Gavaskar tells Dhoni take a break

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for the present captain MS Dhoni to take a break from helming the side in all 3 formats and named the young batsmen Virat Kohli as a likely replacement.

It's still early days as far as 2015 World Cup is worried but I think that a break in captaincy will do wonder for MS.Dhoni. I am not saying that it has to happen during the middle of a series but may be after the Australia series or later part of 2013. We need to have a look at that, Gavaskar said.

The break might be an unpaid one or an enforced break. But he needs time to reflect on his game and come back in a better way. I am very impressed in the manner he remnants cool and unlike other skipper doesn't clap and all but a little break won't be bad. Captain India is a high freedom but the demands and pressures that come with it are incredible, he added.

Gavaskar went a step further, likening the 24-year-old Kohli to the deceased Mansur Ali Khan – India’s youngest Test captain at 21 – saying the Delhi batsman could bring the flair of Tiger Pated in his captaincy.

I could be wrong but Virat Kohli might bring the flair of Tiger Pated in his captaincy. If he knows that he will be appointed for long term, he has the dynamism, the aggression, panache and class. I like all about him apart from his mouthing abuses when he reaches a highlight. I don't want him to change something else as he can bring a lot of dynamism.

Asked if Dhoni was good enough to justify a place on the team as only a player, Gavaskar answered, Why not? He can be part of the team for the next couple of years as he is a match-winner.

The veteran Indian opener was of the opinion that an Indian should coach the national team, now that Duncan Fletcher's contract was unlikely to be changed after the Australia series. He also hinted that the man in the hot seat should be a former cricketer with vast experience.

I would like it to be an Indian coach or somebody who is like Gary Kirsten. Kirsten had scored lots of runs in ODI and Tests and bring along a sure work ethic as he had done it all. If you have a winner cricketer, he can help you get better.

Darren Sammy Helped. WI Won 4th match

Dhaka: Darren Sammy hit a fighting half-century and then grabbed three early wickets to help the West Indies beat Bangladesh by 75 runs in the fourth one-day international in Dhaka on Friday.

The 28-year-old scored an unbeaten 60 to take the tourists, after they were put into bat, to 211-9, and his impressive bowling was central to an attack that saw the home team out for 136 in 34.1 overs at Shere Bangla stadium.

The victory meant the five-match series is now level at 2-2, setting up a high-stakes final showdown on Saturday. Sammy rocked the home team by dismissing Anamul Haque (1) with the fourth delivery of the second over and then had Nadeem Islam (nought) caught out on the next ball to leave the home team reeling at 3-2.

Pace partner Kemar Roach (2-29) then struck further blows on the home team by bowling Tamim Iqbal (1) and Nasir Hossain (2) in the third over. Sammy then piled on the pain, taking the wicket of Mominul Haque (1) in the sixth over to leave the hosts at 13-5.

Mohammad Mahmudullah, who remained unbeaten on 56, added an invaluable 74 runs for the sixth wicket with captain Mushfiqur Rahim (27) but once the partnership was broken by Sunil Narine all was lost for the home team.

Mahmudullah hit seven boundaries in his fighting 78-ball stay at the crease. Veerasammy Permaul and Dwayne Smith also chipped in with 2 wickets apiece. Earlier, Bangladeshi spinners Mahmudullah (3-46), Elias Sunny (2-21) and Abdur Razzak (2-47) derailed the West Indian innings in the middle overs after the tourists were cruising along well at 71-1.

Dashing West Indian opener Chris Gayle once again failed dismissed for 16 after he looked set for a big score when he hit paceman Mashrafe Mortaza for a six and four in the sixth over.He fell in the same over, caught by Sohag Gazi.

Kieran Powell (26) and Marlon Samuels (27) took the score to 71 when the Bangladeshi spinners struck thrice in as many overs, with Sunny taking wickets of both the batsmen in his successive overs.

Off-spinner Mahmudullah then took over dismissing Kieron Pollard (2), Devon Thomas (10) and Permaul (1) to derail the West Indies. In between these three wickets, Sammy and Bravo added an invaluable 43 for the seventh wicket.

Bangladesh won the first 2 matches by 7 wickets and 160 runs respectively - both in Khulna while the West Indies clinched the third in Dhaka by 4 wickets.

Bangladesh add Elias Sunny against WI

DHAKA - Bangladesh bolstered their spin attack for the last 2 ODI against West Indies by calling up left-armer Elias Sunny on Thursday.

Sunny was added to the squad as we felt a spinner short in Wednesday's 3rd match, said selector Minhajul Abedin. West Indies were struggling against spinners but we were short of options. We missed Shakib badly in this game.

