Cricket: South Africa Proposed as Champions Trophy Host

Page last updated at 13:55 GMT, Wednesday, 11 March 2009

S Africa proposed as Trophy host:

Australia were unable to defend the Champions Trophy in 2008 South Africa should host this year's Champions Trophy, originally set for Pakistan, an International Cricket Council committee has recommended. The tournament had initially been set to take place in September 2008 but was postponed because of security concerns. Cricket South Africa was put forward to hold the tournament when Sri Lanka said they could not stand in and a final decision will be made on 16 March. A single city will host the 12-day eight-team competition in September. The ICC chief executives' committee proposed South Africa and the decision is expected to be ratified at the ICC board meeting in March, subject to agreement over financing the tournament. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The meeting agreed we had to do everything possible to ensure the ICC Champions Trophy is a successful event." The event will take place between 24 September and 5 October and it was decided South Africa would be the most suitable venue as Sri Lanka could not guarantee there would be no rain. Lorgat added: "On that basis it was felt that it would be too great a risk to stage the tournament in Colombo at a time of year when there was a distinct possibility of rain. "This was especially relevant given the length of this year's ICC Champions Trophy has been reduced to 12 days - part of our desire to make it a short, sharp event - as on that basis there would be no room for reserve days. "South Africa was a successful and excellent host of the ICC World Twenty20 at much the same time of year two years ago and the weather pattern in the area around Johannesburg in September and October is stable and ideal for cricket." Pakistan will receive revenue from the tournament regardless of which country hosts it. The committee also recommended the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 be staged between 30 April and 16 May in West Indies. The 2009 tournament will be hosted by England between 5 and 21 June.

Cricket ODI: Sehwag brings India's first series win in NZ

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sehwag brings India's first series win in NZ

Star Indian batsman Virender Sehwag celebrates after scoring his century in the fourth one-day international against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton yesterday. He was unbeaten on 125.Photo: AFPAfp, Hamilton

India sealed their first ever one-day international series in New Zealand on Wednesday after Virender Sehwag smashed a brutal quick-fire century in the rain-shortened fourth match.

India won by 10 wickets to go 3-0 up in the five-match series as openers Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir treated the New Zealand bowling attack with disdain.

New Zealand scored 270 for five in 47 overs in their innings and more rain interruptions saw India declared the winners after reaching 201 for none from 23.3 overs.

Sehwag scored 125, reaching three figures off just 60 balls to record the seventh fastest one-day century ever and the fastest by an Indian player, ensuring India's first one-day series win in New Zealand in six attempts.

Sehwag's armoury of pull shots, drives and cuts saw the opener finish with 14 fours and six sixes from his 74 ball innings.

The squat 30-year-old now has 11 ODI centuries in a career known more for brute force than deft touches, and he said after his latest hundred he was loving the flat pitches and short boundaries in New Zealand.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni described Sehwag's batting as "amazing to see".

"That was the key, we wanted to play our natural cricket and that's what they were doing," he said of the opening pair.

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori described the result as "a good old-fashioned hiding".

"We didn't really get ourselves in the game, (were) a little bit short with the runs and then Sehwag and Gambhir played outstandingly to take the game away from us."

Gambhir was the perfect partner for Sehwag, turning over the strike with frequent singles while still finishing with 63 runs off 67 balls.

New Zealand's bowlers were grim-faced after a nightmare match, with nothing they tried working against the rampant opening pair.

They have had a series to forget against the star-laden Indian line-up, who hit 392-4 in the previous one-dayer in Christchurch at the weekend.

Debutant Ewen Thompson, Iain O'Brien and Jacob Oram were all hit for at least 10 runs an over in Hamilton.

Earlier, New Zealand battled to 270 for five, after openers Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder got the home side off to a flying start, putting on 102 for the first wicket.

McCullum anchored the top of the New Zealand innings, top-scoring with 77 from 95 balls in a carefully paced knock, including seven fours and two sixes.

Ryder followed his century in the third ODI in Christchurch with 46, and was the first out after skying an attempted sweep off part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh to Suresh Raina at square leg in the 20th over.

India's spinners put the brakes on the middle stages of New Zealand's innings, restricting the scoring as wickets fell at regular intervals.

As in Christchurch, where the opening pair put on 166 runs, the innings lost its way after Ryder and McCullum were prised apart, with five wickets falling in the space of 73 runs and 17 overs.

But a late surge by Peter McGlashan -- standing in as wicketkeeper while McCullum recovers from a thumb injury -- with an undefeated 56, and Grant Elliott (35 not out) added valuable runs in the last 11 overs.

McGlashan scored his first ODI half century in just his third one-day international to keep New Zealand's hopes alive with six fours and a six off 42 balls.

Irfan Pathan was the most economical of the Indian bowlers, finishing with one for 14 off five overs.

Ishant Sharma, returning from a shoulder injury, gradually found some rhythm after a wayward start to end with two for 57 from eight overs.

Cricket ODI: Masterful Sachin- India win Christchurch cracker

Monday, March 9, 2009

Masterful Sachin
India win Christchurch cracker

India legend Sachin Tendulkar raises his bat after reaching his century during a sparkling knock of 163 against New Zealand in the third ODI at Christchurch on Sunday. Photo: AFPAfp, Christchurch
An unbeaten 163 by Sachin Tendulkar led India to a comprehensive 58-run win over New Zealand in the third one-day international here Sunday and ensured they cannot lose the series.
Tendulkar, utilising his full array of textbook and improvised shots, was the standout figure as India scored 392 for four after being sent into bat first.
It was the highest international ODI score against New Zealand, but the Black Caps were on target to overhaul it when they reached 166 without loss before the middle order self-destructed and they were all out for 334.
The win, completed in 45.1 overs, gave India an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series with only two matches remaining.
New Zealand had reason to think luck was on their side when they won the toss and had an early success with the dismissal of Virender Sehwag, India's dangerman in their previous matches, for only three.
Gautam Gambhir followed for 15 and India were two for 65 in the 13th over when India stepped up to a level New Zealand had no answer for.
Yuvraj Singh joined the imperious Tendulkar and they piled on 138 in 16.4 overs for the third wicket.
During the batting power play they added 69 runs with overs of 13, 13, 12, 17 and 14, propelling India from 105 after 20 overs to 206 after 30.
Yuvraj kept his running to a minimum, with 10 boundaries and six sixes in his 87 which came off only 60 balls.
On a ground with short boundaries, the Indian innings produced 18 sixes in all, equalling the world record for an international innings, and New Zealand added 13 to set a record 31 sixes in a match.
Tendulkar contributed five of them and also clouted 16 fours with his 163 coming from 133 balls, before he retired hurt with a pulled stomach muscle in the 45th over, leaving the field to a standing ovation.
"It's a pleasure to watch Sachin," said Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who also kept the kept the scorers busy as he cracked 68 from 58 deliveries to continue the destruction of the New Zealand bowlers.
"The kind of shots he can play, he's an amazing batsman. He hits the ball everywhere, all over the park."
New Zealand's stand-in captain Brendon McCullum echoed his admiration.
"The way Sachin played was outstanding," he said.
"It was obviously pretty tough trying to control such great players and in the end we didn't bowl well enough."
The 20-year-old New Zealand quick Tim Southee went for a humbling none for 105 off 10 overs.
The most successful of the New Zealand bowlers was Kyle Mills with two for 58, while Jacob Oram took none for 34 off eight.
Faced with a mammoth total and an asking rate of 7.86 per over, New Zealand had no choice but to attack from the start and Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder raced to 166 by the 22nd over before the innings fell apart.
Ryder pushed the ball to Suresh Raina, who had not been comfortable out in the field, but this time he fired a return straight back to wicketkeeper Dhoni and McCullum was run out for 71.
Ross Taylor made seven before stepping out of his crease seeking a possible leg bye, whereupon he was run out by a perfect shy at the stumps from Yuvraj.
The Indian fielding, which had seen Ryder dropped on 43 and McCullum let off on 38, was suddenly on song.
When Martin Guptill fell leg before wicket to Yuvraj, New Zealand were 182 for three with the wickets falling in 21 balls.
Ryder posted his first ODI century before playing a half-hearted shot and was caught by Zaheer Khan off Harbhajan Singh for 105, including 12 boundaries and four sixes.
But there was no other New Zealand innings of note until bowlers Mills and Southee came together at 251 for eight and restored a little pride after the pasting they took with the ball.
Mills cracked 54 and Southee 32 before they fell in successive balls to end the game.

