Category Uncategorized

ScorecardBen Foakes took another chance to shine in Surrey’s Championship side•Getty Images

Ben Foakes left Essex at the end last season for Surrey in pursuit of more first-team cricket. While he has got his chances in the limited-overs side he has only made the Championship team when others have been unavailable.When Gary Wilson has not been around he has kept wicket, when Jason Roy was away with England he earned a few games as a specialist batsman. A broken finger for Steven Davies saw him back in the team as a batsman. There is an argument to be made that a fit Zafar Ansari could have meant that Foakes would have missed out here.He has certainly made the most of his opportunities when he has been selected. His hundred takes his season total to 499 runs at an average of 62. Such are Surrey’s batting riches there is every chance that Foakes will still be fighting for a spot even after this innings with the return of Kumar Sangakkara imminent and Arun Harinath having just put pen to a new two year deal – although by rights his hundred here should have moved him up the queue.Foakes’ innings was near faultless, the one mistake came when he top edged a ball from James Fuller when on 75 that ballooned into the leg side but out of the reach of Gareth Roderick. Surrey could well have used this Foakes effort as platform to build an insurmountable position in this game. However, despite some excellent starts from the others in the Surrey middle order no one could keep Foakes company in a really significant partnership.Gloucestershire’s bowlers could not make up for the batting profligacy yesterday as the Surrey batsman got up to and beyond their host’s total with real ease, but there was a steady flow of wickets from that point onwards with Surrey’s batsmen playing a significant hand in their dismissals. In an attack without Craig Miles, who is still recovering from his back problems, Gloucestershire looked to be missing a spark.The day began with Sam Curran batting as nightwatchman and there was no clearer example of how poorly the Gloucestershire top order had performed on the opening day than witnessing a 17-year-old in his third first-class game ease his way to a career-best 49.When Curran’s dismissal did come it was surprise. The weight of the milestone he was approaching began to tell as he lost his fluency but he did not look like getting dismissed. A short, wide ball from Kieran Noema-Barnett was there to be hit but it caught the top edge and flew into the hands of David Payne at point. It was hugely disappointing for the young man to go so close to his first half-century at this level but on the evidence of today it will not be long before he has a chance to get there again.He was replaced by Steven Davies and the left-hander looked completely at ease at the crease on his way to 23 only to get out leaving a ball from Jack Taylor that bowled him. It is the second time in as many Championship matches that Davies has departed this way having done the same off the bowling of Monty Panesar at Colchester against Essex.Next it was Jason Roy’s turn to get out just as he looked well set. He had been dismissive of the bowling of Noema-Barnett up to that point before being trapped lbw by a full delivery. Surrey were guilty of not putting the destination of this game beyond all doubt – five men made it past 20 but did not go past 50. If one of the batsmen could have stayed with Foakes for a sustained period Surrey could have had been looking at declaring this evening. With the poor weather forecast for the next two days they need to keep the game moving to force a victory.As it is the undefeated 140 from Foakes, his third century against Gloucestershire in his career and his second this season, left Surrey fighting the weather for the win more than their opponents. Having started the day with just eight runs to his name Foakes made it all the way through to the close when a foreshadowing of the weather that is forecast in the coming days brought the today to a premature end with Surrey 116 runs in front.Surrey may consider an overnight declaration, but with them just one run shy of a third batting bonus point they may feel inclined to continue in the morning, providing the weather allows it.

Scorecard

Matthew Hayden’s powerful 179 combined with the inability of New South Wales’ all-star attack to finish off the tail left Queensland with a healthy lead of 316 at stumps. In reply to 467 the Blues were 3 for 151 with Simon Katich unbeaten on 70 and Dominic Thornely on 7.Katich’s 103-ball effort gave his side some hope as Mitchell Johnson’s first chance with a red ball in some time – he took 0 for 70 from 15 overs – was costly. Phil Jaques (34) did not convert his start but probably has the Test opening slot sewn up anyway after his main opponent Brad Hodge failed in Melbourne.It was a tough day for Australia’s contracted bowlers; Lee finished with 0 for 113 and Stuart MacGill 3 for 183 from 36 overs as Queensland moved to 467. Ashley Noffke was again useful with 50, while Chris Hartley (34) and Johnson (33) each contributed as the last four partnerships added 146.Michael Clarke’s part-time spin was required to clean up the lower order; he took 3 for 22 while Stuart Clark finished with 3 for 79, including the vital wickets of Hayden and Andrew Symonds, who made 44. Hayden hit two sixes and 20 fours on his way to 179, adding 76 to his overnight score.

