KPL is not a positive development: Kumble

Former Test captain Anil Kumble has expressed apprehension over the Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) move to start a Karnataka Premier League (KPL) with the private franchise ownership of eight teams, saying it is "not a positive or healthy development".

Kumble warned that the tournament, "in its current form, would allow a backdoor entry into the KSCA for people not passionate about cricket". The inaugural KPL, modelled along the lines of the IPL, is proposed to be played between September 12 and 27 in Bangalore. The league is in the process of inviting bids for the ownership of the eight zonal teams that will take part.

Among the 40-plus entities that are making bids for teams are real estate firms, actors, politicians, and a former underworld don, though corporate powerhouses, including information technology companies, have not shown much interest.

"What is the KPL about? What is the point of the whole exercise?" Kumble asked, saying the KSCA should have organised the KPL by itself, without private team franchises, because the prices were moderate. "The KSCA could organise the KPL with BCCI annual grants," he said.

The KSCA president Srikantadatta Wodeyar and the secretary Brijesh Patel have pitched the KPL as a platform for district-level cricketers to reach the next level.

Long break dull, nothing to do

Forced to waddle through practice sessions at rain-lashed Baroda, Yusuf Pathan finds himself getting a little bored these days. While spending most of the time with his family, the attacking batsman and all-rounder speaks to The Indian Express about itching to get back to competition, the still-rankling exit of India from the Twenty20 world championship, the challenges for the coming season and brother Irfan's exclusion from the Champions Trophy probables list. Excerpts:

Are you enjoying your break?

and#149;It's going fine. It's been long since I spent so many days with my family. But having a big gap is boring, you have nothing to do. You just go to training sessions and spend time with family.

You sound a little bored...

and#149;As I said, there is nothing much to do here. With continuous rainfall in Baroda, you can't have nets. I wake up and head straight to the gym for some cardio and weight-training. The rest of the time I spend at home. Sometimes I go to my farm and spend some time there.

What advice did you give to Irfan after his exclusion from the Champions Trophy probables list?

and#149;Nothing, we mostly talk on how to train ourselves. I always support him. I don't need to tell him that he is a good player. He knows what he has to do and if he does well he will be back in the team. He has done well in the past, scored runs and taken wickets.

Did you ever think that Irfan's career could take such a turn?

and#149;He started off brilliantly and has been a good cricketer, and he still is one. A cricketer's career is very uncertain, sometimes you are on a high, sometimes you slip a little. Lows and highs are part of every career, and you need to tackle them. If you are on a high you don't complain about it but when you are down, you need to work harder. It's a fresh start. If he keeps performing, then he will get his chance again.

So how are you preparing for the coming season?

and#149;With continuous rains I can't do much here. It's not possible to go and practise at the grounds. I have been taking a few knocks with the hanging ball. There is no indoor facility here at the moment, the association is planning to have one built, but it will take some time.

During the Twenty20 WC and the West Indies series, you were darting at that one spot, bowling the same line. Any reasons?

and#149;There is nothing to it, I was trying to do different things, you can call it variations. My role is to restrict runs and I'm doing that. In one dayers and T20 you can't give too much room to the batsman. They all want to go after you, so I decided to keep bowling at one length.

As an off-spinner were you trying to match Harbhajan Singh in the shorter version?

and#149;No way. Harbhajan is in a different class; he is a permanent off-spinner. I'm playing as an all-rounder and my role is different. He is a wicket-taker and I'm there to just stop the runs.

Do you think teams have started to read your batting better?

and#149;I had a decent Twenty20 world championships and the Windies tour. If your are playing so much cricket, it is obvious that teams will start working you out. They know if I'm strong at long-on and long-off they will pitch it short outside the off-stump or send in a bouncer. But as a batsman I'm ready to play strokes. If I have to hit, I will try to hit hard.

Do you think you have done justice to the expectations after IPL 1?

and#149;I haven't played much international cricket. It's been a short journey so far. I have a long way to go. I know there are big expectations from me, people trust me because they believe in me.

Were you expecting to open the innings at the T20 world cup?

and #149;Not really, Rohit (Sharma) had done well. Wherever my team want me to bat, I'm ready to do it.

Sri Lanka beats Pakistan by 36 runs in 1st ODI

Muttiah Muralitharan's late knock proved crucial to Sri Lanka on Thursday as it pulled off a 36-run victory in the first limited-overs international against Pakistan, to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing a competitive 233 runs to win, Pakistan was precariously placed on 134-8 when tailenders Umar Gul and Mohammad Aamer shared a stubborn 62-run stand that threatened Sri Lanka's total at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

The resistance ended when Aamer was run out for 23 and medium pace bowler Lasith Malinga bowled Gul for 33, allowing Sri Lanka to win the match with five overs to spare.

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said that his team had become complacent and relaxed after gaining an early advantage but was relieved to secure the victory.

"This is one game we can look back and say that it was a proper team effort," he said. "I am very proud to have such depth in talent and ability in the dressing room."

Gul was Pakistan's top-scorer after a spell in which he faced 21 balls with six boundaries.

Thilan Thushara was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers returning figures of 3-29 while Muralitharan, who came back to the side after missing the three-match test series because of injury, had 2-46 and bagged the player-of-the-match title.

Batting first, Sri Lanka's top order struggled on a Dambulla pitch that provided assistance to seam bowlers. However, a quick 32 from 15 balls by Muralitharan helped swell Sri Lanka's total to 232 as he hit four boundaries and the only six of the Sri Lanka innings.

"I take a bit of serious batting because runs are important at the end of the day," Muralitharan said.

Anjelo Mathews was top-scorer for the hosts with 43 runs.

It was a disappointing effort by the Pakistan batsmen, who have yet to win a game in their tour of Sri Lanka. After losing the test series 2-0, they also lost a 50-over warm-up game to Sri Lanka A by 15 runs before the ODI series.

Pakistan captain Younis Khan blamed poor batting for his team's defeat.

"In the whole test series and in the first one-dayer, partnerships were not there. It's all about partnerships," Younis said. "We had only one and suddenly we were close (to winning)."

"At the moment we are lacking the basics. If we do the basics well we can come back in the series," Younis added.

The average first innings total in Dambulla day games has been 175 runs and that looked to be the case again after Sri Lanka were restricted for 173 for seven in the 45th over before Muralitharan hit out.

England strike early on Day 2

Graham Onions dismissed Shane Watson and Michael Hussey in successive deliveries on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Afridi to lead Pakistan in T20

Allrounder Shahid Afridi will lead the Pakistan cricket team in the next month's Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka.

"Chairman PCB (Ijaz Butt) has appointed Shahid Afridi as captain for the Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka," the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement Wednesday.

Afridi will replace Younis Khan, who retired from 20-over game after leading Pakistan to win the Twenty20 World Cup in England last month.

Afridi, 29, was instrumental in Pakistan's success in England, hitting an unbeaten 54 off 52 balls his side beat Sri Lanka in the final.

He has played in 23 Twenty20 internationals, scoring 371 runs at an average of 19.52, as well as claiming 33 dismissals at an impressive average of 15.57.

Pakistan will play Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 match on Aug. 12 after a five-match one-day series.

Johnson to get nod for third Test

Struggling Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson is likely to play in the third Ashes Test that gets underway at the Edgbaston cricket ground here from Thursday.

Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke believes that Johnson is back to top form after the visitors won their match against Northamptonshire.

Clarke has also dismissed suggestions that being dropped could be a blessing in disguise for the wayward Johnson, who has struggled with line throughout the first two Tests.

According to The Sun, if there are changes to the side, it is now more likely that Peter Siddle will be in the firing line, with Stuart Clark marching towards reinstatement.

All-rounder Shane Watson appears to be Marcus North's biggest threat for the No.6 role, although that change is less likely, given North's first-Test century in an Ashes series.

''I definitely spoke to [Johnson] about how he's feeling and bowling, he still has a lot of positives to come out, he still feels he's bowling good pace,'' Clarke said.

''I don't think Mitch is bothered about the runs he went for, he is certainly taking some positives out of that last game,'' he added.

Johnson was far more lively during practice on Tuesday than the previous day, when he wore a gloomy expression during a brief chat with team management before leaving after 10 minutes.

He bowled with express pace in the nets to captain Ricky Ponting and openers Simon Katich and Phillip Hughes, still misplacing his deliveries at times but developing a solid rhythm and occasionally beating the bat.

Clarke said spin would also play a role in the match, increasing the chances of Hauritz retaining his spot.

Windies bowler Roach, team fined after Bangladesh loss

West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach and his team have been dealt misery on top of their one-day series loss to Bangladesh after being fined for breach of the International Cricket Council (ICC) code of conduct.

Roach was docked 10 per cent of his match fee after he was charged for bowling two high, full-pitched deliveries at Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan in Tuesday's second one-dayer in Dominica, which the visitors won by three wickets.

He was barred from bowling by the umpire after he bowled a second 'beamer' and was then summoned for a hearing before the ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama after the game.

West Indies captain Floyd Reifer was handed an official reprimand for failing to ensure play was conducted within the spirit and laws of the game, an ICC release said on Wednesday.

The hosts were also penalised for a slow over-rate. Skipper Reifer was fined 10 per cent of his match fee and his team mates five per cent of their fees for falling one over short of target in the stipulated time.

Bangladesh recorded their first one-day series success over a current test-playing nation after securing a 2-0 lead with one match remaining.