Sri Lankans recover after attacks

Page last updated at 09:39 GMT, Thursday, 5 March 2009

Paranavitana had surgery to remove a bullet lodged in his chest Sri Lankan cricketers Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana have undergone surgery after being hurt in the attacks in Pakistan. Samaraweera had shrapnel removed from his right leg, while Paranavitana had a bullet lodged in his chest. Seven players were injured in the ambush in Lahore and six police officers and two civilians were killed. Spinner Ajantha Mendis will remain in hospital after he had two operations to remove shrapnel from his back and head. He is not expected to play for between four-to-six weeks. "I am feeling better, and happy to be with my wife," Samaraweera said. The 32-year-old was among the most seriously wounded of the seven Sri Lanka players and has set his sights on a return to cricket in July. "Realistically, I will rest and recuperate for a few weeks and the surgeon says I should be able to resume training towards the end of April or early May," said Samaraweera, who on Monday became only the sixth batsman in history to score back-to-back double Test hundreds. Doctors removed shrapnel from the shoulder of vice-captain Kumar Sangakkara and from the arm of British assistant coach Paul Farbrace. "Sangakkara will be discharged Thursday and the others in due course. None of them had grave injuries," said Geethanjana Mendis, director general of the Sports Ministry medical unit. "They will be back in action in a few weeks time." Skipper Mahela Jayawardene was discharged from hospital after treatment for a minor leg injury, while Thilan Thushara and Sampath Lakmal also underwent hospital treatment. The entire 25-member squad was checked out by medical staff on their return to Sri Lanka and only six were kept in hospital. Police stepped up security at the Nawaloka hospital where the players were being treated with plain-clothed officers placed outside their hospital rooms along with regular police. No cricket fans were allowed to visit the players, with only immediate family members given access.

Cricket: Pakistan's tour of Bangladesh off

Page last updated at 09:30 GMT, Thursday, 5 March 2009

Pakistan captain Younus Khan inspects the bullet-ridden Sri Lankan bus Bangladesh have postponed Pakistan's forthcoming tour of the country following government advice about security concerns. The decision comes two days after seven people were killed following an armed attack on the Sri Lanka team in Lahore. The tour was set to begin on 10 March and encompass two Twenty20 matches and five one-day internationals. "A fresh itinerary will be announced later," read a Bangladesh Cricket Board statement. The Bangladesh capital Dhaka was the scene of a bloody mutiny last week involving the country's border guards that left 74 people dead. The BCB's decision is a fresh blow for Pakistan, who had announced a 16-man squad for the tour on Wednesday. However, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief executive Salim Altaf told BBC Radio 5 Live he is expecting a revised itinerary from the Bangladesh cricket authorities in the near future. "If beefed-up security measures are to be put into place, and that's going to take a little bit of extra time, the postponement is fine with us," he said. The PCB is already suffering financial losses following a 14-month hiatus of Test cricket. Captain Younus Khan, recently appointed to succeed Shoaib Malik for the two-Test Sri Lanka series, has urged the International Cricket Council to ensure Pakistan does not become a pariah destination. 606: DEBATE Pakistan would probably need to move to Dubai for the next few years The one true gooner (formerly PFG) "It is up to the ICC and the bosses from around the world to make sure that cricket is not lost in Pakistan because of a couple of mad people," Younus told Cricinfo. "They must think about all the factors, including what will become of the youngsters of Pakistan. It would be very easy right now for the ICC and the bosses to say there will be no cricket in Pakistan. "But the future will not be good if cricket is taken away from my country." Pakistan had been scheduled to hold the Champions Trophy in September 2008, but the tournament was postponed because of security fears. And the ICC announced in February it was seeking a new host country for the competition, a further setback for the beleaguered PCB. New Zealand are considering whether to cancel a tour of Pakistan in December.

Cricket ODI: India Win First ODI Against New Zealand

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

India win in rain

Afp, Napier

The strike power of Virender Sehwag, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina delivered India a 53-run win in a rain-marred opening one-day international against New Zealand here Tuesday.

It was the perfect response from India after they lost the two Twenty20 matches which opened their tour.

With the match first reduced to 38 overs each, under the Duckworth-Lewis system New Zealand were set an imposing target of 278 in reply to India's 273 for four.

They were already watching the run rate rise at an alarming pace when a second rain disruption revised the target to 216 from 28 overs, meaning New Zealand needed 105 from the remaining 7.1 overs.

They flayed away, but the game was already gone and at the close New Zealand were 162 for nine.

The damage was done at the start when opener Sehwag set the pace with a typically aggressive 77 and Dhoni provided stability through the innings with an unbeaten 84.

But when it became obvious the run rate would be crucial after the first two-hour rain break, Raina blazed away for 66 off 39 balls to put India in a secure position.

The pre-match hype had focused on Sachin Tendulkar's first appearance on tour, but his was a subdued performance by comparison.

He was removed in the 10th over for 20 when the big-hitting Sehwag had pushed the team score to 69.

The early dismissal of Tendulkar, caught behind by Brendon McCullum off Ian Butler, gave New Zealand their only bright moment in the game.

