Day Cricket (200* versus South Africa on Feb 24, 2010 at Gwalior, read Sachin Tendulkar 200 Runs).
First and only person to score a double century in One Day Internationals.
Highest number of ODI centuries (47 ODI centuries, as of March 1, 2011).
Highest number of ODI fifties (93 fifties, as of March 1, 2010).
Most 150+ scores in ODIs (5 scores above 150).
Most ODI runs in a calender year (1,894 runs in the year 1998).
Most ODI centuries in a calender year (9 ODI centuries in the year 1998).
Most ODI centuries against a single opponent (till date, Sachin has scored 9 ODI centuries against Australia)
Most boundaries (4's) scored in ODI cricket (In his career, till date, Sachin has spanked the cricket ball across the boundary line a whopping 1,927 times!)
Speaking of boundaries, during the course of his historic innings of 200*, Sachin Tendulkar also went on to bag the record of the most number of boundaries scored by an individual in an ODI innings (25 boundary hits)
Sachin Tendulkar is now the most capped player in ODIs, having overtaken Sanath Jayasuriya of Sri Lanka (444 ODIs).
First player to score 10,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 11,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 12,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 13,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 14,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 15,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 16,000 ODI runs.
First player to score 17,000 ODI runs.
Most Man of the Match (MoM) awards in ODIs (61 MoM awards, as of March 1, 2010).
Most Man of the Match awards in World Cup Matches (8 MoM awards, as of March 1, 2010).
Most Man of the Series (MoS) awards in ODI cricket (15 MoS awards, as of March 1, 2010).
Another of Sachin Tendulkar's ODI records happens to be that of the 'most number of consecutive matches for a team'. Between 25th April 1990 and 24th April 1998, Sachin represented India in 185 consecutive ODIs.
Till date, Sachin Tendulkar has scored 1000+ ODI runs in a calendar year on 7 occasions (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2007). This is a world record.
Sachin Tendulkar was involved in a mammoth 331-run partnership for the 2nd wicket with Rahul Dravid (versus New Zealand at Hyderabad on 8th Nov 1999). Till date, this remains the highest partnership for any wicket in One Day Internationals.
The formidable pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly scored 26 hundred plus partnerships in ODIs. Of these, 21 century stands were for the opening wicket. Both of these happen to be world records.
Another lesser-known Sachin Tendulkar ODI record (also a world record) is that of most stadium appearances. In ODI cricket, till date, Sachin has played on 90 different grounds across the world (as per March 1, 2010).
In ODIs, Sachin has scored over 2,500 runs against Australia, as well as against Sri Lanka. No other batsman has managed to achieve such a feat (even against a single opponent, forget about two).Sachin Tendulkar Test Records

