Archive 2010

Asia Cup 2010

Tri-angle Series In Zimbabwe, 2010

Tri-Angle Series in B'desh 2010

India in Bangladesh 2010

Pakistan in Australia 2009-10

West Indies in Australia 2009-10

South Africa in India 2010

Australia in New Zealand 2010

Tri-angle Series In Sri Lanka, 2010

Pakistan v South Africa Series in UAE, 2010

Sri Lanka in Australia, 2010, Schedule

I will play for Pakistan again: Salman Butt

Pakistan's suspended Test Cricket skipper Salman Butt said his love of cricket put him past thoughts of sleaze and he believed he would play for his country again.

"The love of the game has brought me here and that love is bigger than anything, any corrupt thing which exists. So I believe that I will be back playing for my country again," Butt told Sky Sports on Tuesday.

"I know inside what I am made of, where I have come from and how I have played my cricket."

Butt, along with fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, faces an ICC hearing in Doha in January which will consider suspected breaches of its corruption code.

"I would like to say obviously I have not done anything such as this in all my life or my cricketing career," Butt added. "I believe none of my team mates are corrupt."

One of Butt's lawyers said the player had sent the ICC a detailed reply to the charges against him.

"Salman Butt on December 13 has filed a detailed, comprehensive and hard-hitting, 40-page response to each and every allegation brought by the ICC with regard to spot-fixing levelled against him," Shahid Saeed said in a statement.

Aitzaz Ahsan, a former law minister and senior barrister who is also representing Butt, told Geo News channel in Pakistan that his client had a strong case.

"We have sent a detailed reply to the ICC in which we have dismissed all the allegations made against him," Ahsan said. "He has a strong case to prove his innocence."

India thrash NZ to win ODI series 5-0

Ravichandran Ashwin led a shocking spin attack as a second-string India beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in the fifth and final one-day international for a 5-0 clean sweep.

The off-spinner grabbed 3 wickets for 24 runs off 8 overs to help the hosts bowl out New Zealand for 103 off 27 overs before India coast to the target with almost 29 overs to spare.

Part-time spinners Yuvraj Singh and Yusuf Pathan chipped in with two wickets each as New Zealand was bundled out for their lowest total in one-day internationals against India.

Wicket Keeper Parthiv Patel (56 not out) struck his second fifty in a row and added 97 runs for the 3rd wicket with Yuvraj (42 not out) to guide India to a easy win in the day-night game at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

New Zealand suffered their 2nd series whitewash on the trot, having lost 4-0 to Bangladesh in their past one-day tournament.

For India, it was their 2nd clean sweep at home since their victory over England in 2008.

India's chase was rocked by early setbacks with skipper Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli being dismissed inside the first four overs.

Gambhir edged Nathan McCullum behind the stumps off the third ball of the innings and Kohli was snapped up in the slips off skipper and left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori.

Patel, back in the Indian team after a six-year gap, survived some early jitters to hit six fours and a six in his 70-ball knock. Yuvraj, named man-of-the-match, smashed six fours and two sixes off 46 balls.

Nothing went right for New Zealand after Daniel Vettori won the toss and elected to bat. Faster Praveen Kumar struck in the first over, removing Martin Guptill with his 4th delivery before left-arm paceman Ashish Nehra dismissed Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor in successive overs.

The Indian spinners, led by Ashwin, then got into action, accounting for the rest of the seven wickets to fall.

New Zealand's batsmen struggled in overcast conditions, with a 43-run stand by Jamie How (23) and Scott Styris (24) the only decent effort.

India, fielding a weakened side in the series in order to give rest to their big guns ahead of an upcoming tour of South Africa, proved their bench strength with a clinical all-round performance.

New Zealand are next slated to play Pakistan at home.

Man of the Match : Yuvraj Singh

Man of the Series : Gautam Gambhir

Afridi is the right person to lead Pak: Imran Khan

Pakistan's former skipper Imran Khan is not sure whether Shahid Afridi has the capability to pull through a team in mess but conceded that if there is anyone capable of achieving something extraordinary, it is the swashbuckling current Captain.

"I am not sure whether Afridi is the right person. Having said that I would like to add that if there's someone who can do it, it is Afridi," Imran told mediapersons during a promotional event organised by ESPN for next year's World Cup in the sub-continent.

Talking about Afridi, Imran said, "He is one player who can pull off something out of the ordinary. If he can hit a purple patch, it does give Pakistan a chance. But then Pakistan are one of the most unpredictable sides in world cricket."

Sachin, Sehwag, Dhoni rested for the NZ ODI Series

Gautam Gambhir was named skipper of the Indian team for the first two matches of the ODI series against New Zealand starting on November 28 with the selectors opting to rest five senior players, including regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh were not measured due to injury concerns as a 14-member ODI team was announced after a selection committee meeting.

"Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh were not considered due to injury concerns, which require awareness and treatment," BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement.

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Ashish Nehra, who were part of the squad for the ODI series against Australia last month, were left out.

Wicket-keeper/Batsman Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Yusuf Pathan and S Sreesanth were recalled to the ODI squad.

Team for first two ODIs against New Zealand: Gautam Gambhir (c), M Vijay Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Saurabh Tiwary, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, R Vinay Kumar, Munaf Patel, Sreesanth, Yusuf Pathan, Ravindra Jadeja.

