Shah eyes Test recall

Owais Shah will not give up hope on a Test recall after finally establishing himself in England's one-day side.

Middlesex batsman Shah has won just one more cap since a stunning 88 on his Test baptism, the victory over India in Mumbai in 2006.

The 29-year-old spent a frustrating 2007/08 winter carrying the drinks around Sri Lanka and New Zealand, after losing out initially to Ravi Bopara and then Andrew Strauss in the selection equation.

But, having shown his worth to the limited-over side with a scintillating 49 in the crushing victory over New Zealand in Sunday's NatWest Series opener, he anticipates another chance in five-day cricket.

Of his winter omission, Shah said: "It was very tough, of course it was, I was desperate to play Test cricket but it is the way the sport goes.

"People perform, get on a roll and sometimes you just have to wait your turn. How long you wait, I don't know, you just have to keep on waiting.

"Michael Hussey didn't get a chance until he was 32 or something, and he was one of the best batters in the country in Australia - I just have to wait and grab my opportunity.

"I am a bit up and down really. Sometimes I worry, sometimes I think I will get an opportunity. It varies. But deep down I get a feeling I will get another opportunity, so there is still hope."

Although there have been some downs in the past calendar year, England have begun to win series under Paul Collingwood's limited-overs captaincy.

Back-to-back successes over India and Sri Lanka at the end of the 2007 summer were followed by defeat in New Zealand but they have begun the home campaign against the Black Caps in the ascendancy.

With the ICC Champions Trophy and inaugural Twenty20 World Cup both on the agenda in the next 12 months, the team appear on course to make a better fist than their previous few tournaments.

Shah Continued: "Fifteen to 20 months ago the England one-day team was not winning as much but over the last eight or nine months we have won a fair bit - it is great to be involved."

Shah's power hitting at the Riverside, which occupied just 25 deliveries, meant he overshadowed the irrepressible Kevin Pietersen for half-an-hour at the end of England's 307 for five.

And it came with a classical approach rather than the switch hitting of his fifth-wicket partner.

"It was a wonderful innings by Kev, to get the right balance between orthodox and very unorthodox," Shah added.

"There were some unbelievable shots. He is just a freak. I will leave that all to him, I don't know if I could do that. I just try to play with a straight bat."

Second XI comeback for Flintoff

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff returns to action for Lancashire second XI at Alderley Edge on Tuesday.

Flintoff, 30, has not played a competitive match since suffering a side strain against Durham on 9 May.

He will play against the Durham seconds primarily as a batsman and it is unclear whether he will bowl.

Having missed the Test and one-day series against New Zealand, Flintoff's next England target is the first Test against South Africa on 10 July.

With participation in Lancashire's Twenty20 group matches unlikely, Flintoff's last chance of playing in a first-class fixture before the Lord's Test will be the Championship match at Sussex on 29 June.

Lancashire boss Mike Watkinson gave an insight into Flintoff's recovery regime.

He said: "You see him on the exercise bike and the treadmill, where he seems to have been a permanent feature.

"He's worked very hard at that and is very committed.

"He's started his batting programme, which goes alongside his bowling, so he can get back in top form as soon as possible."

Aussie victory secures series win

Australia secured a 2-0 series victory after an 87-run success against West Indies in the third Test in Barbados.

The Windies began the final day with seven wickets left, needing another 240 to reach a 475 target, which would have beaten their own record of 418 in 2003.

For a while the dream was on as Dwayne Bravo hit four sixes in his 69 to take them within 173 for no further loss.

But he and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (50) fell in consecutive overs and 22 overs later the innings ended on 387.

Left-arm wrist spinner Beau Casson claimed 3-86 on his debut, while fast bowlers Stuart Clark (3-58) and Brett Lee (2-109) were equally impressive.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting reserved special praise for Simon Katich and Phil Jaques, but praised the hosts for their gritty performance.

"This game has gone pretty much to plan for us but the West Indies have got a lot of positives out of the game as well," he said. "The way they attacked the run chase in the second innings I thought showed a lot of heart and a lot of character.

"Simon Katich has been terrific for us at the top of the order and Phil Jaques bounced back to form in this game.

"All the guys that have come into the side can hold their heads up high and say that they've done a really good job for the team over the last few weeks."

Chanderpaul and Bravo made a tentative start to the day's play, adding a cautious 33 runs in the first hour.

Bravo eventually claimed his 50 off 113 balls before his fine innings, which included five fours and four sixes, came to an end when he was caught at short-leg by Jaques.

Chanderpaul, who notched a landmark 8,000 runs for the Windies when he reached 49, was next to go when the 33-year-old was out lbw off Clark.

It was a vital breakthrough for the Aussies, and the first time the tourists had dismissed the left-hander since the first Test.
Denesh Ramdin (8) and Jerome Taylor (31) added 42 to the total but when Clark claimed Ramdin's wicket the hosts soon subsided.

Taylor was caught by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin off the bowling of Mitchell Johnson, Sewnarine Chattergoon (13) was dismissed by Lee before Suliemann Benn (13) was caught at cover off Casson's bowling.

Lee then finished off the match with his 18th wicket of the series as Daren Powell edged to Haddin.

West Indies captain Chris Gayle admitted that his side would have needed to remain at the crease all day to have stood a chance of winning.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy. Someone would have had to get a big hundred which we didn't get," said Gayle.

"If we batted out the day we knew we would have got the runs but that didn't happen."

PCB gears up to showcase Pakistan as safe venue

Pakistan Cricket Board is bracing itself for two weeks of hectic activity which would give it a chance to show that despite previous security concerns the country is safe for hosting major international tournaments.

Pakistan will host the Asia Cup for the first time from June 24 to July 6 and has invited senior delegates of some 22 countries to attend special ceremonies including a seminar on cricket and the silver jubilee celebrations of the Asian Cricket Council here.

Karachi will also host the Castrol Annual Cricket Awards either on June 27 or 28, which senior players including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly are expected to attend.

The trio, however, is not in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup due to different reasons.

Before the Asia Cup, the ICC will also launch the 2008 Champions Trophy with the logo unveiling ceremony on June 18 in Lahore with ICC`s acting chief executive Dave Richardson holding a press conference in the city. Pakistan will host the champions trophy from September 11 in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi and the PCB would be keeping its fingers crossed that it does not have to shift the matches from Rawalpindi to some other venue as construction work at the stadium there is stated to be progressing slowly.

An ICC delegation would also visit Rawalpindi to see how the construction work is progressing and if the venue would meet the tournament deadline.

"It is after a long time that Pakistan is playing host to such high profile international cricket events and we are leaving no stone unturned to use these opportunities to project ourselves and the country in a positive and friendly manner," a senior official of the board told reporters.

"We will have the cream of the ICC and Asian Cricket Council members in Pakistan for both events and we want to ensure everything goes smoothly," he added.

Not surprisingly the board has been in constant touch with the interior ministry and police and security agencies to have state level security arrangements for all the events including the matches of the Asia Cup.

While the Sri Lankans and Bangladesh teams would arrive in Lahore for the tournament, India reaches Karachi on the June 22.

Lankans to restrict Sachin from breaking Lara`s record

Sri Lankans would love to restrict master blaster Sachin Tendulkar from breaking Brian Lara`s world record in the forthcoming three Test series to be held in Sri Lanka, country`s captain Mahela Jayawardane, said.

"Sachin is mere 171 runs behind Lara`s aggregate of 11,953 runs and is expected to set the new mark during India`s three Test series in Sri Lanka in July-August 2008.

"I would be happy to curtail Sachin with 170 runs in six innings to be played in our country," Jayawardane said at Sri Lankan airlines press meet which roped in Sri Lankan cricketers to promote the various tourists destination of that country.

"No doubt Sachin is a great player and we have to admire Sachin`s achievement in the last 19 years," the Sri Lankan captain said.

"Sachin deserves to surpass Lara`s record, but breaking record won`t be a big deal for the great batsman, as it would not be in his mind," ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan said.

