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NEWS UPDATE : Asian Cricket Third Sri Lanka-Pakistan ODI abandoned due to rain COLOMBO: The third One-day International between Sri Lanka and Pakistan was abandoned due to rain here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. The umpires made this decision after consulting ... Australia want to master all forms of game: Clarke SYDNEY: Australia's limited-overs tour of England and Ireland represents the start of a two-year campaign to make them the top nation in all three forms of the game, captain Michael Clarke said ... Bopara glad to be back for England SOUTHAMPTON, England: Ravi Bopara is eager to make up for lost times as he tries to revive his ... South Africa name unchanged squad for England series JOHANNESBURG: South Africa have kept faith with a winning formula by naming an unchanged squad for the three-Test series in England starting next month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on ...


Monday, September 12, 2011

Inter National Fixtures Matches

9:35 AM  Unknown  

Please note: Fixtures are subject to change. The Asian cricket website is not responsible for any changes that may be made.
Monday, 12 September 2011
One-day international series
Third One Day International
Netherlands v Kenya, Voorburg, 10:00
LV County Championship - Division One
Durham v Worcestershire, Emirates Durham ICG, 10:30
Hampshire v Warwickshire, The Rose Bowl, 10:30
Nottinghamshire v Sussex, Trent Bridge, 10:30
Somerset v Lancashire, Taunton, 10:30
LV County Championship - Division Two
Leicestershire v Middlesex, Grace Road, 10:30
Northamptonshire v Gloucestershire, Northampton, 10:30
Surrey v Derbyshire, The Kia Oval, 10:30
Kent v Glamorgan, Canterbury, 14:00
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
One-day international series
Fourth One Day International
Netherlands v Kenya, Voorburg, 10:00
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
One-day international series
Third One Day International
Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Harare, 08:30
Friday, 16 September 2011
Test match series
Third Test Match
Sri Lanka v Australia, Colombo (SSC), 05:30
NatWest One Day International Series
England v India, The Swalec Stadium, 14:00
International Twenty20 Series
Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Harare, 13:00
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Clydesdale Bank 40
Surrey v Somerset, Lord's, 11:30
Sunday, 18 September 2011
International Twenty20 Series
Zimbabwe v Pakistan, Harare, 13:00
Monday, 19 September 2011
One-day international series
Fifth One Day International
Ireland v Canada, Dublin, 10:30
Champions Twenty20 League
Ruhuna Rhinos v Trinidad and Tobago, Hyderabad, 11:30
Auckland v Kolkata Knight Riders, Hyderabad, 15:30
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
One-day international series
Sixth One Day International
Ireland v Canada, Dublin, 10:30
Champions Twenty20 League
Leicestershire v Trinidad and Tobago, Hyderabad, 11:30
Auckland v Somerset, Hyderabad, 15:30
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Leicestershire v Ruhuna Rhinos, Hyderabad, 11:30
Kolkata Knight Riders v Somerset, Hyderabad, 15:30
Friday, 23 September 2011
NatWest International Twenty20 Match
England v West Indies, The Kia Oval, 18:15
Champions Twenty20 League
Bangalore Royal Challengers v Warriors, Chennai, 15:30
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Cape Cobras v New South Wales, Chennai, 11:30
Chennai Super Kings v Mumbai Indians, Chennai, 15:30
Sunday, 25 September 2011
NatWest International Twenty20 Match
England v West Indies, The Kia Oval, 18:30
Champions Twenty20 League
Warriors v South Australia, Kolkata, 11:30
TBC v TBC, Kolkata, 15:30
Monday, 26 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Mumbai Indians v TBC, Bangalore, 15:30
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
TBC v South Australia, Kolkata, 15:30
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
New South Wales v TBC, Chennai, 11:30
Chennai Super Kings v Cape Cobras, Chennai, 15:30
Thursday, 29 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
TBC v Bangalore Royal Challengers, Kolkata, 15:30
Friday, 30 September 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Mumbai Indians v Cape Cobras, Bangalore, 15:30
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
South Australia v TBC, Bangalore, 11:30
TBC v Warriors, Bangalore, 15:30
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Mumbai Indians v New South Wales, Chennai, 11:30
Chennai Super Kings v TBC, Chennai, 15:30
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Cape Cobras v TBC, Chennai, 11:30
Chennai Super Kings v New South Wales, Chennai, 15:30
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
Warriors v TBC, Bangalore, 11:30
Bangalore Royal Challengers v South Australia, Bangalore, 15:30
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Tour Match
TBC v England XI, Hyderabad, 10:00
Champions Twenty20 League
TBC v TBC, Chennai, 15:30
Sunday, 9 October 2011
Champions Twenty20 League
TBC v TBC, Chennai, 15:30
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Tour Match
TBC v England XI, Hyderabad, 10:00
Thursday, 13 October 2011
International Twenty20 Series
South Africa v Australia, Cape Town, 17:00
Friday, 14 October 2011
One-day international series
First One Day International
India v England, Hyderabad, 09:00
Sunday, 16 October 2011
International Twenty20 Series
South Africa v Australia, Johannesburg, 13:30
Monday, 17 October 2011
One-day international series
Second One Day International
India v England, Delhi, 09:00
Wednesday, 19 October 2011
One-day international series
First One Day International
South Africa v Australia, Centurion, 13:30
Thursday, 20 October 2011
One-day international series
Third One Day International
India v England, Mohali, 09:00
Friday, 21 October 2011
Women's One Day International Series
South Africa Women v England Women, Potchefstroom, 08:00
Sunday, 23 October 2011
One-day international series
Fourth One Day International
India v England, Mumbai, 09:00
Second One Day International
South Africa v Australia, Port Elizabeth, 09:00
Women's One Day International Series
South Africa Women v England Women, Potchefstroom, 08:00
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
One-day international series
Fifth One Day International
India v England, Kolkata, 09:00
Women's One Day International Series
South Africa Women v England Women, Potchefstroom, 08:00
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Women's Twenty20 Match
South Africa Women v England Women, Potchefstroom, 16:30
Friday, 28 October 2011
One-day international series
Third One Day International
South Africa v Australia, Durban, 13:30
Saturday, 29 October 2011
International Twenty20 Match
India v England, Kolkata, 09:00
Women's Twenty20 Match
South Africa Women v England Women, Potchefstroom, 16:30
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Women's Twenty20 Match
South Africa Women v England Women, Potchefstroom, 16:30
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Test match series
First Test Match
South Africa v Australia, Cape Town, 09:30
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Test match series
Second Test Match
South Africa v Australia, Johannesburg, 09:00
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Test match series
First Test Match
Australia v New Zealand, Brisbane, 01:00
Friday, 9 December 2011
Test match series
Second Test Match
Australia v New Zealand, Hobart, 00:30
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Test match series
First Test Match
South Africa v Sri Lanka, Centurion, 09:30
Monday, 26 December 2011
Test match series
First Test Match
Australia v India, Melbourne, 00:30
Second Test Match
South Africa v Sri Lanka, Durban, 09:30
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Other Match
TBC v England XI, TBC, 06:00
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Other Match
TBC v England XI, TBC, 06:00
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Test match series
First Test Match
Pakistan v England, Dubai, 06:00
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Test match series
First Test Match
New Zealand v Zimbabwe, Napier, 22:00
Friday, 3 February 2012
Test match series
Third Test Match
Pakistan v England, Dubai, 06:00
One-day international series
First One Day International
New Zealand v Zimbabwe, Dunedin, 22:00
Monday, 6 February 2012
One-day international series
Second One Day International
New Zealand v Zimbabwe, Whangarei, 22:00
Thursday, 9 February 2012
One-day international series
Third One Day International
New Zealand v Zimbabwe, Napier, 22:00
Friday, 10 February 2012
Tour Match
TBC v England XI, Abu Dhabi, 14:00
Sunday, 12 February 2012
International Twenty20 Series
New Zealand v Zimbabwe, Auckland, 22:00
Monday, 13 February 2012
One-day international series
First One Day International
Pakistan v England, Abu Dhabi, 11:00
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
International Twenty20 Series
New Zealand v Zimbabwe, Hamilton, 22:00
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
One-day international series
Second One Day International
Pakistan v England, Abu Dhabi, 11:00
Friday, 17 February 2012
Women's Twenty20 Match
N Zealand Women v England Women, Wellington, 06:00
Saturday, 18 February 2012
One-day international series
Third One Day International
Pakistan v England, Dubai, 11:00
Sunday, 19 February 2012
International Twenty20 Series
New Zealand v South Africa, Hamilton, 22:00
Women's Twenty20 Match
N Zealand Women v England Women, Hamilton, 06:00
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
One-day international series
Fourth One Day International
Pakistan v England, Dubai, 11:00
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
International Twenty20 Series
New Zealand v South Africa, Auckland, 22:00
Women's Twenty20 Match
N Zealand Women v England Women, Auckland, 06:00
Thursday, 23 February 2012
International Twenty20 Series
Pakistan v England, Dubai, 14:00
Saturday, 25 February 2012
One-day international series
First One Day International
New Zealand v South Africa, Wellington, 22:00
International Twenty20 Series
Pakistan v England, Dubai, 14:00
Women's Twenty20 Match
N Zealand Women v England Women, Invercargill, 06:00
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Women's Twenty20 Match
N Zealand Women v England Women, Invercargill, 06:00
Monday, 27 February 2012
International Twenty20 Series
Pakistan v England, Abu Dhabi, 14:00
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
One-day international series
Second One Day International
New Zealand v South Africa, Napier, 22:00
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Women's One Day International Series
N Zealand Women v England Women, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, 12:00
Saturday, 3 March 2012
One-day international series
Third One Day International
New Zealand v South Africa, Auckland, 22:00
Women's One Day International Series
N Zealand Women v England Women, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, 12:00
Monday, 5 March 2012
Women's One Day International Series
N Zealand Women v England Women, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, 12:00
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Test match series
First Test Match
New Zealand v South Africa, Dunedin, 22:00
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Test match series
Second Test Match
New Zealand v South Africa, Hamilton, 22:00
Friday, 23 March 2012
Test match series
Third Test Match
New Zealand v South Africa, Wellington, 22:00
Monday, 26 March 2012
Test match series
First Test Match
Sri Lanka v England, Galle, 10:00
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Test match series
Second Test Match
Sri Lanka v England, Colombo, 10:00