Sachin, Sehwag move up in ICC ODI rankings

Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar gained a place each while India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni remained static at the fourth spot in the ICC player rankings for ODI batsmen, which is headed by South Africa opener Hashim Amla.

While Sehwag improved from 8th to 7th, Sachin was just one place behind the dashing India opener.

Among Indian bowlers, Harbhajan Singh gained four places to be placed 15th while Praveen Kumar moved a step up to be placed 11th.

Hashim Amla's exploits in the just-concluded ODI series against Pakistan have helped the South Africa opener rush into the top of the rankings.

Amla, who topped the run chart in the series against Pakistan with 291 runs including a ton and two Fifties, earned 40 points to surge ahead of teammate AB de Villiers.

In the rankings for ODI bowlers which New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori continues to top, South Africa pacer Morne Morkel moved 13 places to be at the 12th spot, his career-best ranking till date.

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith and left-handed batsman JP Duminy too moved up the table. Smith, who had scored 124 runs in the five-match series against Pakistan, was at 15th, while Duminy improved by five places to occupy the 23rd spot.

Shahid Afridi retained his 30th position and remains the highest-ranked batsman for Pakistan. Umar Akmal moved four places to be 39th while Mohammad Hafeez, who had scored 203 runs in the series, moved up by 21 places to be placed 109th.

All-rounder Kallis fires South Africa to series win

The series deciding match, after both teams won two matches each, started on a dramatic note when Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider went missing from the team hotel and did not come to the ground.

Pakistan Cricket Board later said they will launch an inquiry into Haider's case after he, without informing team management, reportedly reached London after receiving threats from persons unknown.

It was Kallis who built South African innings after Smith won the toss and decided to bat.

Kallis propelled the total during his 95-ball innings, adding an invaluable 121 with AB de Villiers (61) for the third wicket and another 61 for the second wicket with Hashim Amla (62).

When Kallis reached 81, he completed 11,000 one-day runs in his 307th match. He became the sixth batsmen to score 11,000 or more runs in 50-over format of the game.

Graeme Smith (14) and Amla started at brisk pace to take their team to 37 inside five overs, when Akhtar removed the South African skipper, caught by Afridi. All-rounder Jacques Kallis scored a brilliant half-century and took three wickets to guide South Africa to a commanding 57-run win over Pakistan in the fifth and final one-day international here on Monday.

The 35-year-old scored 83 - one of four half-centuries in the innings - to steer South Africa to an imposing 317-5 before he took 3-30 to dismiss Pakistan for 260 in reply, giving South Africa a 3-2 series win.

Pakistan, hoping to win their first-ever bilateral series win over South Africa, were cruising along nicely with openers Mohammad Hafeez (59) and Shahzaib Hasan (39) gave them a robust 82-run start in their quest for their third best-ever chase in one-day cricket.

But Kallis derailed Pakistan's innings with a triple strike in as many overs, removing Hasan, Younis Khan (three) and Mohammad Yousuf (three) off 13 balls to make his opponents struggle from 82-0 to 96-3.

As if his batting and bowling were not enough, Kallis took a well-judged catch at long-on off fellow paceman Dale Steyn to dismiss Hafeez in the 23rd over.

Afridi hopes for a turnaround in ODI Series against SA

Following the back-to-back losses in the Twenty20 games against South Africa, Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi hoped for a turnaround in the 5-match ODI series against South Africa.

"I am sure we can do far better in the ODIs, since I believe that we have players who have good temperament and can play the 50 overs comfortably," Afridi said.

Speaking about the performance of the batsmen in the Twenty20 matches against South Africa, Afridi said it was their disappointment to get the team off to good starts which resulted in the losses.

"We needed good starts but that didn't come in both the matches. My own performance was not up to the mark so we have to sit down and plan to improve our batting, which is struggling."

Afridi admitted that the players were under pressure after going through some turbulent times during their recent tour to England. However, he mentioned that the players have to put the distractions aside and concentrate on the game.

Ponting to return for Sri Lanka ODI Series

Skipper Ricky Ponting will return to action against Sri Lanka ODI Series, Australia enter final preparations for the Ashes series against England, officials said Tuesday.

Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson were both named in the 15-man squad for three match one-day internationals series next week after being rested for the 2-0 Test defeat in India.

Wicketkeeper and batsman Brad Haddin and fast bowler Peter Siddle were also included as they continue their recovery from injury. Australia face Sri Lanka on November 3, 5 and 7.

Ponting faced calls for his resignation after returning from the Test series defeat to India which pushed Australia down to 5th in ICC test rankings.

Some players including batsman Michael Clarke and spinner Nathan Hauritz will be searching for form against Sri Lanka, the final internationals before the five-Test Ashes series opens on November 25.

Australia squad - Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Shane Watson, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin(wk), Mike Hussey, Cameron White, Xavier Doherty, John Hastings, Nathan Hauritz, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

Australia lose Hussey, Bollinger for 3rd ODI in Goa

Still looking for their 1st win in the ongoing tour of India, the useless Australian team lost two more key players in Fast bowler Doug Bollinger and batsman Mike Hussey for the deciding 3rd and final ODI on Sunday.

While Bollinger has been forced out due to a stomach muscle strain, Hussey will have to be available for a Sheffield Shield match for Western Australia as part of the Ashes preparations.