The great spinner said, Twenty20 is a game of fitness and there can`t by any preplan for this short version of the game. While in Tests one waits and sees how the batsman reacts and
of course skill should be good.

All versions of cricket should survive, the spinner said.

Ponting happy to keep winning despite talk of decline of Australian cricket

Ricky Ponting admits that Australia are clearly in transition, but he emphasises that they continue to win Test matches and Test series which is very important.

Australia completed an 87-run victory in the third and final Test against West Indies on Monday at Kensington Oval.

West Indies, chasing 475 for victory, were dismissed for 387 in their second innings about 25 minutes before tea on the fifth and final day.

"I am proud anytime we win a Test because it's not an easy thing to do," Ponting told reporters.

"Winning a Test match is hard work. All the guys at the moment are sitting back there in the dressing room exhausted. It has been hard work this whole series, and winning these two Test matches.

"For Brad Haddin and Beau Casson, playing in a winning Test match team and series winning teams for the first time, it will be a step in the right direction for them.

"West Indies is a good place to play cricket, although we have not had the crowd we may have wanted, but all three Tests have been entertaining."

Australia won the three-Test series 2-0, after they also won the opening Test at Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston by 95 runs.

The second Test at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in the Antigua villageof North Sound was drawn.

The Aussies have already retained the Frank Worrell Trophy - symbol of Test supremacy between the two sides - but they were pushed all the way by West Indies.

This many people is evidence that the era of their dominance of World cricket is ebbing away, following the retirement of several high-profile players, most notably Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Adam Gilchrist.

"I actually said when some of the more senior players moved on that I felt it was going to be one of the more exciting periods in my career to have some new, fresh faces around the team," Ponting said.

"I thought it was going to be exciting, and it has been, it has been great. I have enjoyed it. I have enjoyed having guys making their debuts and guys who have played a handful of Tests in the side because I feel I have a lot to offer to those guys by way of experience and know-how in certain situations in games.

"If I can go and say one thing to them that is going to help them out in situations in games, I feel that's my job. I am really enjoying it, and I do not think it is hindering me.

"I felt as good in this series as I have felt for a long time. . .It's a different time for the team, but we're winning games and this is something about which I am pretty happy."

Ponting noted that his side learned quite a lot from the series, particularly ahead of their next Test tour to India.

He indicated that some of the conditions in which the series was played were identical to the sub-continent, and it has taught his side the value of patience.

"There are lots of positives there for us, but we're probably not demolishing sides like we might have two years ago, but we are grinding teams down and winning Test matches, and we're doing it well.

"It's the style of play more than anything else. You have to accept that the game may go into the fifth day and you have to be patient. You have to grind an innings out, or in the middle of a bowling spell, not try to attack too much.

"When you attack too much, runs begin to flow, and the batting team gets momentum in the game, and it starts slipping away from you.

"That's one area I think we have improved in vastly over the last four or five years, and it's our knowledge about how to play in these types of conditions, we have learnt about how to play in them."

Australia now face West Indies in a Twenty20 International on Friday at the same venue before beginning a five-match One-day International series on Tuesday June 24.

Referrals set to be tested in Sri Lanka

A system of player referrals of on-field decisions to the television umpire will be tried out during India's three-Test series in Sri Lanka in July-August.

Each team can make three referrals per innings, other than "timed out", and successful appeals will not be counted as a chance.

The system - similar to that used in tennis - will allow players to question key decisions that umpires have not themselves referred.

The International Cricket Council executive board approved the plan in March for increased use of technology.

In recent years there have been complaints about excessive appealing by players being used as a tactic to unsettle officials.

MCC to discuss Pietersen shot

The MCC will discuss England batsman Kevin Pietersen's spectacular switch-hitting, a tactic described as "revolutionary".

In England's one-day international win against New Zealand at the weekend, the right-handed Pietersen twice changed grips and switched to a left-hander's stance against Scott Styris, pulling both deliveries for six.

Some commentators said he had taken an unfair advantage because bowlers have to notify a batsman if they decide to bowl with the other arm.

A spokeswoman for the MCC, the custodian of cricket's laws, said Pietersen's revolutionary tactics would be discussed at the request of the ICC.

"Tomorrow our secretary Keith Bradshaw, our head of cricket John Stephenson and other committee members will be having a meeting and one of the things they are going to be discussing is Kevin Pietersen's shot as the MCC have been asked to look at it by the ICC," she said.

"The shot has generated quite a lot of interest but we won't be making any further comment until after that meeting on Tuesday."

Pietersen, who reverse-swept a six two years ago off Sri Lanka off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan using the conventional right-hander's grip, defended the innovation after his unbeaten 110 had set up a 114-run win over the Kiwis.

"Everybody wants brand new ideas, new inventions and new shots. That is a new shot played today and people should be saying it's a new way to go," the South African-born batsman said after the match.

"There are new things happening for cricket at the moment and people shouldn't be criticising it all the time."

Pietersen has also been outspoken in his defence of the breakaway Indian Premier League and the Twenty20 format, saying they are both good for the development of the game.

Shoaib Akhtar to file appeal

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar will appeal again for a further reduction to his ban for indiscipline.

Shoaib, 32, had his five-year ban reduced to 18 months by a Pakistan Cricket Board appeals tribunal on Saturday.

"We feel the tribunal's decision is still harsh and minimizes Shoaib's chances of playing for Pakistan again," Akhtar's legal counsel, Abid Hasan Minto said.

"He is very keen to resume his career as soon as possible.

"But where we will file the appeal - in the high court or the tribunal itself - will only be known once we go through the full judgement copy of the tribunal."

Shoaib, who has played 46 Tests and 138 one-day internationals, was banned for five years by the PCB in April for several incidents of indiscipline and violating the conditions of a two-year probation.

Last year, the player was banned for 13 matches and fined 3.4 million rupees for striking team mate, Mohammad Asif with a bat in South Africa before the Twenty20 World Cup. He was sent home in disgrace.

We fought like champions: Ashraf

The atmosphere was jovial when Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik came in for the press conference after lifting the Kitply Cup and enjoying a short drive in Man-of-the-Tournament Salman Butt's newly acquired car on Saturday night.

Pakistan were criticised for their loss to MS Dhoni's men four nights ago and Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf had dashed off an e-mail asking for explanations.

Before he could be questioned, Malik raised his hand and said, "We used six bowlers and I bowled," as if what happened in the previous press conference was still fresh in his mind. Ashraf, witness to the remarkable turnaround, said, "There will be lot of awards. I am happy. It is an India-Pakistan match and that too a final. It is always a big thing. I am happy the team fought like champions."

“We went into the game with a plan," Ashraf said. "The beauty of the game was that the boys came from behind. I told them before the start that we must play according to plan, that we must give 200 per cent. I don't care about the results. I wanted Salman Butt to bat the 50 overs (he played for all but four overs before retiring due to cramps). There are very few in the world who can score a 100 like Younis Khan did under pressure. The fielding was superb." Ashraf spoke to the boys in the dressing room before they stepped out. "The players were very confident. They had to overcome the pounding they received in the previous game," said the PCB chief.

Younis thrives under pressure

Man-of-the-match Younis Khan said he always tried to perform in pressure situations. "This was a match that made a hero out of one," Younis, who made 108 from 99 balls, said. "I try to score all the time and enjoy the success. I was under pressure because I did not score at all in the previous two games. I got the opportunity and ended up as man-of-the-match. I always love to play a crucial role and help my team win."

Shame On Clarke And Cronies

Of the many extravagant claims made for Twenty20, I think my favourite is the one about it helping cricket crack America. David Lloyd mentions it in his column, for example.

I doubt it: Americans already have an exciting, fast-paced, brilliantly-marketed bat-and-ball game that takes about three hours. It is called baseball, and they seem to like it.