Bangladesh is without their main spinner Shakib Al Hasan, who was ruled out after infuriating an injury in his right shinbone during a test match in Khulna last month. The home side won the 1st 2 ODIs in Khulna but missed a chance to seal the 5-match series in the 3rd match in Dhaka which they lost by four wickets.

The fourth ODI is in Dhaka on Friday (07-12-12).

IND vs PAK Series-ready 3 thousand visas

New Delhi: India – Pak matches Being held by the. India vs Pakistan Series Three thousand fans in India have decided to grant visas.

The Pakistan cricket team is coming to India next month (December-12) to play. December 25 – jan-06 the competition is about to begin.Two  T 20 matches on Three one day and two teams played. They come to India to Pakistan.

Press the Interior has to offer visas to three thousands of fans. After check up then seems appropriate that the visas issued.

Indian Team retain squad Announced

India has retained 15 players from the squad that lost two test 3rd and 4th Test Series at Eden Gardens, beginning in Kolkata on December 5. Fast bowler Umesh Yadav, who did not play the 2nd Test because of a back injury Umesh Yadav replace Ashok Dinda.

The BCCI had on Monday said the selectors would pick the squad for the 2 remaining Tests and the 2 Twenty20 internationals that follow, but today's release said the selection for the 4th Test, in Nagpur, and the Twenty20 games will be made later.

The India squad will assemble in Kolkata on December 2, after a few days' break, while England will remain in Mumbai before leaving for Kolkata on November 30.

3rd and 4th TEST INDIAN TEAM
No	Name	No	Name
1	MS Dhoni (capt)	8	Gautam Gambhir
2	Virender Sehwag	9	Sachin Tendulkar
3	Virat Kohli	10	Yuvraj Singh
4	Cheteshwar Pujara	11	R Ashwin
5	Ashok Dinda	12	Pragyan Ojha
6	Ajinkya Rahane	13	Harbhajan Singh
7	Ishant Sharma	14	M Vijay
Zaheer Khan

The BCCI announcement IND vs PAK Series Scheduled

The BCCI announcement came following the Indian home ministry's approval of the tour on 30-10-12. The series is sandwiched between 2 legs of England's tour of India. England play the 2nd and final T20 international in Mumbai on December 22 - the day Pakistan arrive - before heading home for Christmas. The ODI series between England and India starts on January 11, five days after Pakistan wind up their tour.

Zaka Ashraf, the PCB chairman, welcomed the announcement and said that the series was long due. This is great news for the people of Pakistan and India, Ashraf told the media at the Gaddafi Stadium. You can't just clap with one hand. Both countries need each other and that strengthen the relationship. The series will be a big get through and a revival of our cricketing relationship with India.

Twendy 20 Series
No	Date	Team	Place
1	Dec-25-12	India vs Pakistan	Bangalore
2	Dec-27-12	India vs Pakistan	Ahmedabad

ODI Series
No	Date	Team	Place
1	Dec-30-12	India vs Pakistan	Chennai
2	Jan-03-13	India vs Pakistan	Kolkata
3	Jan-06-13	India vs Pakistan	Delhi

South Africa No-1 for all crickets

Southampton:

Test, Twenty20, one-day cricket match, all the" number -1 'the historical record of the first team to South Africa.

South Africa won the first Test series in England where to go. The International Cricket Council the top of the ranking list. Next, a series of 5 ODI matches in the play.

The first match was abandoned due to rain. The second match took place in Southampton.

Toss' South African team to win the 1st bat did. Initially Smith, Amla. Smith (52) crossed the opportunity. Next Duminy (14) out soon.

de Villiers (28) made out to some extent. Amla an exceptional game and scored a century. He scored 150 in 124 balls. South Africa scored 287 for 5 wickets in 50 overs team. To pilacis (22) was not out.

England captain who drove hard target alest Cook (0) was disappointing. Ian Bell (45), tirat (23), popara (16), camit Patel (45) said. By 207 runs in 40.4 overs for England Out, failed. South Africa won by 80 runs, for the ICC ODI match, advanced to the top of the ranking list.

VVS Laxman consider retirement

Reports have emerged that Indian batsman VVS Laxman is contemplating retiring from international cricket at the end of the 2-match Test series against New Zealand.

English daily ‘The Hindu’ has quote Laxman saying that a final decision will be taken about the exact details of my plans by this evening.”

Visibly hurt by the comments that by continuing to play for India he is overcrowding the chances of youngsters, a letdown Laxman is now contemplating retirement from cricket and is predictable to make a formal statement either tomorrow or the day after.

Laxman’s place in the Test side has been under constant conjecture since India’s 8 consecutive away Test losses last year. He was though named in the 15-member squad for India’s 2 Tests against visitors New Zealand starting August 23rd. It was believed that post Rahul Dravid’s retirement; the side still needed a senior member like Laxman. The 1st Test will be played in Laxman's place of birth - Hyderabad.