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Azharuddin's son critical after bike accident

9:33 AM  Unknown  

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin's son, Ayazuddin, has been hospitalized after suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident in Hyderabad today.His cousin and Azharuddin's newphew, Ajmal-ur-Rehman, 16, was riding on the same bike and died from head injuries.According to reports, Ayazuddin has been admitted to the city's Apollo Hospital.Azharuddin, who is a Congress leader and a member of the Lok Sabha, is reportedly on his way back to Hyderabad from London.Ayazuddin is the younger of Azharuddin's two sons from his former wife, Naureen. Both he and Asaduddin, the elder son, are cricketers.Ayazuddin was racing his imported 1000 cc Suzuki motorcycle, according to the Indian Express."The helmet that Aiyazuddin was probably wearing was totally crushed. Tire marks at the accident spot indicate that the bike skidded and hit the road divider at a very high speed," a police official.Chief Surgeon Dr Mahesh Joshi said the boys were wheeled in to the hospital at 9 am and had no pulse."They had both gone into a state of cardiac arrest. In spite of our best efforts we could not revive Ajmal. Aiyazuddin has suffered serious injuries on his head, chest and abdomen and is at present undergoing surgery Joshi said

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PCB agrees to tour Bangladesh

9:27 AM  Unknown  

LAHORE : The Pakistan Cricket Board seems to be working hard to improve the strained relationship with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) as it agreed to tour Bangladesh for a full series in December this year A source in the Board said that the PCB had recently approved a tentative itinerary sent by the Bangladesh board for the series that will include two Tests, three one-day internationals and a T20 match in December.The itinerary for the series has been tentatively agreed upon by both the boards. Pakistan has not played Bangladesh in a bilateral series since early 2008 as it believed that the Bangladesh board had let it down on many occasions, especially by not supporting Pakistan when the World Cup matches were moved out of the country. But now things seem to have settled down," the source said. Stating that the tension between Pakistan and Bangladesh first surfaced in 2009, the source explained, "Pakistan board has not been very happy with BCB since 2009 when it cancelled a bilateral one-day series between the two nations to be held in Bangladesh, immediately after the militants attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore. Pakistan team was to tour Bangladesh for the ODI series but after the attack took place, the BCB cancelled the series on security grounds, saying its government had not given clearance for the Pakistan team to play in Bangladesh.The source said that the relations further soured between the two boards when against all expectations the Bangladesh board supported a resolution in the International cricket Council (ICC) to move the 2011 World Cup matches out of Pakistan on security grounds. "The PCB chief Ijaz Butt was really upset and angry with his Bangladesh counterpart and even had a heated exchange with him after the ICC meeting in 2009 in which the World Cup matches were moved from Pakistan," the source revealed. He said since then the relations had remained tense and even recently when the Bangladesh board didn't fulfill its commitment of sending its under-19 team to Pakistan two months back, the PCB got very upset. "The PCB officials were not satisfied with the reasons given by the Bangladesh board for not sending its team to Pakistan and asking for the series to be postponed to next year," the source said. He also informed that since 2010, even Bangladesh has been requesting the PCB to send its team to Bangladesh to play an ODI series, which was cancelled in 2009 but the PCB kept on refusing. "But now both boards appear to have taken steps to improve their relations and the PCB recently approved the itinerary sent for the Test series by Bangladesh," the source said.

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Pakistan trounce Zimbabwe in second ODI

9:22 AM  Unknown  

HARARE : Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 10 wickets in their second one day international here on Sunday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series.Mohammad Hafeez hit an unbeaten 139 while opening partner Imran Farhat was not out on 75 as the visitors eased to victory with over seven overs remaining.

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Raina, Dhoni help India post 280-5 against England

9:21 AM  Unknown  

LONDON : Suresh Raina hit 84 as India made 280-5 off their 50 overs after being put in to bat in the fourth one-day international here at Lord's on Sunday.Raina shared a stand of 169 with captain MS Dhoni (78 not out) which was the highest fifth wicket partnership for India in one-day internationals against England as India posted a challenging total.Dhoni faced 71 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, whilst Raina, who accelerated late in his innings faced 75 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes.But it looked like it would be a different story when India were 110-4 in 26th over.Graeme Swann had just dismissed Virat Kholi and Rahul Dravid in his first over and one more wicket would have exposed the Indian tail.But Raina and Dhoni got their side to a score well above the average first innings one-day total here with aggressive batting which delighted the hordes of Indian supporters at the ground.They helped their side to add 109 off the last ten overs with both batsmen hitting the English bowlers high into stands as India finally enjoyed themselves after a dismal summer in England.In a bad session for England Stuart Broad went off without completing the final over holding his arm and Steve Finn was called on to bowl the rest of the over. Earlier, Broad had dismissed both openers Parthiv Patel for 27 and Ajinkya Rahane for 38 but Finn, playing his first match of the series, went wicketless despite bowling well.He eventually snared Raina when he was asked to replace Broad when the batsman was superbly caught by Ben Stokes in the deep.England lead the five-match series 2-0 with one no result and one match left to play, in Cardiff, on Friday.

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Pakistan restrict Zimbabwe to 225-6 in 2nd ODI

9:20 AM  Unknown  

HARARE : Pakistan held the upper hand after restricting Zimbabwe to 225-6 in their second One Day International at Harare Sports Club here Sunday.Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat with Brendan Taylor's team getting off to a very slow start.There were three maidens in the first seven overs by Juanid Khan and Sohail Tanveer. Vusi Sibanda scored one run from 20 balls before getting out for 14.Hamilton Masakadza scored only four from his first 25 balls. In the first 10 overs only 22 runs were on the scoreboard.It all added up to potential disaster for the home team, though they went on to make a recovery of sorts.Masakadza ended with 68 runs but from 118 balls, well below par. He held the team together, but fell well short of what he should have scored from that number of deliveries. It was his 18th half century.Taylor also got 50 runs, his 23rd half century, while Tatenda Taibu hit a bright and adventurous 26. Elton Chigumbura and Prosper Utseya took 13 off Tanveer's last over, but it had the look of being too little too late.It was as much Pakistan's opening attack success as Zimbabwe's failure in the early stages of the innings. Junaid Khan finished with 1-29 in 10 overs, and Tanveer took two wickets for 43 in nine overs.Sibanda and partner Justice Chibhabha simply couldn't cope with the seamers' policy of swinging the ball across them.The Zimbabwe middle order were much more comfortable with the spinners, taking a succession of singles. Masakadza and Elton Chigumbura hit sixes but they were more gestures than substantive contributions.Taylor might well rue the decision to bat first. Pakistan have a strong batting line-up and they will be feeling confident of getting 226 runs for victory and the series.Pakistan won the first of the three match series in Bulawayo on Thursday

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Improved Sri Lanka keep Aussies at bay

9:19 AM  Unknown  

PALLEKELE : Sri Lanka put on a determined batting display, losing just two wickets in their second innings against Australia on Sunday.Sri Lanka, who were dismissed for 174 in the first innings, moved to 164-2 by tea on the fourth day of the second Test at the Pallekele International Stadium.Former captains Kumar Sangakkara (35) and Mahela Jayawardene (13) were together at the crease, with the hosts only 73 runs behind with eight wickets in hand.Australia captain Michael Clarke, worried over forecasts of bad weather for the last two days of the match, had declared his team's first innings at an overnight score of 411-7 Sri Lanka's openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Tharanga Paranavitana (55) put on 81 for the first wicket, their best partnership of the series so far after stands of four, zero and two in the previous three outings.Under bright skies they warded off the early threat from the Australian seamers on a good batting wicket.But Dilshan undid the good work just before lunch with a wild heave, soon after a five-minute stoppage due to bad light.The captain, who looked settled in on 36, drove at a wide ball outside the off-stump from seamer Ryan Harris but only managed to edge a catch to Shane Watson at first slip.Paranavitana went on to compile his eighth Test half century before falling to a controversial decision by third umpire Aleem Dar.The left-hander played defensively to Mike Hussey and the ball lodged in the gloves of wicket-keeper Brad Haddin, who was the only one to appeal for a catch.When umpire Tony Hill turned down the appeal, the Australians asked for -- and received -- a favourable review from Dar, even though television replays proved inconclusive.The tourists are looking to clinch the three-match series on their first Test tour of Sri Lanka since 2004 after winning the opening contest in Galle by 125 runs.

