Newlands track likely to favour batsmen, says curator

The third Test between South Africa and India will be played "on a good pitch that will last five days," Evan Flint, the Newlands groundsman, told ESPNcricinfo. With the series level at one-all, the Cape Town Test, beginning on January 2, will be the decider in the three-match series.

Newlands traditionally boasts a flat wicket that is batsman-friendly. It has the highest average score, 338.2, for any ground in the country that has hosted more than one Test. That's close to 24 runs greater than the average score at next-highest run-scoring ground in South Africa, Kingsmead in Durban. Flint said the trend is set to continue. "The pitch won't change too much from previous years." It will come as welcome news to the batsmen from both camps, who have had a tough time adjusting to the conditions in the previous two Tests.

Both the Centurion and Durban tracks were lively surfaces that favoured the bowlers initially. The track at SuperSport Park flattened as the sun came out and became excellent for batting. The surface at Kingsmead also became better for batting as the match wore on but there was something in it for the bowlers throughout. The conditions in Newlands will be vastly different.

"I would love to get the same bounce as grounds like SuperSport Park and the Wanderers," Flint said. "The type of bounce we get is different; it's more of a tennis-ball bounce." Flint said his ground offered more of a traditional South African Test-match wicket that was good for batting, particularly on days two and three and turned in favour of the spinners on days four and five.

Flint recognised that South Africa generally "want to get pace and bounce" out of their pitches at home and said he was aware of the home team's desire to exploit their own conditions. "I would like to create a surface that South Africa can get a good result on, but I've just got to do the best I can, and hopefully South Africa can play to their strengths."

There is still a bit of work to do on the surface because the weather has not, up to now, assisted Flint as much as he hoped it would. "It's still not 100%, which is a little bit disappointing. It's been very windy and quite cloudy; a bit cooler than usual, but we still need another really good day of sun." Some showers are forecast for New Year's Day but sunshine is expected to dominate the Test.

Newlands is a fortress for South Africa, where they have won 14 out of 21 Tests since readmission and lost just three, all against Australia. South Africa have beaten India twice in Cape Town, most recently in 2007. On that occasion, the match was also a series decider and South Africa's victory allowed them to clinch the series 2-1.

The one difference between the 2007 match and this one is that three years ago, South Africa went into the game having won the Boxing Day Test after losing the first Test. This season, the opposite has happened. South Africa are under pressure to bounce back after the defeat in Durban, while India are coming off a confidence-boosting win. The stage is set for a grand finale and, fittingly, the first day of the Test match is sold out.

WADA asks ICC to comply by November 2011

Cricinfo staff

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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) today asked the ICC to give a final push to convince its member boards to accept the contentious whereabouts clause by November 2011, failing which it would be declared non-compliant to the WADA code.

"We don't set deadlines. Being a signatory, we expect the ICC and cricket to remain committed to the WADA Code. The ICC has done a lot in the last three years, now they just need to give the final push," WADA director general David Howman told reporters.

The whereabouts clause requires cricketers to furnish details of their location three months in advance. India's cricketers, backed by the BCCI, rejected the WADA code because of this clause, saying it represented a violation of privacy and a security threat. Howman said that it was up to the ICC to convince BCCI and other member boards ahead of the November 2011 deadline.

"The ICC is responsible for its member boards. ICC's job is to ensure that member boards comply with the WADA Code. We are going to have our next review in November 2011 and by that time if ICC fails to convince its member boards to comply with the Code, we will declare them non-compliant in our report to the International Olympic Committee. We don't have the purview to take actions against any non-complaint member, it is IOC and respective Olympic Council's prerogative," Howman said.

Howman defended the whereabouts clause with the logic that India's cricketers were on the road for a major part of the year, during which their whereabouts were public knowledge, and hence disclosing the same for the remaining days in the year was not a security threat.

"Let me say 'why', and I don't identify any one player here. But if I were living in this country, I would know where these players were, probably, for 250 days a year. So, if it's going to be a security issue for 250 days of a year, I know how to breach that security because I know where they are. So if this information is pertaining to the other 115 days (of the year), where's the breach?" he asked.

Howman also hit out at Indian cricketers who sought to take refuge in Indian constitution's 'freedom to privacy' clause. "If I tend to the issue of the (Indian) constitution, that's nonsense. There's no breach of the Indian constitution in acquiring the 'whereabouts' information. I just think it's a red-herring and the red-herring should be caught, dried, smoked and eaten. And then we get rid of it," he said.

Cricket is set to make its debut in the Asian Games in Guangzhou, and pending acceptance of the code, India's participation in the event could be under jeopardy. Howman said it would be up to the Olympic Council of Asia to take a call on the issue.

Howman insisted that the whereabouts clause was not an infringement on privacy, citing the example of the large number of professional sportspeople who have accepted it. "More than 13,000 athletes are giving their whereabouts, so it is not a big deal. There are no constitutional problems, no breach of privacy but I will be more than happy to engage in discussion with cricketers," he said.

"We will ask BCCI to liaise with the National Anti-Doping Agency to form an anti-doping programme fit for India. Anil Kumble is a member of WADA and understands the rule. He is not concerned by it," Howman said.

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

Kantasingh, Austin rout Windward

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Combined Campuses and Colleges beat Windward Islands by huge margin of 157 runs in to enter the final of the Regional Four-Day Competition.

Offspinner Dalton Coulis ran through CCC's middle and lower order, picking up five wickets, as they were restricted to 202 in their second innings. Opener Romel Currency was the only batsman to offer some resistance as he notched up his second half-century of the game while Kevin McClean (22) and Nkruma Bonner (14) added some handy runs down the order.

A target of 286 was never going to be easy for Windward who were bowled out for 173 in their first innings. They started poorly, losing three wickets with just 18 runs on the board, with Kavesh Kantasingh once again among the wickets. Keddy Lesporis briefly showed some intent with a half-century, but failed to receive any support, as none of the other batsmen managed to get past 20. Kantasingh picked up four wickets, to add to his five-for in the first innings, while Ryan Austin ran through Windward's middle and lower order to pick up his twelfth five-wicket haul and seal an easy win for CCC in three days.

In the second semi-final in Jamaica hold the edge over Trinidad and Tobago after they notched up a whopping 664 in their first innings. In response T&T were 198 for 4 at stumps on the third day.

Jamaica ended the second day on 574 for 7 with Wavell Hinds on 131. The last three wickets added a further 90 runs with Hinds finally getting dismissed after making 165. Jason Dawes picked up two quick wickets, including that of West Indies batsmen Darren Bravo for a duck, as T&T started shakily, losing three wickets with just 28 runs on board. The Ganga brothers - Daren and Sherwin then got the innings back on track with a steady 83-run partnership before Andre Russell struck to pick up his second wicket, dismissing Sherwin for 42. Any hopes that Jamaica would have had of a T&T collapse were put to rest by Daren, who stayed firm to add another unbroken half-century partnership with wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin. Daren was on 60 and Ramdin was giving him good support on 49 at the end of the day's play

Weak middle order cost South Africa - Kirsten

former South Africa opening batsman and India coach, believes that South Africa's early World Cup exit was caused by their fragile middle order. South Africa crashed out of the tournament in the quarter-finals after a 49-run to New Zealand. They failed to chase 222, after losing eight wickets for 64 runs.

"The most important thing in those games is to have an experienced middle order," Kirsten said in Mumbai, where his stint as India coach ended with World Cup victory. "I just felt that they fell short in the middle order in this World Cup."