Laxman’s performances in both England and Australia were far from the standard he had set for himself in the past. The Hyderabad had a torrid run Down Under, totaling just 155 runs across 8 innings at an average of less than 20. His health and running between the wickets have also often come under scrutiny.

37-year old Laxman, who made his Test debut against South Africa at Ahmadabad in November 1996, has played 134 Tests for India, scoring 8781 runs at an average of 45.97, including 17 centuries and 56 fifties.

Ashes revenge drives Ricky Ponting

Australian batsman previous Caption Ricky Ponting says his key inspiration to keep playing is the hurt of losing back-to-back Ashes series, as he works to stay fit for any more cracks at arch-rivals England.

Former captain Ponting, 38, could break Steve Waugh's record as Australia's most-capped Test cricketer in the 1st match of a 3-Test series against Sri Lanka in December, with his eye on creation the 2013 team to tour England.

Ponting, who was dumped from the ODI squad in February, has played 165 Tests, 3 shy of Waugh, his predecessor as captain, with a South Africa series ahead of the Sri Lanka showdown.

He told ABC Sport that the Ashes series defeat were what keeps his motivation strong, mainly losing crucial Tests at The Oval. No doubt about that. It's one of the main motivators I have right now," he said.

Every morning I get up and go to the gym and I'm pounding away at the treadmill, it's with some of the memoirs of The Oval on the last team of tours. They’re not things that go away easily. We've been very close there on the last couple of tours... haven't fairly been good sufficient and we were nowhere good sufficient for the last Tests over here.

I think all Australian cricketers have a point to prove to England and more significantly a lot to prove in England. Ponting has not played much cricket since the tour of the West Indies that finished in February, but Australia coach Mickey Arthur has back him to be a key form in next year's Ashes series in England.

Ponting said he was ready to fight for his place on the team. If there's a big shot out there better than me that am gulp of air down my neck and pushing me out the side, that's international sport," he said.

If there's someone better than Michael Hussey or David Warner that's the way it is. You have to be picking the most excellent team to win all game you play."

VVS Laxman comes back to India test squad

V V S Laxman was given a chance to extend his international test career after being named Friday in India's squad for 2 home Tests against New Zealand.

The stylish middle-order batsman, 37, had been under weight to retain his place after a dismal performance in India's last Test series in Australia early this year.

Laxman managed just 155 runs with one half-century in 8 innings in the series, averaging 19.37 which was much below his generally average of 45.97 in 134 matches.

He has so far scored 8,781 Test match runs with 17 centuries.56 half century’s

He has so for scored 2338 ODI match runs with 6 century’s and 10 half century’s.

Steyn Claimed 5 wickets South Africa by an innings

Dale Steyn claimed 5 for 56 to help bowl South Africa to a complete innings and 12-run victory over England before tea on the 5th day of the 1st cricket test at The Oval on Monday.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series, fuel their hopes of winning the series and leapfrogging England as the number one team in the world rankings.

Steyn wrapped up England's 2nd innings with a fiery burst with the 2nd new ball of three for 8 in his 4-over spell as England were bowled out for 240, replying to the Proteas' only innings of 637 for 2 declared. In bright, sunny conditions, Ian Bell tried to save a draw with his thorough innings of 55 in 220 balls, his slowest test 50, but, like his team mates, he could not stay in.

It was a crushing win for South Africa, in particular after England closed day one on 267 for 3 but then failed to capitalise. Hashim Amla plunders a national record 311 not out in more than 13 hours at the crease in his team's huge total. Jacques Kallis also made 182 not out and captain Graeme Smith 131 in his 100th test.

South Africa was a small nervy having managed just the wicket of Ravi Bopara (22) in the morning session as Bell and then Matt Prior (40) dug in. Prior's the sack, however, started off a spell of wickets. Fast bowler Steyn, ranked number one in the world, had started the destruction job in the 1st hour of the day by removing Bopara, who deflect a bottom edge on to his stump while trying to cut a short and wide delivery.

Despite a couple of let-offs for Bell, when AB de Villiers failed to hold on to a nick off leg-spinner Imran Tahir on 20 and a run out chance on 28, he batted courageously. Prior's wicket halt their promising stand of 86 as England stopped from 203 for 5. Prior gave away his wicket, trying to sweep Tahir when the shot was not on.

Instead he managed a faint edge to a leg-break from about the wicket and Kallis took his 183rd test catch at slip. Steyn then claimed the prized wicket of Bell with his 2nd delivery with the new ball, as he edged to the reliable Kallis at second slip. He added the scalps of Stuart Broad, caught at the back after a review, and Graeme Swann.The last wicket went down when Tahir trapped last man James Anderson lbw.

