All posts by csb10.top

Sri Lanka’s top order let their side down to fall 19 runs short of a modest target set by West Indies in the Super League match at the Fatullah District Stadium.Sri Lanka won the toss and put West Indies in. Accurate bowling restricted progress and it wasn’t until the 29th over that they reached the 100 mark. Despite having wickets in hand, West Indies were unable to up the tempo in the closing overs, and finished on 200 for 7 after 50 overs. Captain Denesh Ramdin top-scored with 51.Sri Lanka’s top order have struggled for runs in this tournament – and today was no exception. The first four batsmen were back in the pavilion for 21 as fast bowler Lionel Baker’s extra pace and bounce created chaos. Chamith Kulasekara and Suraj Mohammad rallied to take Sri Lanka to 164 for 7 with four overs remaining. But then Baker returned to dismiss Kulasekara for 64 and Mohammad for 37, to swing the match decisively back in West Indies’ favour. Baker fittingly picked up the final wicket in the last over of the match to finish with figures of 6 for 39 as Sri Lanka were all out for 181.Baker, the Man of the Match, was pleased to find his rhythm with the ball. “It’s a great feeling to win today and it is good to start the Super League in good form,” he said.Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s coach, the former Test legspinner DS de Silva, was critical of his side’s batting display. “If we are going to succeed in this tournament, the top order batsmen must make runs together. At the moment our batting has been failing and today it cost us the match.”

Australia 120 and 320 for 5 (Martyn 104*) lead Sri Lanka 211 by 229 runs
Scorecard

Damien Martyn batted studiously throughout the first half of the third dayto keep Australia in front in the second Test at Kandy. Australia lost twowickets in the morning – including Adam Gilchrist’s for 144 – and anotherafter lunch, but Martyn ensured that the innings didn’t fall away with hisseventh Test century, an epic of patience and concentration. Australiareached 320 for 5 before torrential rain washed out play for the day.Australia’s lead – already a sizable 229 considering that Sri Lanka haveonly successfully chased over 200 on two previous occasions in theirhistory – is not yet large enough to guarantee the series on a pitch thathas grown increasingly placid but Sri Lanka, who have indicated that theywould be satisfied chasing 300, are fast running out of time.Martyn’s marathon 104 not out spanned nearly seven hours and 273 balls. Herode his luck – he was dropped on 0 and 65 – and battled hard for his runs,content to play the anchor role as his colleagues scored more freely. It washis second consecutive hundred of the series and provided furtherjustification for Australia’s selectors’ reluctance to dump him during his century-less25-month spell.Australia started the morning cautiously, wary of the pitch after torrentialrain last evening. The surface remained dry, though, and there was littleassistance for Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Nevertheless, Martyn, on 65, was missedfor the second time in the innings by Mahela Jayawardene, who failed tolatch on to a ball that came low to his right.Martyn soldiered on, almost entirely in defensive mode. But MuttiahMuralitharan provided the breakthrough that Sri Lanka needed, as AdamGilchrist missed a ball that straightened, and was adjudged lbw. Gilchristhad scored 144 from 185 balls and hit 19 fours and three sixes, a finereturn to form after a wretched start to the series that included twoconsecutive ducks (226 for 3). Gilchrist’s wicket ended a 200-run stand for the third wicket, a record for Australia against Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka pressed for another wicket, but Darren Lehmann was once again inan aggressive mood, cracking four fours in his 36-ball 21. But HashanTillakaratne’s first bowling change of the morning did the trick, asChaminda Vaas, operating off a short run with a 70-over old ball, foundsufficient movement to beat Lehmann’s bat and trap him in front (255 for 4).Ricky Ponting (29) came out to bat at No. 6 after intensive treatment on his strained upper back. He did not appear to be inconvenienced by the injury, though, as he danced down the track to Muralitharan and launched into a lofted drive over the corrugated iron-roofed stands at long-on.Sri Lanka took the new ball in the 88th over of the innings, about 10minutes before the lunch break. The harder ball did the trick too, althoughsomewhat fortuitously as Dave Orchard, the umpire, detected a thin Pontingedge when television replays indicated that Vaas’s delivery had just brushedhis midriff (304 for 5).Sri Lanka pressed for another wicket to expose Australia’s tail butAndrew Symonds, playing and missing frequently against the seamers, hung onfor close to an hour for his six runs as Martyn inched towards his century. Martyn eventually reached his hundred with a thick edge, before play was suspended, first for bad light and then for heavy rain.Play will resume at 10am on Friday.