South Africa's middle and lower middle order regularly consisted of JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis and Robin Peterson who collectively scored 426 runs in 21 innings at the tournament. Together, they have played just 135 ODIs. Morne van Wyk and Johan Botha were also used, but neither were able to firm up what became known as a soft middle order.

Daniel Vettori admitted that New Zealand thought that if they could get South Africa's top four of Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers out, they could exert pressure on a frail middle order. Former South Africa coach Mickey Arthur also blamed the middle order for the team's exit and said that the chokers tag still affects them and will only leave them when they win an ICC event.

Kirsten also thinks the term "chokers" had a negative effect on the team, although like outgoing coach Corrie van Zyl, he blamed the media for perpetuating the word. "It's tough what they are going through. You guys [the media] really spin it big that they are chokers. It is not a nice word to be labelled. I understand opposition media using it to their advantage but the worry is when the South African media put it out there."

Having played in three World Cups for South Africa, including the 1999 event where the term chokers was coined, Kirsten feels a certain empathy for the what the current crop of players are going through. "I think [Graeme] Smith said after the game that they lost that ,'We do not know [what goes wrong], we are trying our best and we doing what we can. We want to get over this but we don't know how.' Please understand it's not easy. I feel sad for them."

Despite their recent troubles Kirsten has no doubt about the quality of the South African side. "They are a great cricket team and they will continue to be." Kirsten played 101 Tests and 185 ODIs for South Africa and is widely considered to be among the favourites for the position of head coach, which van Zyl vacated at the end of the tournament. South Africa are set to announce their shortlist of six names for the position in the next few days.

Samuels returns in new-look squad

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Ashley Nurse is in the West Indies squad for the first time © Nicholas Reid/West Indies Cricket Board Enlarge

West Indies have announced a new-look squad for their one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan in St Lucia on April 21, featuring four new caps and recalls for Lendl Simmons and Marlon Samuels, who is once again eligible for selection after serving a two-year ban for his alleged involvement with illegal bookmakers.

The match will be West Indies' first since Pakistan eliminated them at the quarter-final stage of the World Cup, and true to the intentions of their coach, Ottis Gibson, the team is the first step towards a new era for Caribbean cricket, as it features few of the elder statesmen who were sent packing from the tournament with a humiliating ten-wicket defeat in Dhaka.

Though Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard are not eligible for selection because they did not play in the Caribbean T20 earlier this year, there is no place either for Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan or Sulieman Benn. Darren Sammy retains his place as captain, with Devendra Bishoo and Andre Russell, two young players who made good impressions at the World Cup, both included.

The uncapped inclusions are Danza Hyatt, a powerful Jamaican right-hander; Christopher Barnwell, an allrounder from Guyana; Ashley Nurse, an offspinner from Barbados, and left-arm seamer Krishmar Santokie, also from Jamaica. Simmons, the nephew of the Ireland coach, Phil, is back in the squad for the first time since the tour of Australia in 2010.

Clyde Butts, the chairman of selectors, said: "The squad includes players who have performed well in the Caribbean T20. We are looking to expose players as he build towards the next ICC World T20 Tournament next year. Samuels and Simmons have both played at this level before and performed consistently in the Caribbean T20. We believe they will be key members of this team.

"Hyatt, Santokie and Nurse played in the West Indies A Team against Pakistan A and they did well. We have decided to give them the opportunity in the senior West Indies team and we believe they will make the transition to the higher level. Barnwell also did well in the Caribbean T20 and he also had exposure for Guyana in the Champions League last year. He is a lively and enthusiastic cricketer and we expect good things from him as well.

"Hyatt is a hard-hitting batsman who has demonstrated his ability to be a match-winner when he played against Pakistan A. Santokie has been exceptional in the Caribbean T20 using the new ball for Jamaica. Nurse is a clever bowler, a hard worker and has the ability to make vital runs in the lower order as well."

Samuels last played for West Indies in April 2008 before his career ran into a road-block after he received a two-year ban from official cricket for links with an Indian book-maker. Having served the ban, Samuels was offered a place in the West Indies World Cup squad, but declined it on the grounds that he was "not 100% ready" for one-day cricket. This time, however, he was pleased to be selected.

"I'm a batsman that can turn it up and turn it down, and at this moment, it's definitely a wonderful feeling heading back to putting on the maroon colours and wearing the coconut on my chest," Samuels was quoted in WI Cricnews. "I'm looking forward to turning it up again in Twenty20 and turning it back down in 50-overs cricket, and maybe Test cricket to come. I've put in a lot of work and I'm just reaping the rewards at the moment and it's definitely for me to continue."

Onions wrecks Yorkshire

	Graham Onions took 5 for 53 to give Durham control on his comeback from injury © PA Photos Enlarge

England seamer Graham Onions, out of action since January last year with a serious back injury, celebrated his return to first class cricket with 5 for 53 as Yorkshire were dispatched for 147 by Durham on the second day of their County Championship clash at Headingley Carnegie.

Yorkshire trailed by 178 after the first innings, but the visitors declined to enforce the follow-on after tea and were 64 for 3 with an overall lead of 242 when bad light ended play. It was the first time that Onions has taken five or more wickets in an innings since his 7 for 38 against Warwickshire in June 2009, and the fourth occasion on which he has bagged five or more against Yorkshire.

Onions was also well supported by his opening partner, Callum Thorp, who claimed three for 33, while Ian Blackwell got plenty of turn from the pitch and gave away just 12 runs in 18 overs during which he dismissed Adil Rashid with a classic left-armer's delivery.

Yorkshire lost their last eight wickets for 49 runs in 31 overs and only 20-year-old opener, Joe Root, in his first home Championship appearance, showed any sort of form, making 45 off 103 balls with five boundaries before being fifth out at 113.

Resuming on 326 for 9, Durham had added only a single by the time last man, Onions, holed out to Andrew Gale at mid-off to give Ryan Sidebottom 4 for 72 and leave Liam Plunkett unbeaten on 66 from 123 deliveries with eight fours.

Yorkshire could hardly have made a worse start to their reply as Adam Lyth pulled Onions' second-ball loosener straight into the hands of Ben Stokes at square leg and Root and Anthony McGrath were given a difficult time by Onions and Thorp, despite Onions sending down several no-balls before dropping into the right rhythm.

Just when the pair appeared to be getting on top, McGrath shouldered arms to Thorp and was lbw for 15, but Root and skipper Gale prevented any further early damage to take Yorkshire in to lunch on 93 for 2.

Soon after the interval, however, Gale attempted to blast Onions over long-on and top-edged a simple catch to Blackwell. From that moment on, Yorkshire were completely outplayed and there was never any sign of a recovery, with Gerard Brophy, coming in at No. 6 and surviving 74 balls for 19 with just one boundary before being left high and dry.

Jonny Bairstow fell lbw to Onions without scoring and the bowler made it three wickets for six runs in 11 deliveries by having Root splendidly caught one-handed by wicketkeeper Michael Richardson flinging himself to his right.

The carnage continued as Rashid edged Blackwell to Michael Di Venuto at slip to be followed back in the next over by Richard Pyrah who was lbw to Thorp off the first ball he had faced. Sidebottom was bowled by Thorp and Steve Patterson could not avoid gloving a snorter from Onions to Richardson, with last man Moin Ashraf then holding out gamely until playing Scott Borthwick off bat and pad into the hands of Stokes.