The 2nd test is in Leeds from August 2 and the 3rd match at Lord's starts on August 16.

ENG 1st Inn-385/10

SA 1st Inn-637/2

ENG 2nd Inn-240/10

SA win by Innings

Man of the match: Hashim Amla

After the second surgery Boucher

CAPE TOWN - South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher announce his international retirement after suffering an eye injury before the test series with England, undergo further surgery on Thursday.

Boucher suffered a lacerate eye after person struck in the left eye by a bail during the Proteas' warm-up match against Somerset earlier this month.

The 35-year-old underwent a 3-hour operation on Thursday when the blood that had accumulated, due to the trauma suffer by his eye after the injury and the succeeding initial surgery, was removed.

Cricket South Africa said in an announcement that it was established that the important parts of the retina were intact.

The statement added that the outcome looks very positive and the surgeon is pleased with the process, is alleviate some of the concern that Boucher may lose his sight in the injured eye.

Boucher played in 147 tests for his country and completed 555 dismissals in tests, a world record.

Brett Lee announced his retirement on international cricket

Australian pace bowler Brett Lee on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career, saying his body were no longer up to the stresses of touring.

The 35-year-old said a calf muscle strain that forced him home from Australia's recent ODI tour to Britain was the final straw after a string of setbacks caused by injuries. I woke up this morning and just like I was ready, Lee said, adding his original plan had been to play at September's World Twenty20 series in Sri Lanka as his international swansong.

I think personally in a team environment you have to have 100 percent commitment -- mentally and physically, he told a press meeting at the Sydney Cricket Ground. And I deduction looking at the next few months I just didn't have that desire any more. It wouldn't be fair on me, or my team if I went with that approach... you gets to the point in life where you say enough is enough.

Lee said he would continue to play the less difficult Twenty20 cricket in the IPL and the Australian BBL. Lee’s calf injury was the latest in a long line of injuries that punctuate his playing career, of 310 Test wickets at 30.81 from 76 matches and 380 ODI wickets at 23.36 from 221 matches.

He also endured side strains, a broken toe, ankle issues, and stress fracture to his back, persistent elbow problems and appendicitis. Lee was not obtainable a national contract in Cricket Australia's latest round of agreements, and decided not to take up a deal with his state side, New South Wales, for this coming summer.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland paid tribute to Lee's payment to Australian cricket and as a motivation to youngsters to take up the game. His record as a wicket-taker and leader of the attack is extraordinary and speaks for itself but his resilience and ability to bounce back after many injuries has also been impressive," Sutherland said.

On top of this, and this is an important part of his legacy, Brett inspired young Australians to play cricket and bowl fast. Lee also became very popular in cricket-mad India where he wrote and recorded the song you’re the One for Me, which reached number 2 on the Indian charts and led to a role in his 1st Bollywood movie Victory.

Lee said while he had enjoyed his cricket career, he was tired of being away from home for long period and was looking forward to a dissimilar phase of his life. It’s been an extraordinary career and I've loved all minute of it, but its stage two of my life now, he said. My holiday will be at home -- I'm sick of life form away. That was on my mind as well -- time away from home.

I just want to maybe do some fish and just chill out for a few months.

Lee retired from Tests in February 2010 as Australia's 4th-highest Test wicket-taker but played on in ODI and Twenty20 cricket up until Friday's announcement.

Indian Vs Sri Lanka Series. Indian team announced

being a part of the squad for the 5 ODIs and a T20 international starting July 21.Sehwag, Zaheer, and young pacer Umesh Yadav, had to miss the Asia Cup in Bangladesh in March due to injuries. Sehwag was getting better from back spasms and a carry injury while Zaheer and Umesh had niggles as well.

Tendulkar, who is now a Rajya Sabha MP, made him unavailable for selection keeping in mind the hectic season. He is likely to attend his 1st session of parliament when the monsoon session begins later this month. Tendulkar has been replaced by young Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane while left-arm spinner Pagan Ojha took the place of out-of-form all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Praveen made way for Umesh.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni *+
Virat Kohli	R Ashwin
Virender Sehwag	Umesh Yadav
Gautam Gambhir	Ashok Dind
Suresh Raina	Irfan Pathan
Rohit Sharma	Pragyan Ojha
Ajinkya Rahane	Rahul Sharma
Manoj Tiwary	Zaheer Khan

We have selected the best available team. I think it is a very good side which has very strong batting line-up and good bowlers and we are confident that it will do well in Sri Lanka, chairman of selection committee Srikkanth said. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who recently signed for Essex, remains out of favor after his not noteworthy form the Indian Premier League (IPL). His stalemate leg-spinner Rahul Sharma has been retained in the side.