Ian Billcliff, Canada’s captain, has said that John Davison’s absence would be felt during their ICC Intercontinental Cup semi-final against UAE at Sharjah, but that it would give others a chance to display their skills. He believed that the team’s sense of self was a strength, and though they had not played UAE much, they would reply on getting their basics right in order to win."John is obviously a very important player for us and has been our most successful performer in the qualifying matches so it goes without saying that he will be missed," said Billcliff. "But his absence gives some of the others a chance to shine. We’ve got some good players and I’m still confident we can do well."Billcliff said that the experience his team got in the tournament would be vital, and that facing different countries and conditions hurried their learning. "Any opportunity we have to play cricket against quality opposition is a great experience for us. Playing in different countries against varied opposition is a very steep learning curve, and what we have experienced so far is that the team that comes to terms with the conditions the quickest and executes their plans efficiently comes out on top."It [playing the three-day game] definitely has been helpful to learn to be able to build an innings and to be patient with the ball and build pressure. The experience will definitely benefit the team’s growth and I think that we have grown closer as a unit over the series of three-day games. The wearing pitch is the biggest factor. To be able to adapt one’s game as the match progresses is the key."We have had limited experience playing these teams so there will have to be a lot of input from various members of the team. There will be a fair bit of thinking on our feet but in the end it is a fairly simple game, and the team that executes the basics the best will win the tournament.

Ajay Jadeja’s plea seeking permission to play international cricket was dismissed by the Delhi High Court on Tuesday after no one appeared on his behalf when the petition was taken up for hearing. According to Press Trust of India, a bench consisting of Justice Vijendra Jain and Justice Anil Kumar dismissed the appeal that Jadeja had filed to challenge another High Court ruling that didn’t allow him to play any competitive cricket.However, a Division Bench subsequently permitted him to play domestic cricket. Jadeja still nurses ambitions of representing India, though the Board of Control for Cricket in India appears loathe to even consider him.

7.5 Rahul DravidProduced two hundreds under pressure, in an unfamiliar role as opener, and helped India to fighting draws in the opening two games. He shuffled around his options in the field and sent out aggressive signals by picking five specialist bowlers for the second Test, but he will always rue his twin failures in the decisive game.7 Mahendra Singh DhoniMet fire with fire when India were on a slippery slope at Faisalabad, racing to a fabulous maiden Test hundred. Barring a couple of missed opportunities, had a fine series behind the stumps.7 Irfan Pathan
Came back strongly after a torrid time on the first two days of the series. But he soaked up the pressure in his crucial 90 and turned in an improved bowling performance in the second innings. Hat-trick will remain a career-high, regardless of the result.6.5 Yuvraj Singh
Spanked a vital 45 and a glorious hundred in a losing cause at Karachi, and fell to an impetuous pull shot in his only other innings in the series. He was outstanding in the field, snaffling a sensational catch at a crucial juncture at Faisalabad.6.5 RP Singh
Snapped up four wickets on an impressive debut at Faisalabad and but fell away a bit in the crucial second innings at Karachi. Overall, it was a promising beginning to his Test career.6.5 Zaheer Khan
Enjoyed a good return to the international fold and ended with 10 wickets, the most by an Indian in the series. Appeared jaded in the second innings at Karachi but was impressive enough to earn a recall into the one-day side.6 Virender Sehwag
Thundered a devastating 254 at Lahore, leading a most stunning riposte when faced with a mammoth total. Failed in all three innings that followed, and was hampered by an illness mid-way through the series.5.5 VVS Laxman
Steadied the ship at Faisalabad with a stylish 90. Was on the receiving end of two Mohammad Asif jaffas at Karachi and was cleaned up for cheap scores.5.5 Sourav Ganguly
Displayed tremendous composure in the first innings at Karachi, before falling for a loose stroke, and played another assured knock in the second innings. Bowled some handy overs and took a blinding catch at Lahore.5 Anil Kumble
Toiled away for 143 overs in the series, on pitches hardly suited to his style. Ended with nine wickets but will probably look back at this as the most forgettable series in recent memory.4 Sachin Tendulkar
Didn’t come to terms with Shoaib’s pace and, despite promising much in his brief stint in the second innings at Karachi, finished with a miserable average of 21.3.5 Harbhajan SinghWent wicketless after struggling throughout. He made no impression on featherbeds used for the opening two Tests and was dropped for the third.3.5 Ajit Agarkar
Had a tough time on a pancake-flat pitch at Lahore, picking up two wickets and being carted for more than five an over. Suffered a hamstring injury at Faisalabad and missed the next two games.