Sehwag and Dhoni upped the tempo and reached 121 in the 19th over, until Sehwag's punishing spell ended when he belted Vettori towards the boundary only to see Ross Taylor take a magnificent catch diving to his left.

Raina increased the pace further as he clubbed five boundaries and four sixes putting on 110 in 74 balls for the fourth wicket with Dhoni until he was caught by Iain O'Brien off part-time bowler Grant Elliot.

When New Zealand started their innings they never looked like reeling in the run rate.

They faced 11 dot balls before McCullum, the hero of the Twenty20s, was out for a duck and New Zealand were one down for none.

By the 16th over, New Zealand were 81 for three, the run rate was over nine, and Jesse Ryder and Taylor had joined McCullum back in the pavilion.

Martin Guptill put some backbone into the innings with 64 off 70 deliveries, the only New Zealand batsman to reach 50, but his dismissal sparked a dramatic collapse with four wickets falling in five balls.

Harbhajan Singh had Guptill caught by Gautam Gambhir and next ball Neil Broom was stumped by Dhoni.

Kyle Mills survived one ball, to deny Harbhajan the hattrick, before he was caught by Sehwag at slip and Ian Butler holed out in the deep to Zaheer Khan on the first ball of the next over.

At 132 for nine it was left to Vettori and O'Brien to bat out the remaining four overs.

The second match of the five-game series is in Wellington on Friday.

India look to Tendulkar:First ODI against New Zealand today

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

India look to Tendulkar
First ODI against New Zealand today

Indian cricket great Sachin Tendulkar sends down a delivery during training in Napier on Monday, ahead of their first one-day international against New Zealand today.Photo: AFPAfp, Napier

India are set to recall record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar as they head into a one-day series against New Zealand that starts here today looking to bounce back from two Twenty20 defeats.

Tendulkar, who sat out the Twenty20 games, was brought on the tour specifically for the one-day internationals and Tests and Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is confident he will boost the tourists.

"When you're playing against him, it plays on your mind," he said of Tendulkar, who has amassed a record 16,440 runs in 422 ODIs.

"It's not just his batting and bowling, you see the amount of contributions he makes with his experience," he added.

But the home side will be hoping they can repeat their successes against the master batsman during India's 2002-03 tour of New Zealand, when Tendulkar had a dismal run with innings of a duck, one and one.

Skipper Daniel Vettori said New Zealand had strategies in place to deal with Tendulkar but they would have to be precise.

"You can have plans for him but it has to be inch-perfect," he said.

Dhoni played down the opening losses, saying the games had given his side valuable time in the middle.

"We know everyone is in good nick and each and every one is playing his shots that he normally plays," Dhoni said.

"I feel we are batting in the right areas and hopefully the mistakes are quite easy to avoid."

And Vettori is not getting carried away with his side's two victories in the 20-over version of the game.

"I think our team will be feeling good, but in saying that, India have played some great cricket over the last year or so, so they will still be confident," Vettori said.

"They know they can bounce back from these performances [in the Twenty20s]. We knew right from the start we had to play some very, very good cricket if we want to compete and beat India and that's the same mantra we will have throughout the one-day series."

New Zealand will be at full strength for the first ODI on Tuesday, with the injury-prone Jacob Oram returning to bowling duties after playing as a batsman in the Twenty20s.

"I'll look to bowl him a few overs. It definitely won't be a full spell, but even a little bit of him makes a big difference so we'll probably choose between Ian Butler and Tim Southee in terms of the final seamer," Vettori said.

Kyle Mills also returns after recovering from an Achilles problem and will be a valuable addition to an attack that was battered in the opening overs of the Twenty20s by Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina.

The right-armer, and world's third-ranked ODI bowler, has enjoyed success against India, taking 16 wickets at 27.87 in 13 matches.

Vettori said New Zealand are likely to bat first if they win the toss because the lights at McLean Park are less bright than others around the country.

India have one injury concern, with fast bowler Ishant Sharma a doubt after injuring his shoulder in the second Twenty20.

TEAMS
NEW ZEALAND: Jesse Ryder, Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Jacob Oram, Neil Broom, Grant Elliott, Daniel Vettori (captain), Kyle Mills, Ian Bulter or Tim Southee, Iain O'Brien.

INDIA: Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar or Munaf Patel, Zaheer Khan.

Cricket Test: Ramnaresh Sarwan hit a magnificent 291

Page last updated at 21:44 GMT, Sunday, 1 March 2009 West Indies v England 4th Test Barbados, 26 Feb-2 March 2009

Fourth Test, Barbados (day four, close): England 600-6 dec & 6-0 v West Indies 749-9 dec By Paul Grunill Sarwan acknowledges the crowd's applause for his 452-ball innings Ramnaresh Sarwan hit a magnificent 291 to lead West Indies to their best-ever score in Barbados on day four of the fourth Test against England. Sarwan shared a sixth-wicket stand of 261 with Denesh Ramdin as the home side reached 749-9 declared, their third highest total on any Test ground. Skipper Chris Gayle called a halt when Ramdin was bowled for 166 by Graeme Swann, who had figures of 5-165. Trailing by 149, England then survived two overs to end play on 6-0. The tourists must now look to avoid potential embarrassment on the final day, knowing their chance of a series-levelling victory has gone, having lost the opening game in Jamaica. Resuming on 398-5, West Indies soon collected the three runs they needed to avoid the follow-on. And as the morning session wore on, a run-out appeared the most likely way England would bag a wicket as Sarwan and Ramdin played seam and spin with equal ease, their only cause for alarm coming when their calling went awry. Sarwan reached the second double century of his Test career with a top edge for four off Jimmy Anderson. And he greeted the introduction of Stuart Broad with a glorious cover drive for four. England wasted their one remaining referral of the innings when Ryan Sidebottom's appeal for an lbw against Sarwan was turned down - a decision upheld by the TV umpire because the ball had pitched outside leg stump. The tourists had cause to rue their haste when Ramdin, on 32, survived an appeal for a catch down the leg-side by keeper Tim Ambrose off Paul Collingwood - a decision they could not contest - despite replays suggesting the ball had flicked the inside edge. Collingwood was arguably England's best bowler during a lengthy spell either side of lunch, mixing up off and leg cutters with an occasional quicker delivery. But Sarwan and Ramdin were in no mood to give away their wickets on such a benign surface. A long hop from Ravi Bopara in the afternoon session was despatched by Sarwan to bring up 500 for West Indies, and two runs off Collingwood carried him to 250. Andrew Strauss rotated his bowlers at regular intervals, but England looked drained of inspiration. It was not until the arrival of the third new ball that they posed any significant threat. Although Ramdin brought up his century with a tickle to fine leg, the partnership came to an end when Sarwan, having cracked the previous ball for four, was bowled through the gate by a perfect inswinger from Sidebottom. Strauss and Kevin Pietersen were quick to shake Sarwan's hands as he walked off to a deserved ovation after an 11 hour 40 minute innings, although his feelings must have been mixed having come so close to joining Brian Lara, Garfield Sobers, Gayle and Lawrence Rowe on the list of West Indies batsman to post a triple century. Despite his departure, England's torment continued as Taylor, buoyed by a recent hundred in New Zealand, adopted an aggressive approach for the start of his innings. An attempted bouncer from Sidebottom was deposited into the Greenidge and Haynes stand with a resounding thwack from the blade of his bat, and he later repeated the stroke off the same bowler before hammering a full toss square for four. Taylor's third six was another clean hit, this time back down the ground off a slower ball from Bopara, and he reached his fifty by cutting Swann behind square for four. HIGHEST WEST INDIES TEST TOTALS 790-3 dec v Pakistan, Jamaica 1958 751-5 dec v England, Antigua 2004 749-8 dec v England, Barbados 2009 747 v South Africa, Antigua 2005 It was his last scoring stroke, however, as Swann deceived him with a well-flighted delivery which hit the top of off stump. Ramdin continued on remorselessly past 150 and Sulieman Benn launched Swann over mid-wicket for four before he was caught behind for 14 trying to pull a rising delivery from Anderson. The innings came to an end when Ramdin, after facing 268 balls and hitting 20 boundaries, tried unsuccessfully to angle Swann into the off-side and was bowled. It left England facing an anxious few minutes against Fidel Edwards and Daren Powell armed with the new ball. But, although the former in particular found more zip than the England attack, Strauss and Alastair Cook saw off the danger with relative comfort.