I was in Ohio this week, where I saw the Cincinnati Reds play the St Louis Cardinals. Always working for you, dear reader, I conducted a straw poll of possible interest in Twenty20 cricket. Support ranged from none to none whatsoever. Test match, ODI, Twenty20: to Americans, it's all men called Nigel drinking tea, and fair play to them. They have their ways, we have ours.

So what does Sir Allen Stanford want for his money? Presumably not just a chance to shake hands with Sir Ian Botham and get Giles Clarke to kiss him on the bee-hind.

Given the frankly mediocre fare on offer, $20million to watch two also-ran sides take part in an exhibition match seems daft. What if All-Stars / England are skittled out for 80-odd and the opponents knock the runs off in 40 minutes? It'll be a pathetic joke. Some braying twerp in your office might get into it for a bit while sixes are being smashed, but there will always be more exciting spectacles for the thicko than cricket in the long run. It won't take many wash-outs to scare off the floating voter.

Stanford is clearly not an idiot: he's paying massively over the odds for something in the short-term, which means he must have big plans for getting his dough back, and then some, in the longer term. How this will come to pass is as yet unclear, but it looks pretty much that the ECB will be doing whatever it is that he wants them to do.

He has said that he finds Test cricket "boring". But to him and all the other apologists for the 20 over game, here's the breakdown: Test cricket IS cricket. The one-day stuff is a childish sideshow with a fraction of the depth, interest, history and drama.

And the money. That is all extremely boring, really. I honestly couldn't care less what Paul Collingwood earns, or anyone else. I care about his batting. His double century at Adelaide was one of the most enjoyable things I have ever watched, in sport and indeed any other arena of human achievement. Not necessarily for the balls he hit, but for its sheer bloody-mindedness and for the shared joy of seeing a decent bloke rise from competent water carrier to being on top of the world. I hope, very much as it happens, that the feeling he had when he passed 200 will stay with him forever. I hope he wouldn't swap it for a million pounds. What would you rather be remembered for: an Ashes double ton against the great Warne and McGrath, or having a massive kitchen extension put in?

It's nice for Colly that he is going to make a wedge from Twenty 20, and good luck to him. But already there are rumblings of "what about me?" from players who have been good servants but are not in the frame to make the XI - and dark hints from various players that "this is the future" and Test cricket could go to the wall as everyone gets his nose in the trough, choosing Twenty 20 over their country.

There is more to life than money, and one of those things is sport. I strongly suspect the player who does forgo international honours for Twenty 20 will be sorry later. And we, the lovers of the real sport, should bloody well make them think twice, by giving them grief where possible and by boycotting Twenty 20 if it comes to that.

And if the sport on offer is this sort of Mickey Mouse effort the England vs All Stars could well be, then sooner or later, the public as a whole are going to see it for what it is: a bit of fun but totally inferior to Test cricket. Anyone who thinks otherwise is, in sporting terms, a cretin, and shame on Giles Clarke for giving them the keys to the castle.

Barbados Test set for tense finish

West Indies benefitted from fielding lapses by Australia as they chased a Test record target of 475 in Barbados.

The home side reached 235-3 at the end of day four in the third Test, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (27) and Dwayne Bravo (30) the not out pair.

Australia had earlier declared on 439-5 after opener Simon Katich finally fell to spinner Sulieman Benn for 157.

But the tourists dropped three catches as Xavier Marshall launched the West Indies run-chase with a stylish 85.

The 22-year-old Jamaican punished Australia for dropping two early chances as he hit 12 fours and a six to reach his highest Test score.

And he had a maiden century in his sights when he became newcomer Beau Casson's first victim in Test cricket as short-leg Phil Jaques picked up a bat-pad catch.

Chanderpaul and Bravo stood firm, however, adding 54 in the final session to keep their side's hopes of reaching the remote target alive, and thus sharing the series 1-1.

Bravo appeared fortunate, however, when a Brett Lee delivery appeared to touch his glove on the way through to the keeper, only for umpire Mark Benson to reject the appeal.

At the start of play, the sole question was how big a lead Australia captain Ricky Ponting wanted before calling a halt to their second innings.

The declaration did not in fact come until after the lunch interval, by which time they had added 109 to their overnight 330-3 for the loss of Katich and Andrew Symonds.

Katich was caught at cover, having batted for more than eight hours in total, and Benn earned further reward for some accurate bowling when Symonds departed after an equally loose stroke which as taken by Chanderpaul.

Left-arm spinner Benn finished with 3-154 from 47 overs of hard work, but he could not separate Michael Clarke (48) and Brad Haddin (45) who put on 79 for the sixth wicket before Ponting called them in.

West Indies were forced to make a change at the top of the order for the start of their reply, with Sewnarine Chattergoon unable to bat after twisting his ankle in the field.

Marshall moved up from his first innings position of number four, having gone in first in the previous match in Antigua.

He should have gone on one, only for Katich to floor a catch at third slip off fast bowler Lee, who was unlucky again when Casson failed to hold a chance offered by Gayle at mid-off.

Stuart Clark was the next bowler to suffer when keeper Haddin was unable to hang onto an edge from Marshall's bat when he was on 22.

It was Clark, however, who finally achieved the breakthrough as Gayle mis-timed a pull and spooned a catch to Lee at mid-on, departing for 21.

Australia had to wait 20 overs for their next success as Marshall added 95 with Ramnaresh Sarwan, with Marshall escaping again as an edge flew through the slip cordon off Mitchell Johnson.

But the introduction of Michael Clarke did the trick for Australia as Sarwan played down the wrong line to an arm-ball which drifted in from outside off stump and he was adjudged leg-before for 43.

Marshall followed nine overs later, and although West Indies avoided further damage, Australia will start the final day as clear favourites to wrap up a win.

Pietersen Dismisses Criticism

Kevin Pietersen has dismissed criticism of his left-handed sixes as "ridiculous" after helping England romp to a 114-run victory over New Zealand in the NatWest Series opener.

The Hampshire batsman won the man of the match award at Chester-le-Street for hitting a brilliant, unbeaten 110 off 112 balls to help England record a challenging total of 307 for five before the tourists were dismissed for a lowly 193 in reply.

It was a breathtaking display from Pietersen, but most of the attention during his innings was centred on two left-handed shots for six off Scott Styris where he reversed his grip and stance.

The whole ground was stunned at the power he produced with each shot, which he had previously played at Edgbaston against Muttiah Muralitharan two years ago.

But those shots prompted criticism from some commentators, who claimed they were unfair on bowlers who have to declare which hand they are going to bowl with.

It brought an indignant response from Pietersen, who said: "It's ridiculous, it's absolutely stupid.

"Reverse sweeps have been part of the game since however long and I'm just fortunate enough that I can hit it a bit further. I don't understand that because everyone wants new ideas and inventions so this is a new shot.

"Nobody has seen that before and that's a new shot played today and people should be saying it's the new way to go, not criticising everything that happens on a daily basis.

"There's new things happening to cricket at the moment and people are criticising all the time. There should just be positives about all the stuff that's happening."

Pietersen revealed the two stunning shots were the results of hours of perfecting them in the nets, adding: "It's something I practise, it's something I visualise, I go through routines in the nets.

"I spend some time playing it in the nets and it's just an option. Against Muralitharan it was a boundary option and the boundary on the legside was miles away here so I thought the other boundary was the way forward.

"There was only one man out there and there are generally three out on the legside and I just thought that if I got it, I got it and if I don't, I don't. We were in a position where we were trying to push the accelerator and it worked for me today."

Captain Paul Collingwood, whose 64 was his first half-century in any cricket this season and was at the other end when Pietersen hit the two shots, joked: "To be honest I covered my eyes as soon as he turned his body around - I feel as if I've been batting left-handed for the last month as it is!

"He did actually come up the wicket and tell me he'd been thinking about doing it in bed last night so the visualisation was there anyway!"

New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori was also in awe at Pietersen's talent, but claimed bowlers should be allowed to bowl the ball either side of the wicket and not be called for a wide just to level up the playing field.