“Bollinger reported some minor abdomen discomfort in an area unrelated to the original injury that ruled him out of the 2nd Test and 2nd ODI of the tour," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

"We do not think the new issue is serious, however it will prevent him from achieving the workloads necessary for him to be available for selection in the third one-day match in Goa," added CA physiotherapist Kevin Sims.

National Selection Panel Chairman Andrew Hilditch said, "As part of the ongoing individual work load management ahead of a an exciting Australian Summer and the ICC Cricket World Cup in the subcontinent, Mike Hussey will not play in the 3rd ODI game in India and will return home to Australia."

Kohli, Raina power India to win 2nd ODI Match

Virat Kohli shrugged off cramp to hit 118, his 3rd ODI century, and guide India to a five-wicket win over Australia in Visak. India lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after the opener was washed out. Australia were slow for much of their innings, but ignited late on as Michael Clarke (111) and Cameron White (89) put on 84 from the last 5 overs. That left India to chase 290, and they got there with seven balls left thanks largely to the efforts of Kohli. He scored his runs from 121 balls, and built India's chase with partnerships of 137 with Yuvraj Singh (58) and 84 from 58 balls with Suresh Raina (71 not out from 47).

After finally departing when clubbing debutant John Hastings to long-on, Kohli watched from the stands as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was bowled by Hastings for a duck. But Saurabh Tiwary, playing his first one-day international, provided a level head at one end as Raina kicked on to take India past the winning line without further alarm. The home side won the toss on a slow wicket, handing debuts to Tiwary, 20, and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan, 24. With seamer Vinay Kumar and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwan playing only their second matches it was a very inexperienced side. Australia matched them in that department, as first one-day international caps were dished out to Hastings, 24, and fellow New South Welshman Mitchell Starc, 20, leaving Clint McKay as the only frontline seamer with experience at this level.

Australia batting was not at full strength either, and openers Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh were slow to get out of the blocks, both departing before the end of the eighth over which came with Australia's total on 16. Clarke, skippering while Ricky Ponting rests ahead of the Ashes, was initially very cautious. Impetus came instead from Mike Hussey (69 from 77 balls), before Clarke and White took toll over the closing overs. India's chase was more even-paced, though the openers also failed to provide a platform. McKay took three wickets to keep Australia in the game, but once Yuvraj and Kohli began to find their range the momentum was with India all the way through to the end. Australia looked a beaten team well before the finish which was scarcely imaginable when White was smashing the Indian bowling to all parts, hitting six sixes and six fours. "White's innings was unbelievable and I thought 290 was enough, but India chased well," said a rueful Clarke afterwards.


Man of the Match: Virat Kohli

I'm not under pressure: Stand-in Skipper Michael Clarke

Under-pressure Michael Clarke today said he deserved the censure after a string of poor shows in their 0-2 Test series loss and the stand-in captain said that it's time to look forward and return to winning ways.

Stand-in Captain Clarke scored just 35 runs from four innings in the 2 Test series, said, "My performance in the Test series wasn't good enough so I deserved that criticism and I am very disappointed about that."

But he said he was not under-fire to perform in the 50 over matches as they play the 2nd ODI against India today. The 1st ODI was washed out after a heavy rain in Kochi.

"I am not at all under pressure. Everybody is entitled to voice their opinion. I can't change that. I'm training very hard as possibly as I can. I'm really excited about these two one-day games. My main priority is to win the two ODIs. We are really excited about the bright weather, hope it continues tomorrow."

Asked about the condition of their frontline pacer Doug Bollinger, Clarke said they were yet to decide on him.

"He is going well, though he has not done enough bowling. It's an important day for him today, he will have to bowl at the nets. The physio is happy with his improvement. But we want to make sure he bowls 10 overs for us tomorrow, otherwise I don't think it's worth a risk."

Doug Bollinger had to pull out of the 2nd Test in Bengaluru because of an abdominal strain.

Bangladesh Sweep the series 4-0 against NZ

Bangladesh Fast bowler Rubel Hossain grabbed four wickets as Bangladesh completed a clean sweep with a thrilling 3-run winning over New Zealand in the 5th and final one-day international.

Bangladesh clinched the series 4-0, their first clean sweep against a major team. The 2nd match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to rain.

New Zealand wanted only 8 runs to win in the final over with just one wicket in hand but Rubel, who had taken 3 wickets in his opening three overs, sparked celebrations in Bangladesh's camp when he bowled Kyle Mills (33).

He jolted New Zealand in his 1st over, dismissing opening batsman Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder in the space of five deliveries. He then had Kane Williamson caught at 2nd slip by Raqibul Hasan in his 3rd over.

Bradley-John Watling was run out, while Ross Taylor was bowled by Abdur Razzak as New Zealand's top five batsmen failed to reach double figures.

New Zealand were in danger of falling below their lowest ODI total of 64 after being reduced to 20-5, but captain Daniel Vettori (43) and all-rounder Grant Elliott (59) added 86 runs for the sixth wicket.

Vettori (3-32) and Mills (3-36) earlier bowled tight to restrict Bangladesh to a modest total.

New Zealand did not allow the hosts to build a big partnership after the hosts elected to bat on a slow pitch. The highest stand was 55 for the fifth wicket between captain Shakib Al Hasan (36) and Mushfiqur Rahim (29).

Vettori removed opener Imrul Kayes (34) and Raqibul (six) before accounting for Mahmudullah (19).