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England win toss, put India into bat in 4th ODI

9:17 AM  Unknown  

LONDON : England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and elected to field in the fourth one-day international against India here at Lord's on Sunday.England, who hold a 2-0 lead in the series, brought fast bowler Steve Finn into their starting line-up at the expense of Jade Denbach and retained Jonathan Trott meaning another match on the sidelines for Samit Patel.India were unchanged from the side that lost at the Oval on Friday meaning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who was man of the match despite only just joining up with the squad is retained.India have two one-day internationals left to rescue some pride from what has been a dispiriting summer.They lost the Test series 4-0 and have been decimated by injuries with eight players, including Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh being invalided out of the tour.By contrast England, already ranked the number one Test team in the world have emphasised their desire to get to same status in one-day cricket. After Sunday's match the fifth and final game of the series will be played in Cardiff on Friday.Teams England: Alastair Cook (captain), Craig Kieswetter (wkt), Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Ben Stokes, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Steven Finn India: MS Dhoni (captain, wk), Parthiv Patel, Ajinka Rahane, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Pravin Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, RP Singh, Munaf Patel Umpires: Marais Erasmus (SA) and Richard Illingworth (ENG), Third umpire: Billy Doctrove (WI), Fourth umpire: Nigel Llong (ENG) Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL) Series: 2-0 (England) Results so far: 3 Sept, Durham, No Result, 6 Sept, Southampton England won by seven wickets, 9 Sept, The Oval, England won by three wickets To play: 16 Sept 5th ODI, Cardiff

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Sri Lanka fight back in second Test

9:16 AM  Unknown  

PALLEKELE : Sri Lanka's openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Tharanga Paranavitana compiled their best stand of the series to frustrate Australia in the second Test on Sunday.Sri Lanka, trailing by 237 runs on the first innings, moved to 83-1 in their second knock by lunch on the fourth day at the Pallekele International Stadium.Australia captain Michael Clarke, worried over forecasts of bad weather over the last two days of the match, declared his team's first innings at their overnight score of 411-7.Skipper Dilshan and Paranavitana, whose previous partnerships in the series were four, zero and two, finally broke the shackles with a fluent opening stand of 81.Under bright skies they warded off the early threat from the Australian seamers on a good batting wicket.Paranavitana took two successive boundaries off Harris and Dilshan drove the same bowler past mid-on for another four.But Dilshan undid the good work just before lunch with a wild heave soon after a five-minute stoppage due to bad light.The captain, who looked settled in after making 36, drove at a wide ball outside the off-stump from seamer Ryan Harris and only managed to edge a catch to Shane Watson at first slip.Left-hander Paranavitana was unbeaten on 33 at the break and Kumar Sangakkara had yet to score.The tourists are looking to clinch the three-match series on their first Test tour of Sri Lanka since 2004 after winning the opening contest in Galle by 125 runs.

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LG ICC Awards 2011 to be seen across the world

9:14 AM  Unknown  


The LG ICC Awards 2011 will be seen on TV in Asia (India, Pakistan, China, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Hong Kong and PNG), Middle East and North Africa ('MENA'), South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, UK, USA , the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.Whilst most of the broadcasters are the usual ICC event broadcasters - ESS (South Asia), GEO (Pakistan), ADD/Cricone (MENA), Fox Sports (Australia), Sky Sports (UK), Sky Sports (New Zealand) and SuperSport (South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa), there are exciting new players in the Americas.In Canada, Rogers? the largest communications company in Canada, which along with TV distribution is also involved in wireless technology, will broadcast the event while ESPN will show it in the Caribbean. The most exciting tie-up is in the US. The LG ICC Awards 2011 will be the first ICC Event broadcast on the massive ESPN 360 platform in the US. This platform has a reach of 70-80 million and also broadcasts popular American sports like baseball, college basketball and NFL.Apart from the ESS-driven broadcast distribution there are also other partnerships to spread the reach of the event and popularise it across all genres (sports, news and general entertainment).News channel partnerships
In India: Network 18 (CNN-IBN & IBN-7)
In UK: Sky Sports News
News clips distribution:
ICC's usual news access licensees - SNTV & Reuters
General Entertainment partnership:
STAR World
More information on broadcast timings around the world is given below:

NetworkDayAir Date Start Time
(Local)		DurationTitle
ESPN IndiaTUE9/13/201121:00:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
STAR Sports ChinaTUE9/13/201123:00:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
STAR CricketWED9/14/20117:00:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
STAR CricketSAT9/17/201110:00:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
STAR Cricket HDTUE9/13/201119:00:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
STAR Cricket HDWED9/14/20117:00:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
Sky Sport 3 (NZ)SAT9/17/201110:301:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
Sky Sport 3 (NZ)SAT9/17/201122:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
Fox SportsTHUR9/15/201111:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
Geo SportTUE9/13/201120:301:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
CricOneTUE9/13/201119:301:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
SuperSport (SS2, SS2A, SSHD2)WED9/14/201118:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
SuperSport (SS2, SS2A, CSN)WED9/14/201122:451:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
SuperSport (SSHD2)THUR9/15/201101:151:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
SuperSport (SS2,SS2A,M-Net)THUR9/15/201106:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
SuperSport (SS2,SS2A)THUR9/15/201121:301:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
SuperSport (SS2,SS2A)SUN9/18/201121:301:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
Sky Sports (UK) HD 1TUE9/13/201118:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
ESPN 3 (USA)TUE9/13/2011TBC1:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
ESPN (Caribbean)THRU9/15/201120:001:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
ESPN (Caribbean)FRI9/16/201113:301:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
ESPN2 (Caribbean)SAT9/17/201117:30 1:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011
Rogers (Canada)TBC  1:30:00LG ICC Awards 2011

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Sunday, September 11, 2011

Coaching 'definitely most difficult facet of cricket': Wasim Akram

4:21 AM  Unknown  

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said that commentating can be tough, but coaching is definitely the most difficult facet of the game I knew how to play cricket so that was ok, not a problem. Commentating, to start off was tough, it was very difficult. Now I'm really enjoying it as I have got used to it," PakPassion.net quoted Akram, as saying Coaching is definitely the most difficult facet of cricket, because it's frustrating, as you cannot do anything yourself. Nothing is in your control once the boys have taken the field. When I played cricket, I could change the game, but as a coach, I don't have that opportunity, only the players can change the course of a match," he addedAkram's long career came to an end before the advent of the Twenty-20 format of the game. Whilst injuries did hamper his career from time to time, he played in an era where rarely did bowlers opt out of one format of cricket just to extend their careers in another format.Akram felt that some modern day cricketers were taking the easy option of playing just shorter formats, and not giving Test cricket the respect it deserves."It varies from cricketer to cricketer, but if you want to be remembered as a great of the game, for that you have to be known for playing test cricket. For some it's easier to retire from Test cricket, to play just Twenty20 cricket, earn a lot of money and then disappear," he said.Akram, who featured in 104 test matches and 356 one day internationals (ODIs), pointed out that someone like Dale Steyn would be remembered as a great for being an exceptional bowler who runs in hard for every ball he bowls, whatever the format."Nowadays you can be a good Twenty20 player and make a career out of it, but my ambition was always to be the best player in the world in all formats and that should be the aim for every youngster," he stated

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PCB happy with progress made on refurbishments

4:19 AM  Unknown  

Sharjah: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has endorsed the Sharjah Cricket Stadium's new facilities ahead of the Test and one-day matches against Sri Lanka to be held in November."Ijaz Butt [chairman of the PCB] visited the stadium and has expressed his delight over the progress we have achieved in renovating the stadium for the Pakistan-Sri Lanka series," Waleed Bukhatir, vice chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Club, told Gulf News."We are delighted with the support from the PCB for bringing big cricket back to this stadium."The renovation work at the stadium is progressing so fast that we will complete it much before the deadline."Butt is happy with the changes to the dressing room and the facilities being created for the spectators."The stadium will stage the third Test match of the series from November 3 to 7, nine years after a five-day game was held there.The fourth one-dayer of the series will be held on November 20, the first involving Test-playing nations since 2003.Thankful"We are thankful to Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the president of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) for allotting these international matches to Sharjah," Bukhatir said."We are working hard to recreate the same glory that made Sharjah a special venue. The access roads to the stadium are more comfortable now for the spectators and since the stadium is centrally located it will be very convenient for the spectators.Bukhatir, who is also the executive member of the Emirates Cricket Board and chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Council's Al Dhaid cricket village, revealed the 16,000 capacity had to be reduced to adhere to the International Cricket Council's rules, creating special areas for players and officials.The officials from the ICC visited the stadium last week to access the progress of our work and whether the changes have been made according to their rules. We have fully followed the rules so that the stadium can be used not only for this series but also for bigger tournaments in the coming years," he said.

