Batsman Suresh Raina today staged a comeback for the first three One Day Internationals&nbsp;(ODI) against New Zealand, while three senior players, including off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, were rested keeping a gruelling season in mind.

Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad, however, made it clear that Raina&#39;s inclusion is a short term move,&nbsp;primarily keeping in mind his ability to bowl tight off-breaks in sub-continental conditions.

The other two seniors rested were Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, who are expected to play a significant part in the upcoming Test series against England and Australia.

While Raina is the most prominent name to make a comeback, it will be young Mandeep Singh&nbsp;who would be opening alongside Rohit Sharma in the first three ODIs.

Off-spinner Jayant Yadav and left-arm spinner Axar Patel replaced Ashwin and Jadeja while Dhawal Kulkarni came in place of Shami.

&quot;We gave Raina a break during the Zimbabwe tour. But with Jadeja, Ashwin and Shami rested, we needed some experience. Although it&#39;s a short term solution. While selecting Raina, apart from his batting experience, we also considered his bowling. He has scored runs in Duleep Trophy,&quot; said chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad.

Asked about the decision to rest the three bowlers, Prasad reasoned: &quot;We spoke to the team management and the decision was taken. We have another 10 Test matches to play and we need to look at their workloads.&quot;

While the names&nbsp;Mayank Agarwal and Gautam Gambhir were discussed, the chairman said that Mandeep is being groomed as an ODI opener.

&quot;We definitely discussed Mayank&#39;s name, who is in our scheme of things and gambhir&#39;s name was also discussed. But for the sake of continuity, we have groomed Mandeep as an opener.&nbsp;He has played extremely well in Australia against pacers like Kane Richardson. I was present there and was convinced by his performance. It is unfortunate that we would be missing two readymade openers in KL (Rahul) and Shikhar (Dhawan),&quot; said Prasad.

Hardik Pandya also made a comeback after being dropped during Zimbabwe and the tour of United States.

&quot;Hardik bowled exceptionally well in all three formats during our A tour of Australia. He and Dhawal rose to the occasion and after we were all out for 55 in the first game, we were able to make a comeback. Also he is one of the rare seam bowling all-rounders that we have,&quot; explained Prasad.

(PTI)

The other seniors rested were Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami who are expected to play a significant part in India's upcoming Test series

Batsman Suresh Raina today staged a comeback for the first three One Day Internationals (ODI) against New Zealand, while three senior players, including off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, were rested keeping a gruelling season in mind. Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad, however, made it clear that Raina's inclusion is a short term move, primarily keeping in mind his ability to bowl tight off-breaks in sub-continental conditions. The other two seniors rested were Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, who are expected to play a significant part in the upcoming Test series against England and Australia. While Raina is the most prominent name to make a comeback, it will be young Mandeep Singh who would be opening alongside Rohit Sharma in the first three ODIs. Off-spinner Jayant Yadav and left-arm spinner Axar Patel replaced Ashwin and Jadeja while Dhawal Kulkarni came in place of Shami. "We gave Raina a break during the Zimbabwe tour. But with Jadeja, Ashwin and Shami rested, we needed some experience. Although it's a short term solution. While selecting Raina, apart from his batting experience, we also considered his bowling. He has scored runs in Duleep Trophy," said chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad. Asked about the decision to rest the three bowlers, Prasad reasoned: "We spoke to the team management and the decision was taken. We have another 10 Test matches to play and we need to look at their workloads." While the names Mayank Agarwal and Gautam Gambhir were discussed, the chairman said that Mandeep is being groomed as an ODI opener. "We definitely discussed Mayank's name, who is in our scheme of things and gambhir's name was also discussed. But for the sake of continuity, we have groomed Mandeep as an opener. He has played extremely well in Australia against pacers like Kane Richardson. I was present there and was convinced by his performance. It is unfortunate that we would be missing two readymade openers in KL (Rahul) and Shikhar (Dhawan)," said Prasad. Hardik Pandya also made a comeback after being dropped during Zimbabwe and the tour of United States. "Hardik bowled exceptionally well in all three formats during our A tour of Australia. He and Dhawal rose to the occasion and after we were all out for 55 in the first game, we were able to make a comeback. Also he is one of the rare seam bowling all-rounders that we have," explained Prasad. (PTI)

Raina returns to ODI squad

The Lodha panel, appointed by India&#39;s top court, has directed&nbsp;banks where&nbsp;the national governing body for cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), holds accounts to not disclose any funds for&nbsp;the financial decisions taken by the board at its special general meeting on September 30.

&nbsp;

&quot;It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the &#39;Emergent Working Committee&#39; meeting of the BCCI on September 30, 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations,&quot; the committee has stated in a letter to the banks, according to Indian news agency PTI.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The letter was also addressed to BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, CEO Rahul Johri and treasurer Anirudh Choudhary, the news agency reported.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;You are aware that by way of this Committee&#39;s direction dated 31.8.2016, no further decisions were to be taken regarding the future apart from routine matters. The disbursement of these amounts are not routine, and in any case, not emergent,&quot; the committee was quoted as saying.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&quot;You are also aware that the BCCI has chosen to breach the judgment of the Hon&#39;ble Supreme Court as well as the first set of timelines set out by this Committee which includes the Fund Disbursement policy to be framed by 30.9.2016.&quot; the letter said.

&nbsp;

The panel has&nbsp;also cautioned the board against taking any further financial decisions, defying which may bring in more trouble for the world&#39;s richest cricket board.

&nbsp;

&quot;As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon&#39;ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016. Any violation of this direction will be placed before the Hon&#39;ble Supreme Court for appropriate directions,&quot; it added.

 
(WION with inputs from agencies)

The panel appointed by India's top court made the remarks referring to a September 30 meeting held by BCCI

The Lodha panel, appointed by India's top court, has directed banks where the national governing body for cricket, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), holds accounts to not disclose any funds for the financial decisions taken by the board at its special general meeting on September 30. "It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the 'Emergent Working Committee' meeting of the BCCI on September 30, 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations," the committee has stated in a letter to the banks, according to Indian news agency PTI. The letter was also addressed to BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, CEO Rahul Johri and treasurer Anirudh Choudhary, the news agency reported. "You are aware that by way of this Committee's direction dated 31.8.2016, no further decisions were to be taken regarding the future apart from routine matters. The disbursement of these amounts are not routine, and in any case, not emergent," the committee was quoted as saying. "You are also aware that the BCCI has chosen to breach the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court as well as the first set of timelines set out by this Committee which includes the Fund Disbursement policy to be framed by 30.9.2016." the letter said. The panel has also cautioned the board against taking any further financial decisions, defying which may bring in more trouble for the world's richest cricket board. "As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon'ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016. Any violation of this direction will be placed before the Hon'ble Supreme Court for appropriate directions," it added. (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Lodha committee warns BCCI against any financial disbursement

India have the resources to become the best team in test cricket and the bumper home season would be a perfect opportunity to sow the seed of their ascendancy, Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Wednesday. 
 
Kohli&#39;s men embark on an important 13-test season on Thursday when they take on New Zealand in the first match of the three-test series at Kanpur&#39;s Green Park Stadium. 
 
&quot;We believe we certainly have what it takes to be the best team in the world,&quot; the 27-year-old told reporters on the eve of what would be India&#39;s 500th test. 
 
&quot;One area we have tapped into is belief. It&#39;s something that a lot of young players can lack coming into international cricket. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s all about getting rid of that feeling. That&#39;s the only way you can go out there, be confident and express yourself. Express how good you are, and that&#39;s what this team has done. 
 
&quot;More often than not if you&#39;re fearless, the results will fall your way because you&#39;re willing to take that extra risk in the course of the game. I certainly feel that this team has what it takes to be the best.&quot; 
 
India&#39;s poor record as tourists have been a home truth but under Kohli, the team have won series in Sri Lanka and West Indies to briefly occupy the top test rankings before arch-rivals Pakistan snatched it. 
 
Kohli saw a gilt-edged opportunity to reclaim the tag in the big &#39;career-defining&#39; home season which will also include tests against England, Australia, and Bangladesh. 
 
&quot;This season is a phase where we can lay the foundation where the test team will go,&quot; Kohli said. 
 
&quot;The challenge in last one year or so has been to show composure and get the victories which we require and we have been able to get that. The important thing is to continue the same. 
 
&quot;This season will be career-defining for all the people in the squad&nbsp;because hardly we have played 17 test matches regularly. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s something we are happy about, that we can plan our test cricket, and back ourselves and get those victories whenever the chance comes. Very exciting times ahead.&quot; 
 
Dwelling on the test against New Zealand, Kohli praised the touring side&#39;s fearless brand of cricket, which he attributed to former Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum. 
 
&quot;Their mentality was cricket was not the end of the world for them, they just enjoyed the game,&quot; Kohli said. &quot;I think they have been able to detach themselves from those pressures and that&#39;s why they have got successful in last couple of years.&quot; 
 
Indian paceman Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the test with mosquito-borne viral disease Chikungunya. 
 