Kayes was trapped leg-before while attempting to sweep, hitting two sixes and three fours in his 50-ball knock. Andy McKay and Elliott each finished with two wickets.


Man Of the Match: Rubel Hossain

Man of The Series: Shakib Al Hasan

Bangladesh clinch historic series win

Bangladesh claimed victory in its 5 match ODI Series against New Zealand after winning the 4th match at Dhaka.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan hit a century and took three wickets, while New Zealand was dismissed 10 runs short of the winning target of 242.

Bangladesh have played like forceful tigers to win at home for the 1st time against a fully fledged opponent. 241 wasn't a match winning score by any means but the spinners pegged the New Zealand middle order with some restricted bowling. They didn't allow the game to slip at any stage despite an excellent partnership between Williamson and Nathan McCullum.

This is a proud moment for all the cricket followers in Bangladesh. The fans merit special praise for turning up in large numbers and cheering the side on for every game. This is their day and they deserve all the accolades coming their way. Their talisman cricketer Shakib has once again proved why he is the Number One all-rounder in the ICC ODI rankings.

Shakib became the only Bangladesh player to score a ton and take 3 wickets in the same match.

Williamson became the youngest ever NZ cricketer to score an ODI ton.

Williamson playing the latter part of the innings on one leg, he just fell short of victory. But, Bangladesh deserves this series victory and one hopes that they can only go from strength to strength.

Match Summay:

Bangladesh 241/10 in 48.1 overs

Shakib Al Hasan 106
Imrul Kayes 37
Mohammad Mahmudullah 37

Hamish Bennett 3-44
Kyle Mills 2-38

New Zealand 232 all out

Kane Williamson 108
Shakib Al Hasan 3-54

Man of the Match : Shakib Al Hasan

Sachin, Sehwag and Zaheer rested for Australia ODI Series

India will be without Virender Sehwag in the upcoming ODI series against Australia due to an injury while Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Ojha and Zaheer Khan have been rested.

The selectors have filled the openers by calling Murali Vijay, which has a new face in batsman Shikhar Dhawan, has also been a regular opener for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and earlier this week, he had scored a century in the Challenger series.

In the absence of main openers, Dhawan is most likely to open for India along with Murali Vijay, who jagged up his maiden Test Century against Australia at the Chinnaswamy stadium, Bangalore.

Vinay Kumar makes a comeback and would be part of the pace battery which includes the experienced trio of Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel and Praveen Kumar.

With Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha also missing, R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to spearhead the spin department. Ashwin played an important role for the Chennai Super Kings team during their victorious outing in the Champions League tournament held recently in South Africa.

ODI Squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Saurabh Tiwary, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Munaf Patel and Vinay Kumar

Ponting, Watson and Johnson rested for ODI Series against India

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, fast bowler Mitchell Johnson & all-rounder Shane Watson have all been rested for the 3 match ODI series against India. The National Selection Panel declared a 14 man squad for the ODI series.

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said: "Player workload management is particularly important over the course of the next seven months as we prepare a squad to defend the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in India and the subcontinent and to win the Ashes back from England.

"Each individual player has a program developed in teamwork between the players, the coaching and conditioning staff and the NSP, which will get each player to the end of April 2011 in the best possible physical condition and, we hope, with plenty of Australian success on the field.

"With that in mind, Ricky Ponting will not take part in this 3 match ODI series. The NSP has decided as part of the ongoing management of Ponting's workload he should not take part in this series. The demands of nonstop Test matches in tough Indian conditions have been taken into consideration.

"Mitchell Johnson will also have his workload managed and not take part in the series. As Mitchell is now the leader of our bowling attack, and with numerous injuries to our fast bowling stocks at present, it is essential we manage his workload so he can get through the domestic summer and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

"Shane Watson also will not take part in the series. The NSP considers it essential that he has a break to ensure that can fulfil his vital role during our domestic summer and of course the ICC World Cup.

The 14-man squad: Michael Clarke (c), Cameron White (vc), Doug Bollinger, Callum Ferguson, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and David Warner.

Indian Cricket team gets new Nike ODI kit

Nike, the official apparel sponsor for BCCI, today unveiled the new ODI Team kit. To showcase the brighter, bolder and new technologically advanced ODI kit, India's Men in Blue - Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Pragyan Oza and Gautam Gambhir - were present at Nike's launch event today at Chandigarh. Team India will first appearance this new ODI kit in the forth coming India – Australia three match ODI series and will also be available for fans at Nike retail in October 2010.

The event saw Nike's introduction of its worldwide acclaimed considered design ethos - one that combines sustainability principles and innovative performance products for athletes - in India in the sport of cricket. The new brighter bolder blue jersey showcased at the launch event is made entirely from recycled polyester, each one produced from up to eight recycled plastic bottles. The national team kits represent an important step in the process to make all Nike products more sustainable and the New Year will see Team India debut the recycled version on pitch as well as be made available at Nike retail for fans.

Ravi Bopara to play for the Dolphins in South Africa

England batsman Ravi Bopara has signed to play for the Dolphins in South Africa, the team said on Tuesday.

Ravi Bopara, 25, will play in 2 first-class matches and South Africa's home limited-overs series, which runs from Oct. 29 to Dec. 10.

The right-handed batsman was left out of England's squad for the Ashes series but will hope to feature in the limited-overs matches against Australia after playing in the recent series against Pakistan.

South Africa born England star batsman Kevin Pietersen will also play two first-class matches for the Dolphins to get match practice before the Ashes series 2010-11.