They also won the preceding test series, after West Indies were forced to field a weak side following a boycott by the main players due to a contract dispute with the cricket board.

Gavaskar returns to MCA after a decade

Mumbai: Sunil Gavaskar has returned to head the Mumbai Cricket Association's Cricket Improvement Committee after a decade's absence from any activities connected with his cricketing alma mater.

Gavaskar was named as the chairman of the CIC, dealing with all cricket matters including the appointment of coaches and various selection panels, at the MCA's Managing Committee sitting here last evening.

"Gavaskar had been sounded out (on the issue of including him on the committee) by Mr (Sharad) Pawar (MCA President)," said MCA sources who added that 20 sub-committees were also chosen at the meeting.

The only time the former India skipper had been associated officially with MCA after his playing days was in 1998 when he was co-opted as a vice president to fill in the spot vacated by ex-Test fast bowler Ramakant Desai after the latter's death.

Among other members of the CIC, that also deals with plans for Mumbai cricket for the season, picked yesterday were former Mumbai Ranji Trophy skipper Milind Rege, Balwinder Singh Sandhu and Sanjay Manjrekar, both former Test cricketers.

West Indies players end strike

The striking West Indies players have ended their boycott of the current series with Bangladesh following an agreement to appoint a mediator to resolve their dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

West Indies captain Chris Gayle and 12 other players picked for the first test with Bangladesh refused to play due to a dispute over payment and contractual issues.

West Indies lost both tests with the second defeat coming on Monday.

On Tuesday, the WICB and the players union (WIPA) met with the head of the regional economic co-operation body CARICOM, Guyana president Bharrat Jagdeo, and agreed to resolve the dispute through mediation.

As part of the agreement, the striking players would make themselves available for selection for the rest of the series.

In a statement issued by Jagdeo's office, the two parties agreed to have former Commonwealth secretary general Sir Shridath Ramphal handle the talks.

"It was agreed that in the light of the Mediation Agreement which the Parties expect to lead to the resolution of outstanding issues all the players will make themselves available for selection," read the statement.

West Indies begin a series of three one day matches against Bangladesh on Sunday.

Akhtar out, Asif in for Champions Trophy squad

Shoaib Akhtar was excluded Wednesday from an extended 30-player squad for the Champions Trophy in September, while fellow fast bowler Mohammad Asif was included with his doping ban ending the day the tournament starts.

Akhtar had made two unimpressive comebacks to international cricket _ against Sri Lanka and Australia this year _ since being sidelined due to fitness and discipline problems in 2007.

The Indian Premier League banned Asif for a year for testing positive for the steroid nandrolone. His ban ends on Sept. 22. He has also been fined 1 million ($12,250) for possessing a small amount of opium in the United Arab Emirates last year.

The squad will be cut down to 15 by Aug. 22.

Pakistan is placed in Group A along with Australia, India and West Indies in the Champions Trophy. Group B comprises New Zealand, South Africa, England and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group qualify for the semifinals.

===

Team:

Younis Khan (captain), Salman Butt, Nasir Jamshed, Khalid Latif, Azhar Ali, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbahul Haq, Umar Amin, Umar Akmal, Sheharyar Ghani, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Rana Naved, Yasir Arafat, Fawad Alam, Kamran Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir, Abdul Rauf, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Talha, Sohail Tanvir, Rao Iftikhar, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Hafeez.

England can win Ashes without Flintoff, KP: Flower

England cricket team coach Andy Flower believes the hosts can win the Ashes without Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff.

Speaking after England's historic win over Australia at Lord's, Flower also revealed that an injured Pietersen had not yet ruled himself out of the series.

"No, that's not the case at all, definitely not. It's a medical decision that's got to be made. Kev is seeing a specialist later this week and they'll assess his achilles problem. We just get the expert advice and take it from there," The Guardian quoted Flower, as saying.

"Fred obviously had a tough physical game but chatting to him [yesterday afternoon] he was very bullish about being ready for the third Test. Obviously with his injury record we've got to be a little bit careful about the wear and tear on his body but he can have a proper rest over the next week and he will also be reassessed," Flower added.

Asked whether England could beat Australia for only the second time since 1986-87 if Pietersen and Flintoff were unavailable, Flower said: "Definitely. When asked before the series whether we believed we could win the series, I said yes. Whether we will or not we don't know. We're going to have to play very good cricket."

Flower, who will help pick the third Test squad, to be announced on Sunday, did his best to play down the seriousness of Flintoff's potential absence.

"If he's out of the side, of course that's a blow. But we've got a few fast bowlers waiting in the wings who can be successful in international cricket. Obviously we want Flintoff in our side but we will see if his body's up to it. If not, there are other guys who can do a good job. He knows what a significant contribution his was. With him leading the attack in the last innings, that gave us belief we'd bowl them out," Flower said.

Pakistan reaches 168-4 on day 3 against Sri Lanka

Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik put on an unbeaten 101-run stand Wednesday to put Pakistan in a commanding position in the third test against Sri Lanka.

The pair came together at 67-4 to take Pakistan to 168 at tea on the third day for a lead of 234 at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Misbah was unbeaten on 56, his third test half-century, after hitting five fours and a six in 121 balls. Malik was 46, including two fours and a six.

Pakistan resumed the day on 16-1 after having a first-innings lead of 66, but lost three top-order wickets in the morning session.

The tourists, which lost the opening two games of the three-test series due to batting collapses, lost their first wicket for the day when opener Fawad Alam on 16 scooped a return catch to bowler Thilan Thushara with six runs added to the overnight score.

Pakistan captain Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf shared a 32-run partnership before Khan was out lbw for 16 to a dubious decision by English umpire Ian Gould.

Television replays showed that Khan got an inside edge to an inswinger from Nuwan Kulasekera before the ball hit high on a pad.

Yousuf was next out for 23, pushing forward to an away-turning delivery by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and edging the ball to reserve wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara.

Regular wicketkeeper Tillakaratne Dilshan did not take the field for Pakistan's second innings because of a fractured finger and a cut on the eyebrow after being hit by a ball while batting on Tuesday.

Herath was the best of Sri Lanka's bowlers in the second innings with figures of 2-73.

Batting first after losing the toss, Pakistan made 299 in the first innings before dismissing Sri Lanka for 233.

Sri Lanka lost its last five wickets for 69 in the post-tea session Tuesday despite Mahela Jayawardene's 79.

Ponting 12th man in all-time Australian XI

Melbourne: Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Glenn McGrath made it to Cricinfo''s all-time Australian XI but Ricky Ponting was deemed good enough only for the 12th man''s slot.

Don Bradman, Shane Warne and Dennis Lillee were the unanimous choice of the 10 judges, while former captain Greg Chappell and all-rounder Keith Miller received nine votes.

Legendary Victor Trumper and retired stumper Gilchrist got eight votes each from the jury comprising cricket historians and print and radio journalists. Matthew Hayden''s amazing record did threw him in contention but the jury eventually decided to open with the legendary Trumper and Bradman''s teammate Arthur Morris.

At number three, Don Bradman was an "axiomatic" choice, while "cricketing aristocrat" Greg Chappell and the Allan Border slammed the middle order door on Ponting.

Being Australia "finest and most flamboyant all-rounder", Keith Miller selected himself as does Gilchrist, while jury opted for two leggies in the side with Bill ''Tiger'' O''Reilly joining Warne in the ranks.

Lillee's inclusion was unanimous, while McGrath''s was also an "automatic selection", the jury said.

Australian XI : Victor Trumper, Arthur Morris, Don Bradman, Greg Chappell, Allan Border, Keith Miller, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Bill O''Reilly, Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath. 12th man: Ricky Ponting.

Bangladesh players get cash bonus for series win

Bangladesh Cricket Board said on Tuesday it had awarded a cash bonus of $214,000 to the national team which defeated West Indies earlier this week to clinch its first overseas test series win.

"With this win the Bangladesh Cricket Team has fulfilled the dreams and aspirations of millions," BCB president Sina Ibn Jamali said in statement.

"Our continuing effort to develop cricket in Bangladesh will gather more momentum through this victory."

Bangladesh beat West Indies by four wickets at St. Georges in Grenada on Monday to take their two-test series 2-0.

West Indies, who lost the first test by 95 runs, fielded a makeshift side in the series after their first choice players boycotted in a dispute over contracts and payments.

The series winning Bangladesh cricket team would receive the cash payment in addition to their usual winning bonus of two million taka ($28,500), the BCB said.

Bangladesh will also play three one-day internationals and a Twenty20 international in the West Indies.

Atherton says Flintoff bowled with unprecedented hostility

Former England captain Michael Atherton has praised Andrew Flintoff for his superb bowling spell of five for 92 on the fifth and final day of the Lord's Test, but warned that England still have a long way to go in the Ashes series.

"Obviously, the big story of the day is Andrew Flintoff's first-ever five-wicket haul at Lord's. He bowled superbly. I don't think I've ever seen an English bowler with as much fire and hostility as he had this morning," The Times quoted Atherton, as saying.

He also said that Flintoff seems to have made up his mid to quit Test cricket despite his performance.

When asked about his conversation with Australian captain Ricky Ponting, Atherton said that he was very gracious in defeat.

"I did give him the opportunity to have a bit of a whinge, about the umpiring or whatever, but he refused. Instead, he was honest and admitted his side were outplayed. The crowd in turn were equally gracious and acknowledged his honesty with a round of applause," he said.

He said that Australia have serious problems with their bowling.