(Reuters)

The Indian team embark on an important 13-test season on Thursday when they take on New Zealand in the first match of the three-test series

India have the resources to become the best team in test cricket and the bumper home season would be a perfect opportunity to sow the seed of their ascendancy, Indian captain Virat Kohli said on Wednesday. Kohli's men embark on an important 13-test season on Thursday when they take on New Zealand in the first match of the three-test series at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium. "We believe we certainly have what it takes to be the best team in the world," the 27-year-old told reporters on the eve of what would be India's 500th test. "One area we have tapped into is belief. It's something that a lot of young players can lack coming into international cricket. "It's all about getting rid of that feeling. That's the only way you can go out there, be confident and express yourself. Express how good you are, and that's what this team has done. "More often than not if you're fearless, the results will fall your way because you're willing to take that extra risk in the course of the game. I certainly feel that this team has what it takes to be the best." India's poor record as tourists have been a home truth but under Kohli, the team have won series in Sri Lanka and West Indies to briefly occupy the top test rankings before arch-rivals Pakistan snatched it. Kohli saw a gilt-edged opportunity to reclaim the tag in the big 'career-defining' home season which will also include tests against England, Australia, and Bangladesh. "This season is a phase where we can lay the foundation where the test team will go," Kohli said. "The challenge in last one year or so has been to show composure and get the victories which we require and we have been able to get that. The important thing is to continue the same. "This season will be career-defining for all the people in the squad because hardly we have played 17 test matches regularly. "That's something we are happy about, that we can plan our test cricket, and back ourselves and get those victories whenever the chance comes. Very exciting times ahead." Dwelling on the test against New Zealand, Kohli praised the touring side's fearless brand of cricket, which he attributed to former Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum. "Their mentality was cricket was not the end of the world for them, they just enjoyed the game," Kohli said. "I think they have been able to detach themselves from those pressures and that's why they have got successful in last couple of years." Indian paceman Ishant Sharma has been ruled out of the test with mosquito-borne viral disease Chikungunya. (Reuters)

India can be the best team in Test cricket after bumper season: Virat Kohli

Australian fast bowler Mitchel Starc underwent a surgery today that required 30 stitches, following a training mishap.

The 26-year-old left-armer suffered deep lacerations after colliding with training equipment on Thursday, Cricket Australia said.&nbsp;

Starc will have his left shin in a brace for up to three weeks to aid his recovery and won&#39;t take part in Australia&#39;s South African tour later this month, according to media reports.&nbsp;

&quot;There were no bone fractures or tendon damage to his leg and he underwent surgery to clean the wound and received approximately 30 stitches,&quot; Cricket Australia chief medical officer John Orchard said.

&quot;He will remain in hospital for the next few days to minimise movement to his leg and will use an extension brace for the next two to three weeks until his stitches are removed.&nbsp;

&quot;At this stage, barring any complications, we are hopeful he is on track to play at the start of the Australian summer.&quot;

Australia is pitted against South Africa in the first of a three-Test series, starting in Perth on November 3 
 
Starc&nbsp;was Austalia&#39;s star performer in Sri Lanka &nbsp;last month&nbsp;with 24 wickets at 15.16.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Starc suffered deep lacerations after colliding with training equipment

Australian fast bowler Mitchel Starc underwent a surgery today that required 30 stitches, following a training mishap. The 26-year-old left-armer suffered deep lacerations after colliding with training equipment on Thursday, Cricket Australia said. Starc will have his left shin in a brace for up to three weeks to aid his recovery and won't take part in Australia's South African tour later this month, according to media reports. "There were no bone fractures or tendon damage to his leg and he underwent surgery to clean the wound and received approximately 30 stitches," Cricket Australia chief medical officer John Orchard said. "He will remain in hospital for the next few days to minimise movement to his leg and will use an extension brace for the next two to three weeks until his stitches are removed. "At this stage, barring any complications, we are hopeful he is on track to play at the start of the Australian summer." Australia is pitted against South Africa in the first of a three-Test series, starting in Perth on November 3 Starc was Austalia's star performer in Sri Lanka last month with 24 wickets at 15.16. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Australian fast bowler Mitchel Starc undergoes surgery, won't take part in South Africa tour

England beat Pakistan by 44 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method to win the rain-marred first one-day international at Southampton yesterday. 
 
England, setting 261 for victory,&nbsp;took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, . 
 
England finished on 194 for three in 34.3 overs before rain, which had twice stopped play previously, halted the day/night match for a third and final time at 9:37 pm local time (2037 GMT).&nbsp; 
 
Man-of-the-match Jason Roy (65) and Joe Root (61) laid the platform for a successful chase with a second-wicket stand of 89 in 14 overs. 
 
Pakistan, who won the toss, were held to a total of 260 for six in their full 50 overs. 
 
Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, top-scored for his side with 82 and Sarfraz Ahmed made 55. 
 
The series continues at Lord&#39;s on Saturday. 
 
Brief scores 
 
Pakistan 260-6, 50 overs (Azhar Ali 82, Sarfraz Ahmed 55) 
England 194-3, 34.3 overs (J Roy 65, J Root 61) 
Result: England won by 44 runs (D/L method) 
Man-of-the-match: Jason Roy (ENG) 
Series: England lead five-match series 1-0 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Pakistan were held to a total of 260 for six in their full 50 overs

England beat Pakistan by 44 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method to win the rain-marred first one-day international at Southampton yesterday. England, setting 261 for victory, took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, . England finished on 194 for three in 34.3 overs before rain, which had twice stopped play previously, halted the day/night match for a third and final time at 9:37 pm local time (2037 GMT). Man-of-the-match Jason Roy (65) and Joe Root (61) laid the platform for a successful chase with a second-wicket stand of 89 in 14 overs. Pakistan, who won the toss, were held to a total of 260 for six in their full 50 overs. Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, top-scored for his side with 82 and Sarfraz Ahmed made 55. The series continues at Lord's on Saturday. Brief scores Pakistan 260-6, 50 overs (Azhar Ali 82, Sarfraz Ahmed 55) England 194-3, 34.3 overs (J Roy 65, J Root 61) Result: England won by 44 runs (D/L method) Man-of-the-match: Jason Roy (ENG) Series: England lead five-match series 1-0 (WION with inputs from AFP)

England beat Pakistan to win 1st ODI

A devastating spell of swing bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India in command on the fourth day of the third test against West Indies in St Lucia on Friday. 
 
Kumar ripped through the middle order and tail, moving the second new ball both ways through the air and off the seam to pick up five wickets at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet. 
 
Playing his first test in 19 months, he took five for 33 in 23.4 overs as West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 23 runs to be all out for 225 in the first innings. 
 
India then reached 157 for three by the close of play, 285 runs ahead, leaving captain Virat Kohli to ponder the best time to declare on the final day on Saturday.&nbsp; 
 
All of Kumar&#39;s dismissals were achieved with quality deliveries, three caught in the slips, one bowled and one lbw.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;That was a spell of consistent, high-quality swing bowling,&quot; said former West Indies player Jeffrey Dujon on television commentary. 
 
&quot;He gave all the batsmen trouble, swung it in, swung it out, set up Marlon Samuels beautifully and really didn&#39;t move too much from that tight off-stump line.&quot; 
 
Samuels was perhaps Kumar&#39;s most prized scalp, out for 48 when he was beaten by an inswinger that he chopped on to his stumps. 
 
One run earlier Jermaine Blackwood was caught at second slip off Kumar for 20. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite top-scored for West Indies with 64. 
 
Kohli went cheaply in India&#39;s&nbsp;second innings, trapped lbw by Miguel Cummins for four after making just three in the first knock. 
 
Ajinkya Rahane (51) and Rohit Sharma (41) were unbeaten at stumps. 
 
.(Reuters)

Playing his first test in 19 months, he took five wickets for 33 in 23.4 overs

A devastating spell of swing bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar put India in command on the fourth day of the third test against West Indies in St Lucia on Friday. Kumar ripped through the middle order and tail, moving the second new ball both ways through the air and off the seam to pick up five wickets at the Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet. Playing his first test in 19 months, he took five for 33 in 23.4 overs as West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 23 runs to be all out for 225 in the first innings. India then reached 157 for three by the close of play, 285 runs ahead, leaving captain Virat Kohli to ponder the best time to declare on the final day on Saturday. All of Kumar's dismissals were achieved with quality deliveries, three caught in the slips, one bowled and one lbw. "That was a spell of consistent, high-quality swing bowling," said former West Indies player Jeffrey Dujon on television commentary. "He gave all the batsmen trouble, swung it in, swung it out, set up Marlon Samuels beautifully and really didn't move too much from that tight off-stump line." Samuels was perhaps Kumar's most prized scalp, out for 48 when he was beaten by an inswinger that he chopped on to his stumps. One run earlier Jermaine Blackwood was caught at second slip off Kumar for 20. Opener Kraigg Brathwaite top-scored for West Indies with 64. Kohli went cheaply in India's second innings, trapped lbw by Miguel Cummins for four after making just three in the first knock. Ajinkya Rahane (51) and Rohit Sharma (41) were unbeaten at stumps. .(Reuters)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's five-wicket haul puts India on front foot against WI

Dilruwan Perera ripped the heart out of the Australian order to spin Sri Lanka to a series-clinching 229-run victory inside three days of the second test at Galle today. 
 
The 34-year-old off-spinner laid bare Australia&#39;s spin frailties, claiming 6-70 as the world&#39;s top ranked test team folded for 183 in their pursuit of an improbable 413-run victory target. 
 
Perera, who had claimed 4-29 in the first innings and scored 64 in his team&#39;s second innings, became the first Sri Lankan player to score a fifty and claim 10 wickets in the same match as his side clinched their first test series victory over Australia since 1999. 
 