At present any delivery which goes down the legside in one-day cricket is called for a wide, but there is a potential conflict about identifying them if batsmen are to reverse their stance.

"That's part of cricket and it's amazing to see and I think it's really good for the game that batsmen have the skill to do that," said Vettori.

"The only thing I would say about it is that if you're going to bat left-handed then I think to even it up for the bowlers you should have both sides of the wide line.

"That would bring your skill into play and the wicketkeeper's skill into play, if a batsman wants to change then it should be fair for both ball and batsmen.

"Craig McMillan hit me for a massive reverse-sweep six so that's the biggest I've seen but these were cricket slogs, they were very impressive shots - that's why people come and watch a guy like Kevin Pietersen play because he can produce that type of performance."

The two sides now travel to Birmingham for the second game in the five-match series on Wednesday with Collingwood delighted at his side's performance having previously won the only Twenty20 International by nine wickets on Friday.

"It was another great performance," he added.

"To play like we did in the Twenty20 on Friday and go out and do the same breeds confidence.

"They're two great wins but we've only gone 1-0 up so we're not going to get too carried away. There were some great individual performances today but overall it was a great team performance."

Shoaib Considers Options

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has not ruled out making a further appeal against the ban imposed on him by the Pakistan Cricket Board despite seeing his original suspension reduced.

The 32-year-old was handed a five-year ban by the PCB in April for disciplinary reasons, but a three-member tribunal reduced that to 18 months on Saturday following an appeal by the bowler.

The ban means Shoaib, who has not played a match for his country this year, will miss both the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy. Both tournaments will be hosted by Pakistan later this year.

And the player, who was also fined seven million rupees, admitted he was unhappy with the verdict.

"I am disappointed with the tribunal's decision," he said.

"I want to play for my country again. This is like giving someone half life.

"We will decide on the next step once my lawyer gets a full copy of the verdict."

However, PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf said Shoaib would not have the right to appeal again.

Speaking on Pakistani television, Ashraf said: "Shoaib Akhtar cannot appeal against the verdict. He can only counsel the court against the verdict."

Shoaib had already been serving a two-year ban for hitting fellow paceman Mohammad Asif in a dressing room altercation just before the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.

The five-year ban was then imposed after Shoaib had publicly criticised the PCB's allocation of central contracts to players earlier this year. Shoaib's own contract had been downgraded.

However, the tribunal had temporarily lifted the ban to allow Shoaib to participate in the Indian Premier League, where he had a brief stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

And Kolkata chief executive officer, Joy Bhattacharya, was unconcerned about the latest announcement despite the possibility of losing the player next season.

"He was released for a month in the last IPL," Bhattacharya said. "There is still 10 months to go for the next edition.

"A lot can happen between now and then. There is no point talking about it now."

The Kolkata Knight Riders paid $425,000 for Shoaib, who has a three-year contract with them.

Pietersen leads England to victory

Kevin Pietersen's inventive 110 not out, which included two unorthodox left-handed sixes, helped steer England to a 114-run win over New Zealand in the first one-day international at Chester-le-Street.

England took the lead in the five-match series in Durham after the Kiwis, replying to England's 307 for five, failed to threaten their target and were all out for 193.

Brendon McCullum topscored with 36 while Paul Collingwood took four for 15.

New Zealand were unable to halt their losing streak after they were beaten 2-0 in the Test series and went down by nine wickets in Friday's Twenty20 international.

"We said we wanted to back up what we did in the Twenty20 match so we are really chuffed with that," England's Luke Wright told Sky.

"We feel like we have got a good set of lads together and everyone is doing well at the moment."

New Zealand's task was made all the more difficult after a fourth-wicket partnership of 136 between Pietersen and skipper Collingwood, who struck a run-a-ball 64. Owais Shah added a skilful 49 from just 25 balls, including three sixes.

England's top-ranked batsman Pietersen faced 112 balls and struck eight fours and three sixes in compiling his sixth one-day international century and first since the World Cup last April.

The sixes he struck off medium-pace bowler Scott Styris created the greatest talking point.

In the 39th over, the right-handed Pietersen played what appeared to be a reverse sweep over cover for six but he had actually changed his grip and effectively played a conventional sweep as a left-hander.

Styris stood and admired. He repeated the shot for another six but this time over long-off.

A more conventional straight drive for four next over registered the 100 partnership with Collingwood, who looked a more relaxed batsman than he had appeared in the Test series when his place had been called into question.

Ian Bell (46) continued the momentum from his 60 not out on Friday by striking Kyle Mills for 10 runs from the first three legitimate balls of the match, including two boundaries.

The New Zealand innings faltered once Stuart Broad had dangerman McCullum caught at cover off an uppish square cut, in his first over. Broad had the remarkable figures of two for 11 from his first seven overs.

New Zealand were so far behind the required run rate that England could even afford some fielding errors, as Wright and Collingwood each missed run out opportunities, though Collingwood's direct hit did earlier account for James Marshall.

Pietersen leads England to victory

Kevin Pietersen's inventive 110 not out, which included two unorthodox left-handed sixes, helped steer England to a 114-run win over New Zealand in the first one-day international at Chester-le-Street.

England took the lead in the five-match series in Durham after the Kiwis, replying to England's 307 for five, failed to threaten their target and were all out for 193.

Brendon McCullum topscored with 36 while Paul Collingwood took four for 15.

New Zealand were unable to halt their losing streak after they were beaten 2-0 in the Test series and went down by nine wickets in Friday's Twenty20 international.

"We said we wanted to back up what we did in the Twenty20 match so we are really chuffed with that," England's Luke Wright told Sky.

"We feel like we have got a good set of lads together and everyone is doing well at the moment."

New Zealand's task was made all the more difficult after a fourth-wicket partnership of 136 between Pietersen and skipper Collingwood, who struck a run-a-ball 64. Owais Shah added a skilful 49 from just 25 balls, including three sixes.

England's top-ranked batsman Pietersen faced 112 balls and struck eight fours and three sixes in compiling his sixth one-day international century and first since the World Cup last April.

The sixes he struck off medium-pace bowler Scott Styris created the greatest talking point.

In the 39th over, the right-handed Pietersen played what appeared to be a reverse sweep over cover for six but he had actually changed his grip and effectively played a conventional sweep as a left-hander.

Styris stood and admired. He repeated the shot for another six but this time over long-off.

A more conventional straight drive for four next over registered the 100 partnership with Collingwood, who looked a more relaxed batsman than he had appeared in the Test series when his place had been called into question.

Ian Bell (46) continued the momentum from his 60 not out on Friday by striking Kyle Mills for 10 runs from the first three legitimate balls of the match, including two boundaries.

The New Zealand innings faltered once Stuart Broad had dangerman McCullum caught at cover off an uppish square cut, in his first over. Broad had the remarkable figures of two for 11 from his first seven overs.

New Zealand were so far behind the required run rate that England could even afford some fielding errors, as Wright and Collingwood each missed run out opportunities, though Collingwood's direct hit did earlier account for James Marshall.

Pakistan Clinch Tri-Series

Pakistan defeated India by 25 runs in a thrilling final of the Tri-Series to avenge their earlier 140-run loss to the same opponents in some style.

Younus Khan struck a majestic 108 off just 99 deliveries and Salman Butt added 129 before he was forced to retire hurt as Pakistan piled on 315 for three after winning the toss.

India battled back with half-centuries from skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, but fine bowling from Umar Gul at the death saw Pakistan home.

India lost opener Virender Sehwag early and then lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 290 in 48.2 overs.

Sehwag had given India blistering starts in their two previous matches in the tournament, but he was dismissed for just two when a leading edge off the bowling of Sohail Tanvir flew to skipper Shoaib Malik at mid-off.

India, however, bravely took up the run chase. Gautam Gambhir smashed 40 off only 33 deliveries, while Rohit Sharma (24), Yusuf Pathan (25) and Suresh Raina (24) failed to convert on good starts.