"I think their attack simply isn't as good as England's. When you've got two relatively evenly matched sides, it's the one with the best attack that will win the matches," Atherton said.

England on the other hand would go into the third Test with a huge boost of confidence.

"But they'll remember that there's a long way to go. They'll also remember that Australia went one-nil up in the series in 2005 - taking an early lead doesn't necessarily mean you'll win the Ashes," he said.

Kaneria puts Sri Lanka in a spin

Pakistan leg spinner Danish Kaneria took five for 62 to help bowl Sri Lanka out for 233 on an action-packed second day of the third test on Tuesday.

Kaneria, playing his first game of the series, bowled superbly to give Pakistan a 66-run first-innings lead.

The tourists lost opener Khurram Manzoor in the final over before stumps, bowled by left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, and finished on 16 for one, a lead of 82 runs. Fawad Alam was on 14 and Younus Khan on nought.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene top-scored for the hosts with a skilful 79 from 153 deliveries including 10 boundaries.

Tillakaratne Dilshan also scored a gutsy 44 batting with a fractured right index finger and Kumar Sangakkara made a fluent 45.

Sri Lanka, 2-0 up in the series, needed just 3.4 overs in the morning to end the Pakistan innings after the visitors had resumed on 289 for seven.

Left-arm paceman Thilan Thushara grabbed two of the last three wickets to fall, claiming career-best figures of five for 83.

Thushara wrapped up the innings as Pakistan's batting collapsed for the fourth time in the series, the last six wickets tumbling for 14 runs after the second new ball was taken.

GUL STRIKES

The Pakistan bowlers led the fightback after Umar Gul bowled Malinda Warnapura with the first ball of the innings and Khan bowled opener Tharanga Paranavitana for five to reduce Sri Lanka to 23 for two.

Sri Lanka would have been in deeper trouble had Manzoor not dropped Sangakkara on 16, spilling an easy catch at gully after the skipper played Mohammad Aamer away from his body.

Sangakkara stroked seven boundaries before he was adjudged lbw to spinner Saeed Ajmal to the last ball before lunch, although TV replays showed the ball pitched outside leg stump.

Ajmal struck another big blow after the interval with a sharp off break to bowl Thilan Samaraweera for six.

Jayawardene rallied the innings with Angelo Mathews, playing skilfully against quality spin bowling from Ajmal and Kaneria.

Kaneria made the breakthrough just before tea when he induced Mathews to edge a catch to slip.

Kaneria also dismissed Jayawardene with a cleverly disguised quicker ball and he trapped Chaminda Vaas lbw.

Dilshan launched a late assault, hitting two sixes and two fours in his 44 before being last man out.

ICC's Twenty20 love affair killing tests - Ian Chappell

Test cricket faces an uncertain future and the sport's ruling body has done a good job of devaluing the traditional form of the game, former Australia skipper Ian Chappell has said.

Concerns have been raised over the classical five-day game as it struggles to counter the rapid rise in popularity of the Twenty20 format, especially with the launch of the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) last year.

Chappell, now a television commentator, blamed the packed international calendar for the situation, dubbing it a "jigsaw puzzle with many missing pieces".

"Ever since T20 burst onto the international scene, there have been rumblings about the death of test cricket," he wrote in a column in the Hindustan Times on Monday.

"The main barriers to improving the image of test cricket have been erected by the ICC (International Cricket Council) itself," he said."It has done the most to devalue test cricket."

He attacked the scheduling of back-to-back tests, due to a busy calendar. "Those competing in all forms not only face an increased risk of injury but also have to prioritise their exertion levels.

"The latter could be a clue to the lack of genuine fast bowlers in the game."

Last year, the ICC raised concerns over poor crowd figures during Australia's test tour of India, while president David Morgan has said the body was considering four-day tests as part of innovations to keep the form of the game exciting to fans.

"Diminishing crowds at tests in all countries barring England and Australia is a worry," Chappell said.

"Adding to those concerns, West Indies are in disarray and Pakistan is a no-go area."

Pakistan reaches 289-7 at close against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka hit back to take three wickets for two runs Monday as Pakistan reached 289-7 at stumps on the first day of the third and final cricket test.

Khurram Manzoor and Mohammad Yousuf built a 167-run partnership for the third wicket to push Pakistan on from 36-2 after Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat on a seaming Sinhalese Sports Club pitch.

Left-arm seamer Thilan Thushara dealt two quick blows in the morning session when opener Fawad Alam was caught behind by Tillakaratne Dilshan for 16 runs with the total on 34. Two runs later Pakistan captain Younis Khan dragged a ball on to his stumps for two.

Manzoor and Yousuf dominated the Sri Lanka attack for most of the first session and the entire middle session before Manzoor was out for 93, caught at slip by Mahela Jayawardene off seam bowler Chaminda Vaas.

He faced 197 balls and hit 10 fours before falling short of his maiden test hundred.

Yousuf did not last long without Manzoor and was run out for 90 though not before scoring his 7,000th test run in his 82nd test.

His bad call for a second run off an overthrow deprived him of his 25th test hundred. His runs came off 146 balls and included seven fours and a six.

Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik held the innings together with a 75-run partnership before Thushara returned to trap Malik lbw for 45 with the total on 285.

His dismissal triggered a collapse as Misbah (27) and Umar Gul were out in quick succession to leave the visitors on 287-7.

Thushara returned figures of 3-77 while seamer Nuwan Kulasekera recorded 2-43.

"We have performed very well at the end of the day. Tomorrow we will have to get the ... (remaining) wickets as quickly as possible. The ball is still new and the batsmen are not all that good," Thushara said.

Sri Lanka, already leading the three-match series 2-0, is aiming to complete a clean sweep while Pakistan battles to salvage pride.

The match is a farewell test for Vaas, who was included in the Sri Lanka XI in place of out-of-form spinner Ajantha Mendis.

Pakistan legspinner Danish Kaneria, meanwhile, plays in his first match of the series in place of seamer Abdur Rauf.

Bangladesh need 215 runs to win

Shakib Al Hasan grabbed five wickets to dismiss West Indies for 209 in their second innings on Day 4 of the 2nd Test in St. George's.

Flintoff bowls England to victory at Lord's

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff celebrated his final test at Lord's on Monday with five for 92 to give the home side their first victory over Australia at the home of cricket for 75 years.

Australia, who had resumed at 313 for five in their second innings chasing 522 for victory, were bowled out for 406 in the morning session. England won by 115 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

"To win an Ashes test match at Lord's is something that many guys have dreamt of doing over the last 50, 60 years or so and to be the 11 guys who have actually pulled it off, it feels very, very special at the moment," England captain Andrew Strauss said.

Flintoff, who will retire from test cricket after the fifth test at the Oval next month, said: "It's nice to get five on the last morning and take the plaudits but it's been a real team effort."

England's only test victory of the 20th century against Australia at Lord's came in 1934 when Yorkshire left-arm spinner Hedley Verity took 15 wickets on a rain-affected pitch, dismissing Don Bradman twice.

"We were outplayed right through the course of the game," Australia captain Ricky Ponting told Sky TV. "I think from the first ball on the first day, right up until the end today, I think England have been the better team."

Flintoff bowled magnificently for the second day in a row, rapping Brad Haddin on the pads with his third ball which beat the Australian wicketkeeper for pace.

The next drew Haddin forward, caught the outside edge and flew low to Paul Collingwood at second slip. He had not added to his overnight score of 80.

Mitchell Johnson got off the mark with a handsome drive for four off Anderson. He was then struck on the pads by a low full toss from Flintoff which would have hit the stumps but umpire Rudi Koertzen had already signalled a no-ball.

Michael Clarke, 125 not out overnight, unfurled a glorious off-drive to the boundary off Stuart Broad, who had replaced James Anderson at the Nursery end.

Johnson off-drove Broad for four to bring up the 350 but then lost Clarke, who was bowled for 136 by Graeme Swann's second delivery of the morning. The batsman was deceived in the flight by a ball which knocked back his off-stump.

CROWD SUPPORT

Flintoff, still steaming in from the Pavilion end after more than an hour of high-pace bowling, bowled Nathan Hauritz for one and Peter Siddle for seven.

Johnson, dropped on 36 hitting a difficult return chance to Swann, continued to play his shots while wickets fell at the other end. He was the last man out, bowled by Swann for 63 with nine boundaries.

Flintoff, who twisted his right knee during the first drawn test in Cardiff, said he would have been unwilling to surrender the ball on Monday.

"It's one of those situations where you are a little bit tired or you might be aching a little bit but when the crowd get behind you you just can't stop," he told Sky TV.

"I just want to give a special mention to Andrew Flintoff, who was magnificent this morning," Strauss said.

"We are not going to get carried away, there's a lot more cricket to be played in this series but to go 1-0 up and, I think, deserve a victory, makes it even better."

Ponting said his team needed to pick themselves up again for the third test at Edgbaston, starting on July 30.

"One-nil down now with three test matches to go we've got to regroup and hit the ground running at Edgbaston," he said.

"At the end of the day we were beaten by over 100 runs in a test and we can't change anything that's happened in the course of the game, only our own performances and that's what we've got to do with some hard work over the next week."

When the crowd applauded his comments, Ponting added, laughing: "That's the first round of applause I've got for five days."

Gambhir heads Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings

Gautam Gambhir has become the first India batsman in over four years to head the batting rankings after a double failure by Mohammad Yousuf dropped him out of the top three of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen.