England Cricket Board wants apology from Ijaz Butt

England Cricket Board has threatened to take legal action against Ijaz Butt, unless he makes a public apology for alleging that England players had fixed 3rd ODI.

"We are looking for an apology. If it does not come we'll look at other decisions," ECB chief executive David Collier told the BBC. "You can't charge someone's integrity without having proper evidence.

"To date I can say that we have received zero proof of anything having influenced any English player. Clearly we will seek advice but there are quite strong laws of defamation."

Ijaz Butt had earlier said, "There is loud and clear talk in bookie circles that some England players have taken huge amounts of money to lose the match [the 3rd ODI]. No wonder there was such a collapse." He had also mentioned that there were a few cricketing bodies that were conspiring to defraud Pakistan and its cricket.

Butt's extraordinary comments ensued in a meeting between the ECB and the English team with Collier, ECB chairman Giles Clarke, the managing director of England Cricket, Hugh Morris, Skipper Andrew Strauss and Andrew Flower all present.

They went on to strongly reject Butt's allegations and Collier said that they had decided to proceed playing the final two ODIs "in the best interests of world cricket, England cricket, the ICC and the world game."

Gul takes 6 wickets as Pakistan beat England by 23 runs

Umar Gul took 6 wickets in a demoralizing display of quick bowling as Pakistan reserved the one-day cricket series alive with a 23-run victory over England at the Oval on Friday.

Fawad Alam made 64 as Pakistan set England a seemingly average total of 242 for victory.

The hosts began their run chase in confident fashion with opener Skipper Andrew Strauss making 57 from 54 balls, but they lost five wickets for 68 runs as Pakistan tightened the twist.

Eoin Morgan, in tandem with Luke Wright, steadied the England ship but Gul, who had earlier claimed the wickets of Strauss and Michael Yardy, tore through England's lower order.

He dismissed Morgan and Tim Bresnan in the same over, before taking the wickets of Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann to leave the tourists on the brink of victory.

Abdul Razzaq finished off the job with the wicket of James Anderson to leave the five-match series poised at 2-1 in England's favour.

"Chasing 242 you would back yourself to win at the Oval but Umar Gul in particular was outstanding," England captain Strauss told Sky Sports.

"Any time a bowler gets six wickets for 42, generally he is going to be in the winning side.

"To be fair to Umar, he got the ball reversing both ways and that is always tough to contend with."

Openers Strauss and Steven Davies put 35 on the board before Abdul Razzaq up-rooted Davies's off stump and Shoaib Akhtar ensured Jonathan Trott quickly followed him back to the pavilion with a difficult, inswinging yorker.

England collapsed to 103-5 before Morgan and Wright brought some stability, adding 98 runs without loss.

Then Gul, who finished with figures of 6-42, took control as England's last four wickets fell for just 18 runs.

"I think we are capable of beating any good team," Pakistan Skipper Shahid Afridi said.

England cricket bosses to crack down on tweeters

ECB (England Cricket Board) chiefs have vowed to get tough with players who "overstep the mark" on micro-blogging site Twitter following a thread of controversies in recent weeks.

ECB managing director Hugh Morris told the BBC that officials were drawing up rules aimed at preventing a repeat of the kind of incidents that landed Kevin Pietersen and Dimitri Mascarenhas in hot water.

England star Pietersen was fined an undisclosed sum after posting a tirade on Twitter in response to his omission from England's one-day squad.

Hampshire captain Mascarenhas was ordered to pay 1,000 pounds by his county after lambasting national selector Geoff Miller on the site.

Morris said the ECB would seek to include rules about the use of Twitter in future player contracts.

"Twitter is potentially a really good medium for players to get closer to supporters, fans of the England team, people who look at them as role models, but with that freedom of speech comes responsibility and it needs to be used in that way," Morris told BBC's 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"Those two players in particular overstepped the mark and they've been punished for it," he added.

Pietersen could play for South Africa

South Africa born England batsman Kevin Pietersen could play for South African franchise kwaZulu-Natal Dolphins next month as he seeks a return to form ahead of the Ashes series this year.

Reports here said the out of form South Africa-born star, who began his first class career with the Durban outfit 13 years ago, hopes to play two SuperSport Series national four-day championship matches.

Kevin Pietersen has reportedly received clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) but needs a “green signal” from Cricket South Africa, who must authorise international players appearing for local franchises.

The batsman is experiencing a difficult time on and off the pitch with a solitary half century for England this season and his last ton came against the West Indies more than a year ago.

England selectors axed him from the Twenty20 and ODI series against Pakistan this month, claiming he wanted to play as much cricket as possible ahead of the showdown with Australia.

India go to final with a comprehensive win

Praveen Kumar seized 3 early wickets and Virender Sehwag smashed a superb century as India entered the tri-series final with an insistent 105-run win over New Zealand.

India, with 10 points from four matches, will clash with Sri Lanka in the final on Saturday. New Zealand finished their league travels with seven points.

Praveen Kumar finished with 3-34 as New Zealand, chasing a 224-run target, were shot out for 118 in 30.1 overs, their lowest total against India in ODI internationals.

India were thankful to Sehwag for posting a competitive total as the hard-hitting opener splintered one six and 16 fours in a 93-ball 110 for his 13th ODI hundred.

