Heath Streak, Zimbabwe’s captain, has called on his country’s authorities to end the player exodus which has seen the side decimated in recent months. Although Zimbabwe were not humiliated in the Test series against Australia, it was apparent that the squad was down to its bare bones.Since the World Cup earlier this year, Zimbabwe have lost Andy Flower, Henry Olonga, Alistair Campbell and Guy Whittall, who have all retired – and others are believed to be considering their futures against the backdrop of increasing civil disintegration inside Zimbabwe.”It’s important for world cricket that we don’t fall too far behind the top Test-playing nations, and it’s good for the game that we can come out and fight,” Streak told reporters after the Sydney Test. “I think if we hadn’t lost as many quality players, who knows how far we could have taken Australia.”But Streak was keen to try to draw positives from the two matches. “We’ll learn from this experience,” he argued. “I think we’ll be very competitive against some of the lesser teams. You always look at the positives and try and build on it, and there were a lot of positives from this series for us.”Steve Waugh agreed that Zimbabwe needed help, suggesting that the ICC regulations should be relaxed to allow players like Graeme Hick to return to bolster the side.

The ICC is to investigate the spat between Andrew Hall and Yousuf Youhana in the second one-day international between Pakistan and South Africa at Lahore on Oct 5. Hall appeared to barge into Youhana after being hit for four, and the two then exchanged views before the umpires stepped in.Malcolm Speed, their chief executive, said that the ICC would wait until a full report is received from the match referee, and will also review the available footage of the incident before deciding if any charges should be laid under the ICC’s Code of Conduct.”Before taking any decision it is important that the ICC is able to obtain the facts and view footage of the incident,” said Speed. “A video of the incident has been requested as a matter of urgency. This footage will be with us by close of business on Wednesday night. Once it is received, we will be in a better position to determine what, if any, action should be taken.”Under the ICC’s Code of Conduct, the chief executive has five days from the close of play on the day an incident took place within which to lay a charge against a player or official. This period was increased from 24 hours in June this year, following an incident in the West Indies between Ramnaresh Sarwan and Glenn McGrath that was not reported by the match officials and was not brought to the ICC’s attention until after the time limit had expired.

Before the home season started, revenge was a word frequently bandied about – a desire to get even against the upstart New Zealanders who had drubbed India in both Tests and one-day internationals last winter, not to mention a chance to exact a measure of retribution – however tiny – against Australia for what happened on March 23.After two consecutive defeats in the Tri Series, the idea of settling scores has been replaced by the far more pressing need for survival. If India don’t outperform Australia tomorrow, and New Zealand in Hyderabad three days later, they’ll most likely be locked out of their own party, in front of traditionally frenzied support at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.Australia arrived here with what most reckoned was a B-grade bowling attack. Five matches and four wins later, the likes of Nathan Bracken – a genuine contender for a Test place against India in Brisbane – and Brad Williams are evoking respect instead of derision. That particular emotion has been reserved for an Indian team that has lost its way horribly since a tremendous win under lights against Australia in Gwalior.The pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore appears pretty similar to that used during the Challenger Series two months ago. The grass cover, as it was then, is deceptive, mere window dressing on a pitch that will definitely aid the strokemakers.The last time these two teams played here, two and a half years ago, Virender Sehwag – then a virtual unknown – shot to prominence with a 54-ball 58 and 3 for 59, as Australia fell 60 runs short of India’s 315. The team that wins the toss tomorrow will be eyeing a similarly mammoth total.India should revert to their strongest line-up for the game, with Sourav Ganguly and Ashish Nehra playing their first games of the tournament. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh have been battling respiratory problems, in a city notorious for its pollen-heavy and polluted air, but both should be fit for the game. That means a relegation to the players’ balcony for Murali Kartik, Hemang Badani and Sairaj Bahutule.If Nehra is risked, and he hasn’t played a competitive game since the World Cup final, that also means Ajit Agarkar will miss out. Rahul Dravid, despite his reluctance, will take the wicketkeeping gloves, with Ganguly having made no secret of his preferred combination. Parthiv Patel can spend time in the nets, sorting out the myriad problems that have taken him from blue-eyed boy to the butt of some ridicule in recent weeks.Australia go into the game with no worries, and are likely to play their strongest eleven with one eye on the final a week from today. That means that Jimmy Maher, Michael Kasprowicz and Brad Hogg will miss out, despite playing key roles in the defeat of New Zealand two days ago.The onus is on India to deliver, a day after their finest modern-day fast bowler surrendered in his battle against a chronic knee injury. If the team does likewise, and rain on their own parade, they’ll go to Australia like lambs to the slaughter – not that wolves’ clothing is much help against these implacable Australians.Teams
Australia (probable) 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Damien Martyn, 5 Andrew Symonds, 6 Michael Bevan, 7 Michael Clarke, 8 Ian Harvey, 9 Andrew Bichel, 10 Nathan Bracken, 11 Brad Williams.India (probable) 1 Virender Sehwag, 2 Sachin Tendulkar, 3 VVS Laxman, 4 Rahul Dravid (wk), 5 Sourav Ganguly (capt), 6 Yuvraj Singh, 7 Mohammad Kaif, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Anil Kumble, 10 Zaheer Khan, 11 Ashish Nehra.