Yousuf, who had returned to the batting table last week in number-one position after his century in the first Test at Galle, scored only 10 and six in the second Test and, as such, he has dropped four places to fifth position in the latest rankings which were released after the conclusion of the St Vincent and Colombo Tests.

Pakistan captain Younus Khan was able retain his second position in the rankings but by conceding 12 points following scores of 0 and 82, he has fallen nine points behind Gambhir who has gone ahead of both the Pakistan batsmen without hitting a ball for the first time in his 25-Test career in which he has scored 2,271 runs at an average of over 54.

Gambhir's 847 points is relatively low for a number-one position in modern times as usually a batsman nearer to the 900-point mark goes to the top, which reflects that he has benefited from some of the other top batsman being off their peaks.

The 27-year-old left-handed opener is the first India batsman after former captain Rahul Dravid to top the batting chart. Dravid had briefly become the number-one batsman after hitting centuries in each innings (110 and 135) of the Kolkata Test against Pakistan in March 2005. Dravid had first achieved the top batting ranking in January 1999 and has been number-one for 36 Tests between 1999 and 2005.

Sachin Tendulkar is the other India batsman in the last 15 years who has topped the batting chart. He first led the table in November 1994 while last time he occupied the number-one position was in August 2002 after the Leeds Test against England. Overall, Tendulkar has been the number-one batsman for 125 Tests between 1994 and 2002.

The other India batsmen to have achieved number-one positions in their careers are: Gundappa Viswanath (seven matches in 1975), Sunil Gavaskar (46 matches between 1978-80) and Dilip Vengsarkar (17 matches between 1987-88).

Both the Test and ODI batting rankings are now headed by India batsman with Mahendra Singh Dhoni in number-one position of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen with Yuvraj Singh in second place.

However, with only 10 points separating Gambhir from third-placed Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, the top order is expected to change again, of course depending how the Pakistan and Sri Lanka captains perform in the third and final Test which starts in Colombo from 20 July.

The only other change in the top 20 is Thilan Samaraweera who has slipped one place to 21st position which has allowed Australia's Mike Hussey to return to the top 20.

Outside the top 20, Tillekeratne Dilshan has dropped one place to 28th, Kamran Akmal has fallen two places to 33rd and Misbah-ul-Haq has slipped eight places to 40th.

The only big movers in the latest rankings are Pakistan opener Fawad Alam, who has entered the table in 52nd position after his 168 on his Test debut, and Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal whose century in the second innings has helped him rocket 22 places to 62nd spot.

There is also a change at the top of the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test bowlers for the first time in more than three years with Muttiah Muralidaran handing over the baton to South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn.

Steyn had briefly joined Muralidaran in number-one position after the second Test against India in Ahmedabad in April 2008. However, Steyn had failed to go top of the table on his own after a disappointing third Test in Kanpur.

For Muralidaran, it is the first time that he has dropped to second position since February 2006. This is due to the due in part to him missing both the Tests of the ongoing series due to injury and a player loses one per cent of his ratings for every match he misses.

Others to make an upward movement are Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul, who has gone up two places to 15th position, Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan (up by four places to 33rd), Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath (up by four places to 46th), West Indies fast bowler Darren Sammy (up by 12 places to 53rd), Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal (up by 22 places to 54th) and Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara, who has rocketed 28 spots to 56th place.

Those who have failed to maintain their rankings include Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis, who has slipped one place to 29th spot, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza, who has dropped two places to 40th position, and Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Aamer, who has fallen 10 places to 72nd position.

Jacques Kallis continues to lead the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test all-rounders with Mitchell Johnson of Australia in second, New Zealand's Daniel Vettori third.

Younis asks for more time to 'rebuild' team

Upset over his team's defeat in the second Test match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan captain Younis Khan has said he needs more time to 'rebuild' the team which has played "very little cricket over the last 18 months".

Talking to media persons here, Khan said the players needed more time to adapt and blamed the lack of international exposure for the team's lackluster performance in both Test matches

"Give this team some time, don't point fingers too early. It will be very easy for me too to blame particular players, even myself. But the reality is we haven't been playing any Test cricket. It's very easy for me to give up, to say I can't captain this team. But somebody will have to stand up and fix the situation," The News quoted Khan, as saying.

"There is only 20 percent that we are lacking. If we play to our potential, everybody knows about us, we will start winning. It is all about concentration and how to adapt to conditions," he added.

The Pakistan batting order collapsed like a house of cards in the second innings of the second Test match here on Tuesday resulting in a seven wicket loss.

Pakistan was 285 for one on day three, but crumpled to 320 all out thanks to some irresponsible shots by middle order batsmen and disciplined bowling by Lankan bowlers.

The defeat helped Sri Lanka gain an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three match series.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt has denied reports about any grouping in the team.

"There cannot be any chance of grouping in the team as I believe the captain has very good relations with senior players like Misbah-ul-Haq," Butt said.

He said the board has no intention to remove the captain, even though the team had to face humiliating defeat in both the matches.

"First of all it is not a joke to change captains again and again and furthermore Younis is doing quite well. I think as our players are playing Test cricket after a long layoff, they will take some time to come back to this form of cricket," Butt added.

Windies give makeshift test side a second chance

The makeshift West Indies team brought in to replace striking players has been given a chance to make amends for a humiliating defeat by Bangladesh in the first test.

With no signs of an agreement between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the players' union (WIPA) to end the strike, 36-year-old Floyd Reifer will again captain West Indies in the second test starting on Friday.

It would be stretch to label the team Reifer will lead as even a 'second string'.

Regular captain Chris Gayle and leading batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan are among the players who have gone on strike in a dispute over contracts and payments that shows no signs of ending quickly.

The only addition to the team which allowed Bangladesh, ranked bottom among test playing nations, their first overseas test win earlier this week is all-rounder Ryan Hinds who featured in the home series against England in March.

The West Indies batting line-up in the first test looked short of at least one more specialist batsman but none have been drafted in for the game.

Hinds, a slow left-armer, can bat in the middle order and he is likely to come in for fellow spinner Nikita Miller.

West Indies squad for second test v Bangladesh in St. George's, Grenada:

Floyd Reifer (captain), Darren Sammy, Ryan Austin, David Bernard, Tino Best, Travis Dowlin, Ryan Hinds, Kevin McClean, Nikita Miller, Nelon Pascal, Omar Phillips, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Chadwick Walton (wicketkeeper).

England captain Strauss leads from the front

England captain Andrew Strauss battled throughout the opening day of the second Ashes test against Australia on Thursday while his team mates seemed intent on squandering their wickets.

At the close Strauss had reached 161 not out, his 18th test century and third against Australia, and also passed 5,000 runs in test cricket.

But England failed to take advantage of an opening stand of 196 between Strauss and Alastair Cook (95) and their score of 364 for six was no more than adequate on a bland Lord's pitch.

Strauss and Cook sped to 126 for no wicket at lunch against some wayward bowling, particularly from the Australian spearhead Mitchell Johnson who conceded 53 from eight wayward overs.

Australia regrouped, despite the loss of off-spinner Nathan Hauritz with a dislocated finger in his bowling hand, while the England middle-order gave their wickets away.

Strauss, batting at the headquarters of his county team Middlesex, took full toll of some disjointed Australian bowling in the opening session as England raced to 126 for no wicket at lunch.

He lost Cook lbw to a rare straight ball from Johnson after a splendid partnership which left Australia in seeming disarray after having much the better of the drawn first test in Cardiff.

DISLOCATED FINGER

Strauss was dropped on 52 when he launched a ferocious drive at Hauritz, who got his right hand to the ball and dislocated the middle finger. He left the field immediately for lengthy treatment.

Ravi Bopara drove the ball sweetly through the covers with an extravagant flourish but failed to take advantage of the situation and the conditions.

He had scored 18 from 19 balls when he played around a Hilfenhaus delivery for the second time in as many innings and was adjudged lbw.

Kevin Pietersen played a bizarre cameo for 32 which seemed entirely at odds with his side's requirements.

He scampered his customary risky singles at the start of his innings, stole the strike from Strauss who was moving serenely to his hundred and came dangerously close to handling a ball that looked like it was running on to his stumps.

An attempted hook off the next ball fell safely on the leg-side.

He appeared to settle down after tea, driving two majestic fours before Peter Siddle ran a delivery away from the bat and Pietersen nibbled a catch to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

Paul Collingwood (16) chipped a simple catch to deep mid-on off Michael Clarke and Matt Prior (8) was bowled by a Johnson delivery through the gap between bat and pad.

Andrew Flintoff entered to loud applause for his last test at Lord's but departed after only 16 minutes for four.

England predictably chose four pace bowlers, omitting spinner Monty Panesar. Graham Onions won the final place ahead of Durham county team mate Steve Harmison.

Australia kept faith with their first test XI.

Bangladesh players Shakib and Shahadat fined for excessive appealing

Bangladesh spinner Shakib Al Hasan and fast bowler Shahadat Hossain have been fined 10 per cent and five per cent of their match fee while opener Imrul Kayes received a reprimand for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Team Officials during the first Test against West Indies at St Vincent.

The three players were found guilty of excessive appealing by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees in a hearing after the conclusion of the Test in Kingstown on Monday.

They were found to have breached Level 1.5 of the code for excessive and prolonged appealing on a number of occasions during the last day of the Test.

"The effect of prolonging the appeal is just the same as appealing more than once which means pressurising the umpires," said Pycroft.