Srikkanth hope the team would return to winning ways. It is a long season in front and I think we will come back to winning ways. He must be aiming at England and Australia (series later this year). He is spacing it out very well, said Srikkanth. I don't really want to dwell on whys, they are hard. We should look at what has been selected, he said. Virat Kohli is the vice-captain and Srikkanth said it is time to back the Delhi boy.

England's win by 15-run at first ODI at Lord's

London: England's 15-run win over arch-rivals Australia in the first ODI at Lord's here on Friday.

win kept alive England's hopes of replacing their oldest foes as the world's top-ranked ODI side and topping the standing in all three formats, though they need to sweep this campaign 5-0 to knock Australia off their 50-over perch.

England was stressed when left-hander Morgan, on his Middlesex home ground, came in at 121 for 3. But the former Ireland international, the man-of-the-match, broke the shackles with a 63-ball innings featuring four sixes and five fours to propel England to 272 - 5.

He shared stands of 68 with Trott (54) and 83 with Kieswetter, out for 25 off the last ball the innings after Australia had win the toss. Australia, chasing 273 for win, saw captain Michael Clarke top-score with 61 after opener David Warner had made 56.But England's bowlers were largely on top, with all their four seamers taking 2 wickets apiece.Australia opener Shane Watson fell for just 12 when he was caught behind off Middlesex fast bowler Steven Finn, although England had to review Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar's unique not out decision before the all-rounder exited. But left-hander Warner and George Bailey settled into a partnership of 76.

Warner's impressive 61-ball innings, including One 6 and five 4, came to a close when he edged Anderson and wicket-keeper Kieswetter, diving to his left, held the 1st of 4 catches in the innings.The run-rate slowed and Hussey made just 13 before a Finn bouncer hit his helmet and deflect onto the stump to leave Australia 132 for four.

Clarke and wicket-keeper Matthew Wade got Australia back into the game with a stand of 57 at better than a run-a-ball. Wade pulled Anderson for 6 and Clarke drove off-spinner Graeme Swann high over the top to seal a 59-ball fifty. However, a terrible mix-up ended with Wade run out as he sacrifices his wicket on behalf of his captain.

Tim Bresnan then captured the prize wicket of Clarke after the batsman swung crossways a low full toss and was plumb lbw.After Stuart Broad had taken 2 wickets for 5 runs in 6 balls, Australia were 231 for nine. But Brett Lee and final man Xavier Doherty held on to leave Australia with a target of 21 off the final over, from Finn.

However, Finn kept his nerve and approved just five runs as England beat Australia in a ODI at Lord's for the 1st time since 1997.Earlier Ian Bell, who in his 2previous innings during a 2-0 series win over the West Indies had made a hundred and a fifty, was the 1st England wicket to fall when lbw to Lee for 41.

Soon afterwards teenage fast bowler Pat Cummins took his 1st wicket against England when he had home skipper Cook caught behind for 40.Trott, missed on 38 when Cummins dropped a caught and bowled chance, finished a 65-ball fifty with just 3 fours before effectively yorking he when bowled by left-arm spinner Doherty.

However, Morgan struck consecutive Lee deliveries for 6 over long-on and made it 3 in as many balls faced with a pull off Watson.

The series continues across London at The Oval on Sunday.

S A failed again.bangladesh thrill win

Stunned South Africa must defeat hosts Zimbabwe to reach the non-cap T20 tri-nations tournament last at Harare Sports Club after losing by 3 wickets to Bangladesh Friday.

South Africa win the toss and selected to bat, then lost wickets at regular intervals en route to 129-7 off 20 overs as they sought to put a shock loss by Zimbabwe 2 days ago behind them.

Bangladesh tossed away several wickets through reckless shots and needed 19.5 overs to reach 132-7 and claim a 2nd win in as many days after losing their 1st 2 games. Zimbabwe and Bangladesh have 8 points each and South Africa 4 in an unofficial tournament intended to prepare the 3 countries for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka during September and October.

Victory for South Africa over Zimbabwe would mean the 3 teams finishing level on points and net run rates decide which 2 advances to the Sunday climax of a drama-filled tournament South Africa were predictable to dominate. I am very happy with our spin bowlers for doing a superb work again, said Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim. Chasing the total was not easy on a tough wicket but we got there.

Bangladesh scored more speedily, but the loss of leading scorer Mohammad Ashraful (40) after 12.2 overs while trying to slam the ball over mid-on made life more nervous than it must have been for the tail.

Excellent last-over bowling by Morris left Bangladesh needing 2 runs from the last 2 balls for victory and Ziaur Rahman rose to the occasion by latching on to a wide full toss and cracking it for 4on the off side.

Score

South Africa-129-7

Bangladesh-132-7

SA Squad Announced Upcoming ENG Tour

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa has kept faith with a winning formula by naming an unchanged squad for the 3-test series in England starting next month, Cricket South Africa announced on Wednesday.