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Pakistan Cricket and Controversies since 2009

4:17 AM  Unknown  

Pakistan cricket has been hit badly by different controversies after winning the Twenty20 World Cup in 2009. The worst of all the controversies was the spot-fixing scandal. The scandal did hurt the team badly, but things have moved in a better direction since then.Pakistan had a troublesome time when the Sri Lankan team was attacked by terrorists in Lahore. The team was heading into the Twenty20 world cup with a new leader in Younis Khan.Younis inspired his team to a historic win and things looked like heading into the right direction finally for the team. Lesser did everyone know that the worse hasn’t yet come for the team.Pakistan lost the semi-final in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy and Younis was alleged into match-fixing. The news shattered the confidence of Younis, who stepped-down from the captaincy of the team and took some time-off from cricket.Problems continued for the team as the newly appointed captain of the team, Mohammad Yousuf was unable to win a single match on the Australian tour in 2009-2010 Several other players were questioned over match-fixing and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) handed over punishments to few of the key players of the team including life-bans to Yousuf and Younis A young team was sent to England with Shahid Afridi as the skipper of the side. However, Afridi retired from test cricket which gave an opportunity to Salman Butt to lead the team.The start to Butt’s reign was exceptional as Pakistan overcame the mighty Australians in the second test match of the two-match series levelling the series 1-1 However, several players were alleged of spot-fixing during the four-match Test series against England and Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif along with their captain, Butt were suspended by ICC All the cricket lovers and former players were shocked by the controversy as the suspended players awaited their destiny. ICC found the players to be guilty and banned them for a long period of time along with heavy fines.All these things led to a lot of trouble and shame for the country, but the Pakistan team gelled together to revive the lost glory of their country.The consequences of the wrong-doing helped the Pakistan cricketers to completely focus on the game other than any other thing.The players who were alleged of dividing the team were all out of the side and the team had only those players who wanted to play for their country and win for their team.The team was led by Afridi in the ICC World Cup 2011 and made it to the Semi-Final stage of the tournament. This was an exceptional performance by the team which had gone through a very bad period recently.However, Afridi quit international cricket after the Mega Event, following a dispute with team's coach Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq was given charge of the team since then.Pakistan is considered to be one of the most dangerous teams in the limited form of cricket and with the players focused on the game; there are plenty of chances of winning the Twenty20 World Cup which will take place in Sri Lanka next year.However, the players are currently focused on the ongoing series with Zimbabwe, which will be Waqar's last assignment with the side, as the former captain has resigned from the job following some health issues.Tagged in: England, Australia, Twenty20, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, World Cup, match-fixing, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, ICC, Waqar Younis, PCB, Lahore, Zimbabwe, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousaf, Mohammad Amir, Spot-fixing, life ban Test your Cricket knowledge by placing free betting on cricket matches. Get most accurate Cricket betting odds and picks for successful betting

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ICC Chief Executives' Committee to meet in London

3:00 AM  Unknown  


The ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) will meet in London on 12 September 2011 for a routine meeting that has the following issues for consideration:Venue Accreditation SystemThe CEC will consider an enhanced Venue Accreditation System for international grounds. The initiative responds to the ICC Strategic Plan 2011-15 Bigger, Better Global Game - which highlights the need to provide a world class environment for international cricket, in part by delivering better venues with better facilities to contribute to on-field excellence and more fans.The ICC has an existing approval process which was introduced in December 1997 for new international venues but there is no process for the on-going monitoring of venues. The proposal is that a venue will have to be re inspected and re-accredited every five years or when it undergoes major re building or renovation.Other routine items include updates on international umpire performances, the Future Tours Programme Agreement, Medical Committee projects; the implementation of domestic anti-doping and anti-corruption codes; the ICC World Test Championship as well as Member DevelopmentThe CEC comprises the Chief Executives of the 10 Full Member nations as well as three Associate Member representatives. Also present in the ICC Chief Executive who chairs the meeting and, by invitation, the ICC President and the chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee.
Haroon Lorgat - ICC Chief Executive (Chairman)
Sharad Pawar - ICC President
Clive Lloyd - ICC Cricket Committee Chairman
Mansur Ahmed - Bangladesh
Subhan Ahmed - Pakistan
Ozias Bvute - Zimbabwe
David Collier - England and Wales
John Cribbin - Associate Member Representative
Warren Deutrom - Associate Member Representative
Francois Erasmus - Associate Member Representative
Dr Ernest Hilaire - West Indies
Gerald Majola - South Africa
Prakash Schaffter - Sri Lanka
Sundar Raman - India (alternate for N Srinivasan)
James Sutherland - Australia
Dr Justin Vaughan - New Zealand

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Rain halts Aussies after Marsh, Hussey tons

2:59 AM  Unknown  

Michael Hussey hit a 14th Test century and debutant Shaun Marsh his maiden ton before rain halted Australia's progress in the second Test against Sri Lanka on Saturday.The two left-handers put on 258 for the fourth wicket as the tourists moved to 411-7 in their first innings by stumps on the third day, a lead of 237 runs with three wickets in hand.Marsh made 141 and Hussey scored 142, his second big knock in the series after a match-winning 95 in the first Test in Galle last week.Just 40.3 overs were bowled in the day as heavy rain washed out play soon after lunch at the Pallekele International Stadium.With more rain forecast over the remaining two days, Australian captain Michael Clarke may be forced to make an early declaration to bid for a series-clinching victory.Hussey and Marsh, who resumed at 264-3, stayed together till 10 minutes before lunch when Hussey holed out to the cover fence against part-time spinner Thilan Samaraweera.Their partnership was the highest ever against Sri Lanka for the fourth wicket, surpassing the 256 by Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for India in Mumbai in 1997.The pair had joined forces on Friday morning when Sri Lanka grabbed three quick wickets to reduce Australia to 116-3 in reply to their own 174.Both Marsh and Hussey reached their respective centuries in the same over from off-spinner Suraj Randiv 45 minutes after the start of play.Hussey, who was on 76 overnight to Marsh's 87, outscored his partner and achieved his third hundred against Sri Lanka with an on-drive for two runs.Marsh moved to 98 by driving seamer Chanaka Welegedara through the covers for a four and then reached 100 by flicking Randiv to mid-wicket for two.Former Australian opener Geoff Marsh applauded warmly from the stands as his 28-year-old son jumped in the air with a raised bat to celebrate the landmark.The younger Marsh had come into the Test side in place of former captain Ricky Ponting, who had to return home after Galle for the birth of his second child.The century will help the left-hander secure his place in the team even when Ponting returns for the third and final Test in Colombo from September 16.Australia, who were 378-4 at lunch, lost three wickets in the space of one run after resumption before the weather intervened.Marsh added 11 to his lunch score of 130 when he pulled seamer Suranga Lakmal to Kumar Sangakkara on the mid-wicket fence while attempting his 19th boundary.Sangakkara, who had also caught Hussey, picked up his third catch when Brad Haddin lofted Randiv to mid-on.Randiv then bowled Mitchell Johnson first ball, but Ryan Harris prevented a hat-trick.When play was called off, Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 13 and Harris was on nine.As Australia piled up the runs, Sri Lanka rued the absence of their two first-choice spinners, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath, who were forced to miss the match with injuries.Australia lead 1-0 in the series, their first in Sri Lanka since 2004, after winning the first Test by 125 runs.

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

UPDATE ICC CRICKET RATINGS

9:10 AM  Unknown  

The Icc Cricket Ratings Check Out Time a Last  Update
India   Australia   South-Africa  New-Zealand   Bangladesh 
Pakistan   England   West-Indies   Zimbabwe

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Trott talks exclusively about LG ICC Awards nominations

8:50 AM  Unknown  

On this week's LG ICC Awards 2011 special ICC Cricket World Radio Show, England's Jonathan Trott talks exclusively about being short-listed in three categories - ICC Cricketer of the Year, ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year and the LG People's Choice Award - for this year's event which is due to be held in London on 12 September."It is not something you think about when you are playing. But what nomination brings with it some good and fond memories. I think the nominations shows plenty of England players in all categories. It shows how we have been a successful as a side over the past year and how everyone has contributed to it," says Trott.Based on the period between 11 August 2010 and 3 August 2011, the LG ICC Awards 2011 presented in association with FICA - take into account performances by players and officials in a remarkable period for the game. Also on this week's show, fellow nominee West Indies' Darren Bravo talks about being short-listed for the ICC Emerging Player of the Year. The 22-year-old batsman is up against compatriot Devendra Bishoo and Pakistan duo of Azhar Ali and Wahab Riaz for the title.It is a great feeling to be nominated. I was a bit surprised. It has been my first full year in international cricket and I am being listed in that sort of category, so it is special to me. I am thanking the lord for this and hopefully I get the award," says Bravo."I think it will be very tough because all the others have performed pretty well. It is about their hard work as well and congratulation to them as well for being nominated. Someone like Devendra Bishoo has put in a tremendous amount of hard work since he has come in. So may the best man win,adds Bravo.Finally, Zimbabwe's Test opener Tino Mawoyo looks back on his maiden hundred against Pakistan in the recently concluded one-off Test."I had previously batted for a day. But to bat for eleven hours is a quality that has slowly crept into my game. I have been working hard on it for two-three years. I have taken on the role to let people bat around me. Obviously Grant Flower (Zimbabwe batting coach) has worked a lot with me to improve that aspect of my game over the last four-five months,says Mawoyo.