Michael Vaughan hailed England’s determined batting after his side battled out for a draw in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. England were just one wicket away from defeat when they were offered the light with four overs remaining.”I think we can be very proud of the team. To lose the toss on this pitch and fight for five days is an exceptional effort," a relieved Vaughan said. “It was pretty nervous in the dressing room, though Ashley had a fantastic game and there were some fantastic performances throughout the team. We showed great character to get the draw."He continued: “It was nervy seeing Hoggy stroll to the wicket, but they hung in there and we are strong for Kandy. We will go on to Kandy and look to put in a similar performance.”Hashan Tillakaratne, the Sri Lanka captain, admitted it his frustration, but he insisted his team would be in a confident mood for the next Test.”I just want to thank the boys for playing such lovely cricket. The weather was not with us but we can’t blame it," he said. “We need to brush up a few areas before next match but we will regroup and play good cricket in the next two matches.”Muttiah Muralitharan, Man of the Match with 11 wickets, added: "It is frustrating, but it is okay because there are another two games to go. We will come strong in the next game.”

John Buchanan, the coach of the Australian team, wrote what he insisted was a “private” letter to the players after they were bowled out for 196 on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test. The Press Trust of India (PTI) has got hold of that letter, one that reveals his disappointment and the deep-rooted bond between him and his players.Buchanan’s disappointment was evident when he wrote, “I am so disappointed with the soulless, un-Baggy Green, immature performance [at Adelaide]. I love each and every one of you but like my own family, you thrill, you frustrate, you anger. I question, what progress have we made as a team, as individuals.”He also voiced his concern over the player’s priorities. “In the lead-up to this game and up till tonight, the issues that have dominated conversations, priorities and by definition (I may well be incorrect), your attention/focus/clarity-deal-making; sponsors, Tug’s [Steve Waugh’s] farewell to Adelaide; helmets; what the media is saying about you.”He cited a specific example to bring out the tough situations that the team had responded to in the past. “About this time, four years ago in Hobart [against Pakistan in 1999], Gilly [Adam Gilchrist] and JL [Justin Langer] responded to a `no-win’ situation with courage, conviction, and a toughness of character and concentration that is the pure fabric of the Australian cricket team. Today the only similar response I saw was Willo [Brad Williams who had injured his shoulder] bowling, batting, throwing and diving at mid-off!! What has happened in the interim?”Buchanan concluded by looking forward to the next two Test matches at Melbourne and Sydney. He adds, “However if the result does not go our way [in the Adelaide Test] then we would expect to see the Baggy Green spirit…the courage of Willo, Gilly, JL to be clearly on show to you all so that we march to the MCG and the SCG playing in the spirit.”When asked about the letter, Buchanan said it was “disappointing if it found its way anywhere.” He added: “It’s a matter between myself and the players, not just the players, the whole team. That would be my only comment.”This is not the first time that a leaked letter from Buchanan has found its way into the newspapers. On the Ashes tour in 2001, an inspirational note invoking theories put forward by Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, intended as a gee-up for his players, was pushed under the door of a reporter by accident.

Pakistan U17 231 for 4 (Adnan 76) beat India U17 230 by six wickets
Scorecard
Pakistan’s Under-17s struck a blow for their senior team by beating their Indian counterparts in the final of the Asian U17 tournament in Bangalore.Pakistan’s heroes were Adnan Raza and Fayyaz Ahmed, who stroked fine half-centuries to guide their side to a six-wicket victory. Pakistan had lost to India in their preliminary round match, but achieved the victory when it mattered, overhauling their target of 231 with more than six overs to spare.Adnan, the Man of the Match, top-scored with an unbeaten 76 from 90 balls, with five fours and a six, while Fayyaz hit 63 after having earlier picked up two wickets for 44 runs. The pair added 108 for the fourth wicket after Yasir Arafat (16), Nasir Jamshed (31) and Ramiz Raja (12) had all been dismissed.India had batting first after winning the toss, and were bowled out for 230 in 45 overs. Raza Ali Dar was the pick of Pakistan bowlers, bagging 3 for 40. Fahad Zaman snapped up 2 for 40. India’s Piyush Chawla scored a 54-ball 51, including two fours and two sixes.The victorious Pakistan team returns home on January 29.