There was slight consolation for Yorkshire when Durham lost both openers in consecutive overs, Di Venuto edging Sidebottom to first slip where Pyrah plucked up a neat catch and Will Smith falling lbw to Ashraf. In worsening light, Stokes edged Patterson into his stumps to make it 57 for 3, but seven runs later the light became too bad to continue and the day's last 10.1 overs were lost.

© ESPN EMEA Ltd.

Middlesex seamers flatten Essex

It took one month and five attempts last season for Middlesex to win a Championship match but after 20 wickets fell in 92.1 overs at Lord's they will, barring a bizarre occurrence, have victory sealed against Essex in just over two days.

Though the scorecard will excite the ECB's eager pitch inspection team, the problems for Essex lay more overhead than underfoot as heavy skies brought enough swing to deliver 13 of the 20 scalps caught behind the wicket.

How Alastair Cook must be longing for the help-yourself ease of Ashes cricket. The cauldron of Division Two has given him a chastening start to the season. His previous Championship outing this season, against Kent, brought just 37 runs, but at least that was spread over three days. Here he fell for 19 in the 13th over of the day and 25 barely a couple of hours later as Middlesex's bowlers routed Essex for 115 shortly after lunch and again for 215 just before the day was out.

Ravi Bopara deserves reward after turning down an IPL fortune for a chance to impress the Test selectors but after 56 runs from four outings his case might have been better served feasting on 20-over attacks. A forlorn Bopara tweeted his explanation: "No heavy rollers & tiflex balls is a recipe for low scores. Crap cricket!" But that might not be enough to convince Andy Flower. Twice Bopara fell to another fringe England player looking to impress: Steven Finn.

Finn was the classiest of Middlesex's seam showing and from his favourite Pavilion End bowled quicker than anyone in the match. His journey to the ground had been delayed by traffic but Tim Murtagh ensured Essex were immediately in trouble with two wickets in his opening spell.

Corey Collymore, on his Championship debut for Middlesex after moving from Sussex, proved what a shrewd signing he was from the Nursery End. Open-chested medium-pace from a 33-year-old international reject might not sound the best advert for county cricket but his consistent, snaking swing was nothing short of compelling. Having had Cook dropped in the slips he trapped him playing around his front pad for the third wicket of the day. Matthew Walker was sent back a ball later for a duck and at 57 for 4 a bad day was looming for Essex.

Their one hope was Bopara but Finn, admittedly with some fortune, won that battle. Bopara was pinned high enough on the pad to benefit from the doubt but umpire Martin Bodenham, an ex football referee, sent him on his way. Bopara was less than delighted, but you imagine Bodenham has seen worse. Some extra bounce from Finn did in James Foster, and the tail followed suit.

Second time round, the sun finally poked through briefly, and while Cook and Jaik Mickleburgh were building a 58-run stand, a fight at least seemed possible. But Finn again intervened to hasten the next collapse. Cook shovelled a length ball down the pitch and Finn, who'd revived his habit of falling over in his follow through earlier in the spell, this time tumbled to good effect, scooping the ball inches from the turf.

If there was some doubt about Bopara's first-innings dismissal the second of the day was more decisive, edging a sharp outswinger to first slip for 4. Finn looked set for more but Gareth Berg instead claimed four wickets in five overs either side of tea as Essex limply gave way. The first, Matt Walker, was brilliantly taken on the rebound by John Simpson after Ollie Rayner parried the chance at slip, the next three offered more routine catching practice.

Apparently there's a wedding reception planned at Lord's on Saturday. Thankfully, Tom Westley's 59, the highest score of the match, ensured the happy couple will see some action but with just 54 needed for Middlesex they better arrive early.

Hall century builds Northants' lead

	Andrew Hall's unbeaten hundred helped Northants build a sizeable lead © Getty Images Enlarge

Northamptonshire captain Andrew Hall struck a magnificent century to put Kent to the sword on the second day of the County Championship Division Two clash at Wantage Road. Former South Africa international Hall's superb knock of 141 not out off 239 balls included 14 fours and four sixes and is the 12th ton of his first-class career.

He was part of a sixth-wicket partnership of 114 with wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien, who blasted 71 off 101 balls, which tilted the match firmly in Northamptonshire's favour as they recovered from 124 for 5 to reach 429 for 7 at the close.

They began the day on 86 for 3, 116 runs behind Kent, who they bowled out for just 202 yesterday, with Mal Loye resuming on 42 and David Sales on 14. Loye became the first batsman in the match to make a half-century, his coming off 131 balls, in the third over of the day. But he walked two overs later on 51 when he was trapped lbw by paceman Robbie Joseph and Sales later went in the same fashion for 31 off the bowling of Darren Stevens.

Hall and O'Brien, both former Kent men, then made the first 50 partnership of the match between them as they guided their team to 187 for 5 at lunch. Hall ran two to put Northamptonshire ahead in the 79th over before Ireland international O'Brien reached 50 off 89 balls with a four smashed through cover.

Joseph then claimed a vital breakthrough for Kent by pinning O'Brien lbw in the fourth over after the second new ball was taken. Hall went on to complete his half-century off 115 balls later in that over as he and Chaminda Vaas added 50 between them before tea to leave the hosts on 288 for 6.

Hall was given a reprieve on 85 in the seventh over of the evening session when his attempted sweep off James Tredwell came off Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones and was dropped by Martin van Jaarsveld at slip. But Vaas (27) did not survive when he became the fifth Northamptonshire player to be given out lbw, this time off the bowling of Matt Coles, to end a partnership of 77.

Hall then reached his century off 211 balls with a four through extra cover off Coles before James Middlebrook reached 50 off 70 deliveries by launching Joe Denly for six over square leg. The eighth-wicket pair added 114 runs between them with Middlebrook finishing the day unbeaten on 50 with the hosts utterly dominant.

Rees, Harris help Glamorgan take control

Gareth Rees scored his first fifty of the season and James Harris took five wickets for 39 runs as Glamorgan moved themselves into a strong position against Gloucestershire at Cardiff. Glamorgan ended the second day of the County Championship Division Two match on 185 for 3 in their second innings - an overall lead of 199 after they had bowled the visitors out for 188 in 89.1 overs.

But the Welsh county did not have it completely their own way today, with a frustrating eighth-wicket partnership between Jon Lewis (56) and Vikram Banerjee holding them up. The home side were not helped that left-arm seamer Graham Wagg was off the field after suffering a hamstring injury on the first day.

But early on Glamorgan did not require his services as Harris broke through in the sixth full over of the morning to have Will Gidman caught at square leg by Rees. And Adam Shantry claimed his third wicket when he bowled Ian Saxelby as Gloucestershire, who had resumed the day on 76 for 5 - 126 behind, were reduced to 94 for 7.

That was effectively 94 for 8 after Chris Dent suffered a double fracture of the finger in the field and was unable to bat. But Lewis and Banerjee frustrated Glamorgan either side of lunch putting on 77 in 39 overs.

Lewis brought up his half-century in 94 balls with three fours before Harris struck in the fourth over with the second new ball. Substitute Stewart Walters, on the field for the injured Wagg, took a stunning slip catch swooping to his right at second slip to dismiss Banerjee to give Harris his fourth victim. Harris claimed his fifth wicket when Lewis was the last man out caught behind to finish with impressive figures of 5 for 39 from 25.1 overs.

