PCB happy with progress made on refurbishments

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

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

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

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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UPDATE ICC CRICKET RATINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Players won't budge on their 26% revenue share

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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‘Conscious’ Pakistan players avoiding scandals

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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PCB is wrong 90 per cent of the time: Miandad

LAHORE :  Lamenting the lack of required power to work right from his day one in office as director general of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), former captain Javed Miandad on Wednesday slammed the decisions taken by the game’s authorities, claiming 90 per cent of those were erroneous.“While closely watching the functioning of the PCB I am disappointed and feel that 90 per cent decisions [taken by the board] are wrong, and are spoiling the sport in the country. I am not part of the PCB planning only because I require power and freedom to work, since I have given 35 years to Pakistan cricket and earned a good name,” Miandad said while talking to Dawn on Wednesday.“People around the world regard my services as a cricketer but the PCB doesn’t want to give me authority to improve [Pakistan] cricket,” the 54-year-old Miandad remarked.“I have already brought this matter into the notice of PCB patron, President Asif Ali Zardari. Soon I will meet him again to apprise him of the poor condition of cricket in Pakistan. I will request him to either take necessary steps [to improve cricketing matters] or allow me to leave the DG post,” stated Miandad, who has been criticised for not leaving the position despite receiving the cold shoulder from the PCB right from day one.The primary cause of friction between PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and Miandad from day one has been that the former is not ready to give latter the appropriate power to work, while the latter is not keen to operate without the authority he demands.“The PCB did not even follow the instructions of President Zardari which he had given to the board last time on my suggestions,” lamented Miandad who featured in 124 Tests and 233 One-day Internationals for Pakistan.Though Miandad avoided pinpointing wrong decisions of the PCB, sources said, he was not happy after the board didn’t take his advice on the appointment of new coach for the Pakistan team following Waqar Younis’s announcement to quit as national head coach after the ongoing Zimbabwe tour.While former Test cricketers Zaheer Abbas and Ramiz Raja (both not employed by the PCB), are part of the coach-searching committee, Miandad has not been given any role in this regard.Miandad, who has had three stints as national coach in the past, also didn’t feel delighted after the PCB decided to give former Test leg-spinner Abdul Qadir the responsibility to control club cricket. Miandad, sources said, held the view that holding club cricket was the prime duty of regional and district bodies.

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Banned Asif learning Anderson's tricks against India

Karachi : Serving a five-year ban for involvement in spot-fixing, Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif says he has been watching James Anderson's performance against India very closely and would try employing the England seamer's tactics if he manages to make a comeback."I have watched James Anderson's bowling very closely again and again and it has been very interesting watching him bowl. When I come back to cricket even after the time away I will be thinking about how Anderson bowled against India and will use that for my benefit. If you think you are the finished article and don't need to learn from others then you are wrong", Asif told 'pakpassion.net'."I love watching Test cricket. Test cricket for me is the pinnacle, the real deal. The England versus India Test series was fascinating, I really enjoyed it. I watched more of the England vs India match as I wanted to see Anderson bowling," he said. Asif also felt that Anderson is bowling with the similar skills and tactics that he had previously used."Only someone like myself who has bowled like Anderson, with a similar style of bowling can truly appreciate what he is doing with the cricket ball and how well he is bowling these days. Anderson has not been playing cricket against the Indians, he has been playing with their minds," he elaborated."He has truly out-thought and baffled the Indians with his artistry and skill. It reminded me so much of what (Mohammad) Amir and I did at times last year to the Australian and English batsmen. If Anderson carries on bowling the way he has been recently and continues to improve then he can become a cricket legend," he said.Asif has admitted that being caught up in the spot-fixing scandal and then being banned has been mentally very tough for him and the events had left him extremely disappointed."Mentally, it's been really tough. Cricket is my life and always will be, and for that to be taken away from me in the circumstances it was, has been terribly difficult to cope with," Asif said."When you have served your country as a professional sportsman, then you don't want that to ever be taken away from you. I've been practising regularly with some of my friends but it's heartbreaking to think that not so long ago I was playing cricket at the top tier of the game and now I'm occasionally playing nowhere near that standard," he added.Asked about his future, Asif, who has taken 106 wickets in 23 Tests, said it was difficult for him to predict where he would be in four year's time when the ban ends."It's four years into the future, it's difficult to predict what can happen in those four years I don't know what the situation will be like in four years. I guess only time will tell. Anyone who has been involved in the game finds it hard to totally move away from the sport," he added.The pace bowler maintained he was innocent and said the Pakistan Cricket Board had not done enough to help him."I am confident of being cleared of the criminal charges at next month's trial under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906 at Southwark Crown Court, London," he said."I'm hopeful that I will be cleared of everything and I can resume playing cricket again as soon as possible. Whoever committed any alleged crime, the Pakistan Cricket Board should have dealt with that individual and taken the appropriate action against that individual.The PCB had taken offence to Asif's complaint against it, insisting it had done everything in its power to assist the players during the spot-fixing scandal.