Cricket: Mahela looks back

Sunday, March 1, 2009
Mahela looks back:

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene plays a shot during training at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore yesterday.Photo: AFPAfp, Lahore

Departing Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said the pinnacle of his tenure was lifting his team to the World Cup final in the Caribbean two years ago.

The 31-year-old relinquishes captaincy after the second and final Test against Pakistan starting in Lahore from today, ending a three-year stint during which Sri Lanka finished runners-up to Australia in the 2007 World Cup.

"It is difficult to put my finger on it but playing the World Cup final was the big plus point in my career, it was a great honour," said Jayawardene of the match, in which Sri Lanka lost to defending champions Australia by 53 runs.

Jayawardene, who took over from Marvan Atapattu in 2006, has led Sri Lanka in 27 Tests, winning 15 and losing seven. The remaining five Tests ended in draw.

His team drew 1-1 against England in 2006. He led Sri Lanka to their first-ever Test win in the West Indies before squaring the two-Test series 1-1 last year.

The inspirational Jayawar-dene also led Sri Lanka in 94 one-day internationals with a win-loss record of 54-35. The remaining five matches ended in no results.

Jayawardene said a captain is as good as his team.

"When you are doing well as a team, you always enjoy the captaincy and when you are not doing well the captain goes through that difficult time, you are as good as your team.

"When the team is in good confidence then the captain's job becomes much easier," said Jayawardene, who described a one-day series defeat against India earlier this month as one of his low points.

"Losing one-dayers to India (4-1) and England (3-2 in October 2007) hurt because they were the home series. Otherwise I have enjoyed the captaincy thoroughly and it has been a great honour for me."

Jayawardene termed it a final decision, saying there were enough candidates to take the reins from him.

"No one took the life away from me in the first place. It was my decision (to step down) which I took and at the right time. I am sure that we have so many guys who could lead the side in the future.

"My duty is to help the new captain achieve his goals. I hope this kind of opportunity will not come my way again because we have good leaders who can take us to higher levels."

Wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara is seen as the potential replacement for Jayawardene.

Sri Lanka's next assignment is Twenty20 World Cup to be held in England in June before they host Pakistan for a three-Test and five one-day match series in July-August.

Cricket 1st Test: Australia all-pace against SA begins today

Thursday, February 26, 2009
Australia all-pace
1st Test against SA begins today

CricInfo, Johannesburg

South Africa's tour of Australia was such a short while ago that it feels like this is the fourth Test in a six-match series. Following their 2-1 win, South Africa headed home and their players had a break of sorts, although there was some domestic cricket on the calendar. Australia faced New Zealand in a one-day contest before rushing to the airport to set off for Johannesburg.

Australia enter the series, which begins at the Wanderers today, hanging on by a fingernail to their No. 1 Test ranking. They avoided handing it over at the Sydney Cricket Ground last month but a South African series win this time will mean the end of the long reign of Ricky Ponting's men.

It's only three years since Australia's last Test tour of South Africa but a lot has changed in that time. Only three members of the current squad -- Ponting, Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey -- made that trip. Where once there was Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee, there are now names like Bryce McGain, Phillip Hughes and Ben Hilfenhaus. How Australia's newer faces handle the pressure of a Test tour will be a key factor in the final results. There are no such squad issues for South Africa, who have retained the core group that won in Australia and have such a strong line-up that Ashwell Prince couldn't find a spot.

The other fascinating part of the series will be how the two teams use the umpire referrals. Neither side has played under the trial system, which will be overseen in all three Tests by Billy Bowden, Asad Rauf and the retiring Steve Bucknor.

Dale Steyn lived up to the hype in Australia and finished as the leading wicket taker and was a major reason why South Africa won the series. On his home pitches he will again prove a handful, particularly if the prodigious swing that is expected does happen. As if he wasn't threatening enough, he has spent his time off toughening up by wrestling crocodiles.

Phillip Hughes will become Australia's youngest Test debutant since Craig McDermott in 1984 when he walks out on Thursday at the age of 20 years and 88 days. A supremely talented left-hand opening batsman, Hughes has piled up runs for New South Wales over the past 18 months but his most striking characteristic is his ability to perform on big occasions. They don't come much bigger than a tour of South Africa where the No. 1 ranking is on the line and the ability of Hughes and Simon Katich to provide strong starts will be critical to Australia's chances.

South Africa have named a 12-man squad for the first Test and there isn't much doubt about who will play. The left-arm fast bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe has been included but will almost certainly be the man to miss out as the settled group that beat Australia at home continues its push for the No. 1 spot. The spinner Paul Harris is likely to play in a team that was so good in Australia that Prince could not break back into the side having fully recovered from his broken thumb.

The rain and pitch conditions at the Wanderers have encouraged Australia to name a 12-man squad with both the specialist spinners Bryce McGain and Nathan Hauritz left out. It means an all-pace attack and the main decision now is whether to include the medium-pace allrounder Andrew McDonald or go for four out-and-out fast men in Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus. The batsman and handy off-spinner Marcus North should have confirmed his Test debut thanks to his strong performance in the tour match in Potchefstroom. However, the only one of the three uncapped men in Australia's 12 who is certain of making his debut is the opener Phillip Hughes.

TEAMS
SOUTH AFRICA (likely): Graeme Smith (captain), Neil McKenzie, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Mark Boucher, Morne Morkel, Paul Harris, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini.