Glamorgan openers Gareth Rees and Alviro Petersen raced to 44 in 10 overs before tea. But although Rees lost his captain, who was trapped leg before by Saxelby, he went on to register a 71-ball half-century with nine fours. After putting on 65 in just 11 overs with fellow left-hander Will Bragg, Rees also went leg before wicket to Will Gidman, who also bowled Michael Powell four overs later.

There were no more scares for Glamorgan, however, as Bragg and Ben Wright had added 42 runs for the fourth wicket by the close.

Kochi upstage Tendulkar's century

	At the 20-overs mark, it was all Sachin Tendulkar. Things changed completely in the second half of the match © Associated Press Enlarge

Two weeks ago, the crowd at the Wankhede was delirious though a fervently anticipated Sachin Tendulkar century didn't materialise. On Friday, the same crowd went home dejected despite Tendulkar crafting his first Twenty20 century, as Kochi Tuskers Kerala busted their party with one of the most memorable chases in IPL history.

Two of the world's finest Twenty20 batsmen, Brendon McCullum and Mahela Jayawardene, constructed chalk-and-cheese half-centuries to power Kochi's pursuit of 183. Both perished to Lasith Malinga's deadly deliveries but Kochi, who had stumbled in the final stretch of their first two games, didn't slip up this time as Ravindra Jadeja and Brad Hodge muscled boundaries to finish the game with an over to spare.

Tendulkar's effort checked off another item on his ever-shrinking to-do list, and Mumbai ran up a tall total without needing contributions from Rohit Sharma, Andrew Symonds and Kieron Pollard. It was then assumed that the bowlers would make the rest of the game a formality, but McCullum firmly put that assumption to rest by muscling three boundaries between mid-off and cover in Malinga's second over. The next big jump came in the sixth over from Pollard as McCullum swatted a four past midwicket and Jayawardene eased boundaries behind square on either side of the wicket.

The Mumbai fielding made things worse for the home team. Rohit Sharma dropped McCullum at first slip off the first ball, and Jayawardene was given a life by Ali Murtuza at backward point.

McCullum kept skating out of the crease and lashing the ball through the off side right through his innings, while Jayawardene was content shuffling across and using the bowler's pace, rarely powering the ball. The difference between the two batsmen's innings was highlighted in the ninth over as McCullum smashed the first ball over long-off, and Jayawardene reverse-paddled the fifth ball off the back of the bat for four.

With dew making it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball, both batsmen kept picking off the boundaries. Kochi were in command by the 14th over as they moved to 128 for 0 when Jayawardene deftly poked a Malinga delivery past the keeper towards a delighted Kochi dug-out. Next ball, Malinga removed Jayawardene with a yorker which prompted a surprise promotion for Jadeja. McCullum, though, kept Kochi on top with a couple of scythed boundaries in the 17th over that worsened Pollard's evening.

With 27 needed off three overs, and nine wickets in hand, Mumbai gambled by bringing on Malinga for his final over. He delivered by bowling McCullum first ball, but Hodge eased Kochi's anxieties with two walloped boundaries off the rest of the over. Jadeja, who has received plenty of criticism over the past two years, then justified his promotion with a couple of swiped sixes off Murtaza Ali to finish off Mumbai with an over to go.

It was the Kochi's franchise first IPL win and Mumbai's first defeat of the season, a result few predicted after Tendulkar had combined power and placement to reach a memorable century. It, however, came after a nervy start: Tendulkar was nearly run out on 0, umpire Paul Reiffel turned down two lbw appeals from Vinay Kumar which should have been given. There was also a close call for caught behind, and an outside edge off Thisara Perera that just beat the keeper.

Mumbai made relatively sedate progress, reaching 57 in eight overs before losing Davy Jacobs. The in-form Ambati Rayudu immediately took charge, blasting two sixes off Raiphi Gomez. A series of powerfully hit straight boundaries took him to 44, when the partnership had realised 64.

The final five overs turned into a Tendulkar show as he plundered 45 runs. Tendulkar showed how he could finesse the ball or force it depending on his mood: in the 16th over, a short ball on legstump was helped over fine leg for six, and a length ball outside off was pummelled over long-on for six more as 20 came off the over. A helicopter shot for four and a slugged six over midwicket took him to 90 after 19 overs.

Tendulkar proceeded to paddle a four past short fine leg, and bludgeon another past long-on before reaching his ton with a push to mid-off off the final delivery of the innings. The decibel levels shot up in the stands, but it was a muted celebration from Tendulkar himself on reaching the milestone.

Neither he nor the crowd were celebrating at the end of the game. One of the bigger worries for a formidable Mumbai unit was how dependent their attack was on Malinga's form, something they will have to address after losing despite a solid batting effort.

Can Hyderabad become Deccan's fortress?

It is a clash between two sides that have exchanged captains from last season. Both had disappointing starts to this edition, but followed them up with morale-boosting wins. Both have relatively unknown batsmen as their It is hard not to draw parallels between Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab, yet a little scratching beneath the surface reveals very different back stories.

Deccan look well-balanced, and seem dependent on their bowling strength. They spent $2.83mn on bowlers in the auction, and in their last game, the seamers were the key . With Dale Steyn leading their attack, Ishant Sharma looking sharper than he has in a long time, and Manpreet Gony and Rusty Theron also in the squad, the pace and bounce on the pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium might make home advantage a key for Deccan. That's something no-one would have said on Thursday afternoon, before which the franchise had never won in 10 attempts at this venue.

Punjab's victory against Chennai Super Kings also came about due to the fruition of a plan; except theirs - to hope young Indian players will carry them - seems a more risky one than Deccan's. What Paul Valthaty will be talked about possibly for the length of the tournament. But the question is, how many times can someone pull off a Valthaty? Given Punjab's lack of depth, Deccan will start this particular match as favourites, despite not being the strongest side in the tournament.

Team talk

David Hussey, Punjab's most expensive buy at the auction, is expected to come in, but it will be interesting to see who makes way for him. Excluding either Ryan Mclaren or Ryan Harris will weaken an already frail-looking bowling attack, while Shaun Marsh has been prolific for Punjab in past seasons.

Deccan may continue to leave out the $1.1mn-worth Cameron White, given the form JP Duminy showed in the last match, and Dan Christian's all-round abilities. They will need to think of a way to move those two up the order. Manpreet Gony will probably continue to play in place of Pragyan Ojha - the second-highest wicket-taker in IPLs - on a track that is expected to favour the seamers.

Predict the playing XIs for this match.

JP Duminy played a cameo against Bangalore, but is capable of getting bigger scores in the Twenty20 format. In the second season of the IPL, in 2009, he got five fifties for Mumbai Indians, and in the Champions League Twenty20 later the same year, he was the leading run-getter, scoring 224 runs including an incredible 99 not out for Cape Cobras. With Sangakkara due to go back to Sri Lanka in the first week of May, Duminy may also be an option for captaincy.

Thank's to Valthaty's brilliance against Chennai, Dinesh Karthik's 21 not out off 11 balls went unnoticed. However, as the most experienced Indian player in the entire squad, Karthik will be a crucial player for Punjab. At Delhi Daredevils, his steady contributions - he scored more than 250 runs in each of the last two seasons - were often eclipsed in a star-laden batting line-up. For Punjab, though, he could be the pivot around which the middle order revolves.

Prime numbers

• Deccan Chargers lost their first four Kings XI Punjab, but have won the last two. All six matches were at different venues.
  
• In the 24 matches Dale Steyn and Praveen Kumar played in together for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Praveen Kumar took more wickets - 24 compared to Steyn's 21 - and had a better bowling average. The two will face each other on Saturday.

