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Alastair Cook: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

“The cricketing gods might look down in a bit of disgust.”

Alastair Cook is not too happy with Sri Lankan batters, who appeared to lose sight of the target in the attempt to ensure that Dinesh Chandimal reached his century at Lord’s.

What he really meant:

“The rain gods did not oblige us with a wash-out. Why should they favour Sri Lanka and particularly Dinesh Chandimal? ”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I would not have had much to say had Sri Lanka batted first.”

“I’d better say something critical before any one points out how long I took to make my ton.”

Roger Federer: What he said, really meant and definitely did not

What he said:

"It’s a good present because he [Nadal] had been struggling against him lately."

Roger Federer plays some mind games before the final claiming that he has done his rival, Rafael Nadal, a favour by knocking out Novak Djokovic.

What he really meant:

“Whom would Nadal prefer meeting in the final? An older foe or a younger one?”

What he definitely didn’t:

“I’ll roll over and play dead.”

India’s Davis Cup hopes dented by unkind draw, Serbia loom large

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India’s chances of progressing further in the Davis Cup World Group were dealt a severe blow by an unkind draw.

India have to contend with top seeds Serbia in the first round to be played in the first week of March, next year.

The Serbs have Djokovic, Tipsarevic , Troicki and Ninad Zemonjic in their ranks.

The Indians can count on Paes and Bhupathi to win their doubles rubber but the other two points will have to come from Bopanna and Somdev Devvarman.

Somdev is capable of springing a surprise but the dice are heavily loaded in the Serbians’ favour.