Canterbury 265 for 8 (Harris 78, Wiseman 51*) v Central Districts
ScorecardCanterbury might lead the State Championship, but their one-day conquerors, Central Districts, gave them a healthy welcome back to the four-day game at Rangiora today.The second round of the competition started with the top three teams beginning a series of games against the bottom-placed three teams, from which the two top sides will contest the final next month.Canterbury also had the disadvantage of being without one of the key runscorers this summer. Michael Papps, who is now part of the international one-day side, is now likely to miss the remainder of the championship programme. Aaron Redmond was promoted to opener for Canterbury, but he scored 1 and was out by the time 10 runs had been scored. It was left to Chris Harris, the perennial run gatherer, to restore the side’s fortunes as he scored 78 off 127 balls, an innings which included three sixes and nine fours. Paul Wiseman was unbeaten on 50 at stumps, the ninth half-century of his first-class career, while Regan West, the left-arm spinner, took 2 for 28 from his 20 overs.
ScorecardNorthern Districts, after a dreadful one-day season, attempted to confront their batting demons head on when choosing to bat first against Wellington at the Basin Reserve. The start had been delayed due to bad weather, and once play started it finished early.Nick Horsley provided early impetus to the innings with 30 off 44 balls, while Grant Robinson was 43 not out at stumps, and carrying much of ND’s hopes for setting Wellington a reasonable target. Iain O’Brien finished with 2 for 33, and Mark Gillespie 1 for 28 for Wellington.
ScorecardAuckland were asked to bat first at the revamped University Oval at Dunedin when play finally got started after the scheduled lunch break. Warren McSkimming took 2 for 32, while Jeff Wilson returned from his injury frustrations and bowled with fire to take 1 for 20. Matt Horne scored 35 while Aaron Barnes was 28 not out at stumps. Play ended early when bad light set in.

When you touch down at the Lokepriyo Gopinath Bordoloiairport, a modest building fronts an airport in hillyGuwahati in India’s north-east. Grey Indian airforceaircraft easily outnumber their brighter commercialcounterparts. The runway seems to apologise forencroaching on the carpet of green that is interruptedonly by the odd outcrop of rock and the Brahmaputra,not quite in spate, but flowing with pride andconfidence, occasionally swelling at the banks like awoman carrying a few extra pounds who neverthelessknows she is a thing of beauty. England, wilting inthe heat, desperately need a change of fortunes, andwhether they will get that is doubtful. At leastthey will get a change of scenery.The fierce heat and oppressive humidity at Kochi thatsmothered England like a wet blanket have given way toMancunian noon-time temperatures in the earlytwenties, overcast skies and a generous if erraticsprinkling of rain and even hail at Guwahati. Thedrive from the airport, which is more than 20kilometres out of the city, to the hotel should pleaseEngland. The wide open spaces of rolling green are notquite the Yorkshire moors, but will soothe the eyes ofweary travellers spending far too much time in airportlounges.That said, there is much to complain about if you like- the roads are small and when you try to cross theroad you’re just as likely to be mowed down by a cyclerickshaw as a bus; the communication facilities arefar from adequate; the quality of hotels make you longfor your bed back home – but you’d be missing thepoint if you let all that get to you.You’d be missing the non-stop references to therhinoceros, that majestic and tragically endangeredbeast that has come to represent the region thanks tothe Kaziranga National Park. Here everything fromroad-side restaurants to cement is rhino-branded.You’d be losing out on the story of the struggle ofthe North East where secessionists have been locked ina long, bloody battle with the authorities. You wouldnot recognise the smile that cricket puts on faces infar-flung outposts like this.Assam may not have produced a cricketer of note, butjudging by the enthusiastic turnout of fans on the daybefore the game, even in pouring rain, interest forthe game is high. The ICC has nakedly embraced taking the game to new regions,urging everyone from Eskimos to Chinamen to pick upbat and ball when there are places in a cricket-madcountry like India that barely get a big game, anddon’t get the encouragement they need to develop theinfrastructure required to develop the game.The cricket ground itself is a pretty picture. You’dthink the man with the rose in his lapel, JawaharlalNehru, was the biggest patron of sport in this country- this is the third game on the trot that will beplayed in a stadium named after him. The stands arequite low, and would struggle to hold even 25000people, the outfield is lush green, the pavilionunderstated and the surrounds leafy. Cast your eye tothe horizon in any direction and you will see thehills, and the nearest one has a temple and televisiontower jostling for attention.Sadly, though, the hills don’t make for pretty viewingat the moment. The rain and bad weather have all beencoming from there. The afternoon’s downpour,accompanied by thunder, lightning and finally hail,made the Assam Cricket Association despair. They’reworking hard to get this game going, and despite thefalling rain had not given up hope, though it isincreasingly appearing likely that Guwahati might haveto wait another two years or so for the privilege ofhosting international cricket.