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Pakistan bat first against Zimbabwe

BULAWAYO: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat in first one day international against Zimbabwe. The team management has included Shoaib Malik in today's playing eleven.Pakistan will look to maintain the winning momentum in the limited-over series starting here on Thursday following their seven-wicket triumph in the one-off Test between the two teams.The form of their top order batsmen - Mohammad Hafeez (119), Azhar Ali (75), Younis Khan (88) and Misbah-ul-Haq (66), who were amongst the runs in the Test - will be crucial for Pakistan And the way their off-spinner Saeed Ajmal foxed the Zimbabwe batsmen, he could well be the ace Pakistan hold over their opponents.The three-match ODI series will be Zimbabwe's biggest test in limited-overs cricket since the tri-series against India and Sri Lanka last year, and they will want to use it as an opportunity to show their proficiency against teams regarded as tougher opposition than the likes of Bangladesh, Kenya and Ireland. Some have suggested that the Queens Sports Club is jinxed for the local team. Brendan Taylor was having none of the conspiracy theories though, and said the hosts only have themselves to blame for the poor showing at the venue and he would like them to change that record. Pakistan's returns in ODI cricket have been solid since their showing at the World Cup, where they reached the semifinals. They beat West Indies in a five-match series, although they lost two dead-rubbers, and also beat Ireland in a two-match series. They would be unhappy with anything less than a win here. Pakistan: Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Shoaib Malik, Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal (WK), Sohail Tanvir, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema.Zimbabwe: CJ Chibhabha, V Sibanda, H Masakadza, BRM Taylor (C), T Taibu†, MN Waller, GA Lamb, E Chigumbura, P Utseya, RW Price, CB Mpofu.

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Bopara aims to pile on the pain for India

LONDON: England batsman Ravi Bopara has set his sights on piling on the agony for India in a bid to cement his spot in Alastair Cook's one-day team.lthough Bopara has 61 one-day international caps, his inconsistent form means he has never been able to nail down a place in England's squad and the last three matches of the limited overs series against the beleaguered Indians offers a golden opportunity to do just that.Bopara has only scored five half-centuries for England, with an average of just over 28, yet an injury to Eoin Morgan and Kevin Pietersen's rest period means the Essex star is still firmly in captain Cook's plans.Morgan took Bopara's place in the Test team against Sri Lanka earlier this year, but he is out of the rest of the one-day series and the 26-year-old knows he must take advantage, starting in the third match at The Oval on Friday.Bopara, who made 24 in a 60-run stand with Cook to help England win the second one-dayer on Tuesday, said: "I was a bit surprised Eoin was not fit, but nevertheless I was told early enough and was given time to prepare."I've not been told I will definitely play the rest of the series, but obviously I'd like to play and fight for that spot."It's a great chance to make it into the first XI and then perform and cement a place in the side."It's a great chance, with guys resting and a few injuries about. There is a great opportunity to cement my place."While Bopara hopes to take his chance, the real dangers to world champions India could be Cook and Craig Kieswetter.England appeared to face a tough target on Tuesday after Ajingli Rahane and Suresh Raina had powered India to 187 for eight in a match reduced by rain to 23 overs per side under the Rose Bowl lights.But openers Kieswetter and Cook raced to 67 in under seven overs to send Mahendra Singh Dhoni's tourists crashing to yet another defeat after a 4-0 rout in the Test series and a loss in the lone Twenty20 international.Bopara was impressed with England's poise under pressure as they chased down the target and he added "The way we went about our business was unbelievable, especially some of the batters.I thought the way our batters went about chasing it was spot on.
"When I went in we obviously needed a few runs, and it was important I got a partnership going with Cookie.The most important thing was to keep our concentration on a pretty good wicket. We looked to be fairly positive and keep the bowlers under pressure.India's prowess in one-day matches has been unquestioned in recent years, but the draining effects of a miserable tour to England have left them vulnerable even in the short form of the game.A host of injuries has decimated the squad, with Sachin Tendulkar the eighth Indian to be ruled out of the series after the batsman suffered a toe problem before the second game.Skipper Dhoni admits he has few options left to freshen up a team low on morale and energy."We only have specialist bowlers left, which would mean going a batter light, and that is not something we are comfortable with," Dhoni said.We need the extra batsman because most of our batsmen play aggressive cricket.We try to come up with plans that may work, but not much has worked so far for us.