"I can understand the enthusiasm and excitement on the field as the Bangladesh players were sensing a long-awaited victory and their first in the West Indies but excessive and prolonged appealing on more than one occasion is against the spirit of the game and has no place in the game.

"Imrul is relatively new to international cricket as he is playing only his third Test match and I am willing to accept that he didn't fully appreciate the importance of adhering to the ICC Code of Conduct. But I am sure he has now learnt his lesson and will avoid repeating the same mistake again," said Mr Pycroft.

The charges were brought by on-field umpires Asoka de Silva and Tony Hill, third umpire Clyde Duncan and fourth official Goaland Greaves. Mr Pycroft reached his decision after a hearing attended by the players, the umpires and Bangladesh team manager Shafiq-ul Haque.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee. For Level 1 breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct the ICC Match Referee's decision is final and binding.

Siddle will be more lethal at Lord's, says Ponting

Australian captain Ricky Ponting insists pace bowler Peter Siddle will be even more threatening at Lord's in the second cricket Test against England starting Thursday.

A fired-up Siddle bowled his heart out in drawn first Test in Cardiff and struck scared tailender Graeme Swann on the body three times in four balls in a pace onslaught.

Ponting backed Siddle's aggressive intent and has tipped the young tyro to trouble English batsmen on a bouncy Lord's pitch.

'I love everything about Peter Siddle ... charging in and continuing to charge in until you tell him to stop,' Ponting was quoted as saying in The Australian Monday.

'There's nothing less than 100 per cent effort from him every time he's got the ball in his hand, and that's what I love about him.'

'With his style of bowling, there wasn't obviously much in the (Cardiff) track from him. He will bowl a lot better at Lord's,' Ponting said.

Siddle took only three wickets in the first Test but he deserved many more as he made all the England batsmen hop and jump around the crease.

Ponting, however, concedes struggling spearhead Mitchell Johnson needs to lift.

Johnson's form is becoming a worry as Australia's pace spearhead could not make a mark on the final day in Cardiff.

'I've seen him bowl better than he did in Cardiff,' Ponting said.

'He was trying to swing the ball and he probably bowled a lot more slower balls than he normally does.'

Veteran quick Stuart Clark is almost certain to be left on the sidelines again at Lord's, with Australia likely to keep faith with its line-up.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz has done enough to keep his place with six wickets at Cardiff while Ben Hilfenhaus was the best of the quicks for most of the Test.

Brett Lee has been ruled out of the second Test due to a rib muscle injury.

Kambli denies remarks against Sachin, BCCI

Vinod Kambli Tuesday denied making any remarks against Sachin Tendulkar after a media report claimed the former cricketer had, in a reality show, accused his childhood friend of letting him down when he was going through a rough patch in his career.

Kambli also said he did not say anything against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

'I have not said anything against Sachin or BCCI. When you watch the show you will see what I have said,' Kambli told reporters here.

'Sachin is a very close friend and he knows that Vinod can never say such things. My family is shattered and so is his. I can understand what Sachin must have gone through if he has come to know of it. I can never say anything like this against him,' Kambli said.

Asked whether he has spoken to Tendulkar to clear all doubts, Kambli said: 'I have not got a chance to speak to Tendulkar. He is in London.'

'I have played cricket for 18 years and I have represented my country. Why would I say anything against BCCI. I have not said anything against the board,' he clarified. 'I do not need any publicity that I will do all this.'

A media report said that on a TV show that goes on air this week Kambli said that 'Tendulkar did not lend a helping hand during my downward spiral.' It also quoted the left-hander as reportedly saying: 'I always felt discriminated against by the cricket board because of my caste and colour.'

Bangladesh seal rare Test win

Bangladesh claimed just their second ever test victory with a 95-run win over a makeshift West Indies at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St. Vincent, on July 13, 2009. Mamudullah took five wickets as Bangladesh defeated West Indies by 95 runs.

Flintoff doubtful for second test, Harmison in squad

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is doubtful for the second Ashes test against Australia at Lord's starting on Thursday after suffering pain in his right knee during the drawn first Test in Cardiff.

Flintoff was included in a 14-man squad named on Monday -- with pace bowler Steve Harmison the only addition -- but the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement the all-rounder's place would depend on the results of a scan.

"We have a like-for-like selection with Steve Harmison coming into the squad from a bowling point of view," England selector Geoff Miller told Sky Sports News.

"But we will need to consider all our options carefully when we come to determine the make-up of our bowling attack at Lord's and the final decision will depend on our assessment of the pitch and the likely overhead conditions," Miller added in the ECB statement.

Harmison won his recall following a series of good performances for Durham.

Flintoff scored 37 in the first innings in Cardiff and made a big contribution to England saving the match with 26 in the second. He took one wicket at a cost of 128 runs.

He had surgery on the knee earlier this year after injuring it playing in the Indian Premier League.

Seamer Graham Onions and batsman Ian Bell, who were named in the squad for Cardiff but did not play, retain their places.

Sri Lanka race to series win against Pakistan

Sri Lanka romped to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan to win the series after the visitors suffered a dramatic batting collapse on the third day of the second test on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka raced to their 171-run victory target in 31.5 overs during the afternoon with opener Malinda Warnapura scoring a brisk 54, Kumar Sangakkara an aggressive 46 and Mahela Jayawardene finishing off the game with an undefeated 37.

Having won the first test in Galle by 50 runs, Sri Lanka now have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-test series and can celebrate their first series win against Pakistan on home soil.

The run chase had been set up by bowlers Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekara, the pair ripping through the Pakistan order after lunch as nine wickets fell for just 35 runs.

Spinner Herath claimed career-best figures of 5-99 and seamer Kulasekara finished with 4-37 as Pakistan were dismissed for 320.

A few hours earlier, Pakistan had seized control of the match when makeshift opener Fawad Alam (168) and skipper Younus Khan (82) compiled a 200-run partnership to put the tourists in a strong position on 285-1 shortly before lunch.

Pakistan's good position at that stage was remarkable considering their woeful batting on day one when they were bowled out for just 90, a record low against Sri Lanka.

However, a rash reverse sweep from Younus gave Sri Lanka's dispirited fielders a much-needed lift just before the break and ended a record second-wicket stand at the P. Sara Oval.

UNUSUAL PLOY

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara took the new ball straight after lunch and handed it to his slow bowlers, an unusual ploy that worked beautifully.

Mohammad Yousuf (6) was the first to go as he lost his balance and was trapped lbw on his back leg -- the third time in four innings he has been dismissed by Herath this series.

With Yousuf gone, Sangakkara changed tactics and introduced Kulasekara, his premier fast bowler, who went on to compile match figures of 8-58 from his 28.4 overs.

Kulasekara swung the ball sharply into the right-handers and picked up four lbw decisions, the first of which was the dangerous Misbah-ul-Haq for three.

Sri Lanka were soon back in command when Alam was caught at short leg, ending a 384-minute debut vigil that spanned 259 balls and included 15 boundaries and one six.

The 23-year-old is the first batsmen from his country to score a century on his debut in an overseas test and also owns the highest score by a Pakistan batsman in Sri Lanka, overtaking the 155 made by Salim Malik in 1997.

The innings then descended into freefall with Shoaib Malik (6) bowled by an arm ball, Kamran Akmal (3) trapped lbw by a Kulasekara inswinger and the rest of the tail folding with barely a fight.

Sri Lanka's openers seized early momentum with Tharanga Paranavitana (17) and Warnapura adding 60 in just 10 overs.

Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal eventually bowled Paranavitana and Warnapura was caught behind off seamer Abdur Rauf, but Sangakkara and Jayawardene ensured Sri Lanka a clinical victory.

Tendulkar most reliable batsman: Former Kiwi cricketers

CHRISTCHURCH: When it comes to batting for life, Sachin Tendulkar is the choice for most of the Kiwi cricketers, who rate the Indian batting maestro as the most accomplished player of his generation.

New Zealand's 'Herald on Sunday' newspaper asked a few former cricketers who was the best batsman in the world and whom they would like to bat for their life? Replying to the questions, former Kiwi Test players John Morrison and Dipak Patel picked the Indian batting ace and were all admiration for his exploits all around the world in different conditions and various match situations.

"I'd go with Tendulkar. He is still the most capable batsman in the world. He has the full array of shots too, though he might not play them as freely as he once did," Morrison said. "I like Tendulkar because there are guys out there brilliant on certain types of surfaces but he is adept at playing on anything."

"Slow, bouncy, turning, whatever - he covers the field on all of them. "I'd still back him ahead of everybody, even at the age of 36," Morrison, who played 17 Tests between 1974 and 1982, said.

Dipak Patel echoed the same sentiment. "I like Gautam Gambhir and Graeme Smith at the moment but in the end, if they were batting for my life, I couldn't go past Tendulkar. He's got the experience, the sheer weight of runs and best all-round game."

"He can bat for survival and can bat to force wins. He's got a big-match temperament and he has scored runs all around the world," Patel, who played 37 Tests between 1987 and 1997, said.

"Gambhir is the new kid on the block but I would put Smith in just behind Tendulkar. He has a wonderful track record of getting through the new ball. Every game he is out there facing the music and is just a terrific competitor," he added.

Tendulkar's team-mate and another Indian great, Rahul Dravid also has his own admirers for his sound technique, one among them is former Test player Gavin Larsen.

"There'd be a few on my shortlist. Shiv Chanderpaul would make it, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey. Graeme Smith would be there, as would Mohammad Yousuf and Sachin Tendulkar but the name I keep coming back to is Rahul Dravid," Larsen said.