Resuming on 25 for three, Australia captain Steve Smith (30) and deputy David Warner (41) showed positive intent, frequently using their feet against the spinners and dealing mostly in boundaries even though it was merely delaying what looked inevitable. 
 
Perera separated them, trapping Warner leg-before with a straight delivery. The batsman reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned. 
 
The spinner then returned to induce Smith into giving a bat-pad catch to Kusal Mendis at forward short leg. 
 
Perera, whose all-round performance earned the man-of-the-match award, completed his five-wicket haul when Adam Voges (28) attempted a reverse sweep only to have his leg stump pegged back. 
 
Kusal Mendis then displayed tremendous reflexes as he stopped a Peter Nevill shot at forward short leg and flicked it back on the stumps to run out the batsman and trigger wild celebrations at the Galle International Stadium. 
 
(Reuters)

Sri Lanka clinched their first test series victory over Australia since 1999

Dilruwan Perera ripped the heart out of the Australian order to spin Sri Lanka to a series-clinching 229-run victory inside three days of the second test at Galle today. The 34-year-old off-spinner laid bare Australia's spin frailties, claiming 6-70 as the world's top ranked test team folded for 183 in their pursuit of an improbable 413-run victory target. Perera, who had claimed 4-29 in the first innings and scored 64 in his team's second innings, became the first Sri Lankan player to score a fifty and claim 10 wickets in the same match as his side clinched their first test series victory over Australia since 1999. Resuming on 25 for three, Australia captain Steve Smith (30) and deputy David Warner (41) showed positive intent, frequently using their feet against the spinners and dealing mostly in boundaries even though it was merely delaying what looked inevitable. Perera separated them, trapping Warner leg-before with a straight delivery. The batsman reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned. The spinner then returned to induce Smith into giving a bat-pad catch to Kusal Mendis at forward short leg. Perera, whose all-round performance earned the man-of-the-match award, completed his five-wicket haul when Adam Voges (28) attempted a reverse sweep only to have his leg stump pegged back. Kusal Mendis then displayed tremendous reflexes as he stopped a Peter Nevill shot at forward short leg and flicked it back on the stumps to run out the batsman and trigger wild celebrations at the Galle International Stadium. (Reuters)

Perera spins Sri Lanka to historic win against Australia

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed his maiden test hat-trick to consign Australia to their lowest total against Sri Lanka today as the hosts put themselves in a commanding position for a series-clinching victory at Galle. 
 
As many as 11 wickets fell in the dramatic morning session of the second day&#39;s play as Australia, resuming on 54-2, collapsed for 106 runs to concede a 175-run first innings lead. 
 
Sri Lanka lost three wickets before lunch but recovered to reach 143-6 at tea, leading Australia by 318 runs with four wickets in hand. 
 
Dhanajaya de Silva (19) and Dilruwan Perera (12) will return after the break, hoping to bat Australia out of the match as Sri Lanka close in on their second win in the three-test series. 
 
Herath had tormented Australia in the first test at Pallekele too, exposing their vulnerability against spin bowling and claiming nine wickets in Sri Lanka&#39;s 106-run victory. 
 
The 38-year-old haunted them again today, castling captain Steve Smith for five runs with the first delivery of his third over. 
 
He ripped the heart out of Australia&#39;s batting in his eventful seventh over, getting Adam Voges caught at extra cover with his fourth delivery and trapping Peter Nevill plumb in front with an arm ball. 
 
Herath struck Starc&#39;s pad with his next delivery but the leg-before appeal was turned down. After a brief chat with the spinner, home captain Angelo Mathews decided to review the decision and Herath, who claimed 4-35, was mobbed by team mates as the not-out decision was overturned. 
 
Off-spinner Perera mopped the tail to finish with 4-29 as Australia folded inside 34 overs. 
 
Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start and for the second time in the match, Kusal Mendis walked out to bat with his team reeling at nine for two. 
 
Mendis, the architect of Sri Lanka&#39;s Pallekele win and their top-scorer in the first innings, however, made only seven runs before Starc sent him back. 
 
The left-arm paceman returned figures of 3-33 to go with the five wickets he had claimed in the first innings but Kusal Perera (35) and Mathews (47) ensured Sri Lanka earned a big lead in the bowler-dominated contest. 
 
(Reuters)

Sri Lanka lost three wickets before lunch but recovered to reach 143-6 at tea, leading Australia by 318 runs with four wickets in hand

Left-arm spinner Rangana Herath claimed his maiden test hat-trick to consign Australia to their lowest total against Sri Lanka today as the hosts put themselves in a commanding position for a series-clinching victory at Galle. As many as 11 wickets fell in the dramatic morning session of the second day's play as Australia, resuming on 54-2, collapsed for 106 runs to concede a 175-run first innings lead. Sri Lanka lost three wickets before lunch but recovered to reach 143-6 at tea, leading Australia by 318 runs with four wickets in hand. Dhanajaya de Silva (19) and Dilruwan Perera (12) will return after the break, hoping to bat Australia out of the match as Sri Lanka close in on their second win in the three-test series. Herath had tormented Australia in the first test at Pallekele too, exposing their vulnerability against spin bowling and claiming nine wickets in Sri Lanka's 106-run victory. The 38-year-old haunted them again today, castling captain Steve Smith for five runs with the first delivery of his third over. He ripped the heart out of Australia's batting in his eventful seventh over, getting Adam Voges caught at extra cover with his fourth delivery and trapping Peter Nevill plumb in front with an arm ball. Herath struck Starc's pad with his next delivery but the leg-before appeal was turned down. After a brief chat with the spinner, home captain Angelo Mathews decided to review the decision and Herath, who claimed 4-35, was mobbed by team mates as the not-out decision was overturned. Off-spinner Perera mopped the tail to finish with 4-29 as Australia folded inside 34 overs. Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start and for the second time in the match, Kusal Mendis walked out to bat with his team reeling at nine for two. Mendis, the architect of Sri Lanka's Pallekele win and their top-scorer in the first innings, however, made only seven runs before Starc sent him back. The left-arm paceman returned figures of 3-33 to go with the five wickets he had claimed in the first innings but Kusal Perera (35) and Mathews (47) ensured Sri Lanka earned a big lead in the bowler-dominated contest. (Reuters)

Herath hat-trick wrecks Australia, Sri Lanka in charge

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc toiled hard against Sri Lanka&#39;s top order today to leave the hosts on 216 for five at tea on the opening day of the second Test in Galle. 
 
Sri Lanka were looking confident after Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera&#39;s 108-run stand, but their departure after lunch saw the hosts in some trouble. 
 
Skipper Angelo Mathews, with his unbeaten 49, then ensured Sri Lanka stay in the hunt after electing to bat first on a bright sunny day. 
 
He has Dhanajaya de Silva (9 not out) for company. 
 
Starc (3-44), who marked the day with his 100th Test wicket, denied first-match centurion Mendis his second consecutive ton after getting the in-form batsman caught behind for 86. 
 
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon got the first wicket of the afternoon session after sending Perera (49) trudging back to the pavilion. 
 
Mathews came to the crease with a positive mindset as he made the reverse-sweep his stock shot against Lyon. His 55-ball stay was laced with two fours and three sixes. 
 
Earlier Mendis 137-ball stay was laced with 10 fours and two sixes as he entertained a lively home crowd at the Galle International Stadium. 
 
(AFP)

Skipper Angelo Mathews, with his unbeaten 49, ensured Sri Lanka stay in the hunt after electing to bat first

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc toiled hard against Sri Lanka's top order today to leave the hosts on 216 for five at tea on the opening day of the second Test in Galle. Sri Lanka were looking confident after Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera's 108-run stand, but their departure after lunch saw the hosts in some trouble. Skipper Angelo Mathews, with his unbeaten 49, then ensured Sri Lanka stay in the hunt after electing to bat first on a bright sunny day. He has Dhanajaya de Silva (9 not out) for company. Starc (3-44), who marked the day with his 100th Test wicket, denied first-match centurion Mendis his second consecutive ton after getting the in-form batsman caught behind for 86. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon got the first wicket of the afternoon session after sending Perera (49) trudging back to the pavilion. Mathews came to the crease with a positive mindset as he made the reverse-sweep his stock shot against Lyon. His 55-ball stay was laced with two fours and three sixes. Earlier Mendis 137-ball stay was laced with 10 fours and two sixes as he entertained a lively home crowd at the Galle International Stadium. (AFP)

Aussie bowlers chip away against Sri Lanka

The head of India&#39;s powerful cricket board has voiced opposition to controversial plans for a two-tier Test system being considered by the game&#39;s governing body, a report said today. 
 
Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told a newspaper that smaller nations would lose out on revenue and the chance to compete against the top teams. 
 
&quot;The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out, and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests,&quot; a Chennai-based daily, quoted him as saying. 
 
&quot;In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don&#39;t want that to happen.&nbsp;We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries.&quot; 
 
The International Cricket Council (ICC) first discussed the proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions at a meeting in Edinburgh last month, and is due to debate the plan further in September. 
 
Under the scheme being considered, the top seven-ranked teams would join a de facto premier league designed to boost interest in Test cricket.&nbsp;The other three lowest ranked sides which are currently the West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, would then join a second division, which would also include the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland. 
 
Although England, Australia and New Zealand have all come out in favour of the proposal, India&#39;s opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water. 
 
Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is head of the ICC and India, which is the game&#39;s financial powerhouse, has a history of ensuring that its stance prevails on key debates within the global body. 
 
The plan has been fiercely opposed by the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which is at risk of falling outside the top seven after sliding down the rankings in the last year. 
 
The smaller Test teams financial survival largely depends on their ability to sell television rights to matches against teams such as India and England. 
 
(AFP)

Although England, Australia and New Zealand all favour the proposal, India's opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water

The head of India's powerful cricket board has voiced opposition to controversial plans for a two-tier Test system being considered by the game's governing body, a report said today. Anurag Thakur, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), told a newspaper that smaller nations would lose out on revenue and the chance to compete against the top teams. "The BCCI is against the two-tier Test system because the smaller countries will lose out, and the BCCI wants to take care of them. It is necessary to protect their interests," a Chennai-based daily, quoted him as saying. "In the two-tier system, they will lose out on a lot, including revenue and the opportunity to play against top teams. We don't want that to happen. We want to work in the best interests of world cricket and that is why our team plays against all the countries." The International Cricket Council (ICC) first discussed the proposal to split Test cricket into two divisions at a meeting in Edinburgh last month, and is due to debate the plan further in September. Under the scheme being considered, the top seven-ranked teams would join a de facto premier league designed to boost interest in Test cricket. The other three lowest ranked sides which are currently the West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, would then join a second division, which would also include the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland. Although England, Australia and New Zealand have all come out in favour of the proposal, India's opposition could well mean it is now dead in the water. Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar is head of the ICC and India, which is the game's financial powerhouse, has a history of ensuring that its stance prevails on key debates within the global body. The plan has been fiercely opposed by the likes of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, which is at risk of falling outside the top seven after sliding down the rankings in the last year. The smaller Test teams financial survival largely depends on their ability to sell television rights to matches against teams such as India and England. (AFP)

India's cricket board opposes two-tier Test plan: report

The weather gods gave West Indies a lifeline in their quest to avoid defeat in the second test against India when rain washed out the final session of day three in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday. 
 
India built a first-innings lead of 304 runs before captain Virat Kohli declared at 500 for nine just before tea as light rain fell at Sabina Park. 
 
But the showers persisted and the India bowlers did not get a chance to have a crack at the West Indies top order. 
 
Play is scheduled to resume 30 minutes early today at 9.30 AM local time (1430 GMT), but the forecast is for more rain, with a tropical wave heading towards the island. 
 
India lead the four-test series after winning the first match in Antigua last week. 
 
Ajinkya Rahane scored his seventh test century, and the third in four innings, compiling an unbeaten 108 off 237 balls. He made 127 and 100 not out against South Africa in Delhi in December. 
 
Rahane brought up his century with a somewhat lucky boundary when he edged off-spinner Roston Chase between the wicketkeeper and first slip. 
 
&quot;Everyone expected at some point he would up the tempo a bit, but he just played his natural role,&quot; said retired West Indies batting great Viv Richards of Rahane. 
 
&quot;It was a perfect example of what this guy is all about where batsmanship is concerned.&quot; 
 
Richards added that although Rahane batted mostly conservatively, a towering six over cover demonstrated the quality to switch gears when necessary. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s a class shot. When he needs to up the tempo, he certainly looks like he does have the quality to get that done.&quot; 
 
The West Indies bowlers stuck to their task well, keeping the India batsmen subdued for long periods. 
 
It took the visitors 171 overs to compile their mammoth total as they scored at less than three runs per over. 
 
Chase (5-121) returned the best figures and was on a hat-trick after dismissing Amit Mishra (caught bat-pad for 21) and 
 
Mohammed Shami for a golden duck. 
 
Captain Jason Holder got little reward for his efforts, conceding only 72 runs from 34.2 lively overs. 
 
He picked up only one wicket, his first of the series, when he trapped Wriddhiman Saha lbw for 47. 
 
(Reuters)

Ajinkya Rahane scored his seventh test century and third in four innings, compiling an unbeaten 108 off 237 balls

The weather gods gave West Indies a lifeline in their quest to avoid defeat in the second test against India when rain washed out the final session of day three in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday. India built a first-innings lead of 304 runs before captain Virat Kohli declared at 500 for nine just before tea as light rain fell at Sabina Park. But the showers persisted and the India bowlers did not get a chance to have a crack at the West Indies top order. Play is scheduled to resume 30 minutes early today at 9.30 AM local time (1430 GMT), but the forecast is for more rain, with a tropical wave heading towards the island. India lead the four-test series after winning the first match in Antigua last week. Ajinkya Rahane scored his seventh test century, and the third in four innings, compiling an unbeaten 108 off 237 balls. He made 127 and 100 not out against South Africa in Delhi in December. Rahane brought up his century with a somewhat lucky boundary when he edged off-spinner Roston Chase between the wicketkeeper and first slip. "Everyone expected at some point he would up the tempo a bit, but he just played his natural role," said retired West Indies batting great Viv Richards of Rahane. "It was a perfect example of what this guy is all about where batsmanship is concerned." Richards added that although Rahane batted mostly conservatively, a towering six over cover demonstrated the quality to switch gears when necessary. "That's a class shot. When he needs to up the tempo, he certainly looks like he does have the quality to get that done." The West Indies bowlers stuck to their task well, keeping the India batsmen subdued for long periods. It took the visitors 171 overs to compile their mammoth total as they scored at less than three runs per over. Chase (5-121) returned the best figures and was on a hat-trick after dismissing Amit Mishra (caught bat-pad for 21) and Mohammed Shami for a golden duck. Captain Jason Holder got little reward for his efforts, conceding only 72 runs from 34.2 lively overs. He picked up only one wicket, his first of the series, when he trapped Wriddhiman Saha lbw for 47. (Reuters)

Rain gives West Indies lifeline against dominant India

Australia faced an uphill struggle to save the first Test against Sri Lanka&#39;s rampant spinners after losing three early second innings wickets Friday while trying to chase down a formidable target of 268. 
 
The tourists were precariously placed at 83 for three, with skipper Steve Smith unbeaten on 26, when bad light forced an early end to play for the fourth day running in Pallekele. 
 
The world number one Test team still need another 185 runs for victory on the final day on Saturday, when Sri Lanka&#39;s trio of spinners will expect to capitalise on their early inroads against the tourists. 
 
The hosts&#39; leading left-arm spinner Rangana Herath struck in only the second over of the Australian innings when he bowled vice-captain David Warner for one. 
 
Usman Khawaja started positively with three fours but he was ruled leg before wicket to off-spinner Dilruwan Perera when he attempted a sweep shot after making 18, leaving Australia reeling at 33/2. 
 
Then the debutant Lakshan Sandakan joined the party with a ball that turned sharply and bowled opener Joe Burns, who had looked well set on 29. 
 
One run later, first innings top scorer Adam Voges was ruled lbw to Perera for no score, but the batsman reviewed the decision successfully. 
 
With the ball turning alarmingly, Smith and Voges then suppressed their urge to play attacking shots while keeping the scoreboard ticking over with some sharply run singles. 
 
&quot;It should be an interesting game if we get the full quota of 90 overs... We are still confident,&quot; Australia batting coach Stuart Law told reporters. &quot;We saw Sri Lankans sweeping a lot. Our guys being a bit taller, sweep shot is a bit difficult so we try to use our feet,&quot; Law said. 
 
Aussie rearguard, Smith&#39;s 54-ball innings has not featured any boundaries so far, while his partner Voges was batting in a similarly steadfast mood, reaching nine at the close of play off 25 deliveries. 
 
Australia&#39;s struggles against the Sri Lankan bowlers further underlined the importance of Kusal Mendis&#39; superb maiden Test century in what has been a low-scoring Test. 
 
No other player on either side has passed 50. After starting the day unbeaten on 169, Mendis only managed another seven runs before he played away from his body to a full length delivery from Mitchell Starc to be caught behind by wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. 
 
Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing the innings with figures of four for 84. Herath and Nuwan Pradeep added 30 runs for the last wicket off 29 deliveries before the Sri Lanka innings ended after substitute fielder Moises Henriques took a spectacular catch at extra cover. 
 
Sri Lanka, who were 282 for six overnight, eventually managed to reach a total of 353, 267 runs ahead of the Australians. 
 
It was a remarkable turnaround after they conceded a first innings lead of 86 to the tourists, who were presented with the mace as the world&#39;s number one team on the eve of the match. 
 
Much of their hopes of victory will rest on the shoulders of the 38-year-old Herath, who took four wickets in the first innings and has a reputation of cleaning up on the last day in home Tests. &quot;Pleasingly, a few balls started to turn quite sharply before the players came off for bad light,&quot; said Sri Lanka&#39;s head coach Graham Ford. 
 
&quot;Hoping tomorrow that a few things will go our way, and we&#39;ll be able to press home and hopefully finish off with a big victory,&quot; he said. The second Test will be held in Galle from August 4-8 and the third in Colombo from August 13-17. 
 