The 15-man squad is the same to the touring side that beat New Zea land 1-0 in a 3-test series in March.

The Protease are currently ranked number two in the world behind England and convener of selectors Andrew Hudson believes constancy and depth of squad have been the key ingredient to the team's success. The players fully deserve a vote of self-confidence after the outstanding manner in which they outplayed New Zea land away from home, Hudson said in a statement.

Consistency has also been one of the key pillars of our selection policy and this is also causal to our victory on the field. We are now building up brilliant depth in both the batting and bowling departments. Opening batsman Graeme Smith will again captain the side after recovering from ankle surgery.

Graeme has been outstanding both as our leading run scorer and as captain during our last 2 test tours of England and I have every confidence he will continue that form, Hudson added. The South Africa squad boasts a formidable pace attack spearhead by the world's top-ranked test bowler Dale Steyn, backed up by Vernon Philander, who has taken 51 wickets in just seven tests, and Morne Morkel.

The test series begins at the Oval on July 19 before moving to Headingly in Leeds on August 2. The series conclude with the last test at Lord's starting on August 16.

Following the tests, England and South Africa will play a Five ODI series and Three T20 internationals Matches.

SOUTH AFRICA TEAM

Graeme Smith (captain)

Hashim Amla

Mark Boucher

Marchant de Lange

AB de Villiers

JP Duminy

Imran Tahir

Jacques Kallis

Morne Morkel

Alviro Petersen

Robin Peterson

Vernon Philander

Jacques Rudolph

Dale Steyn

Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Gul, Sami Stunning.Pakistan wins by 6 wickets

Pakistan made a triumphant start to the One-day series as they registered an easy 6-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI at Pallekele, on Thursday.

Mohammad Hafeez top-scored with 37 in a chase of 135, as the visitors secured their 9th win in 11 matches over Sri Lanka. The match was interrupted several times by rain, as Umar gul harness the conditions to grab 3 wickets in a sharp opening spell, restricting the home team to 135-8 after Mahela Jayawardene selected to bat.

The fast bowler (3-24) removed captain Jayawardene, Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal to send Sri Lanka reeling at 23-3 in 9 overs, in the rain-curtained encounter which was eventually reduced to 42-overs-a-side.Although Pakistan lost Azhar Ali and Younis Khan early in the chase, Hafeez, captain Misbah-ul-Haq (30) and Umar Akmal (36 n.o.) ensured that there were no further hiccoughs for the visitors, as they romped home in the 35th over with 6 wickets to spare.

Earlier, Gul was superbly back by paceman Mohammad Sami, who dismiss Kumar Sangakkara and all-rounder Mathews in his first 2 overs to reduce the hosts to 41-5. Sami finished with 3-19 off 6 overs. Lahiru Thirimanne, who added 50 for the 8th wicket with Nuwan Kulasekara (18), top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 42 while extras contributed 31, the 2nd-highest tally of the innings.

Thisara Perera (17) and Upul Tharanga (10) were the other batsmen to reach double-figures.Sangakkara, who took 20 deliveries to open his account, complete just nine runs before being trapped leg-before while Mathews was caught at 1st slip by captain Misbah-ul-Haq for no score. Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez bagged 2 of the last 3 wickets to finish with an impressive 2-20 off 10 overs. Gul struck in his 3rd over when he had opener Dilshan (five) caught by Saeed Ajmal at mid-on and then trapped Jayawardene (three) leg-before in his next over.

He put more pressure on Sri Lanka when he bowled Chandimal for no score in his 5th over.

The second ODI will also be played in Pallekele on Saturday and the last 3 games in Colombo on June 13, 16 and 18. The one-dayers will be followed by a 3-test series starting on June 22.

Man of the match

Umar Gul

Today Starting Sri lanka vs Pakistan ODI Series Match

Sri Lanka will look to improve their recent ODI record against Pakistan when they clash in a 5-match series starting in Pallekele on {07-06-12} Thursday.

The World Cup runners-up have lost 5of their last 6 ODI against Pakistan, 4 in the United Arab Emirates last November and one in the Asia Cup in Dhaka in March. The key to Sri Lanka's victory will be a solid batting feat by Mahela Jayewardene’s men against a side that boast a rich diversity in both spin and pace bowling.

The spin trio of Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez has proved a handful for the majority rivals, helping Pakistan win 16 of their last 22 ODIs. The pace attack will be spearhead by Umar Gul, Mohammad Sami and Sohail Tanvir, who was drafted into the ODI squad in place of injured batsman Nasir Jam shed.

Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their trusted trio of Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan to test the resurgent tourists, led by middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq.Pakistan will be a challenge and what makes them gung ho is the sort of bowling options available, apart from the specialists, Jayawardene said in front of the series.