  The chatter

  
  "Darren [Lehman] has been working with the groundsmen; he's seen what our strengths are in the bowling, and one of the advantages of playing at home is being able to prepare wickets that suit us."
  Dale Steyn is enjoying the pace-friendly tracks in Hyderabad.

UAE ease to Division Two title

| A

	Saqib Ali's half-century helped set up UAE's five-wicket win and earned him the Man of the Match award © ICC Enlarge

from Saqib Ali and captain Khurram Khan helped United Arab Emirates to a five-wicket win over Namibia in the final of the ICC World Cricket League Division Two tournament Friday.

Having been set a target by Namibia of 201, the hosts claimed victory after a stand-out performance from Ali who set the side up for victory before captain Khan and Amjad Javed finished proceedings. By virtue of reaching the final UAE and Namibia have now claimed 17th and 18th position in the world rankings.

UAE had been undefeated in the group stages of the event and made a strong start in the final after Namibia had won the toss and opted to bat. Both Namibian openers were removed within the first eight overs, but captain Craig Williams' 58 and contributions from Sarel Burger (42) and Raymond van Schoor helped Namibia reach 200.

Under darkening skies, UAE lost both opener Amjad Ali and Naeemuddin Aslam early in their chase to left-arm medium-pacer Kola Burger. Arshad Ali contributed a solid 30, but two wickets in the space of six balls brought Namibia right back into the game as UAE slipped to 73 for 4. Then came Ali and Khan's match-winning partnership of exactly 100, which took UAE to within striking distance of the Division 2 title.

After adding yet another half-century, Williams took his tally of runs for the tournament to 335 and earned the Player of the Tournament title. "I've worked really hard particularly since my appointment to captaincy, and I try to set an example," he said. "We are lucky to have such a well-balanced side, and the long batting line up really does take the pressure off me. As captain I hope the boys get that that they see how hard I work for them.

"I think we lost wickets at crucial moments within the game and we're going to work on it. UAE bowled 40-something overs of spin alone, so we really need to work on our response to such bowlers. In South Africa we play against quick bowlers all the time so it's something we need to work on.

"Namibia are very good competition - they started very well today and we were worried they'd run up a total of 250 or more, which would be very hard to chase particularly on this turf," added UAE captain Khurram Khan. "But then Saqib Ali came and bowled exceptionally - with his 3-13 and I think that really turned the game around.

"There is a lot of pressure on Saqib as we know he is always going to do well and he has performed consistently throughout the tournament. He is also a good batsman and I think we had a very good partnership. Throughout the tournament our key bowlers have always been spinners - and we know that they are very good. In this one-day format we must ensure we restrict the batsmen from scoring and that's what our spin bowling attack is there for.

"On a personal note I am very proud of my team - and I don't know how much longer I'll be playing for the UAE now I'm 39. I hope to play in the Intercontinental Cup should the Development Committee select us as I'd like to see my boys through that. It will be time for me to step down soon, but who knows."

In a repeat of the Division Three finals, Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea faced each other once more with PNG romping to a 127-run win The win earned PNG third place and both teams will remain in Division Two.

PNG's win was set up by a solid 55 from Asad Vala and an adventurous, unbeaten 74 from Vani Morea, which took their team to 225 for 6. Hong Kong's reply never got going, seamer Raymond Haoda providing three early breakthroughs and spinners Andrew McIntosh and Mahuru Dai sealing the result with a volley of quick wickets.

After the match 16-year-old Hong Kong batsman Mark Chapman received a reprimand and an official warning after being reported by on-field umpires Theunis van Schalkwyk and Sri Ganesh. Chapman was found to have breached Section 2.1.3 of the ICC Code, which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match," and was consequently charged with a Level 1 offence.

"I hope Mr Chapman, as a young and potential player for the future, has learned that there is no place for this type of behaviour in the game and that the spirit of the game should be maintained at all times," said Match Referee Graeme La Brooy. "I also trust that in future, he will be more courteous and pay others the respect that they deserve."

With both Uganda and Bermuda assured of relegation to Division Three, they had little more than pride - and the positions of 21st and 22nd in the world rankings - in their match

Bermuda captain David Hemp held his side's innings together with 44, but Bermuda could manage only a sub-par 193 as Uganda's bowlers struck at regular intervals. Uganda lost Roger Mukasa to the very first ball of their chase and slipped to 33 for 3 before opener Arthur Kyobe and Benjamin Musoke launched the recovery with a 96-run stand for the fourth wicket. Kyobe fell to offspinner Delyone Borden to give Bermuda hope, but Musoke and Frank Nsubuga responded with a rapid partnership that sealed a five-wicket win with almost four overs to spare.

By virtue of finishing in the top four of the event, UAE, Namibia, PNG and Hong Kong will each receive dedicated ICC High Performance grants while two out of the four will play in the ICC Intercontinental Cup which commences later this year. The two teams that will compete in the Cup will be chosen by the ICC Development Committee at its next meeting.

Speed backs independent commission proposal

Malcolm Speed says he is still philosophical about his removal as ICC chief executive © Getty Images Enlarge

the former chief executive of the ICC, has added his voice to the call for world cricket to be run by an independent commission instead of the existing board structure. However, while he believes a governance model without vested interests would be good for the ICC, Speed does not anticipate such a move being made.

"I think an independent commission would be great, but I don't expect it to happen," Speed told ESPNcricinfo. "For it to happen, the member countries would have to vote for it, and I don't think they're going to give up their seat at the table.

"During my time there, there was a proposal that the board be restructured so that there be two boards, one as a smaller executive board and then the bigger board that included all the countries. That was fine until we started talking about who might be on it and who might not be on it, and it just disappeared off the agenda."

One of the problems caused by a structure in which member nations are guaranteed representation at board level is that the system can become too politicised. Speed said one of the major challenges for the ICC in future would be to ensure that India used its power at board level and its financial clout for the good of the game.

"I think the two big challenges are balancing the three forms of the game and accommodating India's position as the financial superpower of the game," Speed said. "It will be difficult. It will require goodwill on the part of the Indian administrators and the leaders from the other countries. From time to time, I think there will be disagreement which will require the leaders of the other countries to stand up to India from time to time."

But Speed said the idea that the ICC was often split along lines of geography or race was not correct. "That's sometimes overdone. From time to time countries would come together when they had a common view, but it wasn't as if there was a constant pairing of Asian countries and African countries all with the same view.

"Sometimes, for instance, Pakistan would take quite a different view from India on key issues. The sense of there being an Asian bloc that votes together on all issues certainly wasn't the case in my time."

Speed, who has recently released his book of memoirs, Sticky Wicket, said he remains philosophical about his being removed as chief executive after his refusal to back the board's position on Zimbabwe. Speed was sent on for the final two months of his tenure after a board meeting in Bangalore, in April 2008, made it clear that he had lost the support of the majority of the ICC directors.

In the book, Speed recounts the events that led to his departure from the ICC, which came after the board considered a KPMG audit Speed writes that the audit found Zimbabwe Cricket's financial records had been falsified for the 2005 financial year, but the board ignored a recommendation from its own audit committee to have the matter referred to the ICC's ethics officer.

"I asked for my disagreement to be minuted ... I felt ill. The whole issue had been swept under the carpet," Speed wrote of the meeting, which took place in Dubai in March 2008. He added that some members of the board, including the then vice-president David Morgan and New Zealand's Sir John Anderson, had also agreed that the issue be referred to the ethics officer.