(AFP)

Sri Lanka, who were 282 for six overnight, eventually managed to reach a total of 353, 267 runs ahead of the Australians

Australia faced an uphill struggle to save the first Test against Sri Lanka's rampant spinners after losing three early second innings wickets Friday while trying to chase down a formidable target of 268. The tourists were precariously placed at 83 for three, with skipper Steve Smith unbeaten on 26, when bad light forced an early end to play for the fourth day running in Pallekele. The world number one Test team still need another 185 runs for victory on the final day on Saturday, when Sri Lanka's trio of spinners will expect to capitalise on their early inroads against the tourists. The hosts' leading left-arm spinner Rangana Herath struck in only the second over of the Australian innings when he bowled vice-captain David Warner for one. Usman Khawaja started positively with three fours but he was ruled leg before wicket to off-spinner Dilruwan Perera when he attempted a sweep shot after making 18, leaving Australia reeling at 33/2. Then the debutant Lakshan Sandakan joined the party with a ball that turned sharply and bowled opener Joe Burns, who had looked well set on 29. One run later, first innings top scorer Adam Voges was ruled lbw to Perera for no score, but the batsman reviewed the decision successfully. With the ball turning alarmingly, Smith and Voges then suppressed their urge to play attacking shots while keeping the scoreboard ticking over with some sharply run singles. "It should be an interesting game if we get the full quota of 90 overs... We are still confident," Australia batting coach Stuart Law told reporters. "We saw Sri Lankans sweeping a lot. Our guys being a bit taller, sweep shot is a bit difficult so we try to use our feet," Law said. Aussie rearguard, Smith's 54-ball innings has not featured any boundaries so far, while his partner Voges was batting in a similarly steadfast mood, reaching nine at the close of play off 25 deliveries. Australia's struggles against the Sri Lankan bowlers further underlined the importance of Kusal Mendis' superb maiden Test century in what has been a low-scoring Test. No other player on either side has passed 50. After starting the day unbeaten on 169, Mendis only managed another seven runs before he played away from his body to a full length delivery from Mitchell Starc to be caught behind by wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Starc was the pick of the Australian bowlers, finishing the innings with figures of four for 84. Herath and Nuwan Pradeep added 30 runs for the last wicket off 29 deliveries before the Sri Lanka innings ended after substitute fielder Moises Henriques took a spectacular catch at extra cover. Sri Lanka, who were 282 for six overnight, eventually managed to reach a total of 353, 267 runs ahead of the Australians. It was a remarkable turnaround after they conceded a first innings lead of 86 to the tourists, who were presented with the mace as the world's number one team on the eve of the match. Much of their hopes of victory will rest on the shoulders of the 38-year-old Herath, who took four wickets in the first innings and has a reputation of cleaning up on the last day in home Tests. "Pleasingly, a few balls started to turn quite sharply before the players came off for bad light," said Sri Lanka's head coach Graham Ford. "Hoping tomorrow that a few things will go our way, and we'll be able to press home and hopefully finish off with a big victory," he said. The second Test will be held in Galle from August 4-8 and the third in Colombo from August 13-17. (AFP)

Sri Lankan spinners corner Aussies in tricky chase

Australia&#39;s Nathan Lyon today became the country&#39;s first off-spinner to bag 200 Test wickets, during his team&#39;s first Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. 
 
Lyon claimed Sri Lanka&#39;s Dhanajay de Silva, who was caught at midoff, to reach the milestone in the second session of the third day`s play, triggering celebrations in the Aussie camp. 
 
Lyon, who had already passed former Australian off-spinner Hugh Trumble&#39;s tally of 141 wickets, has now picked up five wickets in the game which looks evenly balanced. 
 
Lyon, playing in his 55th Test, made his debut in 2011 in Sri Lanka&#39;s Galle, the venue for the next match in the series. 
 
(AFP)

Nathan Lyon playing in his 55th Test made his debut in 2011 in Sri Lanka's Galle, the venue for the next match in the series

Australia's Nathan Lyon today became the country's first off-spinner to bag 200 Test wickets, during his team's first Test against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Lyon claimed Sri Lanka's Dhanajay de Silva, who was caught at midoff, to reach the milestone in the second session of the third day`s play, triggering celebrations in the Aussie camp. Lyon, who had already passed former Australian off-spinner Hugh Trumble's tally of 141 wickets, has now picked up five wickets in the game which looks evenly balanced. Lyon, playing in his 55th Test, made his debut in 2011 in Sri Lanka's Galle, the venue for the next match in the series. (AFP)

Lyon becomes Australia's first off-spinner to bag 200 Test wickets

Australia&#39;s bowlers ripped through Sri Lanka&#39;s brittle batting lineup to dismiss the home side for 117 early in the middle session on the first day of the opening test at Pallekele today. 
 
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared six wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Steve O&#39;Keefe picked up two apiece as the hosts were shot out shortly after lunch. 
 
Debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva (24) was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, who have lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England. 
 
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat on a dry pitch in the first match of the three-test series. 
 
Any hopes Mathews had of enjoying a strong start were soon shattered, however, after Australia pace duo Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc ensured the tourists took full control with the new ball by reducing the hosts to 18-3 inside 10 overs. 
 
Left-armer Starc, making his comeback after a long injury layoff, sent back Dimuth Karunaratne, with the opening batsman failing to get the umpire&#39;s leg before wicket verdict overturned on review. 
 
The 25-year-old Hazlewood, bowling an impeccable line and length, then dismissed Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva and returned for another spell before lunch to lure Dinesh Chandimal into an edge behind to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. 
 
Left-arm spinner Steve O&#39;Keefe, who was included alongside Lyon, was brought on in the ninth over by Australia captain Steve Smith and he was rewarded when he dismissed Mathews. 
 
Lyon found a lot of turn from the surface and picked up his three wickets from just seven deliveries after the lunch interval as Sri Lanka&#39;s batsman appeared keen to return to the pavilion as quickly as they departed it. 
 
Rangana Herath became Starc&#39;s second victim and Australia&#39;s ninth after Smith successfully overturned the umpire&#39;s &#39;not out&#39; decision for leg before on review. 
 
O&#39;Keefe finished off proceedings when he captured his second wicket of the innings with the removal of Nuwan Pradeep. 
 
Injury-ravaged Sri Lanka, ranked seventh in the world, also handed a debut to left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan against the world&#39;s top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia. 
 
(Reuters)

Debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva was the top scorer for Sri Lanka

Australia's bowlers ripped through Sri Lanka's brittle batting lineup to dismiss the home side for 117 early in the middle session on the first day of the opening test at Pallekele today. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and off-spinner Nathan Lyon shared six wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Steve O'Keefe picked up two apiece as the hosts were shot out shortly after lunch. Debutant all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva (24) was the top scorer for Sri Lanka, who have lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England. Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews had won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat on a dry pitch in the first match of the three-test series. Any hopes Mathews had of enjoying a strong start were soon shattered, however, after Australia pace duo Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc ensured the tourists took full control with the new ball by reducing the hosts to 18-3 inside 10 overs. Left-armer Starc, making his comeback after a long injury layoff, sent back Dimuth Karunaratne, with the opening batsman failing to get the umpire's leg before wicket verdict overturned on review. The 25-year-old Hazlewood, bowling an impeccable line and length, then dismissed Kusal Mendis and Kaushal Silva and returned for another spell before lunch to lure Dinesh Chandimal into an edge behind to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe, who was included alongside Lyon, was brought on in the ninth over by Australia captain Steve Smith and he was rewarded when he dismissed Mathews. Lyon found a lot of turn from the surface and picked up his three wickets from just seven deliveries after the lunch interval as Sri Lanka's batsman appeared keen to return to the pavilion as quickly as they departed it. Rangana Herath became Starc's second victim and Australia's ninth after Smith successfully overturned the umpire's 'not out' decision for leg before on review. O'Keefe finished off proceedings when he captured his second wicket of the innings with the removal of Nuwan Pradeep. Injury-ravaged Sri Lanka, ranked seventh in the world, also handed a debut to left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan against the world's top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia. (Reuters)

Australia dismiss Sri Lanka for 117 in opener

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and opted to bat on a dry pitch in the first test of the three-match series against Australia at Pallekele today. 
 
The injury-ravaged hosts, ranked seventh in the world, handed debuts to all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan. 
 
Mathews side, who lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England, are missing pacemen Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera while Suranga Lakmal was also ruled out from the match due to an ankle complaint. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s obvious, we&#39;ll have a bat,&quot; Mathews said after his counterpart Steve Smith called wrongly at the toss. 
 
&quot;Pitch looks pretty good but it can turn, probably around day two. We would like to put the runs on the board.&nbsp;We&#39;ve got a good set of young players you can look forward to.&quot; 
 
Australia captain Smith had earlier informed that the world&#39;s top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia, will go into the match with two slow bowlers in off-spinner Nathan Lyon and left-armer Steve O&#39;Keefe. 
 
Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was back after a long injury layoff to lead Australia&#39;s pace attack. 
 
Smith, who is yet to lose a test when leading the side, said he would also have batted first had he won the toss. 
 