Here is a listing of Sachin Tendulkar's records in Test cricket:
Sachin Tendulkar has scored the highest number of Test centuries in the history of Test cricket (51 Test centuries, as of Jan 07, 2011).
On Dec 19th 2010, Sachin Tendulkar brought up his 50th Test century against the South Africans at SuperSport Park, Centurion. In the process, he became the first and only cricketer on the planet to have scored 50 Test hundreds; a phenomenal achievement in the game of cricket.
He is now the leading run scorer in Test cricket after having surpassed Brian Lara's tally of 11,953 Test runs in 2008.
Prior to Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (who broke Sachin Tendulkar's record on Aug 5, 2010), Sachin was the fastest man to reach the milestone of 8,000 runs in Test cricket (in terms of least number of innings required. Sachin had required 154 innings to cross the mark, whereas Sangakkara did it in 152 innings).
Sachin is also the joint-fastest to reach the coveted milestone of 10,000 runs in Test cricket (Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara both achieved this milestone in 195 innings).
First man to reach 12,000 runs in Test cricket.
First man to reach 13,000 runs in Test cricket.
First man to reach 14,000 runs in Test cricket.
Sachin has scored Test centuries against all Test-playing nations, a feat achieved only by a handful of international players.
When he recently stepped out onto the field in Sri Lanka to play his 169th Test Match, Sachin Tendulkar created a new record by surpassing Steve Waugh of Australia, to become the most capped player in the world in Test Cricket.
When he scored his 49th Test century against Australia at Bangalore on 11th Oct 2010, Sachin Tendulkar became the first Indian batsman to have scored 6 Test hundreds in a calendar year. The previous Indian record was 5 hundreds in a calendar year, which was jointly held by Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid and Sachin himself! A couple of months later, in Dec 2010, he brought up his 50th Test century, thereby increasing his tally of Test hundreds in the year 2010 to 7.
Sachin Tendulkar also holds the record for the most number of 150+ scores in Test cricket. (Sachin has 20 150+ scores to his credit, as of Oct 11, 2010).
In the process of scoring his 49th Test hundred, Sachin Tendulkar also brought up his 11th Test century against Australia. The only person to have scored more Test hundreds against Australia is Jack Hobbs of England, who scored all of 12 Test hundreds against the Australians.
During his innings of 214 against the Australians, Sachin Tendulkar achieved another milestone; that of aggregating 3000 Test runs against Australia. He becomes only the 3rd man in the world (after Englishmen Jack Hobbs and David Gower) to do so.
Till date, in his Test career, Sachin Tendulkar has won the Man of the Match (MoM) award 14 times, which is the highest by an Indian, and the joint 5th highest in the world. He has also been awarded the Man of the Series (MoS) award on 5 occasions.
Till date, Sachin Tendulkar has scored 1000+ Test runs in a calendar year on 6 occasions (1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2008 and 2010). This particular record of Sachin Tendulkar also happens to be a world record. Brian Lara of the West Indies and the Australian pair of Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting are all in joint 2nd place, each having achieved this feat on 5 occasions.
When he scored 217 against New Zealand in the 1999/00 season, Sachin Tendulkar broke, and is still the present holder, of the record for the highest Test score made by an Indian captain. Previously, the record was held by Sunil Gavaskar who, when captaining the side, had scored 205 against the West Indies in Mumbai in 1978/79.
Sachin Tendulkar was 17 years and 197 days old when he scored his first Test hundred. He remains the youngest Indian to have scored a Test hundred. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, Sachin happens to be 3rd on the list of youngest Test centurions in world cricket.
Till date, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have put on 19 hundred plus stands in Test cricket. This is a world record for the most number of century partnerships by a single pair in Test cricket.
When he scored his 51st Test hundred against South Africa at Cape Town, Sachin Tendulkar became the first overseas batsman to have scored 5 Test centuries on South African soil. The previous highest was 4 Test centuries by Wally Hammond of England and Neil Harvey of Australia.
Out of his 51 Test centuries, 22 have been scored at home and 29 have been scored overseas. Sachin Tendulkar's record of 29 overseas Test hundreds is a world record, not to mention an indication of his consistency and his spectacular performance away from home.
Another interesting stat (and of course, another Sachin Tendulkar record!) is that Sachin has now scored 12 Test hundreds after the age of 35. Graham Gooch of England remains the only other player to have done so.Sachin Tendulkar World Records