"He (Dravid) is technically correct, perhaps the best technician in the game, he has scored runs in all conditions, he's dogged and he's incredibly mentally strong. He can bat for long periods of time without scoring and it never seems to get him down."

Dravid was also the second choice for Craig McMillan whose first pick is Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara.

"I'd struggle to go past guys like Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara. In the end, I'd take Sangakkara. With Dravid, you know what you're going to get but Sangakkara is probably the most adaptable batsman playing cricket at the moment."

Pakistan 178-1 v Sri Lanka, close, day two 2nd test

Fawad Alam scored an unbeaten 102 to guide Pakistan to 178 for one in their second innings at the close of the second day of the second test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Monday.

Scores: Pakistan 178-1 (Alam 102 not out) and 90 (Kulasekara 4-21) v Sri Lanka 240 (K. Sangakkara 87, Gul 4-43, Ajmal 4-87)

Bangladesh calls up cover for injured skipper Mortaza

Bangladesh have called up paceman Nazmul Hossain to the squad touring the West Indies as cover for injured skipper Mashrafe Mortaza, a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official said on Monday.

Mortaza fell awkwardly while bowling on the third day of the first test at St Vincent on Saturday, limped off the field without completing the over and did not return.

Captaining Bangladesh for the first time since replacing Mohammad Ashraful last month, Mortaza faces a race against time to be fit for the second test of the two-match series.

"He has damaged his left knee ligament and is unlikely to take any further part in the match, but the team physio is working hard to get him fit before the second test," BCB media manager Rabeed Imam told reporters.

"Nazmul will join the squad as cover, leaving on the first available flight."

Bangladesh are in sight of a rare test win against a West Indies side weakened by a mass boycott, the tourists leading by 252 runs with five wickets intact in their second innings heading into Monday's final day.

The second test will be held in Grenada from July 17 to 21, followed by three one-dayers and a Twenty20 international.

England defy odds in dramatic draw

England last pair Jimmy Anderson and Monty Panesar proved their country's unlikely batting heroes when the hosts defied the rules of probability by drawing the first Ashes Test against Australia on Sunday. Australia, who had dominated the match in all departments for the first four days, were moving inexorably to what appeared an inevitable 1-0 lead in the five-match series as the England batsmen found new ways to gift their wickets.

Injured Muralitharan misses second test against Pakistan

Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is still having treatment on a knee injury and will miss the second test against Pakistan starting on Sunday.

The 37-year-old, who has injured his patella tendon, is also a doubt for the third test.

Wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene returned to full training this week, but was also not considered for selection as Sri Lanka, who lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 50-run victory in Galle, named an unchanged squad.

The only selection dilemma is the form of opener Malinda Warnapura, who has scored just 12 runs in his last four innings.

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara called for improvement from his batsmen.

"We had a great final day in Galle but we all know that we were not at our best during the first three days and we have to improve," Sangakkara told Reuters.

"The batsmen in particular have been working really hard this week," he added.

"We need to be more patient, be much tighter with our techniques and work through tough phases against a decent bowling attack."

Pakistan captain Younis Khan put the first test defeat down to the pressure on his young players as the team collapsed from 71 for two to 117 all out in the second innings.

"We have youngsters in the team and I think they will learn from their mistakes," he said.

"If we play to our potential in the next two tests we may square the series or win it."

Former skipper Shoaib Malik, who bats at number six, could find his place under scrutiny. He last scored a century in March 2006.

Young all-rounder Fawad Alam, 23, could be a possible replacement after an impressive 83 not out in a warm-up game before the Galle Test.

Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad, Kaushal Silva, Suranga Lakmal.

Pakistan squad: Younis Khan (captain), Salman Butt, Khurram Manzoor, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamer, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rauf, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal.

Harbhajan hits back at Buchanan's observation

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has hit back at John Buchanan for taking a swipe at some of the Indian cricketing greats, saying he was habituated to being criticised by Australians but surprised at the pot shots on the likes Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar.

In his newly released book titled 'The Future of Cricket: The Rise of Twenty20', Buchanan has taken swipe at some of the big names of Indian cricket including Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, and also business tycoon Vijay Mallya.

"I read through the comments on an online news portal. The great coach indeed had some great comments to make, just like his great coaching methods," Harbhajan wrote in his blog from UK where is holidaying with his family.

"I am not surprised at this. Infact, anything coming out of Australia does not surprise me anymore. It just shows how much they love me and keep thinking about me in their minds and hearts. This is not the first time an Australian has showered his praise on me and I am pretty certain he won't be the last one either."

"What surprises (offends) me are the well crafted and framed comments on proven legends like Mr Gavaskar and Sachin by someone whose coaching credentials were doubted by the acclaimed and most respected Aussie legend leg spinner (Shane Warne). The coaching credentials were tested waters again at an IPL team this year," he added.

The temperamental off-spinner, who has a dubious record of run-ins with Australians, went on to suggest that it might be a tactic on Buchanan's part to publicise the book.

"There used to be a time when action used to speak louder than words but now its vice-versa. Words draw more attention that action. At times, I wonder why all these things appear just before the launch of the book."

"Good luck to them," Harbhajan said.

Phillips falls six short of test debut ton

West Indies opening batsman Omar Phillips fell six runs short of a debut test century as

Bangladesh fought back on the third day of the first test in St Vincent by bowling the hosts out for 307.

West Indies had a first innings lead of 69 which was cut to 43 at the close with Bangladesh on 26 without loss from seven overs.

A tiny crowd of just a few hundred fans watched an ad-hoc West Indies team after the 13 selected players withdrew due to a dispute between the region's cricket board and the players' union over contractual and payment issues.

Although the match has the air of a low-key tour game rather than a full international test, Phillips' innings was a reminder that it is also an opportunity for lesser known players to stake a claim for a future role.

Having lost opener Dale Richards in the final session on Friday, West Indies resumed on 17 for one with night-watchman Ryan Austin at the crease with Phillips.

Bangladesh suffered an early setback when captain and seam bowler Mashrafe Mortaza damaged his knee during a delivery and had to leave the field having suffered a recurrence of a previous injury. He did not return.

WELCOME SUPPORT

With West Indies only selecting four specialist batsmen, spinner Austin provided some much needed support to the left-hander Phillips.

Although the night-watchman only made 17, he stayed at the crease for 85 deliveries and shared in a 79-run second wicket partnership.

Barbadian Phillips, who normally plays in the regional competition for Combined Colleges and Campuses, batted patiently, produced some elegant shots and was occasionally brave enough to hit over the top.

Austin finally went, caught at second slip by Imrul Kayes off Rubel Hossain, to be replaced by Guyanese right-hander Travis Dowlin who made 22 before being trapped leg before by Shakib Al Hasan.

Phillips looked set for the rare achievement of a debut century but he over-reached at a wide delivery from Rubel Hossain and drove into the hands of Raqibul Hasan.

Skipper Floyd Reifer, playing his first test in over 10 years, put on 51 with Dave Bernard but a promising stand was cut short when left-hander Reifer was caught at slip trying to drive the spin of Mohammed Mahmudullah.

Wicketkeeper Chadwick Walton fell to Mahmudullah's next ball, glancing to leg slip, but Bernard batted well for his 53, ably supported by Darren Sammy who was another victim of Mahmudullah's shrewd spin, bowled playing down the wrong line, last man out for 48.

Bangladesh's opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes had little trouble surviving a short session.

Ruthless Australia scent victory

Australia moved with ruthless professionalism on Saturday towards victory in the first Ashes test against England before rain brought a premature end to the fourth day.

Marcus North (125 not out) and Brad Haddin (121) put on exactly 200 for the sixth wicket to join Simon Katich (122) and captain Ricky Ponting (150) among the centurions.

It was the first time in Ashes history that four Australians have scored centuries in one innings and Australia's 674 for six declared compiled over more than 12 hours was their fourth highest total against England.

Ponting's declaration after Haddin was caught on the boundary attempting a fourth six meant England needed 239 to make Australia bat again.

A distant target looked beyond reach when Alastair Cook (6) and Ravi Bopara (1) were both out lbw playing across the line in the half hour before tea. England were 20 for two but as they left the field the rain started to fall and play was finally called off at 5.37 pm (1637 GMT).

Three sessions still remain in the match and the weather is forecast to improve on Sunday giving Australia every prospect of sealing victory in the first Ashes test staged in the Welsh capital.

ASHES DEBUT

Australia resumed on a warm, overcast morning with their first innings score already standing at an intimidating 479 for five.

North, who scored a century on debut against South Africa this year, and wicketkeeper Haddin proceeded to bat England out of the match by adding 98 in the morning session. North reached his second test century in three tests just before the interval.

The pair, both on Ashes debut, accelerated after the interval with Haddin swiping Graeme Swann for a huge six over mid-wicket to bring up the 600.

He reached his 100 from 138 balls before he was finally caught by Bopara off Paul Collingwood. Each of the five frontline England bowlers conceded more than 100 runs,

England then lost Cook playing across a full-length delivery from Mitchell Johnson and Bopara in similar fashion trying to work Ben Hilfenhaus to leg.

"We are sitting in a good position, at the moment there is probably only one winner," North told a news conference.

"Hopefully the weather stays away and we get a full day's play tomorrow, we've got a healthy lead on a wicket that's wearing."