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S.Lanka bat against Australia

PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka's captain Tillakaratne Dilshan won the toss and elected to bat in the second cricket Test against Australia at the Pallekele International Stadium on Thursday.Australia made one change from the side that won the first Test in Galle, bringing in debutant Shaun Marsh for former captain Ricky Ponting, who 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.Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson, Philip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Trent Copeland, Nathan Lyon. 12th man: Michael Beer.Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Prasanna Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Suraj Randiv, Suranga Lakmal, Chanaka Welegedara, Seekkuge Prasanna. 12th man: Shaminda Eranga.Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Tony Hill (NZL)TV umpire: Aleem Dar (PAK)Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG)

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Greenshirts look to begin ODI series on winning note

BULAWAY :  Zimbabwe: Pakistan will look to maintain the winning momentum in the limited-over series starting here on Thursday following their seven-wicket triumph in the one-off Test between the two teams.The form of their top order batsmen - Mohammad Hafeez (119), Azhar Ali (75), Younis Khan (88) and Misbah-ul-Haq (66), who were amongst the runs in the Test - will be crucial for Pakistan.And the way their off-spinner Saeed Ajmal foxed the Zimbabwe batsmen, he could well be the ace Pakistan hold over their opponents.It will also be an opportunity for Pakistan to put some new faces through their paces. They already gave Sohail Khan (right-arm medium fast), Junaid Khan (left-arm medium fast) and Aizaz Cheema (right-arm-medium fast) opportunities to make their mark in the Test.The 32-year-old Cheema was the pick of them, as he claimed eight wickets - four wickets in each innings - during his outing.The three-match ODI series will be Zimbabwe's biggest test in limited-overs cricket since the tri-series against India and Sri Lanka last year, and they will want to use it as an opportunity to show their proficiency against teams regarded as tougher opposition than the likes of Bangladesh, Kenya and Ireland. Some have suggested that the Queens Sports Club is jinxed for the local team. Brendan Taylor was having none of the conspiracy theories though, and said the hosts only have themselves to blame for the poor showing at the venue and he would like them to change that record. Pakistan's returns in ODI cricket have been solid since their showing at the World Cup, where they reached the semifinals. They beat West Indies in a five-match series, although they lost two dead-rubbers, and also beat Ireland in a two-match series. They would be unhappy with anything less than a win here. The visitors are keen to experiment with different combinations and have made it clear they will allow everyone in the squad to get a game. It is a way of testing their fringe talent, an important goal for the team going forward. They will do so without the services of coach Waqar Younis, who is on his last assignment, and will want to end his tenure on a high note.Zimbabwe may introduce a fresh face for the one-day series in middle-order batsman Regis Chakabva. The No. 5 spot will still be contested between Forster Mutizwa and Craig Ervine, neither of whom made a convincing enough case for themselves in the Bangladesh series. Elton Chigumbura's knee injury keeps him out of the squad and Malcolm Waller will likely be given the allrounder's role. Prosper Utseya will be the second spinner to Ray Price, while one of the quicks, most likely Brian Vitori, who was unsuccessful on the Bulawayo pitch during the Test, will be rested. Pakistan have four options for the openers' positions, with Hafeez the only one guaranteed a place. There may also be a contest on for the No. 3 position with Asad Shafiq having shown an inability to convert starts and Pakistan handing Azhar Ali an ODI debut in the second game against Ireland. Given the conditions, Yasir Shah could come in as an additional spinner, to partner Saeed Ajmal. The offspin of Mohammad Hafeez will also come in handy. Junaid Khan will likely keep his place and Sohail Tanvir should get a chance as well, after being left out of the Test match. Pakistan (from): Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat/Rameez Raja Jr, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umar Akmal, Adnan Akmal, Junaid Khan, Yasir Shah, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir. Zimbabwe (from): Brendan Taylor, Vusi Sibanda, Hamilton Masakadza, Tatenda Taibu, Forster Mutizwa/Craig Ervine, Regis Chakabva, Malcolm Waller, 8 Prosper Utseya, Ray Price, Kyle Jarvis, Chris Mpofu.