Ice delaying the start of play at Old Trafford and Derbyshire having to move their opening fixture because their ground is underwater – sure signs that the new domestic season is here. As England complete a tough winter in the 45-degree heat of Indore, county players the length and breadth of the country have been shivering their way through pre-season nets. The real action starts today as MCC take on Nottinghamshire in the traditional curtain-raiser at Lord’s.For all the hype that surrounds the never-ending cycle of international cricket there is something special about the anticipation of a new season. Everything is possible, places are up for grabs, names to be made and the thought of those long, warm summer days soaking up the action (but probably not until about August).County cricket always faces a tough fight with the summer now so packed with Tests and one-day internationals. Last year it had to battle for attention against the extraordinary Ashes and while the exploits of Andrew Flintoff and Co. will again, understandably, take centre stage for most of the summer the domestic game has much going for it. In many ways, the team fielded by England on their tour of India showed county cricket in its best light for a number of years.Shaun Udal was the most uplifting story; a player who has consistently tried his hardest for Hampshire year in, year out and suddenly he helped England pull off one of their greatest victories. Owais Shah was another who showed that county cricket can produce Test match batsmen, while if the game was as ‘soft’ as it is sometimes described then Alastair Cook and Monty Panesar would not have been as comfortable on the international stage.With Duncan Fletcher adding his voice to those fearing player burn-out the chances of England’s main players making county appearances once the internationals start is very slim – save a one-day final in the C&G Trophy or Twenty20. But that, in no way, means that there will be a shortage of talented players and exciting matches to enjoy.The main target, for those nine teams in the first Division, will be the Championship title, which currently resides with Nottinghamshire following their superb allround performances from 2005. They have a mature squad, but as the Australians have shown, if results continue to go your way age is only a number. However, they are far from sure of retaining their title and, if anything, don’t actually start the season as favourites.

Some bookmakers have Lancashire, fresh from promotion, as odds-on to claim the title that has proved elusive since 1934. But they start without any overseas players – Brad Hodge will join in early May after his wife gives birth – and are so far settling for just the one, although don’t be surprised to see Andrew Symonds arrive for a late-season stint. Expect a strong charge from Sussex, who have the services of Mushtaq Ahmed and a strong top-order with Chris Adams, Murray Goodwin, Matt Prior and Michael Yardy, while Warwickshire are stronger this season with two established overseas names in Heath Streak and Daniel Vettori.Hampshire will again rest heavily on Shane Warne, so long as his shoulder stands up to even more bowling, but he has the ability to bring the best out in younger players and keep an eye out for Chris Tremlett who will want to remind the selectors he is still around. Kent have never suffered Championship relegation and shouldn’t be pulled down in 2006, even if they struggle to bowl sides out twice, while Middlesex are also likely to be more troubled by the search for wickets than runs. Durham and Yorkshire will have to fight hard to hold onto their hard-earned top division slots with squads that are set to be pushed to the limit.In the second division, Worcestershire and Surrey are best placed to secure the two promotion slots as their squads have reasonable depth and experience. Essex have an exciting bunch of young players balanced with the experience of Andy Bichel and Darren Gough. Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire will need to battle against limited squads and Glamorgan have been dealt a tough blow with the loss of Matthew Elliott and Michael Kasprowicz. Watch out for the Aussie spin-twins, Cameron White and Dan Cullen, who could spring a surprise at Somerset, but it is hard to see beyond another season of struggle for Derbyshire and Leicestershire.As always at this time of the season there is a wealth of possibilities. All teams feel that it will be their season while players are dreaming of runs, wickets, catches and greater honours. It is sometimes hard to see through the mass of Tests and ODIs and realise what is happening at the level below, but if you have a moment take a glance at the county scorecards. There are six fascinating months of cricket ahead and you may just catch a glimpse of the next Cook, Panesar or Udal.