However, the board decided against that course of action, and Speed declined to attend the press conference that followed the meeting, where he and the ICC president Ray Mali had been scheduled to speak to the media. A month later, Morgan and Speed negotiated the terms of Speed's departure from the ICC.

"I'm philosophical. I think I was philosophical at the time. It's an occupational hazard," Speed said this week. "It wasn't surprising. I thought once I'd refused to go to the press conference there was a risk I'd be asked to leave. It didn't surprise me, although I was surprised that it happened the way it did."

In his book, Speed describes several clashes he had with Mali, especially over Zimbabwe, and he said their relationship had "fractured completely" in November 2007. Speed writes that at the Bangalore meeting six months later - a meeting he did not attend - it became clear that Mali and other board members wanted him out.

Three years on from his departure, Speed said he was "very pleased" to observe from the outside the success of the 2011 World Cup, and that the game appeared to be "in an extremely healthy position".

Coyle re-appointed Tasmania coach

	Tim Coyle led Tasmania to the Sheffield Shield title in the 2010-11 season © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Tim Coyle Teams: Australia | Tasmania

Tim Coyle will continue as head coach of Tasmania for two more years, after their board extended his contract till the end of the 2012-2013 season.

Coyle has been in the role since 2005, and has been involved with Tasmania cricket since 2000; first as game development manager (2000-2002) and then as wicketkeeping coach (2002-2005). In his six years as head coach, Coyle has guided Tasmania to two one-day titles and two Sheffield Shield titles, including the 2010-2011 title.

There will be a separate coach announced for the new city-based Twenty20 team Hobart Hurricanes, but Coyle will oversee the coaching of the team. Hobart Hurricanes will participate in the revamped version of the Big Bash.

Cricket Tasmania chairman Tony Harrison said Coyle was re-appointed on the basis of the successes the team has had under him and the way he had managed to develop young talent. "Tim is the outstanding coach in Australian cricket and his achievements over the past six years have been exceptional," Harrison said. "The positive progress and particularly the significant development of our young players has encouraged Cricket Tasmania to re-appoint Tim."

Lee keen to make a 'difference'

Lee keen to make a 'difference'

the Kolkata Knight Riders share unhappy common ground. For all the gloss, talent and market power each possess, their most indelible images on the cricket grounds of India have been forged in defeat.

For Lee, the 2008 Test tour, on which he lost the mantle of world's best fast bowler never to regain it, sits alongside more tragically heroic scenes from the 2011 World Cup quarter-final against India, when he dove valiantly around the field while trying to pull Australia into the semis through sheer force of will. Kolkata's three editions of the Indian Premier League without a semi-final berth tell their own story of wasted talent; the owner Shahrukh Khan's grimace, and the encroachment of impatient businesses on a faltering Twenty20 team.

After an initial stint with King's XI Punjab that was mixed in terms of results if not his own personal impressions - "I had three great years", he says - Lee and Kolkata have now been united in what seems a chance for each party to extract the best from each other. Lee's profile is ideal for Kolkata but so too is his work-rate.

"Hopefully we can go out there and make a difference to the way Kolkata have been playing," Lee told ESPNCricinfo before flying to India at the end of Australia's tour of Bangladesh.

"We've got a big tournament ahead, missed a couple of games, but looking forward to getting out there and leading from the front.

"I've heard it's a great club, a great franchise; Shahrukh Khan the owner, he's an amazing actor, like the Brad Pitt of India, so there's a lot of prestigious things there even away from cricket."

Lee's description of Kolkata's owner says all it needs to, about the world of the IPL. This is show business with all the trappings, as distinct from the purer pleasures and insights that can still occasionally be derived from the international game. Searching for words to describe it, Lee settled on "soap opera", and was happy with his choice.

"It's a totally different set-up to what most organisations would be; with Australia it's totally different," Lee said. "The IPL is exactly what people think: it's about Twenty20 cricket, it's about the glitz and glamour and the Bollywood stars; it's about the fireworks, the cheerleaders and the noise.

"They love watching the Indian players throughout India, but now, [since they are] playing for different franchises, they're not booed but they're not cheered as much as they would be under their normal colours. It's like a soap opera, that's what it's like, it's all part of that set-up and that shouldn't change."

As for the infringement of celebrities and after-party orchestrators on the organisation of the team, Lee did not deny a source of tension, but argued it was workable. "If you're talking more so about how much input the stars should have in the side, what I've seen through [was] what's happened in King's XI," he said. "Preity Zinta who was our leader, our owner, along with Ness Wadia; they had their input of course, but at the end of the day we had to go out there and play cricket, under the coaching of Tom Moody back then.

"Kolkata are under the coaching of Dav Whatmore now; hopefully they can take care of the off-field stuff and we'll take care of the on-field stuff, and when the on-field stuff's finished we can enjoy the odd party or two and enjoy what the IPL's all about.

"But that won't happen unless we're going out there and doing the business. I think they definitely realise that and they want us to do the very best we can as cricketers. That's why they're paying us; we're employees and we'll go out and try to do the best job we can."

Lee's best job is a distance from the one he managed in 2008, when the break-up of his marriage and a limited pre-season took him to India under-strength and soon left him desperately out of form. Illness also intervened, and by the end of the tour he was on the slippery slope towards the foot fractures that ended his Test playing days.

	Brett Lee: "The IPL is a soap opera" © AFP Enlarge

"There are times in your playing life when you've been through a rough patch. Ricky [Ponting] has been through that now and hopefully will get through the other side of it. Mine was definitely in 2008, for a number of reasons," Lee said.

"I've also got the knack of deleting it; it's like you push F7 on the computer keyboard and somehow just take it out of your mindset. It's something you do learn from; it does make you a tougher player when you've not played at your best ability and your head [is] probably not in the right space, but that's all part of being a professional cricketer. It's not always about getting through and making sure you're not injured - there are other factors as well.

"It's terrible when you're going through that particular time with your cricket and with other things, but you've always got to find a way to get through it."

Before Lee would leave 2008 behind, he spoke of the fact that he has had plenty of better days on the subcontinent, most importantly the 2009 Champions League with New South Wales when he contributed runs as well as wickets to be player of the tournament. If he can reprise the form of those storming two weeks, Kolkata may just be able to shed their millstone of underachievement.

John Buchanan takes key role with New Zealand

, the former coach of Australia, has been confirmed as New Zealand's director of cricket. Buchanan will take on the role with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in May, and will be in charge of the high-performance programme, while also overseeing the selection panel and implementing a talent identification system.

The wide-ranging brief is Buchanan's first major job in international cricket since he resigned as Australia's coach following the 2007 World Cup triumph. Since then, he has consulted with the ECB and had an ill-fated stint as the coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, a role from which he was sacked in 2009.

However, it is for his eight years as Australia's mentor that Buchanan earned his reputation. He was in charge during the golden era that brought Australia three World Cup titles and a record 16 consecutive Test victories, and before he took control of the national side he had coached Queensland to their long-awaited first Sheffield Shield title.

"John's appointment is an exciting one for New Zealand Cricket," NZC's chief executive Justin Vaughan said. "He has a great cricketing pedigree and will provide outstanding leadership as NZC look to move forward."

Buchanan is the first person to take on the director of cricket role with NZC after the position was created with the aim of introducing consistent coaching strategies and overseeing the entire high-performance programme. He said he was looking forward to the challenge.