Yuvraj kept India in contention despite the fall of wickets, powering to a half-century. His 56 came off just 59 deliveries and it helped India consolidate.

Yuvraj's dismissal, however, heralded the end even as Dhoni fought valiantly on.

The Indian skipper reached his 50 by lofting Tanvir for a six and driving the bowler for a couple of runs. He was the last man dismissed, for 64, attempting to hit Shahid Afridi over the top.

Gul claimed four wickets for 57 from nine overs.

Earlier, Younus, who was run out without facing a ball against Bangladesh and out first ball against India earlier in the series, walked in after another failure from Kamran Akmal threatened to give India the advantage.

Akmal, who was at the receiving end of severe criticism from Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf following the 140-run defeat against India in Pakistan's previous match, laboured to 15 runs before edging Irfan Pathan to Dhoni.

His dismissal left Pakistan in danger of succumbing early, but Younus changed all of that. He began with a boundary off the first ball he faced and quickly eased the pressure by taking the attack to the Indian bowlers.

Younus and Butt, who received a reprieve when Sharma split a difficult catch at cover with the opener on 19, quickly upped the scoring rate as they put on 205 runs for the second wicket.

Younus, the more attacking of the two, was particularly severe on the spinners.

Piyush Chawla, India's leading wicket-taker along with Praveen in the series, came in for harsh treatment conceding 85 runs in his 10 overs.

Butt's innings was just as severe. Three sixes and a dozen boundaries studded an innings which he had begun cautiously.

Misbah-ul-Haq (33 off 21 deliveries) chipped in with another cameo as Pakistan raced past the 300-run mark.

Laser eye surgery helps Jaques to ton

Australia opening batsman Phil Jaques scored his first Test century on foreign soil on Saturday and credited laser eye surgery with improving his performance at the crease.

Jaques, who scored 108 against West Indies on the third day of the third Test, had played with contact lenses in the past but before heading out to the Caribbean he turned to the experts to correct his vision.

"I decided to bite the bullet and go for the laser eye," he said.

"The guys at the Eye Institute sorted me out. It was really good.

"I`ve found that in the field the high balls were heaps better and as for batting I`ve got a lot more time and I don`t have to worry about the contacts. It`s a big relief. It`s pretty much changed my life," he added.

Jaques and Simon Katich put on 223 for the opening wicket -- the second best in an Australia second innings -- and Jaques said they had taken advantage of an improved batting surface.

"I think today was probably the best day to bat. I think the pace wasn`t quite as evident in the wicket as the first day. I think the bounce was probably a little more consistent as well. "It will be interesting to see how the next two days pan out. It definitely spun a bit more towards the end of play, watching it from up top. Hopefully our quick bowlers can get the early wickets and the spinners can finish it off," he said.

Australia lead by 365 runs overall with two days of the Test remaining.

The tourists are 1-0 up in the three Test series.

18 month-ban, Rs 7 million-fine awarded to Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar had his five-year ban for indiscipline reduced to 18 months by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday.

Shoaib was also fined seven million rupees by a PCB appeals tribunal.

"The tribunal has taken the decision with a clear conscience and under no pressure from either the board or anyone else," tribunal head Justice Aftab Farrukh told a news conference, adding that the three-member tribunal unanimously felt the original punishment was too harsh.

Shoaib was banned for five years by the PCB in April for several incidents of indiscipline and violating the conditions of a two-year probation.

His lawyer Abid Hasan Minto said the player had the right to pursue an appeal against the 18-month ban.

"But we will take a decision after going through the long and detailed order of the tribunal," Minto said.

Kevin Pietersen fears for 50-over game

England batsman Kevin Pietersen thinks the growing presence of Twenty20 cricket is threatening the future of the 50-over one-day game.

"In a couple of years (50-over cricket) will probably be something of the past," he told BBC Sport.

The 27-year-old also said the Twenty20 format was improving longer forms of the game by speeding them up.
"You're going to get Test matches ending in three-and-a-half or four days and guys scoring 400 in one-dayers."

South African-born Pietersen, whose 42 runs helped England beat New Zealand by nine wickets in a Twenty20 international at Old Trafford on Friday, was unequivocal when asked whether the 50-over version of the one-day game was being threatened.

"For sure. The way that cricket is going now, Twenty20 is definitely here to stay," he said, before referring to the impact made by Sir Allen Stanford creation of a £50m, winner-takes-all annual series between England and a 'Super Stars' team in Antigua.

"With the finances and the funding [from Sir Allen Stanford], the exposure that got around the world, and the media frenzy that will take us to Antigua is going to be absolutely incredible.

"I definitely think the longer form of one-day cricket will, in a couple of years, probably be something of the past."

Sceptics fear the rising growth and popularity could spell the end of Test match and four-day county cricket, but Pietersen feels the longest form of the sport is safe from any threat.

"We [as cricketers] are entertainers," he said. "Everybody, I think if you asked them, would rather watch Twenty20 cricket.

"But Test match cricket will always be there because that's where you make your name.

"Everybody remembers your Test stats and not too many people remember your one-day stats."

The Hampshire player also spoke about the impact that huge sums of investment - most notably Stanford's - are having upon cricket.

"If there is one sport that can conquer America, and that market, it is Twenty20 fixtures," he said.

"That's where we want to take cricket. Everybody who loves the sport must surely want it to be a worldwide game."

Windfall in store for Kapil’s Devils

Seems like BCCI has finally put the tussle over ICL behind it, at least when it comes to the facilitation of the 1983 World Cup winning heroes. A windfall is in store for the Kapil’s Devils. The entire squad is to be showered with cash awards during the two felicitation functions — to be organised in New Delhi and London, commemorating its 25th year.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will bestow Kapil Dev’s men with Rs 25 lakh each. According to BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah, the players will be handed over the cheques at the felicitation function in New Delhi on June 22. The BCCI, was, initially, reluctant to honour the World Cup heroes, one of the reasons being Kapil Dev’s involvement with the Indian Cricket League. But, apparently, after intense media pressure, the board has decided to felicitate the 15 members of the squad.

Meanwhile, there is more reward on the way for the World Cup-winning team. The UB Group, which is sponsoring Sunil Gavaskar’s PMG-organised felicitation function in London on June 25, will auction a diamond-encrusted bat. The amount will be distributed equally among the 14 members and the manager of the squad. A Mumbai-based jewelery shop will be sponsoring the diamonds to be encrusted on the bat, which will have the autographs of all the members of that team. The organisers of the London event have hired a professional auction company which will suggest the best way to do the auctioning. Meanwhile, it has been learnt that none of the Board members are expected to be present at the London event although some of them have received invitations Gavaskar. At least a couple of Board officials have told this paper that they would not be going to London. “I’ve received an invite from Sunil but I will not be able to go,” Rajiv Shukla, a board vice-president said. “I’m not going,” said Niranjan Shah. Both Shah and Shukla said they are not aware of anyone from the Board going for the function, which will be held in the Long Room of the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Openers put Australia in command

Australia opener Simon Katich batted all day for an unbeaten 148 to lead his side to a commanding 330 for three at the close of the third day of the third Test against West Indies on Saturday.

Phil Jaques scored 108 in an opening partnership of 223, Australia`s second best opening stand in a second innings and one which helped Australia to an overall lead of 365.

Katich`s innings surpassed his previous best Test performance of 125.

With the Kensington Oval wicket settling down after the lively bounce of the opening two days, Australia`s batsmen took full charge and now have an excellent chance of winning the Test and taking the series 2-0.

Resuming on 35, the New South Wales pairing had little trouble from the West Indian pace bowlers and then dealt comfortably with the spin of Chris Gayle and Sulieman Benn.

Their approach, studied and conservative, was in marked contrast to the first innings when they both got into the thirties rapidly before getting out as they attempted to pull short pitched deliveries. "We both got set and got out in similar fashions. I know from my own point of view I was keen to make amends for that," Katich told reporters.