Gold League
Karachi Urban took another step towards toppling Rawalpindi from the top of the Gold League table as they piled up 506 for 5 declared on the second day of their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Gold League match at the National Stadium . By the close of play, Rawalpindi had reached 122 for 3, still 357 away from averting the follow-on.Hasan Raza, the captain, hit an unbeaten 108 and Mohtashim Ali 67 in a 149-run fifth-wicket stand after overnight centurion Saeed Bin Nasir fell for 107. Raza, 24 and playing in his 139th first-class match, notched up his 27th hundred off 140 deliveries with the help of nine fours and two sixes. Asif Zakir (79) added 193 with Nasir.Rawalpindi progressed to 87 before three wickets fell for seven runs. Babar Naeem, the left-handed batsman, was unbeaten on 73, with14 fours and a six off 87 balls in just under two hours. Captain Mohammad Wasim has still not come out to bat, but Rawalpindi’s task to save the match is a difficult one.Karachi Urban, currently placed at number three in the seven-team Gold League table with 15 points, are in the ideal position to take their tally to 24 with an outright win and move to the top of the table.Playing like true champions, last season’s winners Sialkot transformed their poor situation on day one by taking their overnight 212 for 6 to an impressive 384 on the second day at the Jinnah Stadium . In reply, Lahore Shalimar had slipped to 139 for 6, with 96 required to make Sialkot bat again.Khalid Mahmood, Sialkot’s wicketkeeper was the man mainly responsible for the turnaround. Coming in at No.9, he first saw his partner Ayub Dogar leave the field with an injury. At 258 for 9, Ayub returned and the two proceeded to add an incredible 126 for the last wicket. Khalid remained unbeaten on 93, after being in sight of his first-class career’s third century, that came off a mere 110 balls in a little over two hours with nine fours and three sixes. Ayub, 28 overnight, had earlier helped add 67 for the seventh wicket with Tahir Mughal (31). He was last out, after having made 81 off 259 balls with eight fours and a six. Tahir then bagged 4 for 70 in Lahore’s innings, with only Ahmed Shahzad (52 off 115 balls) and Ashraf Ali (35*) offering resistance.Sialkot, with 12 points from their previous three matches, should now be looking towards an outright win so as to remain in contention for making the Gold League final.The chances for last season’s runners-up Faisalabad lifting themselves from the bottom of the seven-team Gold League brightened, as they gained the crucial first-innings lead against Peshawar at the Iqbal Stadium. Having dismissed second-placed Peshawar for a modest 215 on day one, Faisalabad took their overnight 39 for 0 to 254 for 9 by stumps, a lead of 39.The openers, Imran Ali (51) and Asif Hussain (48) added 94 before Ijaz Ahmed Junior hit an unbeaten 71 off 182 deliveries with ten fours. With a four-man attack, Arshad Khan, Peshawar’s captain, bowled superbly to pick up 4 for 74 in 34 overs. Riaz Afridi, the medium-pacer, sent down 32 overs for a return of 3 for 88.Champions in 2003-04 and runners-up during the two subsequent seasons, Faisalabad are trying desperately to avoid being demoted to the Silver League circuit.Silver League
Shoaib Khan,Quetta’s left-handed opener, hit a century as his team gained a first-innings lead of 97 over Hyderabad on day two at the Niaz Stadium.It was Shoaib’s second first-class hundred and personal best as Quetta, resuming at an overnight 91 for 4, overhauled Hyderabad’s 193 with an impressive total of 290. Shoaib batted for more than six hours, facing 253 balls and hitting six fours and a six. His fifth-wicket stand with Arun Lal (52) was worth 97.Farhan Ayub, Hyderabad’s in-form left-arm fast bowler, returned figures of 6 for 76, while Naseer Khan (42) and captain Faisal Irfan (35) chipped in with useful runs. In their second innings, Hyderabad were 1 for 37, still 60 behind.Following Multan’s poor show in their match against Islamabad yesterday, Abbottabad must have seen a flicker of hope to make the Silver League final as they gained a splendid 152-run first-innings lead over Lahore Ravi at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground . Having dismissed Lahore for 62 on the first day, Abbottabad resumed at their overnight 89 for 1 and managed 314. At stumps, Lahore Ravi had made 72 for 1, still 80 runs in deficit.Fast bowlers Wahab Riaz (4 for 77) and Imran Ali (4 for 64) acquitted themselves well but Abbottabad prevailed on a fruitful day. Opener Mohammad Naeem, who top-scored with 54, took his second-wicket stand with Wajid Ali (42) to 53. Later, debutant Hammad Ali (45 off 85 balls with five fours) and captain Sajid Shah (30) added a crucial 92 for the seventh wicket, their stand being boosted by several extras. There were eventually as many as 40 of them, with fast bowler Wasim Khan conceding 10 wides and seven no-balls.If Multan are beaten by Islamabad in their ongoing encounter, and Abbottabad win here, either side will have an identical record after five matches and a total of 21 points. Who goes on to meet Islamabad in the Silver League final will then be decided on the basis of net run-rate.Instead of Multan improving their position, it was table leaders Islamabad who were looking for their fifth straight win in as many matches, as they finished with a 324-run lead on day two at the Diamond Club Ground .In reply to Islamabad’s 314, Multan folded for 153 and conceded a 161-run lead. Centurion Azhar Mahmood, the captain, took 3 for 45 for Islamabad and medium-pacer Bilal Asad excelled with figures of 4 for 13 in 11.2 overs. In Islamabad’s second-innings 163 for 3 opener Raheel Majeed hit a 76-ball 71in just short of two hours, with 10 fours and three sixes.With four wins and a full 36 points, Islamabad have already qualified for the Silver League final, scheduled to be played from February 7. Multan, second-placed in the five-team table, have 21 points but now appear to be in danger of losing their position to Abbottabad.