Over his career, Sachin Tendulkar has broken many, many world records, and has set several new ones. In addition to the many world records mentioned earlier (in the ODI and Test record sections), here is a listing of a few more of Sachin Tendulkar's world records (both in Tests as well as One Dayers):
Till date, Sachin Tendulkar remains the only player in the world to have scored 5 Test centuries before the age of 20.
Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run scorer in the history of World Cup Cricket. Till date, he has scored a total of 1,796 runs in 36 World Cup matches (spread over 5 World Cups from 1992 to 2007).
He also holds the record for the most number of runs in a single World Cup event (673 runs in the 2003 Cricket World Cup).
Sachin Tendulkar is the only cricketer to have achieved the unique double of scoring 15,000+ ODI runs and taking 150+ ODI wickets.
First batsman to score 50 International centuries (combined, Test + ODI)
First batsman to score 60 International centuries (combined, Test + ODI)
First and only batsman to score 70 International centuries (combined, Test + ODI)
First and only batsman to score 80 International centuries (combined, Test + ODI)
First and only batsman to score 90 International centuries (combined, Test + ODI)
As of March 1, 2011, Sachin has scored a whopping 98 International hundreds, and is fast-approaching another mind boggling milestone...that of scoring 100 International hundreds!
Sachin Tendulkar is the first and only player to have scored 30,000 International runs (both, Tests and ODIs combined, read Sachin Tendulkar Completes 30,000 International Runs)
On most occasions, Sachin Tendulkar's name finds mention in the record books for an endless amount of good reasons. However, there also exist a couple of reasons which the Maestro would not be particularly proud of. A lesser-known Sachin Tendulkar record (which by the way, also happens to be a world record), is that he happens to be the batsman who has been dismissed the most number of times while in the nineties. Sachin has fallen prey to the nervous nineties on 25 occasions (17 times in ODIs and 8 times in Tests). This is a world record.
Another unique record in the 'Sachin Tendulkar records list', is that he is the only player to have scored a hundred on both his Ranji Trophy debut, Duleep Trophy debut, as well as his Irani Trophy debut (all three being premier domestic cricket tournaments in India).
During the course of his magnificent innings of 120 against England at Bangalore on 27th Feb 2011, Sachin Tendulkar achieved yet another milestone; that of having scored the most number of hundreds in World Cup cricket (5 World Cup hundreds till date). He previously shared this record with 3 other players - Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh (4 World Cup hundreds scored by each of these players).
As far as 50+ scores are concerned, Sachin leads the pack by a long, long margin. He has crossed the 50 run mark on 17 occasions (this includes the 5 hundreds). Herschelle Gibbs and Ricky Ponting are second placed with ten 50+ scores each (Gibbs with 2 hundreds, Ponting with 4).
Here is another mammoth Sachin Tendulkar record. After combining both Test, ODI as well as T20 batting records and statistics, it comes as no surprise to see Sachin's name right at the top of the list of 'most boundary scorers' in International cricket. Till date, Sachin Tendulkar has scored in excess of 3,675 boundaries. Second placed in this list, is West Indian Brian Lara, who with 2594, is more than a thousand boundary hits behind Tendulkar. Ricky Ponting is in third place with 2504 (these numbers are as per March 1, 2010).
Tendulkar isn't far behind when it comes to clearing the ropes either. With a combined total of 240 sixes till date (in all three forms of cricket), Sachin has proved time and again that he is undoubtedly the most complete batsman ever...a perfect blend of power, precision and technique.
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most Man of the Match (MoM) and Man of the Series (MoS) awards in International cricket (all three forms combined). Till date, he has won the MoM award 75 times (14 times in Tests, 61 times in ODIs) and the MoS award 20 times (5 times in Tests, 15 times in ODIs). Both are world records.
Here is another of Sachin's records. He, along with Sourav Ganguly, have been involved in 38 hundred plus partnerships in International cricket (all three forms combined). This is a world record. The 12,400 runs scored by this pair in International cricket (all three forms combined) is also a world record. (Incidentally, the pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have also put on 29 century stands in International cricket, which presently places them at number 3 on the list).
Between 25th April 1990 and 24th April 1998, Sachin Tendulkar represented India in a total of 239 matches (54 Tests and 185 ODIs) without missing a single game. Till date, this remains a world record for the most number of consecutive matches for a team (all forms of International cricket).

Cricket Equipment

Cricket is becoming popular globally; day is not far when like Soccer, Cricket will become mass mania across the globe. Cricket is a religion in India and Pakistan. In India all youngsters aspire to become Sachin Tendulkar or Kapil Dev. Cricket mania or pure love of this game can be witnessed during World Cups especially if match is between India and Pakistan.

This fantastic, nerve breaking game is played between teams of eleven players each. Due to increasing interest of corporate in cricket and huge amount of money associated with the game, cricket sports equipments have become trendier.
Following are the cricket equipments:
Cricket bat: Bat is made of wood and has a long handle. It cannot be longer than 38 inches or wider than 4.25 inches. The front portion of the bat is flat and back portion has a slender curve, which gives the bat thickness and balance.

Ball: Standard circumference is 9 inches. The ball is made of cork at its center, wrapped in twine and covered with leather, which is stitched to form a seam. White ball is used in international cricket.

Stumps: These are three wooden poles of height 28 inches. It has a conical bottom and a horizontal groove across the top end. There are three stumps at each end, with two bails sitting across the top of them and are equally spaced to cover a width of nine inches.

Boundary: A rope which demarcates the perimeter of the field is known as boundary line.

Sight screen: It is the screen outside the boundary exactly parallel to the width of the pitch and behind both pairs of stumps for better visibility.
Cricket clothing is fashioned in such a way, so that it is comfortable and at the same time provides the proper protection to the players. Apart from t-shirts with collar, trousers, hats, caps, spiked shoes, and sunglasses following are the important protective wear in the game of cricket.
Leg pads: These are worn by batsmen and wicket keeper to protect themselves against the pace of the ball. Today’s pads are very light in weight but are still great protection for the batsmen. Wicket keeper’s pads are similar to batting pads, but they are shorter and lighter in weight, making them easier to move and dive around in.