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New players to get a chance during ODI series: Misbah

BULAWAYO: Pakistani captain, Misbah-ul-Haq said that new players will get a chance during the ODI series against Zimbabwe, Geo News reported. Pakistan will play its first match of the ODI series on Thursday. Pakistan will play three ODIs against Zimbabwe, and according to the skipper the team will include new players. He said that winning was of the utmost important and the team will be selected with this in mind. Meanwhile the coach for Zimbabwe said that his team would provide stiff competition to Pakistan during the ODI series.

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White, Dockrell help Ireland take handy lead

Andrew White slammed an unbeaten 123 to help Ireland take a 54 run lead in the ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Namibia on the second day of the four-day contest.At the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Ireland resumed at its overnight score of 75 for four. But White held the innings together very well.White first shared a 69 run sixth wicket stand with John Mooney (44: 58b, 6x4). Later, George Dockrell (53: 96b, 8x4) batted resolutely with White to help Ireland take a lead.Dockrell-White stand for the eighth wicket was worth 100 runs.White finally ended unbeaten on 123 off 213 balls with thirteen boundaries. Namibia's chief wicket-takers were Louis Klazinga (2-58), Christi Viljoen (5-87) and Stephen Baard (2-32). Ireland ended at 298 in 83.5 overs.Namibia began wiping off the lead with Viljoen following his five wicket haul with a brisk unbeaten knock of 48. Namibia ended the day at 58 for one when rain interrupted play and forced an early closure.

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Match officials announced for Pepsi ICC WCL Div. 6 in Malaysia

The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the match officials for the upcoming Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 6 (WCL Div. 6) in Malaysia which includes Steve Davis who has been nominated for the ICC Umpire of the Year 2011 award and is a member of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Umpires.Davis will be part of a team of officials from a wide-range of countries who will be officiating in a week-long tournament which begins on 17 September. During his time with the match officials, Davis will also be acting as a mentor and helping to educate and guide the umpires throughout the tournament, as part of an ICC initiative for umpires development outside the Full Members.The umpires standing in WCL Div.6 are:
Srinivasan Adachani (Oman)
Steve Davis (Australia)
Imran Haji (Kuwait)
Neil Harrison (Japan)
David Odhiambo (Kenya)
Durga Subhedi (Nepal)
Kalidass Viswanadan (Malaysia)
Former West Indies Test batsman, Adrian Griffith, will be the referee for the tournament which is taking place across three grounds in Kuala Lumpur ? Kinrara Oval, Selangor Turf Club and Bayuemas Oval. These venues were also used for the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup which was held in Malaysia in 2008.
The finalists of the event, will be promoted to Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 5 which will be staged in Singapore in early 2012.The full schedule for WCL Div. 6 is as follows:
Fixtures
15 Sep - Team Arrivals
16 Sep - Practice
17 Sep - Guernsey v Jersey (Kinrara Oval), Malaysia v Kuwait (Selangor Turf Club), Fiji v Nigeria (Bayuemas Oval)
18 Sep - Malaysia v Nigeria (Kinrara Oval), Kuwait v Jersey (Selangor Turf Club), Guernsey v Fiji (Bayuemas Oval)
19 Sep - Reserve Day
20 Sep - Malaysia v Fiji (Kinrara Oval), Jersey v Nigeria (Selangor Turf Club), Kuwait v Guernsey (Bayuemas Oval)
21 Sep - Fiji v Kuwait (Kinrara Oval), Nigeria v Guernsey (Selangor Turf Club), Malaysia v Jersey (Bayuemas Oval)
22 Sep - Reserve Day
23 Sep - Malaysia v Guernsey (Kinrara Oval), Jersey v Fiji (Selangor Turf Club), Nigeria v Kuwait (Bayuemas Oval)
24 Sep - Final (Kinrara Oval), 3rd/4th Play-off (Selangor Turf Club), 5th/6th Play-off (Bayuemas Oval)
All matches are scheduled to start at 1030 local time

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'Good Test wicket' awaits Aussies, Sri Lanka