The fast bowler Alex Tudor has signed for Essex for one year – but will join on a performance-related basis amid concerns about his injuries. Tudor, 27, moves to Chelmsford after being released by Surrey at the end of last season, following a career-threatening side injury.Essex had previously played down speculation of the move, after Graham Gooch, the former England captain who is Essex’s coach, joined Tudor when he went to Munich for treatment, prompting rumours that he would sign for Essex. Tudor has played ten Test matches since 1998-99, but never more than two in succession because of niggles and injuries.And for Surrey, he’s turned out for them in just 67 first-class matches since 1995 when he made his debut as a 16-year-old. He played just one County Championship game in 2004.But, despite his injury concerns, Tudor was confident of reaching his potential for Essex next season, and steer them back into the top flight. “I am determined to repay Essex for the faith they have shown in me by regaining my top form in 2005,” said Tudor. “This is a new start for me and I am now just itching to get out on the field. My aim is to help Essex get promotion.”David East, the chief executive of Essex, backed his new signing. “Alex is a proven performer who has had a difficult time with injury recently,” he said. “We are confident that, when fully fit, he will be a huge asset to the club.” Ronnie Irani, Essex’s captain, also lent his support. “I am absolutely delighted with the world-class signing of Alex Tudor,” said Irani. “Alex is an outstanding cricketer who will be a major factor with the new ball for Essex in the future.”

England 319 and 99 for 3 beat West Indies 208 and 209 by 7 wickets and lead the series 2-0
ScorecardDay 5
Bulletin – England wrap it up in half-an-hour
Verdict – From world-beaters to woeful losers
Quotes – ‘It’s taken a hell of a lot of hard work’
News – Lara and Jones fined
News – Ricky Skerritt resigns as manager
Day 4
Bulletin – England on the brink of victory
Verdict – England’s discipline made the difference
News – Jones apolgises for Sarwan outburst
News – Lara reported to referee
Roving Reporter – Limited satisfaction
Day 3
Bulletin – Thorpe extends England’s lead
Verdict – Patience, persistence, resistance
Quotes – ‘Personal scores are irrelevant,’ says Nasser Hussain
Day 2
Bulletin – Rain halts West Indian fightback
Verdict – Survival of the grittiest
Roving Reporter – Backbench rebellion
Quotes – Fletcher backs the old guardDay 1
Bulletin – Harmison demolishes West Indies … again
Verdict – From damage limitation to Curtly imitation
Roving Reporter – Taking the strain in Port-of-Spain
Pre-matchPreview – West Indies pick up the pieces

The Pakistan Cricket Board will not block any efforts by Saleem Malik to open up his own cricket academy. In a report in , a senior official from the PCB confirmed, “As far as we are concerned, he is banned from playing international, domestic and club cricket. But we can’t stop any individual from doing something to earn a living. As long as it does not involve him playing any competitive cricket, we have no problem.” The report went on to state that the board would not support or offer any assistance to the academy.The PCB were reacting to news yesterday that Malik, a former captain currently serving a life ban for his alleged involvement in the match-fixing scandal that rocked the game a few years ago, was planning to set up an academy to help solve the batting crisis in Pakistan cricket. Malik, who was banned from the game four years ago after being found guilty in the Justice Qayyum Report on match-fixing, plans to set up the coaching academy in Lahore later this year.Talking to AFP, Malik had said, “I want to start a new career as a coach because everyone I meet asks me why I don’t start coaching budding players. I would want the PCB to avail my services. I have already found the site in Lahore and hopefully will start coaching later this year, because I realise my duty as a former player to overcome the shortage of good batsmen in the country.” Now 41, Malik has played no cricket for four years, but said, “I follow cricket with the same interest of my playing days.”He continues to maintain his innocence as well, arguing, “My whole career was destroyed by a one-sided ban because nothing was proved against me. I was cleared by the first inquiry [the PCB inquiry in 1995]. It’s a universal law that you are innocent until proven guilty and I have been desperate to clear my name.”Malik has filed several appeals against the ban, including one in the High Court, which have been rejected. His present appeal is pending in the Supreme Court (Lahore Bench). The PCB has refused to review the ban.Malik was one of three international captains banned for match-fixing in 2000 – Mohammad Azharuddin and the late Hansie Cronje being the others who were implicated. Cronje apart, the others have consistently pleaded innocence of any wrongdoing. Malik played 103 tests for Pakistan, scoring 5,768 runs at an average of nearly 44, with 15 hundreds.He also played 283 ODIs, scoring 7170 runs. His alleged penchant for bookies aside, he will be remembered by many as a gifted and wristy strokemaker – unfairly labelled by Imran Khan as a flat-track bully, despite his Headingley heroics – and among the best batsmen this country has produced. And one of the first batsmen, as Scyld Berry recalled, to dominate Shane Warne.

Newcastle will host New South Wales’s first ING Cup match of the season on October 24, an encounter that will see Michael Bevan return to face his old team-mates wearing Tasmanian colours. Newcastle started hosting first-class matches in 1981-82, but this is the first time that it has been given an ING Cup game.Over the past two seasons, Newcastle has hosted Pura Cup games against Western Australia and Victoria. And with Steve Waugh in the New South Wales line-up, the thrilling encounter against Victoria drew 17,654 to the No. 1 Sports Ground last January.