After successfully having his ten-year English ban reduced to three years, Mark Vermeulen has returned home to Zimbabwe with one thing in mind – winning back his place in the Zimbabwe national side.Vermeulen batted and bowled for his old club Old Hararians in a league match against Royal in the Harare provincial Vigne Cup on Sunday, but was dismissed for 1 after struggling with the pace of the ball and pitch conditions. “The wickets in England are a bit slow because of the rains,” Vermeulen said. “Coming back home where the pitches are rock hard, the ball skidded a lot and my shorts where hurried. But I enjoy playing pace … wait until I hit up and you’ll see”.Vermeulen, who flew back to Zimbabwe on Wednesday, revealed that his decision return was prompted by comments from Peter Chingoka, Zimbabwe Cricket’s interim chairman, that he was free to come back and fight for his place. “I read somewhere that Peter Chingoka said I was allowed to come and play and I came back. That’s what I like doing, playing cricket.”He did note, however, that there was not enough domestic first-class cricket within Zimbabwe: “I need to be playing two or three games a week. To play one game this Sunday and the next the following Sunday is frustrating.”While saying his main target is Zimbabwe’s 2007 World Cup squad, Vermeulen said he will happy to make the A side first and work his way up. “I think there are some A side matches coming up. I am hoping to at least get into the A tours.”But he ruled out returning to South Africa, where he played club cricket before his summer in England. “At the end of last season I was playing in South Africa because there was no club cricket in Zimbabwe. Now they have sorted out club cricket here so I won’t be going to South Africa.”

Pakistan have said that they will send Shabbir Ahmed to Australia for further remedial work on his suspect action so that he can be available for selection for the series against England in October 2005.Shabbir will leave for Australia on September 25 and will undergo tests under the supervision of Bruce Elliot, a biomechanics expert. “We hope that a new report on his [Shabbir] action will be sent to the International Cricket Council within 10 days, and if it comes about we will talk to the ICC to review his action by the third week of October,” Saleem Altaf, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) director of operations, was quoted as saying by AFP.”I am confident that I will get the all clear before the England series,” said Shabbir. “It’s a frustrating period but I hope I will come through.” Shabbir was reported for a third time for an illegal action in the West Indies in May and banned from bowling at international level after tests in July.

Ricky Ponting, Australia’s captain, has been ruled out of the first Test against India at Bangalore, which starts on October 6, with a fractured left thumb. The injury occurred while Ponting was fielding at slip during Australia’s loss to England in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy at Edgbaston yesterday, with diagnostic scans revealing a break. Ponting will return to Australia for medical consultation, with his prospects for the rest of the series yet to be determined.”Ricky was in considerable pain overnight and got very little sleep, so we had the injury seen to as quickly as possible today," explained Errol Alcott, the Australian physiotherapist. “The scans have detected a fracture in his left thumb, and we feel that it is in his best interests to get home now and receive the best possible medical advice. We can’t make any bold predictions about a return date for Ricky until he has seen a hand specialist back in Australia.”Ponting, who averages almost 56 with the bat against India in Tests, expressed his sadness at missing the first Test, but backed his side to fill in admirably without him. “I’m obviously very disappointed but have great faith in all of my team-mates to do the job in my absence," he said. "I’ll do everything I can to get back as quickly as possible, but to achieve that I will have to be guided by the experts. I desperately want to be on that plane to India, and if everything goes according to plan, I’ll still be able to play some part in the series, sooner I hope, rather than later.”In the meantime, the boys know exactly what needs to be done because we have put a great deal of work into preparing for this tour. This series means so much to us all. It could be one of the biggest Test series ever played, so to be missing the start of it is really disappointing.”Ponting’s replacement in the 16-man squad is yet to be named, and the position of captain will also be reviewed in his absence.

Dr Anant Joshi, medical adviser to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has stated to that Harbhajan Singh will need at least two-three months to recuperate from his knuckle surgery. That will include six weeks of recovery and intensive physiotherapy sessions.Harbhajan’s surgery, to be performed at Avenue Hospital in Melbourne, will correct a ligament injury in the middle-finger knuckle of his right hand. Thehospital also treated Shane Warne for a finger injury four years ago.Ananth clarified that Harbhajan’s condition is not similar to Warne’s. “Atthis point, it seems to be similar to Sachin Tendulkar’s injury. It is basically soft tissue repair and, generally, for injuries as such, the pins are not inserted, but the final decision will be taken by the surgeon.”In a soft tissue injury, surgery is usually required to clear the inflammatory tissue, tissues that hamper healing around the joints. The scar tissue needs to be removed so that the fingers can cover their full scope of movement.”The injury, said Dr Joshi, “will not hamper Harbhajan in the future, but, in fact, it will help him perform better.”

