Shiv Sena theat ends in a whimper

Mohali, Nov 2 : Hindu right-wing group Shiv Sena's threat to disrupt the fourth One-day international between India and Australia remained an empty threat here Monday.

Around 20-30 protesters turned up shouting anti-Australian slogans, but couldn't get anywhere near the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium.

Heavy police presence prevented any untoward incident. Shiv Sena had threatened to protest against racist attacks on Indians in Australia.

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Gary oversees fielding

With no fielding coach to assist him after Robin Singh was sacked, Chief coach Gary Kirsten was seen putting the Indian players through some drills early in the morning.

Kirsten gave the players some catching practice, something that Robin Singh did for two years.

Robin was sacked unceremoniously along with bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad before the one-day series against Australia got under way last month.

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Birthday boy Johnson turns 28

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson turned 28 Monday. The big screen at the PCA Stadium flashed "Happy Birthday Mitchell Johnson" and there was a huge round of applause from the crowd.

Jonson last month became the sixth player to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after being named the 2009 International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricketer of the Year at the awards ceremony.

--IANS