&quot;Looks like a pretty dry wicket and they&#39;re playing about four spinners so would have had the bat,&quot; said Smith, who is ranked number one among test batsmen in the world.&nbsp;&quot;(Opener David Warner)&#39;s back, which is pretty exciting for us, he is in great form so hopefully he&#39;s got some runs in this match.&nbsp;It&#39;s been a great prep and the boys are ready to go.&quot; 
 
Teams: 
 
Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Steve O&#39;Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon 
 
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan 
 
(Reuters)

All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan make their debuts with this match

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and opted to bat on a dry pitch in the first test of the three-match series against Australia at Pallekele today. The injury-ravaged hosts, ranked seventh in the world, handed debuts to all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva and left-arm slow bowler Lakshan Sandakan. Mathews side, who lost their last two test series in New Zealand and England, are missing pacemen Dhammika Prasad and Dushmantha Chameera while Suranga Lakmal was also ruled out from the match due to an ankle complaint. "It's obvious, we'll have a bat," Mathews said after his counterpart Steve Smith called wrongly at the toss. "Pitch looks pretty good but it can turn, probably around day two. We would like to put the runs on the board. We've got a good set of young players you can look forward to." Australia captain Smith had earlier informed that the world's top-ranked test side, who have won just one out of their last 15 tests in Asia, will go into the match with two slow bowlers in off-spinner Nathan Lyon and left-armer Steve O'Keefe. Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was back after a long injury layoff to lead Australia's pace attack. Smith, who is yet to lose a test when leading the side, said he would also have batted first had he won the toss. "Looks like a pretty dry wicket and they're playing about four spinners so would have had the bat," said Smith, who is ranked number one among test batsmen in the world. "(Opener David Warner)'s back, which is pretty exciting for us, he is in great form so hopefully he's got some runs in this match. It's been a great prep and the boys are ready to go." Teams: Australia: David Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Steve O'Keefe, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan (Reuters)

Sri Lanka opt to bat against Australia in first test

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dethroned Pakistan&#39;s Yasir Shah to top the International Cricket Council&#39;s (ICC) test rankings after his match-winning display against West Indies in the first test. 
 
The 29-year-old picked up figures of 7-83 in the second innings as the visitors cruised to an innings-and-92 runs victory inside four days in Antigua. 
 
Leg spinner Yasir, who became the first Pakistani bowler in 20 years to top the test rankings, dropped to fifth after managing just one wicket in the second test defeat against England at Old Trafford. Ashwin, who also tops the all-rounders ranking, is followed by England&#39;s James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who both moved up one place respectively. 
 
Joe Root&#39;s magnificent 254 in the 330-run victory against Pakistan has helped him move into the second place in the test rankings for batsmen, behind Australian Steve Smith, who retains top spot. England&#39;s test skipper Alastair Cook, also moved back into the top 10 at ninth place on the back of a century and an unbeaten 76 in the second test. 
 
(Reuters) 
 
&nbsp;

Ravichandran Ashwin picked up figures of 7-83 in the second innings of the first test against West Indies in Antigua

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin dethroned Pakistan's Yasir Shah to top the International Cricket Council's (ICC) test rankings after his match-winning display against West Indies in the first test. The 29-year-old picked up figures of 7-83 in the second innings as the visitors cruised to an innings-and-92 runs victory inside four days in Antigua. Leg spinner Yasir, who became the first Pakistani bowler in 20 years to top the test rankings, dropped to fifth after managing just one wicket in the second test defeat against England at Old Trafford. Ashwin, who also tops the all-rounders ranking, is followed by England's James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who both moved up one place respectively. Joe Root's magnificent 254 in the 330-run victory against Pakistan has helped him move into the second place in the test rankings for batsmen, behind Australian Steve Smith, who retains top spot. England's test skipper Alastair Cook, also moved back into the top 10 at ninth place on the back of a century and an unbeaten 76 in the second test. (Reuters)

Indian off-spinner R Ashwin regains number one spot in ICC test rankings

Ravichandran Ashwin completed a magnificent all-round performance with seven wickets to bowl India to a crushing victory by an innings and 92 runs on the fourth day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua on Sunday. 
 
His haul of seven for 83 off 25 overs followed his third Test hundred - 113, is India&#39;s massive first innings total of 566 for eight declared at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. 
 
Resuming their second innings following on at the overnight position of 21 for one, the West Indies were dismissed for 231 in another abject batting display, despite half-centuries by Marlon Samuels and Carlos Brathwaite and a ninth-wicket stand of 95 between Brathwaite and Devendra Bishoo (45). 
 
This result was India&#39;s largest margin of victory in a Test match outside of Asia. 
 
&quot;We were really eager to get going in this series,&quot; said a delighted Indian captain Virat Kohli after the match. 
 
&quot;Everything came together nicely, from the batting performance to dismissing the West Indies twice. We went with three seamers because of the amount of grass on the wicket and it worked for us.&quot; 
 
 
&quot;Virat told me I needed to put in a good spell&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Wicketless throughout the first innings and for the first nine overs of his second innings effort, Ashwin scythed through the heart of the home side&#39;s batting in the afternoon session, reaping a five-wicket haul and then finishing off the match with the last two wickets just after tea to give India a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. 
 
He was fortunate to claim his first wicket, opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika adjudged caught at the wicket for a painstaking 31 in over three hours at the crease.&nbsp; 
 
But there was no doubt about the demolition effected thereafter, including dismissing Samuels for his first half-century in 12 Test innings, as six wickets tumbled for 44 runs. 
 
&quot;Virat told me I needed to put in a good spell this afternoon and I&#39;m glad I was able to deliver,&quot; said Ashwin, reflecting on his superb performance with the ball. 
 
&quot;I wasn&#39;t getting the right sort of rhythm yesterday but today was very different.&quot; 
 
Such was the speed of the collapse that India looked on course to complete the win well before the tea interval. 
 
However Brathwaite and Bishoo offered resistance that was entertaining for the few home fans in the stands and more than a little irritating for Virat Kohli and his men who were kept waiting to celebrate a comprehensive win. 
 
Brathwaite finished unbeaten on 51, his third half-century in as many Tests, but with just one wicket for 242 runs so far in his young career, his value as a frontline bowler remains highly questionable. 
 
&quot;We obviously need to bowl a bit better,&quot; said a downcast West Indies captain Jason Holder in the aftermath of the heavy defeat.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;I`m not sure what we can expect from the pitch for the next Test in Jamaica. It&#39;s been a bit flat of late but we`ll have to see what our options are when we get there.&quot; 
 
Apart from earning the West Indies a modicum of respect, the ninth-wicket pairing`s defiance also embarrassed the frontline batting which once again failed to cope with India&#39;s potent combination of pace and spin. 
 
Umesh Yadav got his team off to the perfect start in the morning, the fast bowler claiming the important wicket of Darren Bravo without any addition to the overnight score.&nbsp; 
 
Samuels then made the most of a narrow escape when an appeal for a catch to the wicketkeeper off Mohammed Shami was turned down after consideration of the television replays. 
 
Amid growing questions about his place in the side following 11 consecutive Test innings of scores lower than 20, the elegant right-hander stroked 11 fours in an even 50 before being bowled by Ashwin.&nbsp; 
 
His demise came just after Jermaine Blackwood fell for his second duck of the match and Ashwin added the wickets of Roston Chase and captain Jason Holder to turn the match into a formality. 
 
Wrist-spinner Amit Mishra accounted for Shane Dowrich in the midst of the rout before Brathwaite and Bishoo held up the victory celebrations. 
 
Fittingly, it was left to Ashwin to claim the final two wickets in the space of three deliveries and make his team even heavier favourites going into the second Test beginning on Saturday in Jamaica. 
 
(AFP)

This result was India's largest margin of victory in a Test match outside of Asia

Ravichandran Ashwin completed a magnificent all-round performance with seven wickets to bowl India to a crushing victory by an innings and 92 runs on the fourth day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua on Sunday. His haul of seven for 83 off 25 overs followed his third Test hundred - 113, is India's massive first innings total of 566 for eight declared at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Resuming their second innings following on at the overnight position of 21 for one, the West Indies were dismissed for 231 in another abject batting display, despite half-centuries by Marlon Samuels and Carlos Brathwaite and a ninth-wicket stand of 95 between Brathwaite and Devendra Bishoo (45). This result was India's largest margin of victory in a Test match outside of Asia. "We were really eager to get going in this series," said a delighted Indian captain Virat Kohli after the match. "Everything came together nicely, from the batting performance to dismissing the West Indies twice. We went with three seamers because of the amount of grass on the wicket and it worked for us." "Virat told me I needed to put in a good spell" Wicketless throughout the first innings and for the first nine overs of his second innings effort, Ashwin scythed through the heart of the home side's batting in the afternoon session, reaping a five-wicket haul and then finishing off the match with the last two wickets just after tea to give India a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. He was fortunate to claim his first wicket, opening batsman Rajendra Chandrika adjudged caught at the wicket for a painstaking 31 in over three hours at the crease. But there was no doubt about the demolition effected thereafter, including dismissing Samuels for his first half-century in 12 Test innings, as six wickets tumbled for 44 runs. "Virat told me I needed to put in a good spell this afternoon and I'm glad I was able to deliver," said Ashwin, reflecting on his superb performance with the ball. "I wasn't getting the right sort of rhythm yesterday but today was very different." Such was the speed of the collapse that India looked on course to complete the win well before the tea interval. However Brathwaite and Bishoo offered resistance that was entertaining for the few home fans in the stands and more than a little irritating for Virat Kohli and his men who were kept waiting to celebrate a comprehensive win. Brathwaite finished unbeaten on 51, his third half-century in as many Tests, but with just one wicket for 242 runs so far in his young career, his value as a frontline bowler remains highly questionable. "We obviously need to bowl a bit better," said a downcast West Indies captain Jason Holder in the aftermath of the heavy defeat. "I`m not sure what we can expect from the pitch for the next Test in Jamaica. It's been a bit flat of late but we`ll have to see what our options are when we get there." Apart from earning the West Indies a modicum of respect, the ninth-wicket pairing`s defiance also embarrassed the frontline batting which once again failed to cope with India's potent combination of pace and spin. Umesh Yadav got his team off to the perfect start in the morning, the fast bowler claiming the important wicket of Darren Bravo without any addition to the overnight score. Samuels then made the most of a narrow escape when an appeal for a catch to the wicketkeeper off Mohammed Shami was turned down after consideration of the television replays. Amid growing questions about his place in the side following 11 consecutive Test innings of scores lower than 20, the elegant right-hander stroked 11 fours in an even 50 before being bowled by Ashwin. His demise came just after Jermaine Blackwood fell for his second duck of the match and Ashwin added the wickets of Roston Chase and captain Jason Holder to turn the match into a formality. Wrist-spinner Amit Mishra accounted for Shane Dowrich in the midst of the rout before Brathwaite and Bishoo held up the victory celebrations. Fittingly, it was left to Ashwin to claim the final two wickets in the space of three deliveries and make his team even heavier favourites going into the second Test beginning on Saturday in Jamaica. (AFP)