The rivals shared the preceding T20 series in the southern town of Hambantota as Pakistan bounced back to draw level after Sri Lanka had win the opening match. Afridi, who scored a brisk half-century and grab 2 wickets in Pakistan's series-leveling win last Sunday, will once again play a central role in the 50-overs-a-side games.

Misbah, who remains the Test and ODI captain despite being dropped from the Twenty20 team, called for a group display from his side to tackle the Sri Lankans. It’s not about 1 or 2 players, the whole team has to contribute, because Sri Lanka is tough opponent anywhere, especially at home, Misbah said.

Pakistan's batting has been bolstering with the return of Misbah and veteran Younis Khan, who was also not part of the Twenty20 squad. The 2nd ODI players will also be played in Pallekele on Saturday before the action shifts to Colombo for the last 3 games on June 13, 16 and 18.

The ODI Players will be followed by a 3-Test series starting on June 22.

SRI LANKA	PAKISTAN
Mahela Jayawardene	Misbah-ul-Haq
Tillakaratne Dilshan	Mohammad Hafeez
Kumar Sangakkara	Younis Khan
Dinesh Chandimal	Umar Akmal
Angelo Mathews	Sarfraz Ahmed
Lahiru Thirimanne	Shahid Afridi
Jeevan Mendis	Umar Gul
Thisara Perera	Rahat Ali
Nuwan Kulasekara	Saeed Ajmal
Sachithra Senanayake	Abdur Rehman
Lasith Malinga	Mohammad Sami
Rangana Herath	Asad Shafiq
Upul Tharanga	Aizaz Cheema
Nuwan Pradeep	Azhar Ali
Dilhara Fernando	Imran Farhat and Sohail Tanvir

Kevin Pietersen from ODI, announced retirement

England Super Star Kevin Pietersen retired from all forms of ODI and Twenty20 on Thursday, a decision which took the England and Wales Cricket Board by surprise.

Pietersen, who will continue to be available for Test selection, said in a statement he wished to step aside in order to give the next generation of players a chance to bed in before the 2015 World Cup. After a big deal of thought and reflection, I am today announcing my retirement from ODI cricket, said Pietersen.

With the intensity of the international schedule and the increasing demands on my body, future 32, I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of players come through to increase experience for the ICC World Cup in 2015, added Pietersen, who has scored 4,184 runs at an standard of 42 in ODI and averages 38 in international Twenty20 cricket.

Pietersen's decision comes less than 4 months before England are due to launch the defense of their Twenty20 World Cup crown in September. The South Africa-born batsman was man of the match when England wins the title in the West Indies in 2010, and had indicated a willingness to remain part of the T20 squad in Sri Lanka this year.

However England Cricket Board rules dictate that centrally-contracted players must make themselves available for all forms of limited-overs cricket. I am immensely proud of my achievements in the ODI game, and still wish to be considering for choice for England in Test cricket, Pietersen said. For the record, were the selection criteria not in place, I would have with pleasure played for England in the upcoming ICC World Twenty20.

Pietersen's decision was greeted with dismay by ECB managing director Hugh Morris. The ECB is let down by the timing of Pietersen's decision less than 4 months before we defend our ICC World Twenty20 title, he said. Pietersen's is a world-class player and I would like to take this chance to thank.

2nd test will be recovered by the Samuels Sammy.WI

NOTTINGHAM: Marlon Samuele's 3rd test century and a fluid knock from skipper Darren Sammy helped West Indies put an abject start to the 2nd test with England behind them and rally to end the 1st day on 304 for 6 on Friday.

England conquered the first 2 sessions, piling the pressure on West Indies' fragile top order that wasted ideal batting conditions to lose their first 6 wickets for 136.

Samuels, however, steadied the listing West Indies ship and frustrated England's bowlers with dogged resistance while Sammy at times cut loose as the pair put on 168 runs without loss. Samuels ended the day unbeaten on 107 while Sammy was binding towards his maiden international century with 88 not out.

The tourists made 2 changes from the side that lost at Lord's, off-spinner Shane Shilling ford and seamer Ravi Rampaul coming in for the injured Shannon Gabriel and the dropped Fidel Edwards. England, look to take a winning lead in the 3-match series, named an unchanged team. Result to bat after winning the toss seemed logical as blazing sunshine and warm temperature greeted the players at Trent Bridge but his side failed to cash in.

Stuart Broad, who claimed 11 victims when England won the 1st test at Lord's by5 wickets, struck in his 2nd over. Adrian Barath had yet to score when he was tempt into a prod outside off stump and the ball flew off the edge to James Anderson for a one-handed catch at third slip. Anderson then took centre stage, removed Kirk Edwards for seven with a delivery that jagged back off a length to swing back the batsman's off stump.