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Ireland completes five wicket win

8:49 AM  Unknown  

Ireland completed its first win in the ICC Intercontinental Cup with an easy five wicket win over Namibia at the Civil Service Cricket Club on Friday.Set to chase 173 for a win, Ireland began the final day of the four-day contest at its overnight score of 135 for four.Kevin O'Brien fell early in the chase on the final day, but Andrew White (22 not out) and John Mooney (15 not out) controlled the chase very well.In the end Ireland overhauled the target in 40.2 overs with the score at 176 for five.For Namibia, Christi Viljoen (2-40) and Louis van der Westhuizen (2-21) were the chief wicket-takers, but that was not enough as the hosts won quite easily

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England edge India in third ODI

8:47 AM  Unknown  

LONDON : England survived some anxious moments to complete a three-wicket victory over India under a full moon at the Oval on Friday night in a rain-reduced third one-day international.Chasing 218 from 43 overs under the Duckworth/Lewis system after an hour's rain break in the day-night match, England survived a wobble in mid-innings to get over the line with seven balls to spare.England lead 2-0 in the five-match series after the first game was rained out. The teams meet again at Lord's on Sunday and in Cardiff next Friday.World Cup champions India, who lost their place at the top of the world rankings during a 4-0 whitewash in the test series, rallied from 58 for five to reach 234 for seven from their 50 overs.All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, an injury replacement for Gautam Gambhir, stroked the ball beautifully to score 78 from 89 deliveries. He added 112 with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (69) and 59 from 31 balls with Ravichandran Ashwin (36 not out).Alastair Cook asked India to bat after winning the toss and won an immediate reward when Ajinkya Rahane, who had scored 155 from 120 balls in his three previous one-day internationals, was dismissed without scoring, caught behind prodding at James Anderson's fourth delivery of the day.Anderson then ran out Rahul Dravid (2), swooping from mid-off to pick up the ball and throw down the stumps at the batsman's end in one motion.Dravid, who had been late starting after Parthiv Patel had pushed the ball into the off and then hesitated before running, looked distinctly unimpressed with his partner's calling, swishing his bat in irritation as he to the pavilion.Patel did not linger, departing for three when Anderson uprooted his off-stump and Virat Kholi (7) edged Anderson to give wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter his second catch and compound India's misery.Dhoni smacked his second ball for four and Suresh Raina launched Anderson into the crowd for the only six of the innings. Raina reached 21 before he tried to swipe Broad to leg and was caught behind.RESCUE ACTWith the innings in disarray, Dhoni and Jadeja batted with skill and judgment.Jadeja drove Broad lavishly through extra cover then struck the pace bowlers for consecutive boundaries and sliced Graeme Swann to the third man boundary.Dhoni dismissed Ravi Bopara to the boundary with a wristy flick and brought up his half-century from 69 balls to a huge cheer from the substantial Indian contingent in the crowd.The singles continued to come freely but neither batsmen could penetrate the field and 11 overs were bowled without a boundary before Jadeja leg glanced Anderson for a four to bring up his half-century.Dhoni skied a low full toss from Tim Bresnan to Cook at mid-off and Jadeja was caught by Ian Bell off Jade Dernbach but India still took 51 from the batting powerplay and 84 from the final 10 overs.England began brightly with Kieswetter lofting Praveen Kumar for six over the mid-wicket boundary, sweeping a second to fine leg from the same bowler and driving a third off Munaf Patel over long-off.He lost Cook lbw to Patel for 23 off the last ball of the compulsory powerplay, after the pair had put on 63 off 62 balls for the first wicket, and survived a straightforward caught-and-bowled chance to Patel on 41.Kieswetter went to 51 when he was comprehensively bowled middle stump by slow left-armer Jadeja. Jonathan Trott (11) followed five balls later, bowled by off-spinner Ashwin by a delivery which slid past the outside of his bat.Rain began to fall and the players left the field with England 95 for three, sufficient for victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method for deciding rained-out matches.On their return Ian Bell was run out for 23 when wicketkeeper Dhoni threw down the stumps and Ben Stokes, who struck a six but who could make little of the spinners, was bowled for 20 trying to sweep Ashwin.India were back in the game but Bopara (40) and Tim Bresnan (28) took advantage of the slippery ball and wet outfield to add 60 for the seventh wicket and set up an ultimately comfortable victory. (Reuters)

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Miandad summoned over Pakistan board criticism

8:46 AM  Unknown  

KARACHI : Pakistan cricket authorities revealed Friday that former captain and current director-general Javed Miandad has been served a formal notice to explain why he criticised the board.In his three years at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Miandad, 54, has had several disputes with the organisation's chairman Ijaz Butt, and on Wednesday said that 90 percent of the board's decisions were wrong.Authorities demanded an explanation from the former great."PCB has served a show-cause notice to Minadad over an interview in the media and he has been given seven days to explain," PCB spokesman Nadeem Sarwar told Miandad told local English newspaper Dawn that he was not being allowed to fulfil his duties despite having been appointed by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also the patron of the PCB.People around the world regard my services as a cricketer but the PCB doesn't want to give me authority to improve cricket," he said.While closely watching the functioning of the PCB, I am disappointed and feel that 90 percent of decisions are wrong, and are spoiling the sport in the country".Miandad said would meet Zardari to "apprise him of the poor condition of cricket in Pakistan. I will request him to either take necessary steps or allow me to leave the DG post."Butt is due to complete his three-year term as PCB chairman next month.Miandad was regarded as one of Pakistan's greatest-ever batsmen, scoring 8832 runs in 124 Tests both still national records during an illustrious career. He also featured in 233 one-day internationals.

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3rd ODI: England win toss and field against India

8:44 AM  Unknown  

LONDON : England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and elected to field against India in the third one-day international at The Oval here on Friday.England batsman Jonathan Trott returned to the team in place of spinner Samit Patel as Cook made one change from the side that won the rain-affected second game at the Rose Bowl by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.India made two changes, with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja coming in for Manoj Tiwary, and RP Singh replacing Vinay Kumar.TeamsEngland: Alastair Cook (captain), Craig Kieswetter (wk), Jonathan Trott, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Ben Stokes, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jade DernbachIndia: Ajinkya Rahane, Parthiv Patel, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni (captain, wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel, RP SinghUmpire: Marais Erasmus (SA) and Nigel Llong (ENG), Third umpire: Billy Doctrove (WI) Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)

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Australia move to commanding 264-3 against Sri Lanka

8:43 AM  Unknown  

PALLEKELE : Shaun Marsh was 13 runs away from a century on his debut and Mike Hussey hit an unbeaten 76 as Australia piled on Sri Lanka's misery in the second Test in Pallekele on Friday.The West Australian pair put on 148 for the unbroken fourth wicket as the tourists moved to a commanding 264-3 in their first innings when bad light halted play soon after tea.Marsh was on 87 and Hussey followed his match-winning 95 in the first Test in Galle with another half-century as Australia built a 90-run lead with seven wickets still in hand.The pair joined forces after Sri Lanka had grabbed three quick wickets in the morning session to restrict Australia to 116-3 in reply to their own 174.Former Australian opener Geoff Marsh looked on from the stands as his 28-year-old son mastered the Sri Lankan attack with 11 boundaries after a dour start.Marsh had come into the Test side in place of former captain Ricky Ponting, who had to return home after Galle for the birth of his second child.The knock will help the left-hander cement his place in the team even when Ponting returns for the third and final Test in Colombo from September 16.Marsh drove Suranga Lakmal through the covers and then chipped debutant leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna over mid-on to take Australia past Sri Lanka's total.Two successive boundaries off Prasanna, a lofted shot and a straight drive, gave Marsh his half-century from 133 deliveries.Hussey reached his second half-century of the series by smashing off-spinner Suraj Randiv to the square-leg fence for his sixth boundary.The hosts missed their two first-choice spinners, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath, who were forced to skip the match with injuries.Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan tried seven bowlers, including part-timers Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera, to try to contain the tourists.Sangakkara, who had gone wicketless in 98 previous Tests and has just one first-class wicket to his credit, also bowled the first over with the second new ball.Australia lost Shane Watson before they had added to their overnight score of 60 for no loss, and the other opener Phil Hughes fell shortly after the drinks break.Watson had made 36 when he left alone a delivery from seamer Lakmal that dipped in to uproot his off-stumpLeft-hander Hughes carried his overnight score of 23 to 36 before he was snapped up at forward short-leg by Tharanga Paranavitana off Randiv.It soon became 116-3 as skipper Michael Clarke (13) attempted to drive seamer Chanaka Welegedara outside the off-stump and edged a low catch to Mahela Jayawardene at second slip.Clarke has now gone 22 Test innings without a century since making 168 against New Zealand at Wellington in March last year.Australia lead 1-0 in the three-match series, Clarke's first as captain, having won the first Test by 125 runs last week.

