London, Dec. 17 : England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar's career is plunging towards crisis point following another poor showing for his team in the First Test against India in Chennai, the Sun reports.

Panesar failed to take a wicket in 27 overs in India's second innings despite operating on a pitch that was tailor-made for him. He was attacked for his performance by a string of cricket legends, including Ian Botham, Geoff Boycott and Shane Warne.

Experts believe that his bowling has gone backwards during the past year and he cannot think on his feet, decide what pace to bowl or even set his own field. He does not appear to know the laws, either, judging by some of his leg before wicket appeals.

Sydney, Dec. 17: Young New South Wales opener David Warner has signed a two-year deal to join Indian Premier League side Delhi Daredevils.

Karachi, Dec. 17 : Pakistan cricket vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes India has risen in Test stature primarily on the back of their prolific batters, and especially because of Sachin Tendulkar.

Haq was quick to add that Pakistan have the firepower in their bowling arsenal to tame the Indian batsmen if and when they tour Pakistan.

"All of the (Pakistan) team players are hoping that the series (against India) does take place," the Daily News quoted Misbah as saying at the National Stadium here after a match of the Pentangular Cup One-day Championship on Tuesday.

Karachi, Dec. 17 : Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has vowed to make himself fit enough to be considered for the squad for the 2011 World Cup, despite persistent injury problems.

"I believe I still got three to four years international cricket left in me. I have fully gained my fitness and looking forward to serve the country," the Daily Times quoted him as telling reporters at the Karachi National Stadium.

Dubai, Dec. 17 : ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat has identified slow over-rates and verbal abuse as two key areas that must be kept in check for cricket to maintain its feel-good factor over the coming months.

Lorgat confirmed he had written to all Emirates ICC match referees and umpires asking them to be "assertive and proactive" in dealing with the issues.

And, he added that players, and especially captains, also bore a major responsibility to ensure the game was played in the right spirit and at the right pace.

Chandigarh, Dec 16 : Security has been beefed up in Chandigarh ahead of second test match to be played between India and England in Mohali.

The Taj Hotel where both teams will be staying has been virtually turned into a fortress with hundreds of policeman guarding the Hotel premises.

"We have posted 300 security personnel in the Taj hotel and almost one thousand policemen are posted on the route of the team from the stadium to the hotel. All measures have been taken to ensure that no untoward incident takes place," said H S Doon, Superintendent of Police (Security) Chandigarh.