Gloves: There are two types of gloves, one used by batsmen which has thick padding above the fingers. Wicket keeper wears the other gloves, which are larger in size with web between thumb and forefinger. Wicket keepers like to wear a pair of cotton inners underneath the main gloves.

Helmet: Helmet is worn by batsmen and a maximum of one close fielder or keeper. Helmet is a must to avoid any accident in the field be it full toss, top-edged or a throw, which can land on the players head.

Abdominal guard: It is high density plastic with smooth edge worn to protect the "privates" when batting against a cricket ball or other hard ball. Wicketkeepers and fielders close to the wicket should also wear it. It is also called as box, cup or cricket box.

Other cricket equipments used by batsmen are thigh pad and rib guard for the protection of thigh and chest respectively. If you've ever been hit by a quick delivery, you'll know it's always better to use the guards in the game of cricket, as much as you can so that the game becomes more fun.

With the advent of "twenty-twenty" in the international cricket, the pace and spirit of the game is at its peak. There may be cricket equipments for safer and better play on the ground but for cricket fans, every time match reaches its climax its magic catches them off guard!

2011 Cricket World Cup

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup is the tenth Cricket World Cup and is being played in Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka. It is Bangladesh's first time co-hosting a World Cup. All matches in the World Cup will be accorded One Day Internationalstatus, with all matches being played over 50 overs. Fourteen national cricket teams will compete in the tournament, including ten full members and fourassociate members. The World Cup will take place between February and early April 2011, with the first match played on 19 February 2011 with co-hosts India andBangladesh facing off at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka.The opening ceremony was held on 17 February 2011 at Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka, two days before the start of the tournament,with the final on 2 April 2011 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.


The World Cup was also supposed to be co-hosted by Pakistan, but in the wake of the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team in Lahore, the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to strip Pakistan of its hosting rights. The headquarters of the organising committee were originally situated in Lahore, but have now been shifted to Mumbai. Pakistan was supposed to hold 14 matches, including one semi-final. Eight of Pakistan's matches (including the semi-final) were awarded to India, four to Sri Lanka and two to Bangladesh.


The biggest upset of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 has been the defeat of England by Ireland.Ireland's Kevin O'Brien made 100 in just 50 balls (and a total of 113 off 63 balls), the fastest World Cup Century and Ireland made the highest successful run chase in World Cup history beating Sri Lanka's 313 against Zimbabwe at New Plymouth in New Zealand in 1992.

Cricket World Cup 2011: Host Nations

India


Cricket has been always been a major attraction in India. The sport is followed by millions of fanatics across the nation. India hopes to dazzle the tourists and travellers on holidays in India with its legendary chaotic charm and warmth.

India is an amazing maze of cultures, cuisines and diversity. If cricket drains you, turn your direction towards any of the country’s picturesque villages, stunning beaches and majestic mountains. Check out the different traditional massages, saps at various hotels in India, and get yourself rejuvenated on your holidays in India.

Delhi is hosting quite a few cricket matches and that is indeed good news for the visitors. Delhi is famous for its beauty and diversity, and visitors will surely get a dose of it at its stunning historical monuments, delicious cuisines and the hospitality of some of the most luxurious hotels in India. Delhi also serves as a base to Jaipur and Agra.

Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Kolkata are some other spectacular tourist destinations that are hosting world cup matches. Each city has an appeal of its own and there are many things to do and experience in these wonderful places. An advance booking on flights to India would be helpful to save money if you are planning to travel there during the cricket world cup 2011.
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the co-hosts of the Cricket World Cup in 2011, is promoting infrastructural development to host players and spectators. The country hopes to showcase itself at the world's third largest sporting event. Sri Lanka Tourism has announced several World Cup related packages that includes tickets to cricket matches as well as visits to nation’s tourist attractions.

Sri Lanka has some of the most incredible tourist destinations. Amazing wildlife reserves, palm-lined beaches and grand historical structures portraying the glorious Colonial, Dutch and Portuguese architecture, make a tour to this nation truly memorable.