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Friday, September 09, 2011

Players won't budge on their 26% revenue share

3:02 PM  Unknown  

Australia's cricketers will refuse to budge from their fixed 26% share of total Cricket Australia revenue when the game's administrators seek to carry out the player payment recommendations of the Argus review One of the review's many key conclusions was that the payment structure of Australian cricket was not firm enough in its link between player payment and performance. Australian players are paid relative to the performances of each other on a year-by-year basis, but do not experience peaks and troughs of remuneration when their performance surge ahead or lag behind the results of other nations.The basic building block of Australian player payments is their fixed 26% share of total CA revenue, an arrangement that allows for the players to be paid less in years when the collective body has turned in a lesser profit, and more when the opposite is true. Paul Marsh chief executive of the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA), said the players would not allow any change to his model.Player payment negotiations were effectively placed on hold in the off-season as CA and the ACA agreed to extend most existing arrangements by one year while numerous changes to the cricket landscape, including the expansion of the Twenty20 Big Bash League, took place."Quite simply the ACA and our members won't entertain a move away from the percentage share of revenue model we've had since 1999, nor our current 26% share," Marsh said. "We believe this has worked very well for Australian cricket and the players for the past 12 years and is not a reason for the recent decline in our on-field performances The recommendations regarding changes to the contracting and player payment models will form part of our upcoming MOU negotiations with CA. We are open to discussing how we can improve these models to make Australian cricket stronger but moving away from our percentage share of revenue model isn't open for discussion from our perspective.Marsh took issue with the review's findings about player wages not being linked closely enough to performances, and also pointed out that the players' use for CA marketing and advertising across the summer had to be remunerated irrespective of how individuals performed on the field. He expressed the view that no-one else in Australian cricket, be they administrators, coaches, or board members, were as accountable for performance as the players themselves.What's been overlooked in my view is the fact that our payment system is already extremely performance based," Marsh said. "Player retainer values fluctuate from year to year based on player performances - and these fluctuations can be considerable. Players come on and go off contract lists and it would be fair to say that no other role in Australian cricket is subject to such cut throat performance measures.It's also important to note that player payments are not just a function of on-field performance. When signing contracts, players hand over various commercial rights to CA that CA exploit for the financial gain of Australian cricket. The players also agree to a range of other significant obligations and restrictions. There has to be a fixed value attached to this that isn't dependent on on-field performance.Most of the review's other findings and recommendations have been met with a warm response by the players and their representatives, but Marsh raised some doubts about the how the concept of linking the head coach with each state would be practically implemented"The creation of the General Manager of Team Performance is a good initiative, as is the move to a full-time National Selector," Marsh said. "The expansion of the Head Coach's role makes theoretical sense, however, in practical terms, how alignment between this role and the State coaching roles will be achieved is the big question for me."

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Marsh set for century on Test debut

3:01 PM  Unknown  

KANDY :  How appropriate that Shaun Marsh, in his long-awaited foray into Test cricket, has batted a lot like his Dad. Dogged and determined, patient and persistent, the 28-year-old West Australian had been waiting for this chance his whole life and was not about to waste it.That his father Geoff, the maker of 2854 hard-earned runs during his 50-Test career, was watching on from the grandstand at Pallekele Stadium made the occasion even more special.A noted blazer in limited-overs international cricket, questions remained about Marsh's compatibility with the longer form of the game even upon his selection here, as a direct replacement for the absent Ricky Ponting. They have been answered fairly emphatically thanks to a thoroughly convincing display that set Australia back on course for an imposing first-innings score in the second Test against Sri Lanka.By mid-afternoon, having conscientiously compiled an unbeaten 83, Marsh was edging closer towards a remarkable Test century on debut, a milestone last reached by an Australian when Marcus North - another West Australian left-hander - made 117 against South Africa in 2009. Other Australians to achieve the feat are his captain, Michael Clarke, Greg Chappell, Mark Waugh and Greg Blewett.Marsh, batting at No.3, arrived in the middle with Australia's command on the match just beginning to ease slightly as a result of the early departures of Shane Watson and Phillip Hughes, both for 36, and Clarke for 13.From 3-116 he and Michael Hussey (68 not out) - the unlikely star of day one with the ball and in the field - diligently restored the tourists' fortunes. They had passed Sri Lanka's meagre total of 174 by early afternoon and by tea had progressed the Australian innings to 3-251. Sri Lanka, by contrast, were losing the plot, bizarrely giving Kumar Sangakarra - who has only one first-class wicket behind him - the second new ball. Marsh settled quickly and only briefly lashed out in reaching a first Test half-century in 117 minutes and 133 balls. He brought up the fifty with two characteristic whacks to the long-off boundary that had rookie leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna scratching his head and Marsh snr on his feet in sheer pride. The shoulders continued to loosen as he worked his way closer to three figures.Hussey, man of the match in the first Test win in Galle last week, was also again the rock that Australia required, also reaching his half-century with a big thud to the rope through square leg. The 36-year-old had earlier survived a couple of close shaves when the Sri Lankans thought they had him run out and then leg-before.Marsh's composed debut, however, was difficult to overshadow. He entered his first Test with a first-class average of only 37, a record containing only six centuries, although his performances in the past three years had been vastly better.Clarke, all of a sudden, is set to have a major selection dilemma to resolve when he leads the phone hook-up with his fellow selectors before next week's third Test. With Ponting to slot straight back in, having darted home for the birth of his daughter on Thursday, Hughes and Usman Khawaja could well find their places in the Australian line-up under serious strain.Hughes departed when his mis-hit bunt off spinner Suraj Randiv shot straight to Tharanga Paranavitana at back pad. Clarke was also gone before lunch, edging left-arm paceman Chanaka Welegedara to Tillakaratne Dilshan at third slip with a loose shot.Watson had earlier his off stump displaced while leaving a thunderbolt from Sri Lankan spearhead Suranga Lakmal. The vice-captain had not added to the 36 he had compiled on Thursday afternoon and made a poor decision not to play at the off-cutter, having almost been bowled by an electric Lakmal the ball before

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A Pakistan cricket team without Shahid Afridi is unromantic, dull and less attractive

2:58 PM  Unknown  

As the men in green grabbed wickets against Zimbabwe in the first ODI, as the boys celebrated each wicket, something was missing. Energy, aggression and romance had been absent. Without the presence of the Pathan, Shahid Afridi the Pakistan team looked less attractive.The PCB, whose whims led to an Afridi exile, is really unromantic, nihilistic and sexless. They don’t understand the appeal and desire of the romantic cricket fans who look for the wild romance alongside enjoying cricket on the field. The PCB, at present has no idea why the men in green were the hot cakes in the 80’s and 90’s and why they were the most applauded side.The major reason had been the presence of some exciting handsome devils. They were hot, sexy, appealing and dashing. They used to leave each cricket fans dream during sleep about the romantic flavour which they used to digest during each match the green darlings played in the golden era of Pakistan cricket.Imran led the handsome devils and they not only exhibited cricketing skills but with that there had been a touch of sizzling nights, the extravagant wild feelings, the fragrance of the wild rose, the thirsty desire that mostly scripts the novel of cricket romanticisms.What is cricket without its romantic heroes! What is cricket without the sex symbols!It’s boring! It’s totally spremless!Shahid Afridi is cricket’s romantic hero, a Pathan who drags enormous attraction from the fans either Pakistani or non-Pakistani, who loves to watch the cricket played with wild energy and utmost sexual appeal.Afridi, in my book is the most magnetic and charismatic romantic hero of cricket at present. And in a Pakistan team filled with so many boring characters, the absence of Afridi simply makes it look like an art film who does inject agility but lacks the wild romantic appeal.For Shahid Afridi you just can’t use calculations but you allow the wild romantics to bubble over and carry you along its hot, violent and unruly lava.The PCB is ignorant. You have forgotten that half of the cricket fans are ladies and how amazingly the charming ladies bring joy and colour to cricket and for them more than the game, it’s the electric presence of the sex symbols rather than their skills draw more fans in the stadiums.In the recently concluded World Cup in the quarterfinal clash against the West Indies, the Mirpur stands were filled with fans who weren’t Pakistani fans but they were there only to have a glimpse of Shahid Afridi. The fans, majority females, shouted, chanted and sweated whenever they noticed Afridi.And even after being married, Shahid Afridi is the ladies number one choice. The opposition batsmen might not enjoy his bowling or the bowlers might not relish his wild batting but his silky hair, his sexy smile, his raising of the index fingers towards the skies after grabbing each scalp by showing his bumbs towards the galleries drives the girls crazy.This is what Afridi does to the atmosphere. This is what cricket’s romantic heroes offer to cricket. This is why cricket needs wild romantics in cricket.Shahid Afridi is the symbol of cricket’s wild romantics. He is the darling of cricket. He is the true superstar whom the Pakistan team who lack romance and energy and obviously cricket needs him.Imran Yousuf in one of his article had said, “Because sport, as you men may or may not know, carries the erotic. It is the erotic speaking another language. The pursuit of eros is sport's bloodstream, its unspoken raison d'etre. All our controls and rules are ways of harnessing this primal power into whistles and points.can’t imagine the Pakistan cricket team without the Pathan. Too tough for me to enjoy a Pakistan team without Afridi, whose glamour and romance has made me their fan. Afridi scripts the dance of the wolves with his wild romance and aggression.The present Pakistan team is dull without Shahid Khan Afridi.