?Ashwin spins India to crushing 1st Test victory against West Indies

India skipper Virat Kohli, calling on his side to create a winning habit,&nbsp;has admitted that they are looking forward to a series whitewash against West Indies after claiming an emphatic win by an innings and 92 runs against the hosts in the first Test here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium last evening. 
 
&quot;If we have a chance to win 4-0, then why not. We don&#39;t need to get complacent. If we end up getting a 2-0 lead, it&#39;s not that we&#39;re playing for a draw in the next two tests. We want to create winning habits, good habits. And you know, winning is contagious. As we know, if we learn to win Test matches, then we&#39;ll learn how to win Tests everywhere. We will learn how to play in different situations and we will know exactly what to do when a certain situation is going a certain way,&quot; said Kohli, who scored his maiden double century. 
 
Off-Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was adjudged &#39;Man of the match&#39;, led from the front as he contributed 113 runs in his side&#39;s innings before claiming seven wickets as the Caribbean side were bundled out for 231 in their second innings. 
 
India declared their first innings at 566-8. 
 
Reflecting on India&#39;s strategy, an ecstatic Kohli revealed that his side would not pay attention to their previous laurels and would focus on one game at a time. 
 
&quot;That&#39;s what we need to do. We need to look at every game as a fresh game and execute our plans and win as a team. Everyone is looking to contribute and that`s the most important thing with this team. I certainly feel very positive going forward with the way we have played,&quot; he added. 
 
Describing the win as &#39;perfect&#39;, the 27-year-old swashbuckling batsman credited his side&#39;s bowling department for the massive victory while adding that his side executed the plan really well. 
 
&quot;If you look at it logically, that&#39;s probably the perfect finish, which every team looks for. The seamers usually dominate the first innings when you play away from home. The wicket tires out on day four and five. That&#39;s when the spinners come into play. In the first innings, spinners are taking couple of the breakthrough wickets. In the second innings, fast bowlers are doing this for you and then the spinners will open it up again. I think it was a wonderful partnership bowling by all our bowlers in the two innings. And the batsmen as well,&quot; he added. 
 
India, which is bidding to clinch third consecutive series whitewash against the Caribbean side, have now taken a one-nil lead in the four-match series. 
 
The two sides will play the second match at Sabina Park in Jamaica from July 30. 
 
(ANI)&nbsp;

'We need to look at every game as a fresh game and execute our plans and win as a team'

India skipper Virat Kohli, calling on his side to create a winning habit, has admitted that they are looking forward to a series whitewash against West Indies after claiming an emphatic win by an innings and 92 runs against the hosts in the first Test here at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium last evening. "If we have a chance to win 4-0, then why not. We don't need to get complacent. If we end up getting a 2-0 lead, it's not that we're playing for a draw in the next two tests. We want to create winning habits, good habits. And you know, winning is contagious. As we know, if we learn to win Test matches, then we'll learn how to win Tests everywhere. We will learn how to play in different situations and we will know exactly what to do when a certain situation is going a certain way," said Kohli, who scored his maiden double century. Off-Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who was adjudged 'Man of the match', led from the front as he contributed 113 runs in his side's innings before claiming seven wickets as the Caribbean side were bundled out for 231 in their second innings. India declared their first innings at 566-8. Reflecting on India's strategy, an ecstatic Kohli revealed that his side would not pay attention to their previous laurels and would focus on one game at a time. "That's what we need to do. We need to look at every game as a fresh game and execute our plans and win as a team. Everyone is looking to contribute and that`s the most important thing with this team. I certainly feel very positive going forward with the way we have played," he added. Describing the win as 'perfect', the 27-year-old swashbuckling batsman credited his side's bowling department for the massive victory while adding that his side executed the plan really well. "If you look at it logically, that's probably the perfect finish, which every team looks for. The seamers usually dominate the first innings when you play away from home. The wicket tires out on day four and five. That's when the spinners come into play. In the first innings, spinners are taking couple of the breakthrough wickets. In the second innings, fast bowlers are doing this for you and then the spinners will open it up again. I think it was a wonderful partnership bowling by all our bowlers in the two innings. And the batsmen as well," he added. India, which is bidding to clinch third consecutive series whitewash against the Caribbean side, have now taken a one-nil lead in the four-match series. The two sides will play the second match at Sabina Park in Jamaica from July 30. (ANI)

Indian skipper Kohli calls on teammates not to get complacent post Antigua Test win

Zimbabwe have appointed Graeme Cremer as captain of a 16-man squad named on Thursday for the two-test series against New Zealand starting next week. 
 
The 29-year-old spinner replaces Brendan Taylor in the role for Zimbabwe&rsquo;s first test since they lost three matches in Bangladesh in late 2014. 
 
Four uncapped players &ndash; Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor and Taurai Muzarabani were selected in the squad for the matches in Bulawayo. 
 
The first test begins next Thursday and the second on Aug. 6. 
 
It will be the first test at the Queens Sports Club in almost five years since New Zealand won a one-off match there by 34 runs in November 2011. 
 
New Zealand play Zimbabwe A in a three-day practice match at the Harare Sports Club on Friday before flying to Bulawayo. 
 
Squad 
 
Graeme Cremer (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams. 
 
(Reuters)

The 29-year-old spinner replaces Brendan Taylor in the role for Zimbabwe?s first test since they lost three matches in Bangladesh in 2014

Zimbabwe have appointed Graeme Cremer as captain of a 16-man squad named on Thursday for the two-test series against New Zealand starting next week. The 29-year-old spinner replaces Brendan Taylor in the role for Zimbabwe’s first test since they lost three matches in Bangladesh in late 2014. Four uncapped players – Chamu Chibhabha, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor and Taurai Muzarabani were selected in the squad for the matches in Bulawayo. The first test begins next Thursday and the second on Aug. 6. It will be the first test at the Queens Sports Club in almost five years since New Zealand won a one-off match there by 34 runs in November 2011. New Zealand play Zimbabwe A in a three-day practice match at the Harare Sports Club on Friday before flying to Bulawayo. Squad Graeme Cremer (captain), Sikandar Raza Butt, Regis Chakabva, Brian Chari, Tendai Chatara, Chamunorwa Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Peter Moor, Richmond Mutumbami, Taurai Muzarabani, Njabulo Ncube, Donald Tiripano, Sean Williams. (Reuters)

Cremer named Zimbabwe captain for test return

West Indies vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite has admitted that his side will face an uphill task against overwhelming favourites India and insisted that the hosts will need to produce an all-round performance to begin the four-match series on a winning note. 
 
The 23-year-old opener observed that his side&#39;s batsmen need to be perseverant on sluggish surfaces while bowlers need to be disciplined in terms of line and length to maintain stranglehold over the Virat Kohli-led side in the opening Test starting at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground today. 
 
&quot;I think the main thing with these pitches in the Caribbean is patience and I think once we carry that both facing their pacers and spinners we will make some big targets. You know it`s important for that first innings total,&quot; Brathwaite was quoted as saying by the WICB website. 
 
&quot;Will need that 300 and above and once we do that we put ourselves in a good position to go forward in the game positively. Looking at their batting again it`s not going to be easy but we are accustomed to these conditions so we know once we get our lengths right and we bowl to some specific field. We will be good,&quot; he said. 
 
Brathwaite, however, said he was satisfied with the performance of bowlers and batsmen during the camp session in Barbados last weekend. 
 
He said, &quot;The bowlers got some good spells and the batsmen got some good spells from the bowlers and the assistant bowlers that came and help. Also I think the guys are looking well coming from that camp. I think we are ready for this series&#39;&#39;. 
 
The opener also stated his primary motive will be to provide a solid foundation for his side so that middle order batsmen can capitalise on it to post big totals. 
 