India virtually wrapped up the match when they sent New Zealand struggling at 22-4 in the 9th over, with P.Kumar taking 3 wickets.

Tail-ender Kyle Mills hammered an entertaining 52 for his second half-century in one-dayers, but his knock came too late to stop India from the winning the match.

Injured Jacob Oram heading back home

Going into a do-or-die match against India in order to be eligible for the final, New Zealand face a couple of injury problems with Jacob Oram heads back home after he failed to recuperate from his knee injury while Kane Williamson is still stressed to recover from a bicep niggle.

However, the good news for NZ is that Martin Guptill is fit and would be return to open the batting for New Zealand in their do-or-die game against India.

On the position of side's fitness, Ross Taylor said Kane Williamson has a bicep niggle and would be observed more before a final decision is reached.

"Martin Guptill is fit and raring to go. Kane Williamson has got a bit of bicep injury and he will be under inspection. He did not bowl or throw yesterday. We will have to wait and see how it goes. And if he gets through that, we will just have to wait and see on selection," he said in the pre-match conference.

India big loses to Sri Lanka by 8 wickets

India suffered its big One-Day International crush in terms of balls remaining, as Sri Lanka beaten into the final of the tri-series Micromax Cup with a resounding 8 wicket victory in the 5th ODI here on Sunday.

Till date, India's largest defeat in terms of balls remaining was 174 against Australia at Sydney in 1981. India had scored 63 and Australia responded with 64 for one in that match.

Playing first, India could score a paltry 103 runs in 33.4 overs. It was their 3rd lowest total against the Sri Lanka.

The 21-year-old Thisara Perera (5/28) ripped through the Indian middle order with a fine exhibition of swing bowling.

The Sri Lankans flustered up the required runs of 104 in just 15.1 overs and gaine a bonus point and moved into the final.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (35) and Mahela Jayawardene (33) virtually toyed with the Indian bowlers as they stealed runs at will to set up the chase brilliantly.

The hosts completed their all league matches with 11 points.

India will have to now must win its last match against New Zealand on Wednesday to reach in the final.

India have five points while New Zealand have seven points in the ongoing ODI tri-series.

Suraj Randiv suspended for one ODI match

Miffed by the no ball controversy, SLC cracked the whip on its players by suspending spinner Suraj Randiv for one ODI match and striking a fine on Thillakaratne Dilshan for his role in grudging Virender Sehwag a century.

Skipper Kumar Sangakkara was also warning and has been advised to ensure that repetition of such incidents do not occur in future.

"Suraj Randiv has been suspended for the next match against New Zealand and his match fee for the India Vs Sri Lanka match on August 16, 2010, has been forfeited," SLC said in a statement.

" Thillakaratne Dilshan's suggestion in this issue has resulted in his match fee for the same match also being forfeited."

"Furthermore, Skipper Sangakkara, too has been advised to make sure that repetition of such incidents do not occur, where disrepute will be brought to the game of Cricket, affecting the spirit of the game," the statement added.

The conclusion to take disciplinary action against the players was taken by the 6-member committee which meets this afternoon to take action on the references of team manager who probed the 'no ball' controversy.

"SLC is extremely proud of its team and their achievements over the years. It is of paramount importance to maintain the discipline of the Gentlemen's game, especially with Sri Lanka Cricket being winners of the 'ICC Spirit of the Game' award for two consecutive years," the statement said.

Idea for no-ball came from Tillakaratne Dilshan

A newspaper report in Sri Lanka has claimed that the instructions to Suraj Randiv to bowl a no-ball and deny Virender Sehwag a century came from Tillakaratne Dilshan.

SLC has ordered an internal investigates into the no-ball controversy and is yet to make its report official, but according to 'The Island' the idea to bowl a no-ball came from Dilshan.

According to the newspaper, Dilshan, who was fielding at cover point, shouted in Sinhalese 'oney nam, no ball ekak danna puluwan' (if you want, you can bowl a no ball).

The report added that none of the Sri Lankan players reacted to Dilshan's advice to bowl the no ball.

The controversial incident happened with the scores level and Sehwag batting on 99 not out, on which Randiv over-stepped the crease by a very big margin, thus ending the game and leaving Sehwag stranded on 99. Randiv's act was destined by most observers as not being in the spirit of the game.

At the post match press conference, captain Kumar Sangakkara had said, "If it was deliberate, I will have to have a chat with him and make sure it does not happen again. I will have to see also whether there was any talk about it on the field, prior to that delivery."

Sangakkara also came under the scanner as he was heard instructing Randiv in Sinhalese "If he hits the ball, he gets the run" after Sri Lanka Cricket examined the audio feed from the stump microphone to determine whether any player had played a role in coaxing Randiv to bowl a no-ball.

Dilshan, who was the skipper of the Sri Lankan side in a tri-series in Zimbabwe this year after senior players including Sangakkara was rested, is incidentally Sehwag's team-mate at the IPL side Delhi Daredevils.

Embarrassed by the controversial episode, Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday initiated an inquiry under team manager Anura Tennekoon even as Randiv and top SLC officials offered apologies to calm the furore.

Sangakkara under scanner for no-ball controversy

SLC was examining stump microphone audios to decide whether skipper Kumar Sangakkara or any of his teammates had played a role in coaxing Suraj Randiv to bowl a 'no-ball' to prevent Virender Sehwag from scoring a century.