Kapil Dev Nikhanj just cannot keep away from the game.Despite teary avowals and firm pronouncements to never involvehimself in cricket again, Kapil Dev was seen at Delhi’sFerozeshah Kotla ground on Tuesday, addressing young hopefulsat a conditioning camp.”I never said I wouldn’t help a cricketer if he approachesme,” he said. “If I can teach cricket overseas, why wouldn’t Ido so in my own country?” he asked, referring to his visit toNorthern Ireland on behalf of the Laureus Sport for GoodFoundation.The former Indian coach, requested for help by left-arm seamerAshish Nehra, made some technical adjustments in his ward’saction on Saturday before reluctantly agreeing to appear atthe Kotla for another session. “I couldn’t have madesuggestions without watching him in action,” he said.That session never materialised as Kapil Dev’s time washijacked by the media, Bishan Singh Bedi, and a band of youngcricketers, all armed with questions for the great allrounder. Bedi, Kapil Dev’s first captain in internationalcricket, acted as spokesperson for the youngsters, phrasingtheir questions and explaining Kapil Dev’s answers.Bedi’s presence provided Kapil Dev with his most inspiringanecdotes and advice. Hard work, he said, was everything. “Wewere always told that Bedi used to bowl alone, at a singlewicket. We would wonder if the Sardar had gone mad. But thatwas the kind of commitment we all strove to achieve in ourplaying days,” said Kapil Dev.He also used Sunil Gavaskar’s example to demonstrate theenormous difference that can be made by supplementing skillwith sweat, citing that factor as instrumental in transformingGavaskar into a champion batsman. “If you begin to drinkalone, you come to be known as an alcoholic. But if youpractice alone, you become a champion,” said Kapil Dev,further illustrating his point.Technical advice also flowed freely. To the medium-pacersamong the youngsters in particular, Kapil Dev said “Learn tobowl to your strength and to your field.” He emphasised theimportance of fitness and off-season training, and thenpromptly proceeded to put words into action by bowling to afew of the young batsmen in the nets.Nehra, for the evening, was sidelined, but Kapil Dev enjoyedthe time spent at the Kotla. “How can I forget my roots? Itwould have been an insult to my association with the game if Ihad refused to help someone sort his problems out. I reaped somuch from this ground,” he said.Coaching may still stir his heart, but Kapil Dev no longerbears animosity for being forced out of his position of Indianteam coach. “I was bitter when I left the job,” he said. “Butnot now.”

ScorecardQuinton de Kock made his third hundred on tour to India•PTI

A third century in as many innings from Quinton de Kock extended South Africa A’s domination of the first unofficial Test against India A in Wayanad. He made 113 runs off 102 balls, ransacked 107 runs at the rate of 5.7 per over with Dane Vilas for the seventh wicket and took the total to 542.Unlike in the one-day tri-series earlier this month when he opened the batting, de Kock manned the No. 7 position and had the comfort of walking out at 307 for 5. His innings included 13 fours and three sixes and continues to make a strong case for himself when the senior team tour India in October. His partner during that rollicking seventh-wicket stand, Vilas cruised to 75 off 74 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes and has not fallen that far behind in the contest for the wicketkeeper’s position with the Test side.Axar Patel as India A’s only source of control, and threat, bowling 39 overs for only 115 runs and picking up four wickets. He was the only man, on condition of bowling at least 11 overs, to concede less than three runs an over. The other specialist spinner, Jayant Yadav, got a bigger workload – 42 overs, but leaked 177 runs for his two wickets. There was very little on offer for the seamers, with Abhimanyu Mithun and Ishawar Pandey combining to bowl 44 overs, only four of which were maidens, for 174 runs and two wickets.That trend continued when India A came out to bat. It was offspinner Dane Piedt who removed the openers. Shreyas Iyer appeared comfortable at No. 3, so much that he relied on boundaries to secure 40 of his 49 runs. The problem, though, was he was bowled with two overs left to stumps and India A went back to the pavilion at 122 for 3 after 34.5 overs. A healthy run-rate, of course, but they are 420 runs behind.