AUSTRALIA (from): Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Ben Hilfenhaus, Andrew McDonald.

Umpires: Billy Bowden and Steve Bucknor.

Younus Targets Lara Test Record- First Test, Karachi

Page last updated at 12:20 GMT, Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Younus targets Lara Test record

First Test, Karachi (day four, close): Sri Lanka 644-7 v Pakistan 574-5 Younus becomes only the 20th batsman to score a triple Test century Younus Khan has Brian Lara's Test record score in sight after finishing day four of Pakistan's first Test against Sri Lanka on 306 not out. With the match destined for a draw, Younus is certain to start day five with Lara's 400 in sight on a batsman-friendly wicket in Karachi. Pakistan finished on 574-5 after safely passing the follow-on mark of 444. Younus received support from Misbah-ul-Haq (52) and Faisal Iqbal (57) as Sri Lanka toiled on a flat pitch. The captain became only the third Pakistani to score a triple Test century and the 20th batsman to surpass the 300-mark. Hanif Mohammad's 337, set in 1958 against the West Indies in Barbados, remains the highest score by a Pakistani, eight runs ahead of Inzamam-ul-Haq's 329 against New Zealand in 2002. HIGHEST INDIVIDUAL TEST INNINGS SCORES 400: Brian Lara* (WI) 380: Matthew Hayden (Aus) 375: Brian Lara (WI) 374: Mahela Jayawardene (Sri) 365*: Garfield Sobers (WI) 364: Len Hutton (Eng) 340: Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri) * denotes not out score Younus' mammoth innings has so far taken 12 hours and 11 minutes, 545 deliveries and featured 27 boundaries and four sixes with attractive strokeplay on both sides of the wicket. He brought up his triple ton with a reverse-sweep for three off Muttiah Muralitharan, who finished a gruelling day with figures of 1-165 from 60 overs. The innings also enabled Younus to became the sixth Pakistani to reach 5,000 runs in Test cricket in his 59th match. And with little to play for on the final day at the National Stadium, the 31-year-old - playing his first match since taking over as captain from Shoaib Malik - will aim to become only the second batsman in history to score 400 runs in a Test match. Lara set his record 400 not out score in 2004 against England in Antigua. "Maybe I will go for Lara's record," said Younus. "I have a plan to bat for 40 overs on Wednesday and see if I could get there but my team plan comes first and for that I would want my bowlers to get some workout." The match was also the first time Test history that both captains have scored more than 200 in a single match. Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene, who hit 240, and Thilan Samaraweera broke a 52-year-old record at the National Stadium on Sunday, surpassing English duo Peter May and Colin Cowdrey for the highest Test fourth-wicket partnership with a stand of 437 as the tourists amassed a formidable 644-7. Younus contributed in a 174-run stand with Misbah, who was the first of the day's two wickets when he was trapped lbw by Dilhara Fernando. Faisal put on a 130-run stand alongside his captain before he was adjudged leg before to the occasional medium pace of Jayawardene. Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal was 27 not out at the close.

England Vs West Indies 3rd Test- Draw

West Indies v England 3rd Test

Antigua, 15-19 February 2009

An early chance goes begging before Ramnaresh Sarwan gets his century Captain Andrew Strauss has defended his decision to not declare earlier as England failed to beat West Indies in an exciting finish to the third Test. The visitors had looked set to level the series at 1-1 but the home side held out for a draw in fading light. Strauss declared on 221-8 in the second innings, setting West Indies an improbable 503 for victory, but England fell agonisingly short by one wicket. "We had over 130 overs to bowl the West Indies," said the Middlesex batsman. "On most fifth-day wickets that is more than enough overs." After their shocking defeat in the opening match of the series, England were on top for much of the match in Antigua but Ramnaresh Sarwan (106) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (55) led a determined survival effort by the home side. But although Andrew Flintoff was not firing on all cylinders because of a hip problem, Stuart Broad weighed in with 3-51, Graeme Swann also took three wickets to go with his 5-57 in the first innings and James Anderson picked up two. Questions will be asked about his decision not to enforce the follow-on after the West Indies first innings, and the timing of his declaration on the fourth day, but Strauss said: "We needed to bat again, particularly with Freddie being injured. "When you get so close there are always things you think about. But there are many positives to come out of this Test match. We will take those positives and continue to get better." He added: "I don't regret it because Steve Harmison was very ill - we didn't know if we would get any overs out of him and Fred had this injury so we weren't sure how many overs we would get out of him. "So, it was very important we gave our other bowlers a rest so they could come with their fuel tanks as full as possible for the final innings, so I don't regret that. Cannot play media.You do not have the correct version of the flash player. Download the correct version "There are always things that you think, 'I might have done this slightly differently or that differently' but generally the effort the guys put in was outstanding. " Flintoff, who faces a scan in the next two days, still managed to contribute 14 overs on the final day and almost wrapped up the win with a couple of inswinging yorkers. "We tried to bowl him today as little as possible but we probably bowled him more than we wanted to," Strauss added. "His last spell was incredible considering his fitness. We'll get a scan done in Barbados - he may be fit [for the next Test], he may not be." Despite the disappointment, with Strauss admitting a draw "almost feels like a defeat", he is confident England can still win the series. "It's tough to take. I thought we did enough but it wasn't to be," he said. "Right through this match we played exceptional cricket and if we can continue in similar fashion we will come out on top."

'India Better Prepared'- India coach John

Thursday, February 19, 2009
INDIA Tour to New Zealand

Indian cricketers led by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (3rd from L) pose during the launch of a new team kit in Mumbai on Wednesday ahead of their tour to New Zealand for two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day matches and three Tests. Photo: AFPAfp, New Delhi

India will be better prepared to tackle conditions in New Zealand than they were on their losing tour seven years ago, former India coach John Wright said on Wednesday.

On their last tour of New Zealand in 2002, India lost both Tests inside three days on seaming wickets prepared to suit the home team bowlers, before losing the one-day series 5-2.

India will tour New Zealand from Friday for two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day matches and three Tests.

New Zealander Wright, who was India's coach on that disastrous tour, said the Indians had improved vastly and were capable of turning the tables this time.

"The advantage India have this time is that, whatever conditions are rolled out by the hosts, they have the attack to make the most of them," the former Kiwi opener told the www.cricketnirvana.com website.

"They have a lot of firepower to call on and I'd imagine New Zealand will want to do just the opposite this time and ensure the pitches are pretty flat.

"India will possibly want to settle a few old scores after what happened in 2002-03," the 54-year-old said.

Wright, who coached India from 2000-2005, said pace spearheads Ishant Sharma and Zaheer Khan were a serious threat to batsmen the world over.

"India must be very excited about his (Sharma's) potential," he said. "We've only really seen him bowling in subcontinental or Australian conditions, where it's pretty hard work for the pacemen.