"We`d spoken about trying to keep working in tens and keep the momentum going our way and it happened. It was nice to get in that partnership. It certainly takes the pressure off you individually when that happens.

Chattergoon injured

At lunch Jaques was on 78 while Katich had advanced to 74 and in the afternoon session the pair continued to frustrate the home side.

Jaques completed his third Test century, in 196 balls with nine fours, but after 303 minutes at the crease he finally went, caught behind swiping outside off-stump to Fidel Edwards.

Skipper Ponting then joined left-hander Katich who went on to score his second successive Test century, following his knock in Antigua.

Ponting made 39 before he departed, pulling Daren Powell to substitute Runako Morton at mid-wicket.

Barbadian slow left-armer Benn had laboured throughout the day with little joy and his frustration grew near the close when Dwayne Bravo failed to catch Katich at leg-slip, the only chance the Australian batsman offered all day.

But Benn gained some reward for his efforts on his home ground when he claimed Mike Hussey (18) )in his 35th over with Dwayne Bravo taking a catch at leg-slip.

West Indies` miserable day was compounded by the loss of their opening batsman Sewnarine Chattergoon who was stretchered off and taken to hospital after turning his ankle badly in the outfield.

A team spokesman said the Guyanese batsman, who had just returned to the side after suffering a shoulder injury, had suffered an acute sprain of the left ankle.

Australia`s best opening partnership, 382 by Bill Lawry and Bob Simpson. also came on this ground against the West Indies in 1965.

Pakistan clash with India in tri-nation final today

Pakistan will take on India in the tri-nation one-day international series final at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium here on Saturday (today).

India had a 140-run victory against Pakistan and a seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh. Pakistan advanced to the final after beating Bangladesh on Sunday by 70 runs.

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni did not make any tall claims and said that one-day games can end with unexpected results.

“Every ODI is different from the previous one. This is also another one and we would take it just as a new match instead of do-or-die final,” he told a press conference.

He said he wanted his players to go out and play good cricket. “They should just give their hundred percent and the results will be in our favour,” he maintained.

Ponting nowhere near Tendulkar, Lara`s iconic status, says Boycott

Ricky Ponting might have joined the 10,000-run-club, but he has no comparison with India`s master Sachin Tendulkar, who is technically correct and has caught the imagination of the public over the years, former English batsman Geoff Boycott has said.

He said he considers Ponting as the world`s best batsman at present, but he had not reached the all-time status enjoyed by his fellow modern-day greats - Tendulkar and West Indies` Brian Lara.

"Lara and Tendulkar are iconic figures, which is about more than being just a terrific player. They have captured the imagination of the public. They haven`t just scored runs: Lara twice got the record of most Test runs and he still holds the record of the highest score in Test cricket. Those are huge figures. And, the way he bats is just very special," he was quoted as saying.

Boycott added, "Sachin is technically correct against all kinds of bowlers and the way he took Shane Warne apart when he came to India makes him more than just a terrific player. Sorry, I don`t think Ponting is in the same league as Lara or Tendulkar." About the Aussie skipper, he added, "Ponting ... is a top-class player and I think most people would vote him as the best player over the last couple of years,"

During the second Test against the West Indies in Antigua, Ponting became the seventh player to pass 10,000 Test runs. He is also just the fourth player - along with recently retired West Indian Lara, and Indian duo Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid - to reach 10,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket.

Asif likely to be deported next week

Detained Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif is likely to be deported back home next week after the Attorney General in Dubai gives a final verdict on the bowler by June 16.

"The Attorney General is scheduled to hear the prosecution`s findings into the case on Sunday and the feelers we have got is that he will pass an order to deport Asif by Monday," a well informed Pakistan Cricket Board source said.


Although PCB officials today confirmed that authorities in Dubai had extended Asif`s detention to June 22 but they said this was purely because of legal requirements and law of the land. The source said authorities had got Asif`s detention extended since the law in Dubai bars authorities from detaining a suspect for more then 14 days and an extension was needed in case more investigations had to carried out.

Asif has been in detention since June 1 after being allegedly caught with contraband drugs at Dubai airport. Laboratory tests later confirmed the substance found on him was hashish.

Bell steers England to easy win over Kiwis

England opener Ian Bell scored 60 not out on Friday to help subject New Zealand to their seventh straight defeat in Twenty20 internationals.

Bell's fluent innings was the highlight of a day in which England won a one-sided contest by nine wickets with 15 balls to spare at Old Trafford in Manchester.

The home side, replying to New Zealand's below-par 123 for nine on a pitch encouraging both pace and spin, reached 127 for one. Kevin Pietersen made 42 not out and put on 79 with Bell, who faced 46 deliveries and struck nine boundaries and one six.

"It was a fantastic performance, you can't ask for anything better, we hit our straps from ball one," Pietersen told Sky Sports. "What a great knock from Belly, he's a fantastic player who can hit boundaries from good cricket shots. We want to take this win into the one-day series now (on Sunday)."

New Zealand needed to make early breakthroughs and restrict England's scoring rate but they managed neither. Luke Wright (24) and Bell combined in an opening stand of 48 before Mark Gillespie had Wright caught at long-on.

England's top-ranked batsman Pietersen was then dropped before he had scored a run by Daniel Vettori off his own bowling, after shrewdly introducing himself early. The missed opportunity summed up the Kiwis' match.

After England won the toss, off-spinner Graeme Swann, who extracted significant turn, Stuart Broad and his fellow pace bowler James Anderson claimed two wickets each. Ross Taylor's 25 from 18 balls was his team's highest score.

Even New Zealand's most dangerous batsman Brendon McCullum (24) uncharacteristically failed to score until the seventh over. He also took 42 minutes to score his first boundary.

New Zealand's key all-rounder Jacob Oram had to be replaced by Peter Fulton shortly before the match after sustaining a hamstring injury. England won the three-test series last week 2-0.

Hick set to break record

Graeme Hick is set to break Graham Gooch's world record for the most competitive appearances by a professional cricketer on Tuesday.

CRICKET 2007 Worcestershire Graeme Hick - 0

Gooch made 1,195 appearances during an illustrious career with England and Essex spanning more than two decades.

Hick will equal that tally if he plays for Worcestershire in their Twenty20 game at Glamorgan.

And he should set a new record in Tuesday's home clash with Warwickshire at New Road in the same competition.

The 42-year-old made his debut for the Pears in 1984 and also represented England as well as New Zealand side Northern Districts.

Hick, who scored 88 not out in Thursday's Twenty20 game with Gloucestershire, is also close to breaking another Gooch record.

He needs 300 runs to overtake Gooch's tally of 22,211 List A runs and claim first place on the all-time register.

Chanderpaul carries bat for third time

Shivnarine Chanderpaul carried his bat for the third consecutive innings but once again lacked support from his team mates as West Indies were dismissed for 216 on the second day of the third Test in Bridgestone, Barbados.

Although Chanderpaul compiled 79 not out Australia, who are 1-0 up in the three-match series, still took a first innings lead of 35 runs with left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Johnson capturing four for 41.

Australian openers Simon Katich and Phil Jaques safely negotiated 14 overs in the final session, adding 35 without loss.

Left-hander Chanderpaul has scored two centuries against the Australians and only once in five innings has he failed to make at least a half century. He has scored 392 runs so far in the series for an average of 196.

The Australians added just 25 runs to their overnight 226 for seven but Ricky Ponting's side soon bounced back with the ball.

Brett Lee removed both openers, captain Chris Gayle (14) along with opener Sewnarine Chattergoon (6) and Ramnaresh Sarwan (20) was a victim of Stuart Clark before lunch, caught brilliantly by Mike Hussey at backward point.

After the interval, Xavier Marshall continued to a lively 39 before he went caught by debutant Beau Casson off Andrew Symonds, a soft dismissal for a batsman who had looked settled.

Chanderpaul and Bravo consolidated, putting on 60 for the fifth wicket before Bravo once again failed to build on a solid start.

The Trinidad all-rounder had made 29 before he was caught behind, flicking a leg-side delivery from Johnson.