CloseScorecardUnlike the men on tour of the subcontinent, England’s women have only one dart at Test glory. Unfortunately they got it badly wrong on the second day of the only Test after a hostile bowling display by India and they closed on 103 for 7, still 37 short of the follow-on.Jhulan Goswami started the rot at Delhi, ripping through their top order to swing the match in India’s favour, bowling a good line and finding some bounce. She forced both Laura Newton and Charlotte Edwards to play on then found Claire Taylor’s edge, and all in a blink. At 25 for 3, England were in trouble and Rumeli Dhar soon made matters worse, trapping Jenny Gunn for 5 and bowling Lydia Greenway for 6 (49 for 5).In dire straits, England dropped anchor, but Laura Harper fell for 10 after giving Shravanthi Naidu the charge. To seal a gloomy batting display for England while applying the icing to her cake, Goswami prised out Arran Brindle for 37 just before the close. This is a key wicket for India, Brindle having shown her stickability to save the first Ashes Test with a fine hundred at Hove this summer.England’s plans had hatched perfectly in the morning, with Harper taking her first five-wicket haul to give the visitors a bright start to their day as they made good their aim to remove India for below 300 on a turning pitch. Harper bowled all morning from one end until India were shot out. India’s tail was not for the wagging, rather it was sagging, with Harper bagging four of the last five wickets which fell for 45.Then it was England’s turn to fold. But India thoroughly deserve to be in pole position following an assured display of bowling on a blameless pitch which is showing signs of turning, but which contains few demons.Richard Bates, England’s coach, pulled no punches in assessing the batting performance. “We can only point our fingers at ourselves,” he told Cricinfo at the close of play. “We had planned to get stuck in to their bowling.Tomorrow we will need to show a bit of character. If we can save the follow-on and bowl well we will have a sniff.” On today’s evidence that’s a big if.