Sources said that SLC had wanted the tapes from the official broadcasters to investigate as what transpired between the bowler and his teammates during the fag end of the tri-series match.

Sehwag was just one short of his 13th ODI century when Randiv, who had not bowled a no ball in the Test or ODI series this season, bowled one which was hit by the opener for a six.

However, it did not count because the no ball amounted to India's winning run leaving Sehwag on an unbeaten 99.

According to audio tapes, captain Sangakkara had heard instructing Randiv in Sinhalese "If he hits the ball, he gets the run".

Although it appeared to be an inoffensive comment, some TV channels were interpreting it as an attempt to influence the young bowler to overstep the line and deny Sehwag what could have been his 13th ODI century.

Sangakkara has, however, maintained that he had only asked Randiv to keep the ball tight and not allow Sehwag score a run.

According to a SLC source, the report of the manager, who has been asked to start an inquiry into the incident, would be submitted to the board tomorrow.

Randiv has apologized to Sehwag

Indian openning Virender Sehwag has said that Sri Lankan spinner Suraj Randiv, who starved of him a hundred in last night's ODI tri-series match by deliberately bowling a no-ball, has apologized for his conduct.

Sehwag was just one run short of his 13th ODI hundred when Randiv, who had not bowled a no-ball in the Test or ODI series in this period, bowled one which was hit by Sehwag for a six.

However, it did not count because the no-ball amounted to India's winning run leaving Sehwag on an unbeaten 99.

Randiv's antics were criticized by Sehwag in the post match press conference but the issue is now being closed after the Lankan bowler offered apologies.

"Randiv came to my room and apologized," Sehwag wrote on his Twitter page.

India comprehensively won by 6 wickets last night's match but the conduct of the Sri Lankan team upset the visitors' camp.

Minutes after the game, a furious Sehwag told reporters that Sri Lanka had used such tactics earlier also, pointing out that they had left Sachin Tendulkar stranded at 96 with a same strategy in a match in Cuttack.

Sri Lankan Cricket, on its part, has already conveyed its apologies for the incident to the Indians and has even promised action after getting the team manager's report on the matter.

Sehwag powers India to win 6 wickets with unbeaten 99

India earlier put in a restricted bowling performance to bowl Sri Lanka out for 170.

Praveen Kumar (2-20) rocked Sri Lankan's top order when he bowled Upul Tharanga with the very 1st ball of the match and then fascinated former skipper Mahela Jayawardene leg-before in his 4th over.

Left-arm spinners Pragyan Ojha (3-36) and Ravindra Jadeja (2-34) also kept up the pressure as India never allowed the hosts to build a big partnership.

Tillakaratne Dilshan top-scored with a fighting 45 in Sri Lanka's disappointing batting performance after the hosts elected to bat.

Dilshan was the 5th man to be dismissed, sweeping Ojha to Rohit Sharma at mid-wicket after hitting 5 fours in his 62-ball knock.

Sri Lanka, struggling at 103-7 in the 32nd over, managed to cross the 150-mark, thanks to gutsy knocks from Randiv (43) and Nuwan Kulasekara (22). Randiv hit four boundaries in his 61-ball knock. Ishant Sharma took 2-32.

Virender Sehwag hit two sixes and 11 fours in his 100-ball knock as India raced to the 171-run target with more than 15 overs to spare in the day-night match for their 1st win in this odi Series.

Sehwag, 31, was one short of his 13th one-day hundred when the match ended with off-spinner Suraj Randiv's no-ball, which was eventually smashed for a six by the batsman.

Yuvraj downhill with dengue, out of SL ODI Series

In yet another gust to India's campaign at the ongoing cricket tri-series, Yuvraj Singh was today ruled out of tomorrow's ODI against Sri Lanka after being diagnosed with dengue.

"Yuvraj Singh is not available for this game. He has dengue. But he is out of danger," Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni revealed at the pre-match press conference.

Yuvraj has been fighting poor form and fitness for pretty some while and the latest setback just adds to his miseries.

He missed the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka due to flu and was teased as "water boy" by fans when he came to the field to hand out drinks to his teammates.

Others on the uncertain starters list are pacers Ashish Nehra, tending a thigh strain, and Ishant Sharma, who is recuperating from a knee injury.

"We are monitoring Ashish Nehra. He has got a bit of problem with his glute. So we will take the exact decision before the game. Ishant is shaping well. As of now these are the two players who may be missing out," Dhoni said.

"And hopefully by tomorrow there won't be any addition to the list," he added.

Dhoni, however, dismissed reports that Dinesh Karthik, who injure his hand during the practice session yesterday, is doubtful.

"Dinesh Karthik got hit on his thumb but he is fine and it is not a major concern," he said.

The injury-ravaged team is already without pacer Zaheer Khan and openning batsman Gautam Gambhir.

Klusener may take over as Bangladesh bowling coach

Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener may soon be appointed Bangladesh's new bowling coach.

The post has been lying vacant since former Sri Lankan pacer Champaka Ramanayake left the job due to illness.

"I'm in negotiations with them, it's not finalised yet," Klusener said.

"There are a couple of things that need clarification, I hope to have it finalised in the next week," Klusener told 'Cricinfo'.

If appointed, this will be Klusener's 1st international coaching assignment after completing a level-three course at Cricket South Africa's High Performance Centre in Pretoria.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board is reportedly also looking for a fielding coach after deciding against extending Mohammad Salahuddin's contract.