Bangladesh

Cricket is big in Bangladesh and this is the first time the country is hosting a major sporting event. The opening ceremony of the 2011 Cricket World Cup will also be held in Bangladesh. This will surely cast a limelight on the country and provide the nation an opportunity to bolster its image as a tourist hub. Travelers and spectators are advised to take advantage of their holidays and explore this beauty rich country. Cricket World Cup 2011 will definitely encourage tours and trips to Bangladesh and offer a boost to the nation’s economy.

Complete ICC World Cup Schedule

There will be 49 games in all, and the event will go on for 43 days. Let's have a look at the groups and then move onto the actual schedule of matches in the tournament.

	Group A Match
	Group B Match
	Quarterfinals
	Semifinals
	Finals

ICC Cricket World Cup Groups Group A Group B Australia India Pakistan South Africa Sri Lanka England New Zealand West Indies Zimbabwe Bangladesh Kenya Ireland Canada Netherlands

ICC Cricket World Cup Matches Date Match Venue Feb 19 India vs Bangladesh Dhaka Feb 20 Kenya vs New Zealand Chennai Feb 20 Canada vs Sri Lanka Hambantota Feb 21 Zimbabwe vs Australia Ahmedabad Feb 22 Netherlands vs England Nagpur Feb 23 Kenya vs Pakistan Hambantota Feb 24 West Indies vs South Africa New Delhi Feb 25 Ireland vs Bangladesh Dhaka Feb 25 New Zealand vs Australia Nagpur Feb 26 Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Colombo Feb 27 England vs India Kolkata Feb 28 Canada vs Zimbabwe Nagpur Feb 28 Netherlands vs West Indies New Delhi Mar 1 Kenya vs Sri Lanka Colombo Mar 2 Ireland vs England Bengaluru Mar 3 Netherlands vs South Africa Mohali Mar 3 Canada vs Pakistan Colombo Mar 4 Zimbabwe vs New Zealand Ahemdabad Mar 4 Bangladesh vs West Indies Dhaka Mar 5 Sri Lanka vs Australia Colombo Mar 6 South Africa vs England Chennai Mar 6 Ireland vs India Bengaluru Mar 7 Canada vs Kenya New Delhi Mar 8 New Zealand vs Pakistan Kandy Mar 9 Netherlands vs India New Delhi Mar 10 Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Kandy Mar 11 Ireland vs West Indies Mohali Mar 11 Bangladesh vs England Chittagong Mar 12 South Africa vs India Nagpur Mar 13 Canada vs New Zealand Mumbai Mar 13 Kenya vs Australia Bengaluru Mar 14 Netherlands vs Bangladesh Chittagong Mar 14 Zimbabwe vs Pakistan Kandy Mar 15 Ireland vs South Africa Kolkata Mar 16 Canada vs Australia Bengaluru Mar 17 West Indies vs England Chennai Mar 18 Netherlands vs Ireland Kolkata Mar 18 New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Mumbai Mar 19 Bangladesh vs South Africa Dhaka Mar 19 Pakistan vs Australia Colombo Mar 20 Kenya vs Zimbabwe Kolkata Mar 20 West Indies vs India Chennai Mar 23 Quarterfinal: Group A (First) vs Group B (Fourth) Dhaka Mar 24 Quarterfinal: Group A (Second) vs Group B (Third) Colombo Mar 25 Quarterfinal: Group A (Third) vs Group B (Second) Dhaka Mar 26 Quarterfinal: Group A (Fourth) vs Group B (First) Ahemdabad Mar 29 Semifinal: First Quarter Winner vs Third Quarterfinal Winner Colombo Mar 30 Semifinal: Second Quarter Winner vs Fourth Quarterfinal Winner Mohali Apr 2 Final: First Semifinal Winner vs Second Semifinal Winner Mumbai

Spain national football team

The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Basque. The Spanish side is commonly referred to as La Furia Roja (The Red Fury) or La Roja (The Red [One]).


Spain are the current reigning World and European champions, having won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship. Spain also won the 1964 European Nations' Cup and reached the UEFA Euro 1984 Final. In July 2008 Spain rose to the top of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in the team's history, becoming the sixth nation to top this ranking, and the first nation to top the ranking without previously having won the World Cup. Between November 2006 and June 2009 Spain went undefeated for a record-tying 35 consecutive matches before their loss to the United States, a record shared with Brazil, including a record 15-game winning streak and thus earning third place in the FIFA Confederations Cup. Recently, the team has become known for using a style of play which involves roaming movement and positional interchange amongst midfielders, moving the ball in intricate patterns, and sharp, one- or two-touch passing; this style of play has been dubbed Tiki-taka (or Tiqui-taca), which is also associated with FC Barcelona.