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Everyone is greedy... wants to make that extra bit of money: Kapil Dev

3:58 AM  Unknown  

Firstly, my thoughts go out to those families affected by the blasts in Delhi. It seems no place in the world is safe anymore. I tweeted to my fans in Delhi to stay safe, and that came from the bottom of my heart. These acts of terror are mindless. Coming back to cricket, I did not watch the game at Southampton as I was at an awards ceremony. It feels good to see England having three contenders for the wicketkeeper's role. If it is Matt Prior in Tests and Craig Kieswetter in ODIs, Steven Davies is always at hand to step in.There is depth in bowling as well. English cricket has never had it so good.The fact is that anyone and everyone playing county cricket wants to play for the country. It shows in how the national team is also performing. Over the last two years, our work ethic has improved and so has the fitness. Even the counties are training and working hard on the lines of the England squad.Kieswetter is a fantastic striker. He hits sixes and is a confident young talent.I have seen my old teammate from the IPL, Vinay Kumar, having a tough time here. But it is a difficult transition at times from IPL to the highest level. In international cricket, you have 11 tough guys playing against you, while in the IPL, there are a few weak links which can be exploited.I have captained Vinay and I am sure he will find his feet soon. He is a professional sportsperson. He trains hard, thinks about the game and works at it. He might not have done well in the first couple of games, but he will be okay in the rest of the series.For the Indians, it is the fag end of a difficult trip. For some, who also went to the West Indies, all they might want is to go back home. But they have to get through it somehow and draw on anything they can.

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England never had it so good

3:56 AM  Unknown  

Firstly my thoughts go out to those families affected by the blasts in Delhi. It seems no place in the world is safe anymore. I tweeted to my fans in Delhi to stay safe, and that came from the bottom of my heart. These acts of terror are mindless. Coming back to cricket, I did not watch the game at Southampton as I was at an awards ceremony. It feels good to see England having three contenders for the wicketkeeper's role. If it is Matt Prior in Tests and Craig Kieswetter in ODIs, Steven Davies is always at hand to step in.There is depth in bowling as well. English cricket has never had it so good.The fact is that anyone and everyone playing county cricket wants to play for the country. It shows in how the national team is also performing. Over the last two years, our work ethic has improved and so has the fitness. Even the counties are training and working hard on the lines of the England squad.Kieswetter is a fantastic striker. He hits sixes and is a confident young talent.I have seen my old teammate from the IPL, Vinay Kumar, having a tough time here. But it is a difficult transition at times from IPL to the highest level. In international cricket, you have 11 tough guys playing against you, while in the IPL, there are a few weak links which can be exploited.I have captained Vinay and I am sure he will find his feet soon. He is a professional sportsperson. He trains hard, thinks about the game and works at it. He might not have done well in the first couple of games, but he will be okay in the rest of the series.For the Indians, it is the fag end of a difficult trip. For some, who also went to the West Indies, all they might want is to go back home. But they have to get through it somehow and draw on anything they can.

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Defiant Nasser Hussain amazed by furore in India over his donkey remark

3:54 AM  Unknown  

LONDON : Former England captain Nasser Hussain says he is amazed to learn that his "donkey" remark caused a furore in India."There are one or two donkeys" still in the side, Hussain had said while commentating on the Indian fielding.The remark drew severe criticism from several former Indian cricketers and prompted an irate Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) to take up the matter with the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB).Hussain said "donkey" is a common cricketing slang in England."I don't want to say too much about this because I have found the reaction amazing. I just can't believe the fuss over what is a bit of cricket slang. It is a term I used all the time when I was a captain. Nothing personal was intended," The Daily Mail Thursday quoted Hussain as saying.Hussain had come up with the remark while commentating in the one-off Twenty20 between the two sides at Old Trafford last month."I would say the difference between the two sides is the fielding. England are all-round a good fielding side. I do believe that India have few 3 or 4 very good fielders and one or two donkeys in the field still," he had said

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Youngsters eye capital high

3:52 AM  Unknown  

It's the toughest tour India have undertaken since the start of the new millennium. But if you have the mettle, it may be a good time to walk into this team.Starting against the best can be a double-edged sword for sure. However, if you prove yourself, it can be an ideal launching pad for your career.At the moment, no team tests you like England does. They may be ranked No. 5 in ODIs but are playing better than the world champions, India. For Ajinkya Rahane and Varun Aaron, their first series has been a baptism by fire. Rahane has made a very impressive start to his career but by measuring himself against a team like England, he will realise how tough it is to be successful at the highest level.The home team seem to have an answer for everything India have thrown at them. The debacle in Tests was blamed on poor starts. In the limited-overs series, India can't hide behind that excuse as well. Rahane and Parthiv Patel have not just seen off the new ball, they have provided flying starts. It has helped India raise competitive totals but the result has been the same.The defeats at Southampton and Old Trafford, after posting 187 in 23 overs and 165 in 20, could have demoralised any team. The third one-dayer at the Oval on Friday will be a test of whether the young Indian team have the mental reserves to take the knocks in their stride.Wrest Initiative The importance of seizing the initiative early cannot be lost on India. In the Tests, they surrendered the lead at Lord's and the gap kept widening. They find themselves in the same position now in the ODIs. Their confidence has taken a hit after the England batsmen dominated on Tuesday.If batting was blamed in the Test series, bowling has let them down in the limited-overs series. The absence of a strike bowler reflects an empty cupboard.At The Rose Bowl, openers Craig Kieswetter and Alastair Cook raced to a 67-run partnership in 6.2 overs. Thereafter it was a cakewalk. The Indian new ball attack's ability to make early inroads could well decide the outcome on Friday. The bowlers’ poor show has meant no target has looked insurmountable for the England batsmen.Fifth bowler Ravindra Jadeja, who landed after visa issues were sorted, trained on Thursday and is likely to replace Manoj Tiwary as he will solve the fifth bowler issue He is making a comeback, and will know if he has the game, this series is a perfect platform. Who is doing what Dum hai ki nahin pata chal jata hai (Your mettle is tested). If you do well here, recognition is instant. England is a tough place to play cricket, history is proof that whoever has scored runs here, has gone on to play for long  Dilip Vengsarkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly," said former India player and current manager, Shivlal Yadav. The odds are heavily stacked against India. The onus is on the young brigade.

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Razzaq relishes Champions League in India

3:49 AM  Unknown  

KARACHI : Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, said on Wednesday that he was relishing the prospect of playing Champions League matches in India, where he aims to do his bit for improved neighbourly relations The 31-year-old will feature in the qualifying rounds of the September 19-October 9 league for Leicestershire, the English county side who won the domestic Twenty20 tournament.Razzaq will become only the second Pakistani to play in the Champions League after Yasir Arafat, who represented Sussex in the first year of the tournament in 2009.“I am really very excited to be playing in India,” Razzaq told AFP. “It’s a great chance and I will take a message of goodwill for Indians.” The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which runs the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as the Champions League, barred Pakistani players from featuring in both events after they played in the inaugural IPL in 2008.No Pakistani team is again invited to the Champions League, an event where the winners of Twenty20 competitions in top Test playing countries take part – but Razzaq hopes that will change.“I hope the respective governments will negotiate to resume the Indo-Pak cricket because without India and Pakistan playing each other, cricket is deprived of a high-profile, most-watched cricket series,” he said.India stalled sporting and other ties with neighbour, and old rival, Pakistan in the aftermath of the 2008 terrorist attacks on Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on militants based across the border.But Razzaq said cricket was “the binding force” between India and Pakistan, two countries where the game is massively popular.“Doors should always be open for sportsmen or else you change the name of cricket, because cricket is the binding force between these two countries, which we have seen in the past,” he said.Razzaq claimed that an IPL without Pakistani players is less attractive.“When we played in the ICL (Indian Cricket League) the whole charm of that league was Pakistani players playing in India, so I hope that after I go and play the Champions League, India also opens doors of IPL for Pakistani players.“I have faced no problems playing in India and even in the worst of times people of India welcome Pakistani players with open hearts and I hope I am soon part of a Pakistani team playing against India.”There are suggestions that might happen soon.Pakistan Cricket Board has said it is negotiating with the BCCI over a possible tour to India next year – approved under the Future Tours Programme of the International Cricket Council.Razzaq also hopes Pakistan find a suitable coach after Waqar Younis.“Pakistan needs a coach who can motivate the players and don’t have ego problems, said Razzaq, who was dropped after the World Cup in March.He has so far played 46 Tests, 262 one-day internationals and 26 Twenty20s for Pakistan.

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Miandad served show-cause notice by PCB over outburst

3:47 AM  Unknown  

LAHORE : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday served a show-cause notice on batting icon and its director general Javed Miandad for criticising the board policies in an interview to Dawn.Miandad, who besides being the director general has also been associated with the board as Governing Board member almost for three years as a powerless man, has been asked by the PCB to submit the reply within seven days.In the past, Miandad on several occasions decided to quit the job, but President Asif Ali Zardari, patron of the PCB, asked the legendary cricketer to continue his affiliation with the board.Miandad might have been frustrated amid his claims that he had not been given any significant role in PCB affairs, particularly when the board snubbed him recently while naming a committee for the process to appoint a new coach for the Pakistan team.The said committee is headed by former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam with Zaheer Abbas and Col. Naushad Ali, both not employed by the PCB, as its members.

