MPCA to make changes in its constitution: secretary

The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) has decided to modify its constitution in the wake of the Supreme Court approving the BCCI’s new draft constitution last week, a senior official said here. The changes would be made as soon as the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) adopts its new constitution as per the ruling, he said. The proposed changes would extend the term of the MPCA officebearers to three years, he said. “As soon as the BCCI adopts its new constitution, the MPCA would also make necessary changes in its constitution in the given period and adopt new provisions,” MPCA secretary Milind Kanmadikar said.

India battled to save the Lord’s Test against England on Sunday as their batsmen once again grappled with seaming conditions under an overcast sky with rain and gloom more than a metaphor.

Unlike most parts of the subcontinent, groundsmen at England are always ready for poor weather, which often helps press the fast forward button on the game than lay the ground for a dreary draw. And India were reeling at 37/3 into the afternoon session after 80 minutes of play was lost either side of lunch due to mild drizzle with more rain forecast for the day.

England held all the cards after skipper Joe Root declared the innings at 396/7 about half-anhour into the morning session, assured a first innings lead of 289 will be enough to bring under pressure a team that had folded for 107 in the first innings.

To add to India’s concerns, skipper Virat Kohli is struggling with a stiff back. He was off the field on the third day when England batsmen were building on the groundwork laid by James Anderson and company, and again was not present during the home team’s brief batting stint on the fourth morning.

Kohli was forced to come into to bat after Ajinkya Rahane fell for 13, caught at slip off Stuart Broad, reducing India to 35/3 with their skipper the only hope between defeat and an improbable draw. James Anderson reduced India to 13/2 and India’s problems were compounded because Kohli, who had missed the 37 minutes England batted on in the morning, could come in only after that amount of time had elapsed.

It left Cheteshwar Pujara, run out in the first innings, and vicecaptain Ajinkya Rahane combating some sharp swing and seam bowling from Anderson and Chris Woakes.

Murali Vijay didn’t last an over in the first innings and fell cheaply for the fourth straight time in the series. He fell leg before in both innings at Edgbaston

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