Uniform Kit

Spain's traditional kit is a red jersey with yellow trim accompanied by dark blue shorts and socks while their traditional away kit is a full white kit with red and yellow trim. The colour of the socks changed throughout the 1990s from black to the same colour as the blue short. Spain's kits have been made by manufacturers including Adidas (from 1982 until 1984), Le Coq Sportif (from 1984 until 1992) and again Adidas (since 1992).


Their current home kit designed by a team led by Daniel Newlan at Adidas, is a lighter red than usual along with light blue shorts and red socks, similar to the older 2006 kit. A third kit is sometimes used and is usually blue with red and yellow trim (used currently as change kit). Rather than displaying the logo of the Spanish football federation, Spain's jersey traditionally features the coat of arms of Spain over the left breast. After winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup was added the FIFA Champions Badge as current World Champions and a golden star at the top of the emblem.

Baseball bat

A baseball bat is a smooth wooden or metal club used in the game of baseball to hit the ball after the ball is thrown by the pitcher. It is no more than 2.75 inches in diameter at the thickest part and no more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in length. It typically weighs no more than 33 ounces (1 kg). The batter uses the bat two-handed to try to hit a pitched ball fair so that he may become a runner, advance bases, and ultimately score a run or help preceding runners to score.



2011 COMBAT BASEBALL BATS

Combats first steps in 2010 have been backwards. They’re trying to recover from a poor 2011 model year by bringing back what created the buzz a few years ago in a new name and package.

Combat B3

It appears Combat has abandoned the B2 and its and is essentially bringing back the B1 as the B3. The B2’s nanocomp and MAP technologies have disappeared, essentially making this bat very similiar if not identical to the B1. As of early March it only appears to be available in youth models. It has the same single wall, stiff handle balanced design.




2011 EASTON BASEBALL BATS

I have to hand it to Easton. The NCAA bans composite bats in college baseball, so what does Easton do? The re-adjust their Stealth Speed, 100 % composite bat, and get it approved! It is the first composite bat that is approved for use in the upcoming 2010 NCAA season. If I’m ever indicted for murder my first choice for someone to represent me is Easton. These guys will do anything to sell a bat. But after this news it looks like their remaining 2011 bats are a repeat of the 2010 models. You can pre-order the bats now but they do not go on sale until April 3. Oh yeah, I’m not crazy about the look of the 2011 Easton line-up. It’s a sophomoric look that makes the bats look cheap.

Easton Stealth Speed II BSS1, BSS2 and BSS3

Let’s start with the BSS1 and BSS2. These are identical to the 2010 Easton Speed bats. They are 100% composite, two-piece bat with a slightly end-loaded design (MOI of 80). The difference between the BSS1 and BSS2 is the handle flex. The BSS1 has a flex handle (75) and the BSS2 a stiff handle (95). The BSS3 is Easton’s answer to the NCAA’s composite bat ban. They most likely re-layered the composite material in a manner where it does not break in any farther. The NCAA’s concern was that the BESR rating for a new composite bat crossed the line once it broke in a month or so later. This apparently solves the problem. Like the other Speed II’s it is a 100 composite two-piece bat with a MOI of 80. It is only available in a 33” model and there is no reason to purchase the BSS3 unless you’re in college. The BSS1/2 have white grips while the BSS3 has a black grip. This was probably done to distinguish the one approved for college play. They all retail for $399 for the Adult -3 model.

Easton Surge XL

Say hello to the SV12. The Surge is the SV12 with a different label and color. It’s a two-piece bat with a composite handle, Easton’s V12 alloy barrel, and a balanced design (MOI of 70). I’ve only seen the stiff handle version, but I’m assuming there will be a flex handle version also. The Adult -3 model retails for $299, the same as the SV12 last year.





Easton Rival XL

The Rival is identical to the 2010 V12. A 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle and low swing weight (MOI) of 60. I’ve only seen the Senior model at the present time. I’d guess the Adult -3 will retail for $199, as the 2010 V12 did.