Collingwood said: "It's been a tough day, the last couple of days have been tough. I guess that's what Ashes is all about. You come up with these kinds of days and you've got to respond to them.

"Tomorrow we've got an opportunity as a team to respond to that. We've got tonight to regroup, refresh and have a look to see what the job is in hand and that's to bat out three sessions."

West Indies v Bangladesh-first test scoreboard

Scoreboard at the close of the second

day of the first test between West Indies and Bangladesh at

Arnos Vale, Kingstown, St. Vincent on Friday.

Bangladesh first innings

T. Iqbal c Reifer b Best 14

I. Kayes lbw b Sammy 33

J. Siddique c Dowlin b Bernard 27

R. Hasan c Sammy b Bernard 14

M. Ashraful c Walton b Best 6

S. Al Hasan c Richards b Roach 17

M. Rahim run out 36

M. Mahmudullah c Phillips b Roach 9

M. Mortaza c Walton b Roach 39

S. Hossain c Walton b Austin 33

R. Hossain not out 3

Extras (b-2, lb-2, w-1, nb-2) 7

Total (all out, 88.2 overs) 238

Fall of wickets: 1-45 2-49 3-79 4-98 5-100 6-121 7-149 8-172

9-207 10-238

Bowling: T.Best 17-4-58-2 (1nb, 1w), K.Roach 23-11-46-3

(1nb), D.Sammy 19-7-38-1, D.Bernard 11-2-30-2, R.Austin

13.2-5-35-1, N.Miller 5-1-27-0.

West Indies first innings

D. Richards lbw Shakib Al Hasan 13

O. Phillips not out 0

R. Austin not out 1

Extras (nb-3) 3

Total (one wicket, seven overs) 17

Fall of wickets: 1-15

To bat: T.Dowlin, F.Reifer, D.Bernard, C.Walton, D.Sammy,

T.Best, N.Miller, K.Roach.

Bowling: M.Mortaza 3-0-12-0 (nb-2), S.Hossain 1-0-3-0, S. Al

Hasan 2-1-1-1, R.Hossain 1-0-1-0 (nb-1)

Buchanan book ignites row in India

Former Australia coach John Buchanan has come under fire in India over comments about the country's players, while he maintains that excerpts from his new book that led to the criticism have been taken out of context.

Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and former Australian all rounder Tom Moody were first to speak out after the media printed excerpts from "The Future of Cricket: The Rise of Twenty20" with many pages devoted to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Buchanan ended a two-year spell with IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders after the team finished bottom of the standings in May, before signing up as a coach with the England board last month.

Indian media has focused on his comments on former skipper Saurav Ganguly, who plays for Knight Riders, Sunil Gavaskar, a member of the IPL board, Harbhajan and Yuvraj Singh.

Buchanan says the frenetic pace of Twenty20 is unsuited to senior players such as Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid as well as Australian skipper Ricky Ponting, all into their 30's, in excerpts published in The Indian Express on Friday.

Ganguly had a strained relationship with Australia. In 2001, he left rival skipper Steve Waugh fuming by turning up late for the toss before rallying the hosts for an upset test series win.

ANGRY MOODY

Yuvraj, who has taken over the batting slot vacated after Ganguly's international retirement, captains IPL's Kings XI Punjab.

"Yuvraj Singh in a sense tries to be a modern-day Ganguly, but I don't think he has the charisma or the dignity with which Ganguly carries himself," Buchanan writes.

However, Kings XI coach Moody has reacted angrily after Buchanan quoted him to indicate Yuvraj's poor behaviour.

"I was surprised to hear that I have been quoted in John Buchanan's most recent book," Moody said a statement.

"I've neither read the book nor been intimated by John about its release with my supposed quotes.

"I was rather taken aback to read of my reference to Yuvraj and I certainly cannot recall any such conversation. I'm not in the habit of airing team laundry on such trivial matters."

Buchanan has also said Harbhajan often ignited controversies but stepped away to avoid the repercussions.

Harbhajan sparked a major row on the test tour of Australia in Jan. 2008 when the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee handed a ban after he was found guilty of racial abuse against all rounder Andrew Symonds during the Sydney test.

He was eventually let off with a fine for using abusive language following an appeal.

"The great coach indeed had some great comments to make, just like his great coaching methods," Harbhajan said in his blog bhajji.bigadda.com.

"I'm not surprised at this. In fact, anything coming out of Australia does not surprise me anymore.

"This is not the first time an Australian has showered his praise on me and am pretty certain he won't be the last one either."

Akhtar thought to sue PCB over ailment publicity

Controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar says he considered sueing Pakistan's cricket management for publicly announcing the very personal skin ailment which forced him to miss last month's Twenty20 World Cup.

The Pakistan Cricket Board made a surprisingly frank pre-tournament announcement on the nature of Akhtar's condition when it removed him from the T20 squad.

"I kept quiet because I have a central contract and didn't want to offend the Pakistan Cricket Board, but I could have sued the Pakistan team management," Akhtar said in a television program aired on Express News late Wednesday night.

"I didn't want Pakistan team to suffer because my news is published all over the world."

Akhtar is in category A of the PCB's centrally contracted players, who are barred from openly criticizing the cricket board's decisions.

Without Akhtar, Pakistan went on to win the T20 World Cup.

The injury-prone fast bowler last played a test match against India in 2007 before he was sidelined for 14 months due to fitness and disciplinary problems.

He has made two unimpressive comebacks to international cricket this year, in one-day series against Sri Lanka and Australia, but the enigmatic paceman known as the 'Rawalpindi Express' believes he can get back to his best.

"There's still three-four good years left in me," Akhtar said.

"I am the fastest bowler in history of cricket and it's not possible for everyone to bowl at 150 (kph)."

Pakistan's former coach, the late Bob Woolmer, advised Akhtar to shorten his long run-up to prolong his cricketing career, but Akhtar said he can not.

"It doesn't suit me," he said.

"My run-up is my speed, previously (in cricket) nobody has bowled as fast as I have bowled."

Akhtar said fast bowlers should get the support of their captains as they are team's match-winners.

"One of my favorite captains is (India's Mahendra Singh) Dhoni. The captain should be cool and humble especially with fast bowlers because you win matches due to them."

Akhtar believed he could have been "considered" for the ongoing three-test series against Sri Lanka as he has regained full fitness.

"I am perfectly fine now and I can play five day matches, why not," he said.

"But it depends which tour suits me. Had they (selectors) considered me for the Sri Lanka series only then I could have told you whether it suited me.

Ganguly may not contest

SPECULATION IS rife about Sourav Ganguly's participation in the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) elections later this month. People backing him, however, say it's highly unlikely this year although they don't rule out the possibility of Ganguly throwing his hat into the ring in 2010.

Those opposing CAB president Jagmohan Dalmiya told HT that chances of Ganguly taking on his erstwhile 'mentor' this time are "extremely" slim. "We are trying to mount a challenge, but doing so this year seems difficult," said a prominent opposition member on condition of anonymity.

Sourav's elder brother and former Bengal batsman Snehasish too refused to confirm that Sourav would be contesting. "As of now, I can't say anything about Sourav getting involved in the elections. If there is anything, we will announce it later this week."

Speaking in Mumbai, Ganguly said: "I want to be a part of cricket in Bengal. I will take one step at a time, don't know what lies ahead." If Ganguly wants to be part of the BCCI, he will have to start through the CAB.

Ganguly made his displeasure against Dalmiya clear in 2006 when he favoured former city commissioner of police, Prasun, Mukherjee, in the CAB polls and lost. It's true that people opposing Dalmiya are trying to ride piggyback on Ganguly but they are unsure of the support they are going to get.

"The equations as of now look loaded in favour of Dalmiya. If we have to uproot him, it will require a concerted effort which looks unlikely, given the time we have," said an opposition member. Dalmiya, who is in New Delhi on a business trip, refused to say much. "I have heard about it (Ganguly against him)... anyone is free to contest elections... I don't have anything to say about this."

People in Dalmiya's camp sounded confident of handling the opposition, if any. "Let them contest the polls. We are confident of taking them on and winning," said a current office-bearer.

PCB banking on India's tour to fill its empty coffers

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is hoping to revive its sagging bank accounts by hosting arch rivals India.

The PCB's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Saleem Altaf expressed the hope that despite the present scenario where India and several other foreign team have refused to visit Pakistan due to the precarious security conditions, India would be playing a cricket series in Pakistan soon.

"It is a case of ebb and flow when it comes to Indo-Pak relations. In 2004, India came here after 15 years. But I personally don't expect it to be that long this time. India could tour Pakistan as early as next year. It is certainly possible. Efforts are on to find a solution for this issue and I am quite hopeful," The News quoted Altaf, as saying.

But it seems highly unlikely that India would visit Pakistan amid the current situation, where both PCB and the Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) at loggerheads following the ICC's decision to shift 2011 World Cup matches from Pakistan.

The PCB has blamed the BCCI for influencing the apex cricket authority's decision to shift Pakistan's share of World cup matches to the other three host nations India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Recently, the PCB had also raised a strong objection over the BCCI's decision not to include a single bilateral series with Pakistan in its proposed future tours programme (FTP).

However, Altaf believes that things would be sorted out soon.

"The ICC has decided to have a task force that will ensure that Pakistan don't get a raw deal. We are hoping that things will be resolved amicably," he said.

According to an estimate, the PCB lost about 42 million dollars when India cancelled its tour to Pakistan in March, after relations between the two neighbouring countries soured following the November 2008 terror attacks.