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Pakistan record dramatic win against Zimbabwe

3:41 AM  Unknown  

BULAWAYO : Pakistan snatched a five-run victory from the jaws of defeat as Zimbabwe failed to reach the target by just six runs in the first of the three One-day Internationals here at the Queen’s Sports Club ground on Thursday.Chasing 248, Zimbabwe could make 242 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the 50 allotted 50 overs.Captain Brendan Taylor with 84 and Vissu Sibanda with 73 runs were the top scorers for Zimbabwe while for Pakistan, debutant pacer Aizaz Cheema took three wickets for 36.Earlier, Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat after which Pakistan scored 247 for seven.

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PCB announces England series schedule

3:40 AM  Unknown  


LAHORE : Pakistan announced on Thursday a complete programme of its series against top-ranked Test team England, to be played in the United Arab Emirates in January-February.The series, which is played in UAE because Pakistan cannot hold games on home soil over security fears, consists of three Tests, four one-day internationals and three Twenty20 internationals.Pakistan will also host Sri Lanka in UAE for three Tests, five one-dayers and one Twenty20 international in October-November this year.England, who deposed India from the top of the world Test rankings, will play their first Test series as number ones against Pakistan from January 17, in Dubai.The second Test will be in Abu Dhabi (January 25-29) before the two teams return to Dubai (February 3-7) for the third and final Test.
Programme
Jan 3 - England team arrive
Jan 17-21 - 1st Test - Dubai
Jan 25-29 - 2nd Test - Abu Dhabi
Feb 3-7 - 3rd Test - Dubai
Feb 13 - 1st ODI - Abu Dhabi
Feb 15 - 2nd ODI - Abu Dhabi
Feb 18 - 3rd ODI - Dubai
Feb 21 - 4th ODI - Dubai
Feb 23 - 1st Twenty20 - Dubai
Feb 25 - 2nd Twenty20 - Dubai
Feb 27 - 3rd Twenty20 - Abu Dhabi

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Aussies take charge after bowling out Sri Lanka for 174

3:39 AM  Unknown  

PALLEKELE : Australia took early charge of the second Test against Sri Lanka after bowling out the home side for a hugely disappointing 174 soon after tea on the opening day in Pallekele on Thursday.Fast bowler Ryan Harris led the way with three wickets and Trent Copeland, Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Lyon picked up two each in good batting conditions at the Pallekele International Stadium.Australia, hoping to clinch the three-match series after winning the first Test in Galle by 125 runs, raced to 60 for no loss before bad light ended play 5.2 overs early.Shane Watson returned unbeaten on 36 with six boundaries and Phillip Hughes was on a watchful 23 at stumps.The hosts, electing to bat after winning the toss, never recovered after they lost half the side for 76 by lunch, the top three falling by the eighth over with the score at just 14.Vice-captain Angelo Mathews cracked three sixes and six boundaries in an aggressive 58 to boost the total, but seven batsmen failed to reach double figures.Former captain Kumar Sangakkara chipped in with 48, adding 43 for the fourth wicket with Thilan Samaraweera and 52 for the sixth with Mathews.The elegant left-hander looked set for a major knock when he lost his wicket to part-time bowler Mike Hussey, whose slow-medium delivery was driven to Hughes at short-cover.It was only the third wicket in 61 Tests for Hussey and compounded Sri Lanka's woes on a wicket that had rolled out well in favour of the batsmen.Hussey also picked up a brilliant diving catch at gully to remove star batsman Mahela Jayawardene, who had hit a century in Galle.Opener Tharanga Paranavitana fell for his second successive duck and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was bowled for four.Sri Lanka could have lost Sangakkara cheaply, but Shane Watson spilled a catch at first slip off Johnson when the batsman was on 27 Samaraweera was dismissed 20 minutes before lunch, caught behind off Harris for 18, while Prasanna Jayawardene threw away his wicket just before the break.The Sri Lankan wicket-keeper smashed off-spinner Lyon for a six and four, but holed out in the deep off the last ball of the over.Dilshan lashed out at his batsmen, saying they needed to make significant contributions if Sri Lanka were to level the series.The hosts had been dismissed for 105 and 253 in the first Test with a century from Mahela Jayawardene and 95 from Mathews being the only major contributions.Australia made one change from the side that won the first Test, bringing in debutant Shaun Marsh for former captain Ricky Ponting, who has returned home for the birth of his second child.The left-hander received his baggy green Australian cap before the start of play from his father, Geoff Marsh, a former opening batsman who played 50 Tests and 117 one-dayers before retiring in 1992.Sri Lanka included leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna for his maiden Test match after both Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis were ruled out with injuries.

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Zimbabwe restrict Pakistan to 247-7 in first ODI

3:38 AM  Unknown  

BULAWAYO : Pakistan were restricted to 247-7 by Zimbabwean bowlers in the first of the three One-day Internationals here at the Queen’s Sports Club ground on Thursday.After captain Misbah-ul-Haq won the toss and elected to bat, Pakistan lost Imran Farhat for only one run on the board but in-form allrounder Mohammad Hafeez and veteran batsman Younis Khan rescued them and added 73 runs for the second wicket before Hafeez went for 26.Then, Younis added further 52 runs with Misbah for the third wicket but later Pakistan began to collapse.Younis was run out after top scoring with 78 and Misbah also made a half-century scoring 54.Shoaib Malik, making a comeback, failed to score and was out for only two runs.However, Umar Akmal (36) and his brother Adnan (27) gave some respectability to the team and in the last Sohail Tanvir also made a brisk 17 to take the score to 247 in 50 overs.For Zimbabwe, fast bowlers Ray Price and Chris Mpofu claimed two wickets each.Now, Zimbabwe require 248 runs to win the match.

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Sri Lanka slump further against Aussies

3:37 AM  Unknown  

PALLEKELE : Australia's bowlers left Sri Lanka in tatters on the opening day of the second cricket Test in Pallekele on Thursday.The hosts, electing to bat after winning the toss, slipped to 14-3 by the eighth over and 76-5 by lunch, before groping to 150-8 at tea at the Pallekele International Stadium.Angelo Mathews returned unbeaten on 43 with two sixes and four boundaries, while tailender Suranga Lakmal had yet to score.Fast bowler Ryan Harris picked up three wickets and seamer Trent Copeland and off-spinner Nathan Lyon two each as the tourists looked to build on their 125-run victory in the first Test in Galle.Former captain Kumar Sangakkara revived the hosts with a defiant 48, adding 43 for the fourth wicket with Thilan Samaraweera and 52 for the sixth with Mathews.The elegant left-hander looked set for a major knock when he lost his wicket to part-time bowler Mike Hussey, whose slow medium delivery was driven to Phil Hughes at short-cover.It was only the third wicket in 61 Tests for Hussey and compounded Sri Lanka's woes on a wicket that had rolled out well in favour of the batsmen.Harris struck the first blow in his second over when he forced Tharanga Paranavitana to edge a catch to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin.It was the second successive duck for the left-handed opener, who had failed to score in the second innings at Galle.Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan made four when he tried to leave a ball from Copeland which swung back sharply to clip his off-stump.Copeland also removed Mahela Jayawardene in his next over as Hussey dived to his left at gully to pick up a stunning catch.Jayawardene, whose classy century in Galle failed to save Sri Lanka, managed only four this time.Sri Lanka would have lost Sangakkara cheaply, but Shane Watson spilled a catch at first slip off Mitchell Johnson when the batsman was on 27 Samaraweera was dismissed 20 minutes before lunch, caught behind off Harris for 18, while Prasanna Jayawardene threw away his wicket just before the break.The Sri Lankan wicket-keeper smashed off-spinner Nathan Lyon for a six and four, but holed out in the deep off the last ball of the over.Australia made one change from the side that won the first Test, bringing in debutant Shaun Marsh for former captain Ricky Ponting, who has returned home for the birth of his second child.The left-hander received his baggy green Australian cap before the start of play from his father, Geoff Marsh, a former opening batsman who played 50 Tests and 117 one-dayers before retiring in 1992.Sri Lanka included leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna for his maiden Test match after both Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis were ruled out with injuries.Herath, who bagged a five-wicket haul in Galle, injured a finger in practice, while Mendis woke up on Thursday with a back strain.

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Thursday, September 08, 2011

‘Conscious’ Pakistan players avoiding scandals

1:25 PM  Unknown  

KARACHI : The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Education and Training Programme is paying dividends as the players are now well aware of their boundaries and have stopped inviting unnecessary scandals by ignoring strangers and prohibited ways of communication, according to programme incharge Wasim Bari.The programme was launched after guidelines from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the wake of the spot-fixing scandal last year.There may not be clear benefits but there are effects of the programme making their impact,” Bari told The Express Tribune. “Players who knew little about the dangers of corruption are now well aware of the menace.”Bari added that he also held a session with the Pakistan squad before they left for Zimbabwe, reminding the players of their duties and the code of conduct. The players, according to the former wicket-keeper, were also staying away from communication through social networking sites.“The success of the programme can be gauged from the fact that we’ve hardly had any scandals since its inception.”Seeks more information from ACSUBari added that the PCB has sought more information and literature from the ICC’s Anti-Corruption and Security Unit for the forthcoming domestic season.“It’s a programme which will continue to evolve with changes,” he said. “We remain in touch with the ACSU and follow its guidelines and have asked them to share information regarding the programme which we can use in the coming domestic season.

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