"You'd expect once he gets to a place like New Zealand or England, where the conditions favour the seamers more, he'll be at least as influential again. You can't overplay his importance right now."

Wright said what set apart the current Indian side from its predecessors was the vastly-improved bowling attack.

"That's probably the biggest difference between the India side of today, and the combinations of previous years: the bowling," he said.

"It now has everything -- pace, swing, left-arm variation, wrist-spin and finger-spin. When I was there things were just starting to turn but now you really see the difference.

"It used to be that the most successful Indian sides were renowned for their batting. These days the batting's still strong but India have made huge gains in terms of the bowling.

"They've probably got the best attack in world cricket at the moment, when you think about it.

"And the good news is that the gain hasn't come at the expense of the batting.

"Any side with Venkatsai Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir and Mahendra Singh Dhoni is going to run up some totals."

Collingwood ton drives England on

West Indies v England 3rd Test

Antigua, 15-19 February 2009

Third Test, Antigua (day two, close): England 566-9 dec v West Indies 55-1 Collingwood began his Test career in 2005 and is playing his 44th match Paul Collingwood struck his eighth Test century as England declared on 566-9, with West Indies closing on 55-1 after two days of the third Test in Antigua. Collingwood struck 14 fours in his 113, sharing 94 with Kevin Pietersen (51). Jerome Taylor demolished the stumps of Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff in three balls but Matt Prior (39), Stuart Broad (44) and Graeme Swann (20) chipped in. Faced with 14 overs to survive, Windies skipper Chris Gayle hit some bold shots but fell to Steve Harmison for 30. The hastily-rearranged Test is being played at the Antigua Recreation Ground and with the halfway line of a football pitch running through the middle of the wicket the bounce is becoming increasingly unpredictable. The hosts still need 312 more to save the follow-on and England's best day of the tour so far will leave them full of confidence that they can square the series at 1-1 with two matches to play. The tourists threw everything at their hosts in the short spell before stumps, with attacking bowling and aggressive fields featuring four slips and two gullies. England chose to give the new ball to James Anderson, and he produced a beautiful opening delivery that swung and did everything right bar take the edge of Gayle's bat. It is unlikely the laconic Gayle will have been unnerved many times in his 29 years, but he will not have taken too kindly to successive deliveries from Flintoff, one steepling through head high to the keeper, the next shooting along the ground for four byes. The skipper hooked Harmison into the adjacent Factory Road, but could not rein in the blockbuster shots and thumped one at head height to Anderson, who was grateful he did not have to move to take the thunderbolt at extra cover. Harmison produced a couple of searing lifting deliveries and England will hope there will be more to come on Tuesday. The threat of Harmison, Gayle's dismissal, Flintoff's ability to land the ball seemingly at will on the halfway line and the increasing unpredictability of the bounce will leave the Windies under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead. Pietersen's spectacular dismissal began a brief wobble in the England innings The wicket, moist to the touch at the start of day one, looked firm and fast at the start of the second day having been baked by another day of Leeward Island sunshine. At the start of play Fidel Edwards took full advantage of the change in the conditions, bowling a sustained, hostile spell at a rapid rate. His only wicket of the morning session, however, was that of nightwatchman Anderson. He preserved his impressive record of having never made a duck in his Test career, which started in 2003, but edged tamely through to the keeper off the back foot for four. Collingwood might well have succumbed first ball. He was surprised by the extra pace and bounce of Edwards and then relieved when the ball ballooned to safety off the shoulder of the bat over the slip cordon. But the other fast bowlers could not initially maintain the pressure, with an unfit-looking Taylor a shadow of the man who destroyed England with 5-11 in Jamaica. Daren Powell was even more erratic, sending down short deliveries on both sides of the wicket as Collingwood cut and pulled with typical grittiness, outscoring his frequently cavalier partner Pietersen. The markings from the football pitch sharing the ground were still clearly visible, running straight down the playing area. Edwards began his run from what was the penalty spot at one end, with the centre circle ringing the square and the halfway line crossing the wicket around two metres from one crease. That helped to create the uneven bounce, which particularly seemed to affect Pietersen, who became increasingly agitated by his struggles to time the ball with his customary panache. Another man getting hot under the collar was the giant slow left-armer Sulieman Benn, who was so exasperated by the lack of spin he moved away from his gentle giant image to berate the batsmen and kick at the turf. Whatever Taylor did during the luncheon interval he will want to do again because he emerged a different man in the afternoon session. The two balls that removed England's two big guns did not actually pitch on the controversial halfway line, but were certainly close to it, and when bowled at pace proved impossible to deal with. Pietersen's anxiety about the erratic bounce was borne out when a fast Taylor delivery skidded on and kept low as the former skipper played back, and an inside edge crashed into the off-stump. Flintoff was even more unfortunate, the ball barely getting up off the turf as it slipped under his bat and spectacularly demolished two stumps. That left England at 405-6 and the innings could easily have folded, but Prior and then Broad ensured it continued with some positive strokeplay. Prior made 39 in a 20-over partnership with Collingwood, while Broad recorded the 500 with a magnificent straight six off Powell. Collingwood made only nine of the fifty stand that came off 68 balls, as Broad underlined his immense batting promise with some stylish left-handed shots. After Broad departed for his fifth score in excess of 40, Swann added some lusty blows before Collingwood holed out on the deep mid-wicket fence and the declaration was made.

Third WI-Eng Test begins today

Sunday, February 15, 2009

New venue, new game:

SETTLING THE DUST: A firefighter waters the outfield of Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) to prepare it for the third Test between England and West Indies after the second Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in St John's was abandoned after just 10 balls on Friday because of a dangerous outfield.Photo: AFPAfp, St John's

West Indies and England will hope the conditions are far more favourable, and seek to make the aborted second Test a bad memory, when they begin the third Test on Sunday at the Antigua Recreation Ground.

After unsuccessful attempts to salvage the second Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, a new Test was hurriedly arranged for the ARG in a last-ditch bid to save the West Indies Cricket Board and the two-island state of Antigua & Barbuda from complete embarrassment.

But there is still a danger that the new Test could be undermined by the conditions and the state of the facilities at the ramshackle, quaint, little ground nestled in the heart of the Antigua & Barbuda capital.

Local authorities have been given a little more than 36 hours to get a decent pitch rolled out, a suitable outfield mown and levelled, as well as player and spectator amenities condemned by FIFA, football's World governing body, up to speed.

The ARG hosted the last of its 21 Tests three years ago when West Indies drew a thrilling match with India before the VRCG replaced it as the island's main venue ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean a year later.

Cricket's 52nd Test venue was inaugurated in 1981 and Sir Viv himself celebrated with the fastest hundred in a Test against the old foe, England.

The pitch was a notorious featherbed on which Brian Lara twice broke the World record for the highest individual innings in Tests.