If issues are resolved, Pakistan will host India at least three times in the next six years which would give a whopping 135 million dollar boost to its depleted accounts.

Rain wrecks first day of test for makeshift West Indies

Rain restricted play between West Indies and Bangladesh to just 18.5 overs on the first day of the first test on Thursday after the tourists won the toss and chose to bat making 42 without loss.

The hastily assembled West Indies team, brought together after the selected squad boycotted the game due to a dispute with the West Indies Cricket Board, finally took the field after lunch with seven test debutants.

Thirty six-year-old Barbadian Floyd Reifer, who has not played in a test match for over 10 years, captained the West Indies team which also included all-rounder Darren Sammy.

"We are just here to play cricket and to represent the people of the Caribbean," said Reifer, who had previously made just four test appearances.

The Arnos Vale ground was virtually empty at the start of the game and although some fans did appear after lunch they saw little action.

Pace bowler Tino Best made his return to test action and produced some lively deliveries during an opening spell with Kemar Roach but Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes progressed well.

The two left-handers coped easily with change bowlers Sammy and David Bernard before rain interrupted their progress and tea was taken early.

After a short return, torrential rain forced the game to be abandoned for the day.

Katich century fuelled by memories of 2005

Australia opener Simon Katich battled to his first century in seven tests against England on Thursday with a steely resolve fuelled by the bitter disappointment of losing the Ashes four years ago.

Katich, 33, was dropped shortly after scoring only 248 runs at 27.55 in 2005 before reinventing himself as an opener in the West Indies last year.

On Thursday, Katich batted for almost 4-1/2 hours to score an unbeaten 104 and help his team to 249 for one in reply to England's 435 all out on the second day of the first test.

He shared an unbeaten second wicket partnership of 189 with captain Ricky Ponting who ended the day 100 not out, his 38th test hundred.

There was scarcely a memorable shot from Katich, apart from a flashing off-drive to the boundary, but his gritty innings helped swing the momentum back to Australia.

"Those of us who have been through what happened four years ago were hurt and you can't forget that hurt," Katich told a news conference.

"From that point of view there are a few of us who are keen to make amends for what happened on that tour. We were bitterly disappointed with how we played in that series."

Katich said he had been helped technically by Bobby Simpson, a tough Australian captain in the 1960s who, as a coach, helped Allan Border turn a team of under-achievers in the late 1980s into Ashes winners.

"I owe a huge amount to Bobby Simpson when I did get dropped four years ago and was wondering if I could make it back," he said.

"His help and support has been enormous in getting me back to this stage so I'm always going to be grateful for that. His help technically has turned me into a more confident player."

DISAPPOINTED ENGLAND

Katich made his debut in the 2001 Ashes series in England but has only now established himself in the side, scoring six centuries in his last 16 tests.

"I probably look the same but I do feel a bit more confident at the crease in being able to hit the ball straighter," he said.

"This series is a huge series for me. You can't hide from the past, there's nowhere to hide in test cricket

England can take consolation from a lead of 186 and the twists and turns the game has already provided in the first six sessions. However, apart from a hostile six-over spell from Andrew Flintoff, their bowlers did not threaten.

Graeme Swann, whose jaunty 47 not out in the morning session propelled England past the 400 mark, bowled five maidens in a row and had a confident lbw appeal against Katich turned down.

But he did not attempt to disguise England's disappointment at the Australians' close of play score.

"We didn't put the ball in the right place often enough. We can whinge and moan about the ball going soft, the wicket being flat and Katich not being given out lbw off me but that's the way of the game," he said.

"It turned about as much as I expected. Everyone has been telling me it's going to turn square but I've played here before and I know the odd ball turns but the majority don't and you've got on because of that lack of pace.

"It's not all doom and gloom by any means. All the bowlers are looking forward to getting rid of this ball, throwing it in the river, and getting a new one in their hands."

England v Australia - first Ashes test scoreboard

Scoreboard at lunch on the first day of the first Ashes test match between England and Australia in Cardiff on Wednesday.

England first innings

A. Strauss c Clarke b Johnson 30

A. Cook c Hussey b Hilfenhaus 10

R. Bopara c Hughes b Johnson 35

K. Pietersen not out 6

P. Collingwood not out 5

Extras (b-4, lb-1, nb-6) 11

Total (three wickets; 27 overs) 97

Fall of wickets: 1-21 2-67 3-90

To bat: M. Prior, A. Flintoff, S. Broad, G. Swann, J. Anderson, M. Panesar

Bowling (to date): Johnson 9-1-37-2, Hilfenhaus 10-3-17-1 (3nb), Siddle 8-0-38-0 (3nb)

Australia: Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Ben

Hilfenhaus.

Akhtar aims for successful international comeback

Fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has vowed to silence his critics by giving a forceful performance on his return to international cricket soon.

'I'm going to silence the people who are talking against me by making a successful return to international cricket,' Shoaib told Geo Television in an interview Wednesday.

Shoaib missed last month's ICC World Twenty20 because of a skin problem and was later ignored for the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka.

The Rawalpindi-born pacer made it clear that he has no problems with his fitness and can return to national duty any time the team needs him.

'I must tell you that there were never any problems with my fitness,' said Shoaib, who turns 34 next month.

'I was dropped from the Twenty20 World Cup because of medical grounds. I have recovered from that and am 100 percent fit. I am in the best form of my life and am training extensively,' he stressed.

Shoaib, who has taken 178 wickets in 46 Tests and 223 wickets in 144 ODIs and eight wickets in seven T20 internationals, said he is even ready to bowl in tough weather conditions.

'Lahore is very, very hot these days but I've been training there everyday and can play in any kind of conditions.'

Shoaib thanked former pacer Waqar Younis for backing his bid to make yet another international comeback.

'Waqar was a great fast bowler. He has been a good friend and also gives me valuable advice,' he said.

Waqar, a former Pakistan captain, said in an interview that he believes Shoaib can play for Pakistan for a few more years.

'Shoaib can still play for a couple of years for Pakistan and if that is possible then it is good for Pakistan cricket,' said Waqar.

'There is no doubt he is fast and a very intelligent bowler,' he said.

No more overseas players in domestic matches, says BCCI

The Indian cricket board Wednesday decided to end its policy of allowing overseas players in all its domestic tournaments, barring the Indian Premier League (IPL).

To revamp its domestic cricket, last year BCCI allowed participation of overseas players. But now it has felt that overseas players are not needed to strengthen the domestic tournaments.

The decision was taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) technical committee at the Cricket Centre here. The committee is headed by Sunil Gavaskar and has as members Chetan Chauhan, M.V. Sridhar, Biman Bhattacharjee, Milind Rege, Gyanendra Pandey, Kris Srikkanth, Sourav Ganguly, V.K. Ramaswamy and board secretary N. Srinivasan.

'Foreign players will not be permitted to play in domestic tournaments from the 2009-10 season onwards,' Srinivasan said.

BCCI's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty told IANS that the committee felt that there was no need for overseas players in domestic tournaments.

'It was implemented last year but the committee found that there is no need for overseas players to strengthen domestic tournaments. Our tournaments are fine and now we have lot of talented players coming up,' Shetty said.

'We also found that there wasn't much interest among the state associations for overseas players. This year only Baroda wanted Tillakaratne Dilshan and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) was interested in Muttiah Muralitharan. So, we finally decided to do away with overseas players from domestic tournaments,' he added.

Board secretary Srinvasan said that the number of guest-players, players from outside the state, has been reduced to three from four. Last year, the BCCI said that four guest-players, including one overseas, could be signed by state associations.

The technical committee also decided that Ranji Trophy knockout matches should be played on home and away basis, as opposed to the neutral venue system, which was in place for the last two seasons. The wickets for the knockout games would be under the charge of the BCCI's Pitch and Grounds Committee member from the respective zone in which the match will be played.

The committee also felt that the board should make sure that its contracted players are playing for their respective states when they are not representing India in international matches.

It decided that in domestic tournaments, the ball should be changed after 34 overs during limited overs game and the Powerplay will be according to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rule.

A special committee comprising Gavaskar, Chauhan, Ganguly and Srikkanth will go through the pitch reports of the match referees.

From World T20 high, Pakistan come down to Galle low

A fortnight after their team's World Twenty20 triumph at Lord's, Pakistan cricket fans had a rude awakening Tuesday when Younis Khan's men crashed to a 50-run defeat in their first Test against Sri Lanka from a seemingly winning position at Galle.

The defeat means that Pakistan's poor run in Test cricket continues as it has failed to win a single Test in the last 30 months.

Pakistan's last Test win came way back on January 22, 2007, when it defeated South Africa at Port Elizabeth. Inzamam-ul-Haq, then the team's captain, scored a precious 92 while Shoaib Akhtar had a ferocious first innings spell claiming four wickets. However, Pakistan went on to lose the series 1-2.

Since then Pakistan had three different captains but none of them managed a Test victory. Pakistan hosted South Africa in a two-match Test series in 2007 and lost 0-1. They toured India in the same year and lost the three-match series 0-1 following a defeat in the first Test in Delhi.

Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series earlier this year with new captain Younis Khan hitting a match-saving 313 in Karachi to draw the first Test. The second Test in Lahore was abandoned when the Sri Lankan cricket team on way to the Gaddafi Stadium was attacked by terrorists.

Since January 2007, Pakistan has lost five Test, and drawn five. The last series win was a 3-0 clean sweep against the West Indies at home in 2006.