Australia and Sri Lanka clash in the second cricket Test in Pallekele from Thursday, relieved they will not be playing on a dustbowl like the one in Galle.The controversial dry wicket in the first Test last week was described as "poor" by match referee Chris Broad and the International Cricket Council sought an explanation from Sri Lankan authorities.Australia won the match by 125 runs as 40 wickets fell in four days - 16 on the second day itself - with 273 being the highest total in the Test.Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan and his Australian counterpart Michael Clarke, who had both criticised the Galle wicket, said the one at the Pallekele International Stadium looked a much better surface."It's a good Test wicket," said Dilshan. "Batting will be a lot easier and it could turn on the fourth and fifth days."Clarke, hoping to put his first Test series as Australia's captain beyond Sri Lanka's reach, also seemed happy with the pitch on offer."It's a lot drier than it was yesterday, but I am sure it will play much better than the one at Galle," said Clarke."The wicket is compact, it is hard. It is very important to put up big scores whether you bat first or second. I also think spin will play a big part as the game progresses."The tourists had announced their playing XI in advance on Tuesday, with Shaun Marsh due to make his debut in place of Ricky Ponting, who returned home after Galle to await the birth of his second child.The left-hander, son of former Australian opener Geoff Marsh, is not a novice to the big stage, having played in 35 one-day internationals and five Twenty20 games.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, added promising seamer Shaminda Eranga and unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis to the 11 that played in Galle in a short-list of 13 announced by Dilshan.Eranga, 25, who took part in the preceding one-day series, will be awarded a Test cap if left-arm seamer Chanaka Welegedara failed to recover from a knee injury suffered during training on Wednesday.Mendis looked set to replace off-spinner Suraj Randiv, who claimed 2-76 in the first innings at Galle, but returned wicketless in the second despite the helpful track.Clarke said he was surprised Mendis did not play in Galle."He is a very good bowler with a lot of variations," the Australian captain said. "I will be very happy if he is again left out for this match.Dilshan said the hosts had overcome the defeat in the first Test and were ready for the challenge ahead."This is a new game, a new wicket," the Sri Lankan captain said. "The confidence in the team is high. I am sure we will put up a much better performance here."Clarke expected Sri Lanka to bounce back strongly in the series."I am pretty certain they will be tougher than they were in the first Test," he said. "There are a lot of good players in their team and we will have to be at our best if we want to win again.The third and final Test of the series, Australia's first in Sri Lanka since 2004, will be played at the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo from September 16.

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Pakistan to step up efforts to find new cricket coach

KARACHI: A committee that includes former Pakistan captains Intikhab Alam and Zaheer Abbas, which was formed by the country’s cricket chiefs to find a new coach for the national team, will meet for the first time in Lahore on Thursday.The committee that also includes former Test wicketkeeper Col (retd) Naushad Ali will meet at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters in a bid to hammer out details of its future course of action.Intikhab Alam, who heads the committee, told Arab News on Tuesday that in the initial meeting he and fellow committee members will decide as to how to tackle the issue of finding the best available coach for Pakistan.“We will sit down on Thursday and decide our future course of action,” said Intikhab, who was removed as Pakistan’s coach following the calamitous tour of Australia in 2009-10. “We have to find the best possible person for what is a very important job and will make all out efforts to achieve that target,” he added.Intikhab, who served as Pakistan’s manager till this summer’s tour of the Caribbean, made it clear that the committee, which will be ‘assisted’ by former Pakistan Test opener Ramiz Raja, is in no hurry and will take its time before making its recommendations to the PCB.“We have not been given any time frame to find a new coach,” said Intikhab.“We will be keeping our options open,” he remarked. “The idea is to search for a suitable both at home and abroad and that’s what we are going to do over the coming weeks,” he added.Intikhab said that the PCB would soon be posting advertisements both at home and abroad in its search for a new coach.“I will only be able to give more details about this issue after our meeting on Thursday,” he said.Late last month, the PCB decided to give the task to find a new coach to the former stalwarts, just days after Waqar Younis announced that he would step down as Pakistan coach after the ongoing tour of Zimbabwe. Just before leaving for Zimbabwe last week, Waqar dropped a bombshell when he announced his decision to quit as national coach because of ‘health reasons’A former Test fast bowler, Waqar took over as Pakistan’s head coach in March 2010. Some believe he did a good job while others blame him for the premature retirement of Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain. Afridi decided to quit after falling out with Waqar and later with PCB bosses following the tour of West Indies early this summer.Though Intikhab made it clear that the committee is yet to discuss the issue, it is believed that some of the coaches on PCB’s short-list include former Sri Lanka coach Dave Whatmore, South Africa’s Mickey Arthur and the home-grown Aaqib Javed, who served as Waqar’s assistant before being detached from the team ahead of the tour of Zimbabwe.

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