Then came the by now traditional lower order collapse. Denish Ramdin, Sulieman Benn, Jerome Taylor, Daren Powell, and Fidel Edwards all went without reaching double figures as the last five wickets fell for just 28 runs.

Pakistan may join CL

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf has suggested that a team from the Asian nation will take part in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 competition.

His comments run contrary to the statement released by the ECB last week which stated that the top two teams from domestic leagues four countries - India, England, South Africa and Australia - will compete in the Champions League.

But Ashraf said it would be wrong to rule out a team from Pakistan.

"It is incorrect to say Pakistan is not in the Champions League," Ashraf said.

"I was present when the idea of this event was first discussed in Mumbai. The Indian Board, specifically the IPL governing body, invited Pakistan to send a team for the championship."

Ashraf said he would discuss the matter with officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India whom he will be meeting in Dhaka during the Tri-Series final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, IPL commissioner Lalit Modi has reiterated that teams who have players linked to the rebel ICL would be barred from the Champions League.

"We are very clear on that," Modi said.

"It's not enough if teams merely drop players who had links to the ICL. Only teams who have absolutely no links to ICL players will be invited."

However, Modi indicated that only an 'in-principle' agreement was reached with the ECB and that nothing had been made final as yet.

Cricket Australia have been entrusted with the task of drawing up rules for the competition.

PCB distances itself from Abdul Razzaq `s signing with Surrey

The Pakistan Cricket Board has said that it has no objection if Surrey intends to sign up ICL all-rounder Abdul Razzaq for the Twenty20 league domestic championship.

Officials in the PCB confirmed that Surrey had a few days back written to the Board on Razzaq’s availability, who along with six other Pakistani players have been banned by the board for participating in the Indian Cricket League (ICL)."Basically we have told the county (Surrey) it is their decision if they want to play him or not," the official said.Razzaq has been one of the leading signings of the ICL. He signed with them as early as August, 2007 and appeared in both their competitions.The number of ICL players increasing in the English championship and particularly in the Twenty20 championship has led to a standoff between county officials and Lalit Modi, chairman of the Indian Premier League.While Modi has announced that a Champions League would be held later this year with the winner and runner up teams of the Twenty20 championship in India, England, Australia, South Africa vying for a winners purse of USD five million.
He has made it clear that no county would be allowed to play in the Champions League if they have an ICL player in their ranks.

Test cricket no longer exciting, says Ponting

Ricky Ponting, a great supporter of traditional Test cricket, may not have converted to the latest Twenty20 version, but still feels that the five-day game is just not exiting anymore.

“I just think Test cricket is probably not as exciting anymore because of the wickets that we`re playing on,” Ponting was quoted as saying.“People would rather watch a game in Perth than they would in Antigua. There`s much more happening.”Ponting opines that the cricket pitches over the world are taking away the excitement from Test cricket.Australia are currently playing in the West Indies where they have had two dull Tests on placid surfaces in Jamaica and Antigua. Ponting feels it is very important to have bounce in the wicket to make it exciting.“There`s more bouncers, more batsmen ducking and weaving and sometimes falling on their backsides, more catches behind the wicket, more hook shots. That`s the sort of Test cricket that we all grew up watching and enjoying,” he added.
He contends the surfaces all over the cricketing world are becoming `too flat and too placid`.Ponting is also not too excited about the idea of the Test World Championship in a four-year cycle.“You`re playing for a trophy every series you play,` Ponting said. `It doesn`t matter if it`s at the end of two or three or four years, there are trophies on the line every series. We`ve got to look at other smaller ways.”

Symonds fined after sleeping in and missing team bus

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been fined after sleeping in and missing the team bus to a training session in Barbados.

Symonds was 10 minutes late for the bus but did not miss any part of practice after finding his own way to Kensington Oval, the Australian press reported.He was fined an undisclosed amount by the team`s leadership group consisting of skipper Ricky Ponting, vice-captain Michael Clarke, coach Tim Nielsen and manager Steve Bernard.Symonds is the second Australian player to be fined on their tour of West Indies after sleeping in. Spinner Stuart MacGill was also fined for turning up late on day two of the second Test in Antigua.Symonds was also fined and suspended for two one-day games after arriving drunk on the morning of a one-day match against Bangladesh on the 2005 Ashes tour.

IPL Salary Cap Set In Stone

The Indian Premier League salary cap will remain in place for the next two seasons following a statement from the tournament's commissioner Lalit Modi.

In its inaugural season the IPL limited the amount each franchise could spend on players to $5million.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has previously advocated the retention of the salary cap, fearing its removal would give the wealthier teams an advantage and lead to uneven contests.
There has, however, been opposition to the limit on spending most notably from Bangalore Royal Challengers' franchisee Vijay Mallya.
Despite that Modi ended speculation the salary cap would be lifted, or increased, in statement on Wednesday.
Modi also stated players would be bound by the three-year contractual agreement which they had signed prior to the start of the IPL.
"The three-year contractual clause was made public to both the franchisees and players prior to the auction (on February 20 this year) and the players' participation," Modi said.
"All the parties will abide by the terms and conditions laid down by the governing council.
"It is up to the franchisees to trade a player(s) when the trading window opens next year.
"They (franchisees) alone have the prerogative to decide on trading a player when the transfer window opens in 2009 just before the start of the IPL."
A fresh set of guidelines on transfer rules and the transfer window will be issued before the start of the 2009 season.

McCullum warms-up with rapid hundred

Brendon McCullum scored a century off 83 balls as New Zealand plundered the Worcestershire attack at New Road here Wednesday ahead of their forthcoming one-day clashes with England.

McCullum's 123 was the centrepiece of New Zealand's 358 for eight in 50 overs and came just two days before the lone Twenty20 fixture against England at Old Trafford - the prelude to five one-day internationals.The total fell just short of the record 50-over score on the ground of 365 for seven made by Worcestershire against Scotland last season. Wicket-keeper McCullum, one of the most free-scoring one-day batsmen in world cricket, was especially severe on Australian pace bowler Steve Magoffin.He took three boundaries in four balls off Magoffin and his six off the same bowler brought up a fifty stand with fellow opener Jamie How. McCullum's hundred featured two sixes and nine fours.He was eventually out for 123, caught at mid-wicket off seamer Chris Whelan. But all-rounders Scott Styris (36) and Jacob Oram (24) kept the tempo high as New Zealand piled on the runs.

Ashraf slams humiliating India loss

The head of Pakistani cricket has taken the unusual step of writing directly to the team management, expressing his disgust with the humiliating 140-run defeat to India in the triangular series in Bangladesh.

Pakistan's 12-match winning streak was brought to a shuddering halt by India in Mirpur on Tuesday, although 10 of those victories were against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.The heavy loss prompted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Nasim Ashraf to send an email to team manager Talat Ali, expressing his displeasure with the performance and commitment of the players and officials.The contents of the message were widely reported in the local media on Thursday highlighting some of Ashraf's more critical words."Last night's performance against India in which we lost by over 100 runs was embarrassing," Ashraf wrote."It is not a question of losing a match but our overall performance and the lack of resolve and commitment bothered me."We were smiling and joking as if we were some junior team which was happy just to be given the privilege of playing against a top team. This has to stop."Ashraf singled out wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, describing his performance as "pathetic", particularly an incident when he dropped a catch but still claimed it."This is unsporting behaviour but perhaps one has to give him the benefit of the doubt. But I do not want such behaviour from our players please warn everyone. We ought to be looking at playing another wicketkeeper," Asraf added

Asif's misery to continue for another week

Pakistani pacer Mohammad Asif's agonising wait in detention is set to extend another week as the attorney general's office in Dubai has not yet submitted the report on his drug possession case to the public prosecutor.