"It's an honour to be appointed to this challenging role. It is a wonderful opportunity to build on the work that has been done," Buchanan said. "New Zealand Cricket has a proud history and is a true honour to be given the responsibility. I want to be part of the next successful era and am committed to building sustainable high performance for New Zealand Cricket."

Buchanan's first tasks are likely to include providing input in the choice of New Zealand's new captain and the composition of the selection panel. The existing selectors, Mark Greatbatch, Lance Cairns and Glenn Turner, come out of contract at the end of April.

Watson rises to top spot in ICC rankings

	Shane Watson has surged to the top of the ODI allrounder rankings © Associated Press Enlarge

, the Australia allrounder, has surged to the top of the for allrounders in ODIs following his exploits in the recently concluded three-match series against Bangladesh. He made 294 runs, including a brutal, unbeaten 185 in the second game, smashing 15 sixes, a record, and as many fours, and picked up three wickets. It is his career-best ranking to date, and he overtook Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, who now trails him by 44 points. Watson also rose nine places to reach No.4 in the rankings for ODI batsmen.

Despite India's win in the 2011 World Cup, Australia finished as the top-ranked ODI team, while India remained atop the Test ratings at the end of the cut-off date, April 1. Both teams pocketed US$175,000 each. India have held on to their No.1 ranking since December 2009, with series wins against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Australia, and drawn series against South Africa and Sri Lanka in their time at the top. Australia have been No.1 in ODIs since September 2009, when they raced ahead of South Africa and India. The four-time world champions were beaten by India in the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals, ending their streak of consecutive World Cup wins at three.

India were the runners-up in the ODI rankings - 120 points against Australia's 128 - by the cut-off date, and picked up US$75,000, while South Africa received the same for taking the No.2 spot in Tests.

Seniors not axed, focus is on youth - WICB chief Hilaire

	'The selectors will explain to every player how they will fit into the plan' © Getty Images Enlarge

The West Indies Cricket Board will give as many young players as possible exposure to international limited-overs cricket over the next two years in order to create a deeper pool from which to choose a team for the 2014 World Twenty20 and the 2015 World Cup, its chief executive Ernest Hilaire has said. He spoke to ESPNcricinfo a day after West Indies Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan, their three senior-most players, from the squad for the first two ODIs of the five-match series against Pakistan that begins on April 21.

Hilaire, though, insisted no one has been dropped permanently.

"We recognise we need to support our senior players," Hilaire told ESPNcricinfo. "We are also very clear that we need to have greater depth in the senior team. We cannot rely on one or two players. It is not a formula for success. I am convinced, and the board is convinced, that we need to start building a team that will win in 2015.

"There is no indication that any player has been axed. The selectors will explain to every player how they fit into the plan. There is no inherent right for players to play every match."

West Indies had a disappointing World Cup campaign, exiting the tournament following a big defeat against Pakistan in the quarter-finals and Gayle, Chanderpaul and Sarwan were subsequently left out of the start of the Pakistan series.

Hilaire added that Gayle was yet to undergo a fitness test after picking up an injury during the World Cup, though this was not mentioned when the team was first announced.

The policy of blooding as many new players as possible will be limited to the ODI and Twenty20 teams, with the Test team bearing a more settled look, because there are definite dates for ICC tournaments. "The Test schedule is different. It is home tours and away tours so it is a different strategy for limited-overs and Tests," Hilaire said.

The policy was put in place in October 2010 and was in evidence during the 2011 World Cup, in which Darren Bravo, Andre Russell, Devendra Bishoo, Kemar Roach and Devon Thomas, all younger than 26, got the opportunity to display their skills under pressure, with promising results. Hilaire said he expects more like them will see action at the highest level so that in two years time West Indies will have a core group of battle-hardened players that will give them a chance of winning major trophies again.

"We cannot keep seeking quick-fix solutions to West Indies cricket", Hilaire said. "We need a structured approach. We are making a heavy investment in cricket development. Lots of investment in youth programs. You need long-term plans. You do not become world beaters overnight. You need to build a winning environment."

Hilaire conceded that there would be setbacks along the way and expected criticism of the board's approach given the diversity in the region and the passion for cricket, but was adamant the board must do what it thinks is right.

"There is a bigger picture and that is the success of West Indies cricket."

Cook 'ready' for ODI captaincy

the job. There have been rumours, which began while England were still in the World Cup, about the future of Andrew Strauss - England's current Test and ODI captain - in the 50-over game. England were knocked out by Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals and Andy Flower, the England team director, has discussions with Strauss over the captain's future in one-day internationals.

"There is never an ideal time to take over," Cook told the Daily Telegraph. "I know that. But I like challenging myself and if the opportunity arises in the near future I would like to try it but if selection goes the other way and they choose another captain if Straussy retires then so be it." Strauss is currently on a six-week break from all cricket until Middlesex's tour match against Sri Lanka on May 16.

"Since the World Cup people have been asking me this question," Cook said. "At the moment Andrew Strauss is England captain. I don't crave seeing him giving it up. I would love the opportunity to be captain if it comes off but if it doesn't come up then so be it."

Cook's first full series as captain was during England's tour of Bangladesh in early 2010, when Strauss was given a break by the selectors ahead of the English season. He captained England in three ODIs and two Tests on that series and said that tour was a "massive learning curve" for him. "The pressure was to win every game in Bangladesh and we did that. You can only be judged on your results and the players did like me as captain."

Cook, who hasn't played an ODI for England since the Bangladesh tour and failed to make the final World Cup squad, said that he would "love to get back" into the ODI side. "Over the last few years my one-day game has changed a lot. By not being in England squads I have had a chance to play more one-day cricket for Essex and added things to my game.

"Look at Straussy. His strike-rate is great. He has taken his one-day game to another level and that has happened since he got back in as captain. I think I could do it but I also think we can score runs together at the top of the order at a decent rate."

Cook emerged the top run-getter with 766 runs during England's victorious Ashes campaign in Australia over the winter and said that performance was key to helping him regain his self-belief following a poor summer. "To have been part of an Ashes-winning squad and to have contributed a lot of runs has definitely given me a satisfaction and self-belief," he said.

"The biggest thing for me was being man of the series. I have never done that before and in fact only had one or two man-of-the-match awards before in my whole Test career. To be man of the series and get two man of the matches in such an important series, if that doesn't give you confidence, nothing will.

"Of course it will not be like that all the time. I know that. But to have that on your CV and know you delivered under pressure in tough conditions can only help. You always start on nought and all that stuff but there is confidence from what you have achieved."

Regan West retires from international cricket

	An injury to his left shoulder has led to Regan West's retirement © ICC/Donal MacLeod Enlarge

the Ireland left-arm spinner, has retired from international cricket due to a serious shoulder injury. He wasn't part of Ireland's squad for the 2011 World Cup, but played 10 ODIs and 23 first-class games, taking a career-best of 7 for 88 against Scotland in Aberdeen in 2009. Following an examination of his injured left shoulder, West was advised not to bowl for fear of further damage.

"I'm pretty gutted with the outcome really. At the beginning it wasn't a case of if I would bowl again, it was just how long it would take to recover," West said. "My left shoulder is not in good shape, so the recommendation that I shouldn't bowl again didn't come as a surprise but it is still very disappointing.

"Being part of the Ireland team has been the highlight and most enjoyable time of my cricket career. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to represent Ireland, and it is sad for me that that is now over."