The West Indies also successfully chased 418 in the fourth innings of a Test and won by three wickets against Australia three years ago.

West Indies have only lost three times at the ground -- by 157 runs against Australia in 1991, by 176 runs against the same opponents eight years later, and by 82 runs against South Africa two years later.

The home team has won here seven times -- including three matches against England in 1986 by 240 runs, 1990 by an innings and 32 runs, and 1998 by an innings and 52 runs -- but the other 11 matches have all been drawn.

It's the ARG -- and in particular the West Indies Oil Company Stand, also known as the Double Decker Stand to locals -- that gave birth to the phenomenon of the loud, pounding music and Carnival atmosphere that has become a feature at most cricket grounds in the Caribbean.

For obvious reasons, both teams are eager to play the Test, and more than likely would have to wing it through the malaise.

West Indies lead the series 1-0, after their thrilling innings and 23-run victory at Kingston, and will be looking to make things safe with another victory.

England would be hoping to pick themselves up from the ruins of Sabina Park and draw level in the series.

But it will be difficult for both sides to make the mental adjustment necessary, and formulate new plans in conditions about which little would be known.

From the 11 that was pick for the aborted second Test, England may choose to decommission James Anderson for the moment, particularly if there is a hint that the pitch would favour someone like Steve Harmison, who may be able to extract a bit more pace and bounce.

West Indies are unlikely to change their line-up which they chose for the aborted Test.

SQUADS
WEST INDIES (from): Chris Gayle (captain), Lionel Baker, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Fidel Edwards, Ryan Hinds, Brendan Nash, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Lendl Simmons, Devon Smith, Jerome Taylor.
ENGLAND (from): Andrew Strauss (captain), Alastair Cook, Tim Ambrose, James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann.
Umpires: Daryl Harper and Tony Hill.

An arrow through Richards's heart

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Sir Vivian RichardsAfp, St Johns

Players, fans, media personnel, and concessionaires all had reason to bemoan the abandonment of the second Test between West Indies and England on Friday at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

Spare a thought however, for the man whose name adorns the ground.

Sir Viv, the former West Indies captain, watched the farce unfold right before his eyes from the air-conditioned comfort of the BBC Test Match Special commentary box.

A fiercely proud man, native of Antigua & Barbuda, and one who personified the excellence and greatness of the game, he was gutted by the shambles.

"This is an arrow right through my heart," he exclaimed on the BBC Radio.

"This is not a shot in the foot for West Indies cricket. This is an arrow right through the heart. This is a huge pill to swallow."

The Test was abandoned after only 10 balls as England reached seven without loss, when match officials felt the sandy outfield particularly in the area of the bowlers' run-ups, were too dangerous to allow the sham to continue.

"I am ashamed to have my name associated with this," Richards said. "The members and officials of the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association should hang their heads in shame.

"For these people to tell everyone that the ground was ready is a huge lie. They have been telling little porky pies. You can make excuses for certain people at times, but with so many experts around there can be no excuse.

He added: "The reputation of Antigua & Barbuda is in these people's hands. There are a lot of guys in the background who should have known better, that this ground wasn't ready.

There have been countless problems with the outfield at the VRCG which was constructed at a cost of over 20 million dollars with assistance from the Chinese Government ahead of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Local knowledge indicates that it was built in a basin near a well-known water course, and this led to problems of poor drainage when rainfall collected on parts of the outfield.

The Antigua & Barbuda Government promised remedial work would be done -- and it was -- with little success.

Several hours of playing time was lost in a drawn Test against Australia last year, when a squall again invaded and reduced parts of the outfield to a swamp.

Though the sun shone brilliantly and ground-staff employed various measures to dry the surface, the damage was significant.

More promises were made to the West Indies Cricket Board and they assigned the second Test on the assurance of the Antigua authorities that would get it right next time.

"Let me apologise to everyone on behalf of the WICB for what can only be described as an embarrassment," WICB President Julian Hunte said following the fiasco.

"I have been assured that the venue was checked because we have an operations department, and they worked closely with the ACA to get the ground ready.

Late last year, a regional company which had produced quality outfields at three other venues for the World Cup in the Caribbean was hired to relay the surface.

But they discovered a number of anomalies and the project timeline was doubled, plus 10 days were lost to facilitate a concert being staged during the Christmas holidays.

But the WICB should have taken a clue that all was not right a month ago, when the ACA insisted that it would not host a West Indies first-class championship match between Leeward Islands and Guyana at the ground.

Collingwood eyes England recovery

Second Test, Antigua: West Indies v England Dates: 13-17 February Start time: 1400 GMT Venue: Sir Viv Richards Stadium Coverage: Listen to Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4LW, 5 Live Sports Extra, the Red Button and BBC Sport website. Text commentary on BBC Sport website. Also live on Sky Sports. Collingwood only managed 16 and 1 in his two innings during the first Test Paul Collingwood says England's innings defeat in the first test against the West Indies can be the "catalyst" to drive them on to level the series. England face the Windies in Antigua on Friday following last week's hammering. And the all-rounder told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Over the past year or so we haven't made the scores and hit our goals as much as we would have liked. "But when something like that happens it can be the catalyst to drive you on to bigger and better things." The heavy defeat in Jamaica has left England following a familiar path in their recent Test match history. Just under a year ago they overturned a first-Test defeat against New Zealand, after a similarly poor performance, to win the series and they have not won the opening match in their previous 14 series. And while Collingwood admitted England's poor showing is something "that has not happened over night", he insisted that the humiliating defeat was now behind the team. "You've got to be honest with yourselves, be realistic about the situation you're in as a team and hopefully move on and put those bigger performances in," added Collingwood. "We can all hold our hands up and say that what happened the other day wasn't good enough. But you've got to put that behind you, put it to the back of your mind and when that situation comes around again it's crucial that we get through it. "You can do as much talking as you want, you can do as much good preparation as you want, but it's doing it in the middle and performing - that's where you get confidence from." The Durham player also pinpointed the ill-fated Stanford Super Series last year as being the start of England's poor form, but said it is something all the players are keen to be involved with again. "A lot was written about the Stanford week," he said. "Obviously from a results point of view that was probably the start of our losing streak. "But it was an exciting week, something completely different to what we've ever experienced. "Certainly, from the players point of view, we want to play in it again."