"The signals we are getting is that no progress is expected in the next two days which means the case will go into next week," a Pakistan Cricket Board official told PTI. Asif was detained at the Dubai International airport on June 1 after he caught with a small quantity of contraband drugs with him.
Sources say his case has been hampered by the fact that he was drunk when he got off the flight from India and had an altercation with officials at the airport.
"He didn't slap anyone as reported in the media but yes there was some altercation with the Custom officials," a source confirmed.
He said this could be one of the reasons why it is taking so long for the authorities to decide whether to charge him for possession of drugs or deport him to Pakistan. The PCB on Tuesday recalled Nadeem Akram, their Director Administration, from Dubai saying he was required for the preparations of the Asia Cup.
Akram had been sent to Dubai on June 2 to help Asif and get him released from detention but apparently he failed in his efforts.
Currently, a consular in the Pakistan embassy is handling the Asif case but interestingly sources say the person selected for the task has only joined the embassy a few weeks ago.
"It is really sad, the way everybody is slowly distancing themselves from Asif. He definitely has only himself to blame for the situation he finds himself in today," former Test captain Intikhab Alam told PTI.
"The future does not look very good for him but this episode shows that the team management needs to be more strict with the players," he added.

Sachin to play for Lashings World XI

Sachin Tendulkar will make his comeback from injury and prepare for India’s tour of Sri Lanka with low-key cricket against English college teams with celebrity team Lashings.

The Lashings World XI received a boost today as David Folb, their chairman, announced that Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to play three matches for the team in 2008 as part of his build-up to India’s forthcoming Test and One-Day series against Sri Lanka.“Tendulkar’s short stint at Lashings is currently scheduled to begin at Eastbourne College on June 24 with his other two appearances likely to be against St. Bede’s School in Sussex on June 27 and the Leigh Technology Academy July 4,” Folb said.The legendary batsman has used these kinds of matches with Lashings previously as a way of finding form and fitness. The inferior opposition won’t be at all important to him - it is just the time in the middle that will matter to him and the Indian selectors.Tendulkar, 35, is not currently involved with India’s tri-series against hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan because of a groin injury. He will also miss the Asia Cup later this month.India’s first match in Sri Lanka is a three-day game on July 18, before three Tests and five one-day internationals.

'Negative strategy to cost points in ICC Test C'ship'

Considered one of the main reasons behind low turn-out in the five-day version of the game, defensive tactics are likely to invite negative points in the proposed ICC Test Championship.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, the idea of a Test Championship, mooted by Cricket Australia, has been discussed at length in the past six months by the ICC and has found support from all the member boards.

The Championship would be played four-yearly on a home-and-away basis with a quadrennial trophy ceremony and points deduction for negative strategy, the report said.

However, nothing is cast in iron yet with I S Bindra, who will take over as the principal adviser to ICC in July, saying a lot of spadework needed to be done.

"The form, the format and the frequency are all part of the discussion at the moment," Bindra said.

However, concerns remain as to how the championship would be adjusted in an already crammed international schedule.

Tait ready to end his self-imposed exile to help exhausted Lee

Fiery fast bowler Shaun Tait is ready to end his self-imposed exile from cricket and boost a struggling Australian bowling line up.

With a tiring Brett Lee being overworked and Mitchell Johnson under pressure, Tait said that he would now be willing to heed the call if selectors came knocking.

"If they called me tomorrow and said be ready in three weeks, I'd do it," The Australian quoted Tait, as saying.

"I don't know what frame of mind the selectors are in. I know I can't waltz back into an Australian cap but I am keen to get back. I am definitely coming back to play, it is a matter of when," he added.

Tait left the game indefinitely in January after being physically and mentally exhausted following a string of injuries and poor form.

But the 25-year-old is now preparing for a comeback, eying this year's Champions Trophy tournament and Australia's tour of India.

The most likely scenario is that he will have to play the start of the next domestic season for South Australia before being considered for Australian selection.

But they are no guarantees Tait won't be needed earlier.

Lee is having to shoulder an excess bowling workload with no Glenn McGrath or Shane Warne and was exhausted after the second Test in the West Indies.

Counties ready to defy Modi diktat on ICL players

The inaugural Champions League Twenty20 tournament has run into troubled water with English counties in no mood to oblige BCCI vice president Lalit Modi`s diktat and leave out players who have been part of the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

In fact, Modi`s warning that counties with ICL players face ouster from the 2.5 million pound has enraged the clubs in England who have struck a belligerent pose, ready to miss out on the Twenty20 extravaganza starting late September.

A spokesman of Lancashire, which has ICL player Lou Vincent in the ranks, told The Times that in absence of any clear instructions from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), the position was quite unclear.

"If it is up to Cricket Australia to come up with rules and regs, then maybe they would like to get a wiggle on because this thing is about to start. Our priority is winning the Twenty20 Cup, which means picking our strongest team, including ICL players," he said.

"If we get to the final, it will be up to the tournament organisers whether we play in the Champions League. If they do not want to see Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson out there, that is up to them," he said rather sternly.

Of the counties, only Essex, Middlesex and Somerset don`t have any ICL players in their ranks and Modi has already thundered that teams with cricketers would be ousted from the tournament and no exceptions would be made for anyone.

Strauss says England could boycott Zimbabwe tour

England cricketers will consider boycotting matches against Zimbabwe next year if President Robert Mugabe is still in power, batsman Andrew Strauss said.

"In the past there`ve been chances to show the strength of feeling here and the government chose not to," Strauss told reporters.

"If it comes down to players to do that we`ll definitely have to look at it."

Strauss, who captained England against Pakistan two years ago, was speaking at a question-and-answer session at Lord`s following an address by South African archbishop Desmond Tutu.

"There`s a great sense among the general population that our last tour to Zimbabwe shouldn`t have gone ahead," he said.

"It has come down to a certain extent to personal preference and there have been some tough decisions made in previous tours.”

"When we come round to the issue again we all hope that the political situation in Zimbabwe is very different.”

"But if it isn`t there are going to be more very difficult decisions to be made."

Pakistan embassy to handle Asif case

The Pakistan embassy in Abu Dhabi will handle the case of fast bowler Mohammad Asif with PCB human resources director Nadeem Akram .

''I am returning home , but I am hopeful of an early release for Asif,'' Akram told mediapersons here today.

''There was no information from the Dubai Attorney General or the public prosecutor's office on whether to charges will be pressed against him or he will be deported,'' he added.

''No charge has been filed against Asif yet.'' Asif was detained at the Dubai airport on June 1 after an illegal subtance was found in his wallet.

He had made his statement before the chief prosecutor on June 5. After he had appeared before the court on June 7, the public prosecutor's findings were referred to the Attorney General.

Sehwag sets up thumping India win

A typically aggressive innings from Virender Sehwag set India on their way to a thumping 140-run win over Pakistan in the second match of the tri-series.

He smashed 13 fours and a six as he made 89 alongside Gautem Gambhir in an opening partnership of 155 in 21 overs.

Yuvraj Singh also made a half-century as India stormed to a daunting 330-8.

Pakistan did their best to hit out in their chase, but only Shoaib Malik (53) had any success as Praveen Kumar (4-53) helped limit them to 190 all out.

The seamer accounted for Pakistan's top four batsmen, having Salman Butt and Younus Khan caught, trapping Mohammad Yousuf lbw and then ending a 55-run stand between Kamran Akmal (38) and Misbah ul-Haq when the former departed.

Piyush Chawla also impressed with the ball, mopping up the middle and lower order to finish with career-best figures of 4-40.

It was the spinner who took the final wicket in the 36th over, meaning Pakistan followed their defeat of Bangladesh in the opener with another embarrassing loss.

It was a defeat set up by Sehwag and Gambhir, who gave India the perfect start - with Umar Gul in particular suffering at the hands of their aggressive stance.

Both were out edging Wahab Riaz to wicket-keeper Akmal, but Yuvraj contributed an excellent 55 off 54 balls, containing three sixes and three fours, before he was caught by Rao Iftikhar from spinner Shahid Afridi's bowling.

Bangladesh are next up for India on Thursday, again in Mirpur.