2011 Demarini Baseball Bats

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Demarini’s line-up has been popular over the last several years and they’ve decided not to mess with it for the 2011 model year. They’re sticking to their bread and butter, two-piece, flex handle bats with their “half and half” technology. The only change being the “rotation index”. These are markings on the handle to help you grip the bat in a different spot and supposedly prolong bat life. Here’s a look at their 2011 bats:

CF4

The CF4 is a two-piece, double wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and extremely low swing weight (MOI). It is made with Demarini’s top tier composite, pitch black and is identical to the 2010 model. They say they added more silver trace technology, but they made the same claim last year. It’s made with Demarini’s pitch black plus composite, half and half technology and “hub” end cap. The CF4 is very popular but some do not like the extremely low swing weight. The Adult -3 retails for $399.99 putting it in the high end composite category. If you like this bat you can save a few dollars by finding the gold 2010 model.

Vendetta C6

The C6 is a two-piece, single wall, 100% composite bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It is made with Demarini’s second tier composite material, C6 and, hence, is their second tier composite bat. As the others, it is identical to the 2010 model. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other second tier composite bats.

Voodoo Black

The Voodoo Black is a two-piece, single wall hybrid baseball bat with a flex handle and balanced design. The handle is made with Demarini’s pitch black composite material and the barrel with their SC4 alloy. It is Demarini’s top tier hybrid bat, and is identical to the 2010 Voodoo (except for a new knob). The Adult -3 retails for $299.99 putting it in line with the other top tier hybrid bats. Same story here, if you like this bat find the 2010 model and save a few dollars.

Vendetta

The Vendetta is a two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle, with the rail technology, and a SC4 alloy barrel. The Adult -3 model retails for $249.99. You’re essentially paying an additional $50 over the Vexxum to have the rails technology in the handle.

Vexxum

The old standby Vexxum is a two-piece, hybrid bat with a balanced design and flex handle. It has Demarini’s C6 composite handle and a SC4 alloy barrel. 100% alloy bat with a flex handle and balanced design. The Adult -3 retails for $199.99. A solid low cost bat.

M2M

The M2M is a two-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff (that’s right, I said stiff and Demarini in the same sentence) handle, end-loaded (you read it right) design. It is made with Demarini’s SC4 alloy. This is Demarini’s answer to the stiff handle Louisville stands by and Easton has integrated into their line-up. It retails on the high end, $249.99 for the Adult -3 model and is identical to the 2010 model.



2011 RAWLINGS BASEBALL BATS

If you can’t beat them, copy their design and steal their name! This seems to be Rawlings strategy for the 2011 model year. Their first 2011entry is a hybrid bat called the 5150 Exogrid. Yeah, that’s right the EXOGRID! The exact name and design of Louisville’s best selling bat for the last several 4 years. I don’t know if this will replace or compliment their 2010 5150 hybrid which, by the way, had the exact design as Louisville’s 2010 H2 hybrid bat.

When K2 (parent company Jarden) bought Rawlings in 2003, Rawlings did not have bat manufacturing facilities. K2 quickly purchased Worth and Miken which provided the manufacturing facilities. So someone was making Rawlings bats (including their somewhat popular Liquid Metal model) at the time of purchase. This begs the question was Louisville manufacturing their bats, and do they still have a manufacturing agreement? We do know Louisville had an interest in purchasing Rawlings prior to K2. I just would have assumed Rawlings bats were moved to the Miken/Worth manufacturing lines soon after Miken & Worth were acquired by K2. Here’s what we know about Rawling’s 2011 line-up:

2011 5150 Exogrid

It’s a single wall, two-piece hybrid bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. As mentioned the Exogrid name and design were taken directly from Louisville. The Adult -3 retails for $299.99, which is $70 less than the 2010 Louisville Exogrid. At least they didn’t copy Louisville’s price. The composite material is inserted into the bat handle just like Louisville’s Exogrid. It is a change from the 2010 Rawlings hybrid which had the composite handle bonded to the alloy bat (just like Louisville’s H2). Their main selling point is “Ph.D technology” which is supposed to reduce vibration. This essentially means nothing. It has the same 5150 alloy barrel as their 2010 5150 alloy and hybrid models. The real question is not about this bat, it’s will Louisville continue with their Exogrid in 2011 and what will the price be?