Flintoff backs England character

Flintoff insists England 'have all the ingredients of a successful side' Andrew Flintoff is confident England can come through the "huge test" of recovering from last week's thrashing by the West Indies in the second Test. The star all-rounder also insisted that despite rumours of off-field discord the spirit in the camp remained "good". "There's a Test match in three days' time and we've got to put a better performance in," he told BBC Sport. "It's a huge test of everyone's skill and character but it's one I'm sure we can come through." The former captain said England needed to pull together to try to win the remaining three Tests in the series. "The spirit's been good but maybe we need to draw on each other a little bit more," Flintoff said. "We have all the ingredients of a successful side and we have to put them all together. "That's going to be the test for people, when you go through something like that you still have to back yourself and that's going to be the big test of character. "You can talk about technique and work in the nets but it is all about how people respond to what's happened. It's very important we come back strong on Friday." On Monday England opener Alastair Cook claimed there was no need for radical change ahead of the second Test, which starts in Antigua on Friday. Cook, who was the first man dismissed as England were skittled for a humiliating 51 at Sabina Park, insisted: "We cannot act too hastily. The players are ultimately responsible, we've got to take it on the chin." England have limited options when it comes to changing to their batting line-up, with only Owais Shah in reserve. The current batting unit has come in for heavy criticism after it also collapsed in Adelaide during the 2006-07 Ashes tour to hand Australia victory, and was dismissed for just 81 against Sri Lanka in Galle last winter, but Cook denied that England's batsmen are too comfortable. "If you don't perform then you know what is going to happen," he said. "If it happens again, then things have to change. But those are three isolated incidents over three years, so it is not as though it is happening every week." The West Indies will make at least one change to their winning line-up from Kingston. Xavier Marshall has been dropped from the 14-man squad after his second ball duck with Lendl Simmons, who hit a stunning 282 against England for West Indies A, and Ryan Hinds in the frame to replace him.

Australia and New Zealand are Equal Match

Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Husseys do it for Aussies:

David Hussey ... 79 BBC Online, Adelaide

David Hussey's 79 was the top score as Australia cantered to a six-wicket victory in the fourth match of their one-day series against New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.

The hosts had been set a target of 245 by Daniel Vettori's men, but Hussey, aided by brother Mike's unbeaten 75, ensured they hunted it down with ease.

There were still 10 balls remaining when a crunching six from Mike Hussey brought up the winning runs.

The series is now level at two apiece ahead of Friday's decider in Brisbane.

Bucking the trend of the series, New Zealand decided to bat for the first time, but their innings only really picked up pace towards the end of their 50 overs.

Openers Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill were steady rather than spectacular, scoring 33 and 45 before falling to Michael Clarke and Nathan Bracken respectively.

The middle order looked tentative and, Ross Taylor apart, failed to impose themselves on the Australian attack.

Peter Fulton's departure for five off the bowling of James Hopes brought Taylor to the crease and, he watched McCullum, Grant Elliot (26), Craig Cumming (0) and Neil Broom (11) all head back to the pavilion, during a fine innings of 76 off 71 deliveries.

Kyle Mills helped push the score along with a rapid 23 during a late powerplay, while Mitchell Johnson's pace and bounce made him the pick of the home attack with figures of three wickets for 51.

A total of 244 never looked safe on a tame Adelaide Oval pitch, but the New Zealanders briefly had a series-clinching win in sight when a mix-up with David Hussey saw Brad Haddin run out for 43.

The New South Wales right-hander scored a century in the side's previous meeting in Sydney at the weekend and had looked to be in fine form.

With Clarke (14) and Ricky Ponting (15) both falling cheaply and David Hussey struggling for form, Haddin's dismissal left Australia vulnerable on 101-3 in the 25th over.

But the Hussey brothers united for 115-run partnership that had seen their team all but home by the time an Iain O'Brien yorker cleaned up David.

There had been earlier opportunities for New Zealand to break up the family affair with Cumming spilling a presentable catch off the bowling of Elliot that would have seen Mike Hussey walk on 40.

Callum Ferguson's calm 13 helped pick off the remaining runs before Mike Hussey's crashing shot over long-on secured the win.

England bowled out for 51 against West Indies

Monday, February 9, 2009

Taylor-made victory :

CROSSING ANOTHER HURDLE: West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor (R) jumps in the air after claiming yet another England second innings wicket during the fourth day's play of the first Test at Sabina Park in Kingston on Saturday. Taylor took five wickets in an astonishing spell that saw England bowled out for 51.Photo: AFPAfp, Kingston

England dramatically crashed to an innings and 23-run defeat at the hands of West Indies in the opening Test on Saturday at Sabina Park in the face high-class fast bowling from Jerome Taylor.

England, trailing by 74 runs on first innings, collapsed to 51 all out in their second innings, five minutes before tea break on the penultimate day.

It was England's third lowest total in Tests, and was wrapped up when Steve Harmison was bowled trying to sweep a delivery from spinner Suleiman Benn and dragged the ball into his stumps.

"We were entirely outplayed," admitted England skipper Andrew Strauss.

"We haven't done ourselves justice. I thought the bowlers stuck to their task pretty well. We batted pretty poorly today and we paid the price.

"All credit to Jerome Taylor, he bowled pretty straight and fast but we didn't react well."

West Indies captain Chris Gayle, who hit a century in his team's innings, looked forward to repeating the win in the second Test in Antigua and praised Taylor as well as spinner Suleiman Benn who took eight wickets in the match.

"Benn, with the ball, was tremendous picking up eight wickets, Jerome Taylor picking up five wickets was very good," said Gayle.

Andrew Flintoff hit the top score of 24, but England's batting was undermined by Taylor with a career-best five wickets for 11 runs from nine overs in which he was lethal in speed, length, and direction.

There was little respite for England from the other end, where Benn was steady, if not spectacular, and also collected a career-best four for 31 from 14.2 overs.

West Indies now take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series which continues in Antigua on Thursday.

England had made a shaky start to their second innings, when they lost vice-captain Alastair Cook and Ian Bell, and were 11 for two at lunch.

But nothing could have prepared them for what transpired in the first hour after the interval.

Taylor produced the perfect out-swinging yorker and Kevin Pietersen was sensationally bowled off-stump for one in the second over after lunch.

Paul Collingwood joined Strauss, and for close to half-hour, they took some of the tension out of the air before Taylor struck again.

Strauss nibbled at a delivery outside the off-stump and was caught behind for nine.

Taylor then struck twice in his next over. Collingwood was bowled off an inside-edge for one off the first delivery, and Matt Prior played right across a well-pitched leg-cutter and was bowled for a four-ball duck.

England slid further into the mire, when left-hander Stuart Broad turned a delivery to forward short leg and was caught for a two-ball duck off Benn that sunk England to 26 for seven.

Ryan Sidebottom came to the wicket and succeeded with Flintoff to get England past their lowest ever total of 45 against Australia at Sydney 122 years ago, and their second lowest total ever, against the West Indies of 46 at Port of Spain 15 years.

Sidebottom fell next, when he was adjudged lbw to Benn playing back and across a delivery that spun from outside the off-stump. His challenge of the verdict to the video umpire proved futile.

Flintoff tried to slog Fidel Edwards over mid-wicket, missed, and was bowled when the ball ricocheted off the pad.

The drama followed career-best bowling from Broad, as the West Indies were dismissed for 392, replying to England's first innings total of 318.