SLOWISH PITCH

Bowling a good line and length on a slowest pitch contribution a little swing and seam movement,James Anderson was a constant menace to the West Indies batsmen who never looked at ease switch to round the wicket in the 15th over, he angled in a delivery to Darren Bravo (3) which shaped a lazy, loose drive and the ball fly to Graeme Swann at 2nd slip to leave West Indies on 46 for 3

That brought Shivnarine Chanderpaul to the crease much earlier than he would have liked and the world's No.1 ranked batsman was almost out 1st ball when Anderson's heady delivery hit the gloves and flew just over the slip barrier Opener Kieran Powell had looked sensibly assured as he reached 33 but he became Broad's 2nd victim in the 19th over, edging a good-length ball to Anderson at 3rd slip who held on despite a fumble.

Chanderpaul and Samuels dug in after lunch but Swann broke through Chanderpaul defenses to hand the plan again to the hosts.Swann got the ball to turn and it strike Chanderpaul, who had made 46 off 86 balls, on the back leg to have him lbw before Tim Bresnan then uproot Denesh Ramdin's (1) off stump. The tourists were in a sorry state but Samuels and Sammy began display the resilience West Indies had obtainable in the 2nd innings at Lord's.

WEST INDIES

1 st INNINGS

Session 3-90 overs

304 RUN 6 WICKETS

On Playing - Marlon Samuels-107* runs 225 balls

And Darren Sammy-88* runs 121 balls.

Kaneria hire lawyers for ECB inquiry

Karachi, April 9: previous Pakistan leg-spin bowler Danish Kaneria said on Monday he has hired a legal team for an English cricket board corrective hearing over a spot-fixing case that sent his former Essex team-mate to prison.

Mervyn Westfield was jailed for 4 months in February after admit that he customary money to under-perform during a Pro40 match between Essex and Durham in 2009.The 23-year-old seamer named Kaneria - arrested with him in 2010 but released with no charge - as the link among bookmakers and players.

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said last week that Westfield and Kaneria would face a corrective hearing in May. Kaneria has hired 3 lawyers, 2 from the UK and one from Pakistan to stand for him before the England and Wales Cricket Board, said a report from the player's lawyer Farogh Naseem.Naseem said Kaneria, who took 276 international wickets in 61 Tests and 18 ODI match for Pakistan, denied the allegation.

Kaneria pleads not culpable to the charges. And also objects to any authorize being inflicted on him; the lawyer said.Kaneria's legal team has asked the ECB to delay the hearing waiting at least May 10 to give them time to study a 400-page proof bundle. In February, London's Old Bailey court was told Westfield was paid nearly $10,000 to bowl so that an exact number of runs would be chalked up in the 1st over of a match flanked by Durham and Essex in September 2009.

The 31-year-old Kaneria faces a life ban from the match if found culpable at the hearing, where a number of Essex players are predictable to give evidence. He has not played for Pakistan since the Nottingham Test against England in August 2010 - the same tour that saw the legendary spot-fixing episode in the Lord's Test, which led to then-captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer being jailed on bribery charges.

Smith surgery on his left ankle. He Wills miss the IPL-5

South Africa Test captain Graeme Smith will be forced to miss the coming 5th season of the Indian Premier League as he has to suffer surgery on his left ankle. Smith plays for Pune Warriors team

I'm very upset to be missing out on the IPL this year. I was look forward to my 2nd season IPL Pune Warriors, especially after my knees set me back last season, Smith was quoted as saying by media. Smith was unable to play the full season of IPL last year (2011) as well. He was able to play only 4 matches in IPL-4 as he injured his right knee after collide with his team-mate Rahul Sharma in a match against the now defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala; Smith afterward had to have surgery for that injury.

The decision to have the surgery was full after consulting with Cricket South Africa's ankle expert, who detected an impingement syndrome of the ankle, South Africa team manager Mohammad Moosajee said. The recovery period after such a surgery usually takes 8 to 10weeks, and he will afterward not be able to represent Pune Warriors at the 2012 edition of the IPL in India, Moosajee said in a CSA release. The surgery will be perform next Tuesday, which we will give Smith enough time to return to full condition in time for South Africa's tour of England in July. Smith said the ankle had been worrying him for a while, adding it will be a aid to have it repaired.

Smith recently led Mohammad Moosajee to a series win in New Zealand last month where he scored 282 runs with a highest score of 115 in the 3-Test series at an average of 56.40.Smith is on the verge of 2 career landmarks: he's set to play his 100th Test in the series-opener in England and is on route to match Australian Allan Border's record of 93 Tests as captain during the tour. He also needs only 6 match more wins to reach the world-record for most Test victory as captain.