25.5 overs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

If this was a final, as Ricky Ponting wanted his side to view the fifth one-dayer in Vadodara, it was reminiscent of the hopelessly one-sided conclusion to the World Cup in 1999. Mahendra Singh Dhoni let out a big smile at the toss, with the crowd cheering as if the result was a foregone conclusion, but trudged away in the knowledge that his side could no longer win the series. Even drawing level from here will take some getting.The distinctly brick-red surface, one that demanded application, was to leave India’s batsmen ashen faced. A combination of injudicious shot-selection, accurate new-ball bowling, efficient left-arm pace and outstanding wicketkeeping is often a recipe for a lop-sided contest. It resulted in India’s lowest home total against Australia. In fact the game was up much earlier; spectators leaving the ground after 25 overs of the game realised as much.Adam Gilchrist imposed himself on the series with his allround brilliance. He equalled his record for the most dismissals in an ODI, including two sensational one-handed takes, before rattling off a 77-ball 79 as Australia cantered to a nine-wicket win. Chasing 149 was always going to be a doddle, even though India tried their bit by opening the bowling with Harbhajan Singh’s offspin, and Australia faced little trouble in reaching the target just after the halfway mark. Gilchrist’s four towering sixes rubbed salt into India’s wounds and one hopes youngsters watching his brutal assault on Murali Kartik did so with parental supervision.He was invaluable behind the stumps too, making amends for his poor showing in Chandigarh with a wicketkeeping display straight out of the Ian Healy manual. He was alert to an inside edge from Yuvraj Singh, stooping to his right and pouching a single-handed take, before snapping up a leg glance from Dhoni, this time throwing himself headlong to the left and clasping on to a chance. Both instances demanded quicksilver reflexes and his reaction underscored the extent to which Australia raise their game when it really matters.India’s innings resembled an automobile ignition on a wintry morning. On a ground where the average total hovers around 280, it soon emerged that the pitch wasn’t the subcontinental shirtfront that everyone expected. Brett Lee’s first over saw a couple of deliveries that died on the batsmen, short-length deliveries often came with a spongy bounce and it was clear the strip wasn’t conducive for hitting through the line.

Johnson, ending with five wicket for the first time in an international, prospered by keeping things simple and had Gilchrist to thank for four of his dismissals (another arrived through a poor umpiring decision). Unlike in Chandigarh, where he came on first-change, he was asked to share the new ball and thrived in Lee’s company. Johnson didn’t rattle with pace or swing, instead he nagged away outside off and troubled with minimal movement off the pitch. He appeared to have assessed the pitch early, unlike some of India’s batsmen, and deserved his best international figures.India paid for some indiscreet strokeplay after failing to read the surface. Sourav Ganguly’s early run out, when Sachin Tendulkar didn’t respond to a risky single, started the slide and there was hardly any time to recover. Rahul Dravid’s struggles continued with a first-ball duck, rooted to the crease and beaten by a Lee inswinger, while Robin Uthappa, confidently punching during his brief stay, was unlucky to be adjudged leg before to a ball striking him outside off and heading past the off stump.Tendulkar, honoured before the game for reaching 400 ODIs, briefly promised a classic but he didn’t have much of an answer to a ferocious away-cutter from Lee, a candidate for the ball of the series, that breached his defences. Lee produced the killer blow when he returned for his second spell in the 26th over. The good-length ball swung in, gripped the pitch, and moved away just enough to beat Tendulkar and had him edge a simple catch to Gilchrist behind the stumps.The hopeless situation didn’t deter RP Singh and Zaheer Khan. They handled the lack of pace sensibly and their 41-run stand proved that runs could be scored if one waited for the right ball. Eventually it was a case of too little too late; India’s story in the next two games might just follow a similar theme.

Despite a blistering 42 from Esuan Crandon, Rawl Lewis XI fell 20 runs short of victory against Darren Sammy’s XI in the second practice match of the Stanford Super Stars squad training camp.Travis Dowlin led the way for the Sammy XI, scoring a brisk 54 off 39 balls. He was supported by Tonito Willett of Nevis (26), and Sylvester Joseph (24) as the side posted 146 at the end of their allotted 20 overs.Lewis XI were stalled early in their chase by a sound opening spell by Jerome Taylor, the West Indies fast bowler, who conceded only 16 runs off his four overs and also picked up a wicket. Mahendra Nagamootoo, the former West Indies legspinner, was almost unplayable throughout his spell, conceding just three runs in his 3.5 overs, grabbed two wickets.Lewis XI were further stalled as their batsmen failed to build partnerships. Kieron Pollard though was the only batsman to lend significant support to Crandon, scoring 39 off 21 balls with six fours and two sixes. Crandon bludgeoned Sammy in the last of his three overs – in which he conceded 20 runs – slamming two consecutive sixes and a four. Sammy had the last laugh, as he had Crandon caught by Taylor to effectively end the run chase.