Sri Lanka in Australia, 2010, Schedule

Date	Match Details	Time GMT	Place
Oct 31 - Sun	Australia v Sri Lanka, Only T20I	15.05*	Perth
Nov 03 - Wed	Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI	8.50*	Melbourne
Nov 05 - Fri	Australia v Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI	8.50*	Sydney
Nov 07 - Sun	Australia v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI	8.50*	Brisbane

* - Day-night Match...

Hashim Amla named CSA 'Cricketer of the Year’

Middle-order batsman Hashim Amla was the star of Cricket South Africa's Annual Awards night, clinching the 'Cricket of the Year' honor along with four other trophies, including a special one for a knock against India.

Amla was also named 'Test Cricketer of the Year' and lauded by both his peers and fans, who ensured that he won the 'South African Players', ‘Player of the Year' and 'CSA Fans' Cricketer of the Year' awards.

Amla's 5th trophy was the 'So Good Award' sponsored by popular chicken fast food franchise KFC in gratitude of his match-winning knock of 253 not out in the 1st Test against India in Nagpur in 2009.

AB de Villiers was named 'ODI Cricketer of the Year' and Charl Langeveldt received the 'International Pro20 Cricketer of the Year' award. The 'Newcomer of the Year Award' went to Ryan McLaren.

In his best year since joining the national squad, Amla scored four Test centuries, including his 1st career double and also joined the ranks of those who scored centuries in both innings of a Test match. During the year he played in nine Test matches, with 923 runs at an average of 65.9.

He also established himself as one of South Africa's leading limited overs batsmen, setting a national record when he scored more than 400 runs in the five-match series in the West Indies.

England took the three-match series 2-1

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field first. England captain Andrew Strauss getting career-best 152 in 140 balls

And Trott then seized his chance with 94 at Bristol before making a maiden ODI century on his Warwickshire home ground.

Ravi Bopara blazed his way to 45 not out off 16 balls with four sixes on Monday and then took four wickets with his medium-pacers. Finally England getting amazing total for 347/7 in 50 over.

Bangladesh, chasing an imposing 348 to win, never looked like getting remotely close and were bowled out for 203 as England took the three-match series 2-1.

It was just the sort of emphatic victory England needed after the embarrassment of their five-run defeat - their first against Bangladesh in any format - in the second one-dayer at Bristol on Saturday.

"We are going to need a squad of players at the World Cup 2011," said Strauss

"Things have clouded over a little because these guys have come in and done so well," said Strauss, both the man-of-the-match and the series.

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, who led by example with three wickets for 31 runs on Monday, was at a loss to explain his side's dip in form.

"It was (disappointing). We played poorly as a team."

But the seamer promised Bangladesh would bounce back in their remaining tour games against Scotland and Ireland.

"We have to play well and win those matches," Mortaza said. "I am confident we will be back and confident we will be better than before."

Pakistan v South Africa Series in UAE, 2010

Date	Match Details	Time	Venue
Oct 27	Pakistan v South Africa, Only T20I	-	Abu Dhabi
ODI Schedule
Oct 29	Pakistan v South Africa, 1st ODI	-	Abu Dhabi
Oct 31	Pakistan v South Africa, 2nd ODI	-	Abu Dhabi
Nov 02	Pakistan v South Africa, 3rd ODI	-	Dubai
Nov 05	Pakistan v South Africa, 4th ODI	-	Dubai
Nov 08	Pakistan v South Africa, 5th ODI	-	Dubai
Test Schedule
Nov 12 - 16	Pakistan v South Africa, 1st Test	-	Dubai
Nov 20 - 24	Pakistan v South Africa, 2nd Test	-	Abu Dhabi

India-Pakistan cricket not possible as of now: Pawar

New ICC President Sharad Pawar says direct resumption of cricket ties between India and Pakistan is not possible.

"Immediate ties between both countries is not possible. It is not in the hands of the Cricket Boards. It is a political issue. This is a decision taken by the Indian government," said Pawar.

Asked about demands for the introduction of day-night Tests to save the longer format of the game, Pawar said the "issue has not reached his ear".

"We are only administrators. If needed, I will let the experts take a call," Pawar said.

To a query whether the ICC was thinking to shift its headquarters back to England, Pawar said, "In England, there are 40 per cent taxes while there are no taxes in Dubai. The moment England thinks also about cricket we will consider it."

Pawar said he was confident about BCCI President Shashank Manohar's honest to handle the controversial Lalit Modi issue.

Strauss says England can manage without KP

England Skipper Andrew Strauss insists he has no doubts about leading a side without Kevin Pietersen.

The star batsman will miss the 3 ODI against Bangladesh, starting at Trent Bridge here on Thursday, with a thigh injury - although England selection Chief Geoff Miller said the South Africa-born batsman would have been rested in any event.

Kevin Pietersen has gone 16 ODI innings without a fifty and while his place, when fit, is not yet under risk. However, the loss of debatably their most talented player means England are set to give either Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott a chance to fill the place.

"He is a loss because he's a world-class player but he's being replaced by people with proven track records in international cricket," said Strauss.

"It's not as if we're blooding a youngster on the back of losing our biggest player. I'm entirely confident we've got the reserves in place to cope with that loss," Strauss added.

Ian Bell, has played 79 one-dayers for England but hasn't featured in one since facing India in Bangalore back in November 2008.