2011 Louisville Baseball Bats

Louisville has made some minor changes to their alloy for the 2011 model year. They’ve replaced their long standing ST+20 alloy with their new AC21 Scandium alloy. They claim it’s stronger and offers a better bond with a composite handle. Since it’s only available on their hybrid models I’d say that’s the only reason they made the change. Here are the 2011 Louisville bats:





Triton

Let’s all be thankful they’ve changed the color of the 2011 Triton. It’s the same 3-piece bat made from Louisville’s 3X composite material that is “bonded into a 1-piece bat” via their bubble transition zone. The retail price remains at $399.99 for the Adult -3 model. If you like this bat you’ll save about $100 by picking up the 2010 model on the discount rack (if you can stomach the gold and blue design). Not bad for the exact same bat.



TPX Dynasty

This is Louisville’s second tier composite bat. It’s been around for awhile in a variety of names; Catalyst, Omaha Comp. It’s still a one-piece, stiff handle bat with a balanced design made with their 7C composite. The news is that they’ve price lower this year. I saw the Adult -3 model listed at $207.99 which is a fantastic price. This is a very good choice for those who want a composite bat but don’t want to break the bank. .

H2

It’s a two-piece bat with a stiff handle and balanced design. The handle is made from their 3x composite and the barrel from their new AC21 alloy. Otherwise it’s the same as the 2010 and 2009 models. The two pieces are bonded together making it appear like a one-piece bat. The Adult -3 model retail price stays at $299.99 for 2011. You may remember this bat was introduced in 2009 with a retail price of $369! It didn’t take Louisville long to figure out it was overpriced.

Exogrid 2

Louisville’s best selling bat is back for a fifth year. There is a slight change for 2011 as they have changed the alloy to their new AC21. The really big news is Rawlings release of their own Exogrid in 2011 (see Rawlings reviews). It will be interesting to see if Louisville loses some sales because of this. Unfortunately the retail price remains $369.99 for the Adult -3 model. For only $30 more you can own a 100% composite bat, or for $70 less a different hybrid bat with similar performance.

Omaha

No it’s not the energizer bunny, its Louisville Omaha and it’s still going. It’s the same bat they’ve been making for the last ten years, with some new paint. It’s a one-piece, 100% alloy bat with a stiff handle, a balanced design and the same ST-20 alloy. They did not make this bat with their new alloy, which makes it clear the new alloy is only intended to help the bonding on their hybrid bats. Amazingly, they have increased the price to $229 for the Adult -3 model. It was priced at $199 last year. It’s very odd that the price would go up on a very old design, not the smartest of moves.

2011 MIKEN BASEBALL BATS

Maybe being a freak is not such a good idea after all? Miken has dumped their Freak name after only a single year, clearly not a good sign. It’s looking like their new line-up is a rehash of the Freak line. They seem to have the same material, R900 carbon fiber and MPa7 resin. We’ll need to investigate and post the findings when they’re known. Miken, a leader in softball bats’ just can’t find the sweet spot in baseball. It looks like the 2011 model year will be no different.

MV3 BBMV3C

One-piece, 100% composite bat with a stiff handle (haven’t yet seen an additional flex handle version like they had last year) and intermediate swing weight. They do not state whether this is a single or multi-wall design. The Freak was multi-wall which makes me believe the MV3 is as well. Certainly not a good idea when most prefer a single wall design. The Adult -3 model retails for $399 making this bat the top of their line. If Miken wants to dent the baseball market they have got to have a competitive price. At this price I’m going with a proven commodity.

MV3 BBMV3H Hybrid

It’s a two-piece, multi-wall bat with a flex handle and intermediate swing weight. Like the Louisville H2 the composite handle and alloy barrel are fused together to make the bat appear to be one-piece. Again, this seems to be a facelift of the Freak hybrid. The Adult -3 model retails for $299 putting it in line with the other high end hybrid bats. Again, not the best way to get Miken bats in the hand of players and I recommend going elsewhere.

2011 Nike Baseball Bats

There is absolutely nothing new from Nike in 2011. Here what they have to offer:

Aero CX2

It’s the exact same bat as the 2009 and 2010 models. The CX2 is two-piece, 100% composite multi-wall bat with a flex handle and a balanced design. The design is similar to the Demarini CF4. If you like this bat you can save a bundle by purchasing the 2010 model which I’ve seen for $250. The 2011 Adult -3 model retails for $399.99.

Aero Fuse

It’s a two-piece, single wall hybrid bat with a flex handle and balanced design. It’s the same bat as the 2010 Aero Fuse model. The composite handle is made from the same material as the Aero CX2. The barrel is made with Nike’s Zr91 alloy.  The Adult -3 model retails for $299.99.