West was part of the New Zealand Under-19 team and represented Northern Districts before making his international debut in August 2008. "Regan is a massive loss to the Irish squad," Ireland coach Phil Simmons said. "His wholeheartedness and dedication will be missed. I personally would like to thank him for his efforts, not just when he was in the team, but in the last six months in his battle to be fit enough to be in an environment he has enjoyed."

Nyoka removal unlawful, should be reinstated - Court

	The Court ruled in Mtutuzeli Nyoka's favour © Getty Images Enlarge

A Johannesburg court has ruled that Cricket South Africa's to remove Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka as president was unlawful and that he should be reinstated with immediate effect. However, CSA are appealing the decision of the south Gauteng High Court and told ESPNCricinfo that Nyoka would not return to his position until the appeal process is complete.

Nyoka was ousted in a vote of no-confidence two months ago, 18 months before his term was due to end. The presidents of the 11 affiliates voted 9-2 to have Nyoka removed. CSA did not want to reveal the reasons for the decision but it came after Nyoka challenged them in court.

"The applicant (Dr Nyoka) was removed because of his lack of leadership, his inability to communicate properly with the respondent's board and management team, his erratic behaviour and his personal vendetta against [CSA chief executive Gerald] Majola," AK Khan, CSA's Acting President said in the body's founding affidavit.

CSA's lawyers argued that "reasonable steps" had been taken to ensure Nyoka had notice of the February 12 special general meeting in which he was removed. Nyoka chose not to attend on the advice of his lawyer.

Deputy Judge-President Phineas Mojapelo, hearing the case on Friday, found that Nyoka did not receive proper notice of the meeting that was set up to remove him from office, that the proceedings in the motion of no confidence were invalid and that Nyoka's right to be heard before the decision was taken to remove him was violated.

Nyoka's spat with Majola is thought to be the central factor in his falling out with the board. Nyoka questioned the financial irregularities in CSA's bonus payment structure after Majola and 39 other staff members were awarded bonuses after the hosting of the IPL and Champions Trophy in 2009.

Bonuses worth R4.7 million (US$671, 238) were paid out after the events and were not fully declared to CSA's remunerations committee (REMCO). CSA said that this was in keeping with precedents set from the 2003 World Cup, when bonuses were not issued through REMCO. Nyoka called for an external investigation into the affair but CSA decided to exhaust their internal measures first and held their own commission of inquiry, under Khan.

The investigation cleared Majola of any wrongdoing but cautioned him against making "errors of judgement" and said that all future payments would have to go through REMCO. Nyoka accepted the findings at the time but was believed to be unhappy with them. If he is reinstated, it would no doubt prompt a reopening of the matter which may force CSA to make public their financial affairs. Part of Nyoka's demands in the case is that CSA will have to reveal certain financial information.

Nyoka left court shortly before the judgment was handed down to depart; he is believed to have flown to Kenya and could not be reached for comment.

Praveen Kumar eager to regain rhythm

	Praveen Kumar: Good starts, poor finishes © AFP Enlarge

, the Kings XI Punjab seamer, has said he is "yet to get in to the zone" following his return from the elbow injury that ruled him out of the 2011 World Cup. Praveen has picked up wickets in the first over of each of the two games he's played in this IPL so far, but leaked runs after the initial burst. He dismissed Graeme Smith first ball against Pune Warriors but went for 28 in three overs, and was taken for 22 in one over by MS Dhoni after he had struck twice off the first two balls of the match, removing S Anirudha and Suresh Raina.

"It has been a frustrating couple of months for me while I was getting ready for the IPL," Praveen told Times of India. "I did not know whether I would be fit in time. But I worked hard on my fitness and here I am. However, after a couple of games for Kings XI Punjab, I feel I have yet to get into the zone.

"See, the rhythm is still missing. I have to work on my slower ball. Variation in pace is crucial in Twenty20. I somehow need to get back the slower delivery when the ball is old. Otherwise the new ball is coming out well from the hand."

Praveen admitted Twenty20 cricket was not the ideal stage to judge a bowler's form but hoped to do well to remain in contention for India's tour to the West Indies. "With back-to-back matches and a hectic travelling schedule, it is difficult to get time off to work for a long time in the nets," Praveen said. "In T20, every bowler gets the stick and it is not an ideal platform to judge a bowler's form as he is bound to go for plenty. Yet, I am hopeful of improving with each match and be in peak form when the team for the West Indies tour is picked."

Gambhir, Kallis set up thumping win

	Jacques Kallis provided the solidity, while Gautam Gambhir kept the scoring rate up © AFP Enlarge

Kolkata Knight Riders won by nine wickets and with nine deliveries to spare. It shouldn't have been that easy but Gautam Gambhir and Jacques Kallis starred in a supremely well-paced chase as Kolkata successfully hunted down a potentially tough 160-run target on a sluggish track in Jaipur.

The first game-seizing moment of the chase came in the sixth over, bowled by Amit Singh. Kolkata were 44 for 1 from five overs and it was obvious that they had to fully utilise the new ball and the Powerplay on this slow track. It was an over that could have tilted the game either way: Amit tried to keep it tight, Gambhir took risks, two shots eluded palms of fielders in the off side but not by much, and Gambhir looted 18 runs. He flat-batted the first ball past the diving Ross Taylor at extra cover, slashed the third past the diving Abhishek Raut at point, glanced the fourth to fine-leg, and crashed the final delivery over mid-off.

The second turning point was Gambhir's contest with Shane Warne, who introduced himself in the seventh over. Gambhir cut his third delivery through the covers, and slog swept the first ball of the 10th over to collect another four. When Warne gave himself another over, to try and pick up a wicket, Gambhir sashayed down the track and scythed a flighted delivery through extra cover. By the end of that over, Kolkata only needed 58 runs from 48 balls and Gambhir and Kallis stayed till the end to achieve a comfortable win.

Gambhir found great support in Kallis, who was instrumental in starting the chase in a positive fashion. He lifted Ashok Menaria's left-arm spin for a four and a six over long-off in the third over, whipped Shane Watson to midwicket and slashed Nayan Doshi through backward point. He dropped anchor once Gambhir took over the baton.

Rajasthan would probably wish they had played Shaun Tait to create wicket-taking opportunities but they had put up a pretty decent batting effort. Fuelled by calculated aggression from Rahul Dravid and Menaria, who seemed to be aiming for something around 160, Rajasthan reached 75 for 1 from 11 overs. It seemed at that stage that their job, especially Dravid's, was done and it was time to hand the reins over to Shane Watson and Ross Taylor.

In the 12th over, Yusuf Pathan had a double strike - Dravid didn't connect with a slog and Menaria swatted a return catch, and the stage was set for the two big hitters. Rajasthan seized momentum by looting 14 runs in the 16th over with Taylor spanking a long hop and a full toss from L Balaji for sixes.

There was a mini-contest too on show: Shakib Al Hasan, Bangladesh's captain,who saw Watson wreck their side only few days back was entrusted with the task of bowling at him. Shakib himself had just given 26 runs from 20 deliveries to Watson on that day and so, it wasn't going to be a one-sided contest. Watson heaved Shakib Al Hasan for a straight six in the 14th over and slog-swept him over wide midwicket for another six in the 17th over. Shakib slowed up the pace on the next delivery and Watson was bowled as he missed another attempted slog sweep. Rajasthan were 125 for 4 at that stage, and Taylor stayed till the end to guide them to a good total. But they were thwarted by a fabulous captain's knock from Gambhir.