2021-09-08
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA-367’ arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit this morning (28th December 2024). The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions.
‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA-367’ is a 90.71m long vessel manned by 120 crew members. Meanwhile, she is commanded by Commander ANUGERAH ANNURULLAH.
During their stay in Colombo, the crew of the ship is expected to visit some of the tourist attractions in the country. Concluding the official visit, ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA-367’ is scheduled to depart the island on 30th December.
A defiant maiden Test century by Nitish Kumar Reddy brought up with No. 11 Mohammed Siraj for company, led an outstanding rearguard from India at the MCG to give them hope of at least avoiding defeat in the fourth Test although Australia were still set to take a significant first innings lead.
Reddy, who had shown his batting prowess at various stages through the series, arrived at the crease early on the third morning after a Rishabh Pant dismissal that prompted some strong reactions and was still there when bad light and rain brought an early close. He forged a stand of 127 in just under 48 overs with Washington Sundar to halt Australia in their tracks when they appeared likely to take a stranglehold on the game.
However, Reddy’s crowning moment came amid huge tension after Washington was dismissed. In what appeared to be a lack of communication, he and Jasprit Bumrah came back for a second run off the final ball of an over which exposed the No. 10 to Pat Cummins and he edged to slip as Reddy watched from the non-striker’s end on 99. But Siraj was able to negotiate three deliveries from Cummins to huge cheers from the Indian supporters.
Now, facing Scott Boland , Reddy defended two deliveries before unleashing a lofted straight drive down the ground to bring up a magnificent century, just the second of his first-class career. His father was in the crowd, among those on the edge of the seat as the landmark approached, and couldn’t contain his emotion.
When the players left the field for a second time – rain having earlier brought an early tea – Australia’s advantage had been whittled down to 116, far fewer than looked on the cards when they had India 221 for 7 before lunch. They will still hope for a lead in three figures but could now face a race against time to earn victory on a true pitch that hasn’t shown significant signs of deterioration.
The second evening had finished with Australia claiming 3 for 6 around the run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal, the ramifications of which were still being hotly debated when play resumed, with India 310 behind. Pant led the scoring early on the third morning, but fell in a manner that created many headlines when he attempted to scoop Boland over fine leg and got a leading edge to deep third. In a Test that had been dominated by Sam Konstas’ scoops, this was an example of when things go badly.
Ravindra Jadeja played a largely defensive innings before being defeated by a superb piece of bowling from Lyon who skidded one through to trap him lbw. It was just Lyon’s fourth wicket of the series but, having later made one bounce to remove Washington, he could yet have a key role to play. When Jadeja fell, India were still 253 runs adrift with the follow-on the first target as Washington joined Reddy, although there’s almost no chance Cummins would have enforced it.
Reddy had been positive when he arrived, quickly overtaking Jadeja’s score despite his partner having a 35-ball headstart. Shortly after Lyon had removed Jadeja, Reddy skipped down to the offspinner and sent him straight for six. His half century came up with a rasping back-foot drive against Mitchell Starc and, as it had previously in the series, his technique shone of someone who will be higher up the order as his career develops.
Washington, who played a vital role with the bat in the famous 2021 victory at the Gabba, was watchful throughout, collecting his first and only boundary from his 103rd ball when he sent Starc through point with an elegant drive. The selection of the extra allrounders over Shubman Gill had been the topic of much debate but they could have done little more with the bat justify it.
Washington did have one moment of fortune, in rather unusual circumstances, when he went to turn Starc through the leg side in the first over of the second new ball with it flying off the back of his bat towards second slip where Steven Smith, taken by surprise that it came in his direction, couldn’t holding on diving to his right.
There was later a moment of concern for Australia when Starc grabbed his back midway through an over. However, he appeared to come through unscathed and continued to bowl at good pace although ended the day wicketless from 25 overs as the workload of the quicks mounted ahead of the final Test in Sydney.
Mitchell Marsh was used for a spell either side of an extended tea break, but his 120kph medium pace was unconvincing although he did play a role in drying up the scoring early in the final session.
The eighth-wicket pair showed few signs of being separated until Lyon got one to bounce against Washington which took the shoulder of the bat to Smith at slip. At that point, Reddy was on 97 and the day’s most compelling few minutes was about to unfold.
Brief scores:
India 358 for 9 in 116 overs (Nitish Kumar Reddy 105*, Washington Sundar 50; Scott Boland 3-57, Pat Cummins 3-86, Nathan Lyon 2-88) trail Australia 474 by 116 runs
[Cricinfo]
The Chinese Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on 21st December 2024, departed the island today (28th December), on successful completion of its formal visit.
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Colombo port, following naval traditions.
During the official visit, the medical team aboard the hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy Medical Department, conducted comprehensive medical, dental, and clinical treatment programmes. Services included OPD treatments, eye clinics, CT scans, echocardiograms, and ultrasound examinations. Over 1,500 civilians and more than 250 tri-service personnel benefited from these medical services.
Senior officers of the hospital ship Peace Ark met with Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, for official discussions, focusing on the ship’s programmes. During the ship’s stay in Colombo, Vice Admiral Perera and the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs.
Mala Lamahewa, conducted an observation tour of the ship.
Additionally, Captain Deng Qiang, the ship’s Commanding Officer, held an official meeting with the Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe.
During its stay in Sri Lanka, the crew of hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ engaged in several activities organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to strengthen the camaraderie between the navies of the two countries. These included participation in a dragon boat race and visits to significant tourist
destinations across the island.
Moreover, a programme was held to educate officer under trainees at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University on the ship’s operational activities. In addition, the ship organized a first aid training workshop, bringing together medical teams from the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force. The workshop provided a platform to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences in first aid.
As part of the official visit of the ‘Peace Ark’ hospital ship, a consignment of essential medical supplies was also provided to naval hospitals. The occasion was also attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong.
Indonesian Naval Ship ‘KRI SULTAN ISKANDAR MUDA-367’ arrives in Colombo
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s dramatic 105* leads India’s rearguard
Chinese Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ departs island
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