(ANI)

The opener stated his primary motive will be to provide a solid foundation for his side so that middle order batsmen can capitalise on it

West Indies vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite has admitted that his side will face an uphill task against overwhelming favourites India and insisted that the hosts will need to produce an all-round performance to begin the four-match series on a winning note. The 23-year-old opener observed that his side's batsmen need to be perseverant on sluggish surfaces while bowlers need to be disciplined in terms of line and length to maintain stranglehold over the Virat Kohli-led side in the opening Test starting at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground today. "I think the main thing with these pitches in the Caribbean is patience and I think once we carry that both facing their pacers and spinners we will make some big targets. You know it`s important for that first innings total," Brathwaite was quoted as saying by the WICB website. "Will need that 300 and above and once we do that we put ourselves in a good position to go forward in the game positively. Looking at their batting again it`s not going to be easy but we are accustomed to these conditions so we know once we get our lengths right and we bowl to some specific field. We will be good," he said. Brathwaite, however, said he was satisfied with the performance of bowlers and batsmen during the camp session in Barbados last weekend. He said, "The bowlers got some good spells and the batsmen got some good spells from the bowlers and the assistant bowlers that came and help. Also I think the guys are looking well coming from that camp. I think we are ready for this series''. The opener also stated his primary motive will be to provide a solid foundation for his side so that middle order batsmen can capitalise on it to post big totals. (ANI)

It's not going to be easy against India, says West Indies Vice-Captain Brathwaite

The Supreme Court in India has barred ministers and bureaucrats from holding posts in the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) as part of administrative reforms in the world&#39;s richest national cricket body. 
 
The apex court today accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, a three-member panel it had appointed to look into the functioning of the BCCI, Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is perceived as a cash-rich but opaque body run by politicians and businessmen. 
 
In their report, submitted in January, former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and two of his colleagues recommended age and tenure restrictions for top officials and cooling off period between successive terms for top officials among others. 
 
&quot;We allow most of the recommendations of the Justice Lodha panel on administrative changes in the BCCI,&quot; a two-judge division bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Tirath Singh Thakur and Justice F.M.I. Kalifulla, said in their order. 
 
&quot;Nobody above the age of 70 will be office bearer of the BCCI. A person cannot be simultaneously an office-bearer in the state cricket association as well as in the BCCI,&quot; the panel noted.&nbsp; 
 
In other recommendations, all of which would have to implemented within six months by the BCCI, the panel wanted the board to be brought under the Right to Information Act which would allow citizens to access information held by the board.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

World's richest national cricket body, BCCI, is perceived as a cash-rich but opaque body run by politicians and businessmen?

The Supreme Court in India has barred ministers and bureaucrats from holding posts in the country's cricket board (BCCI) as part of administrative reforms in the world's richest national cricket body. The apex court today accepted most of the recommendations of the Lodha Committee, a three-member panel it had appointed to look into the functioning of the BCCI, Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is perceived as a cash-rich but opaque body run by politicians and businessmen. In their report, submitted in January, former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and two of his colleagues recommended age and tenure restrictions for top officials and cooling off period between successive terms for top officials among others. "We allow most of the recommendations of the Justice Lodha panel on administrative changes in the BCCI," a two-judge division bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India Tirath Singh Thakur and Justice F.M.I. Kalifulla, said in their order. "Nobody above the age of 70 will be office bearer of the BCCI. A person cannot be simultaneously an office-bearer in the state cricket association as well as in the BCCI," the panel noted. In other recommendations, all of which would have to implemented within six months by the BCCI, the panel wanted the board to be brought under the Right to Information Act which would allow citizens to access information held by the board. (Reuters)

No more bureaucrats, ministers in national cricket board: India's top court

England will embark on their lengthy tour of India later this year with Rajkot hosting the first of the five test matches from November 9, the cricket boards announced today. 
 
Rajkot will be making its debut as a test venue in the series, as will be coastal Vishakapatnam, which hosts the second test from November 17. 
 
Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai will host the remaining matches of what will be England&#39;s first five-test rubber in India since 1984-85. 
 
Beginning on January 15, England will also play three one-dayers and as many Twenty20 Internationals. 
 
&quot;This promises to be a historic test series and a great opportunity for Alastair Cook and his players to repeat the memorable test series win we enjoyed on our last trip to India in 2012,&quot; Andrew Strauss, director of England Cricket, said in a statement. 
 
&quot;Equally, Eoin Morgan&#39;s white-ball squad will be anticipating hard-fought and competitive encounters against high quality opposition in both formats.&quot; he added. 
 
(Reuters)

Rajkot will be making its debut as a test venue in the series. It will host first of the five test matches from November 9

England will embark on their lengthy tour of India later this year with Rajkot hosting the first of the five test matches from November 9, the cricket boards announced today. Rajkot will be making its debut as a test venue in the series, as will be coastal Vishakapatnam, which hosts the second test from November 17. Mohali, Mumbai and Chennai will host the remaining matches of what will be England's first five-test rubber in India since 1984-85. Beginning on January 15, England will also play three one-dayers and as many Twenty20 Internationals. "This promises to be a historic test series and a great opportunity for Alastair Cook and his players to repeat the memorable test series win we enjoyed on our last trip to India in 2012," Andrew Strauss, director of England Cricket, said in a statement. "Equally, Eoin Morgan's white-ball squad will be anticipating hard-fought and competitive encounters against high quality opposition in both formats." he added. (Reuters)

England to begin test series in India at new venue Rajkot

Keen to beat Sri Lanka in their own spin game, Australia have roped in local spin great Muttiah Muralitharan to help their slow bowlers ahead of the three-test series beginning at Pallekele later this month. 
 
The 44-year-old former off-spinner, still the highest wicket-taker in test cricket with 800 scalps, had a similar short-term consulting stint with Australia in 2014. 
 
&quot;Murali&#39;s got a lot of experience in Sri Lanka,&quot; Australia captain Steve Smith said. &quot;He took a truckload of wickets.&quot; 
 
&quot;It&#39;s great to have someone like that helping our spinners in this series - to give us that insight. He&#39;s been really good around the group so far, and he&#39;s enjoying his time with us.&quot; 
 
Muralitharan, who has been seen working with Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O&#39;Keefe in the nets, said he was looking for such short-term jobs and had no problems helping the visitors plot against his own country. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m not involved in Sri Lankan cricket at all because there are (other) people who are involved,&quot; Muralitharan, a perennial thorn in Australia&#39;s flesh during his playing days, told Cricket Australia website. 
 
&quot;Then, on and off, Australia offered me twice so I said &#39;why not&#39; because you are passing on the knowledge to other people. It doesn&#39;t matter whether it&#39;s your country or other people.&quot; 
 
&quot;I think giving quality time to my family is most important, that&#39;s why I take smaller jobs - two weeks, three weeks... those sort of jobs are not available in Sri Lanka.&quot; 
 
Australia were confident opener David Warner, recovering from a broken left index finger, will be fit for the series opener at Pallekele. 
 
&quot;His recovery is going really well and we expect him to be fine for that first test match,&quot; Smith said of his deputy who batted one-handed against Lyon in the Colombo nets. 
 
Cricket Australia also appointed Victorian David Saker as the new full-time assistant coach on Thursday. 
 
Saker, who was England&#39;s bowling coach from 2010-2015, succeeds Craig McDermott who quit the post earlier this year. 
 
Beginning on July 26, Australia will play three tests, five one-dayers, and two Twenty20 Internationals during their two-month-long tour. 
 
(Reuters)

He will help the Ozzie slow bowlers ahead of the three-test series beginning at Pallekele later this month

Keen to beat Sri Lanka in their own spin game, Australia have roped in local spin great Muttiah Muralitharan to help their slow bowlers ahead of the three-test series beginning at Pallekele later this month. The 44-year-old former off-spinner, still the highest wicket-taker in test cricket with 800 scalps, had a similar short-term consulting stint with Australia in 2014. "Murali's got a lot of experience in Sri Lanka," Australia captain Steve Smith said. "He took a truckload of wickets." "It's great to have someone like that helping our spinners in this series - to give us that insight. He's been really good around the group so far, and he's enjoying his time with us." Muralitharan, who has been seen working with Australian spinners Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe in the nets, said he was looking for such short-term jobs and had no problems helping the visitors plot against his own country. "I'm not involved in Sri Lankan cricket at all because there are (other) people who are involved," Muralitharan, a perennial thorn in Australia's flesh during his playing days, told Cricket Australia website. "Then, on and off, Australia offered me twice so I said 'why not' because you are passing on the knowledge to other people. It doesn't matter whether it's your country or other people." "I think giving quality time to my family is most important, that's why I take smaller jobs - two weeks, three weeks... those sort of jobs are not available in Sri Lanka." Australia were confident opener David Warner, recovering from a broken left index finger, will be fit for the series opener at Pallekele. "His recovery is going really well and we expect him to be fine for that first test match," Smith said of his deputy who batted one-handed against Lyon in the Colombo nets. Cricket Australia also appointed Victorian David Saker as the new full-time assistant coach on Thursday. Saker, who was England's bowling coach from 2010-2015, succeeds Craig McDermott who quit the post earlier this year. Beginning on July 26, Australia will play three tests, five one-dayers, and two Twenty20 Internationals during their two-month-long tour. (Reuters)

Before their Sri Lanka series, Australia rope in Murali

Bangladesh has ruled out playing England&#39;s cricket team in a third country in September, an idea floated after a deadly terror attack in the capital killed 18 foreigners last week.&nbsp; 
 
England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on September 30 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals. 
 
England&#39;s limited-over captain Eion Morgan voiced &quot;big concern&quot; after last Saturday&#39;s attack by Islamist extremists at an upmarket restaurant, saying a neutral venue could be an option for the series. 
&nbsp; 
And an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman hinted at a possible cancellation of the Bangladesh tour saying that &quot;if the environment is not acceptably safe or the right measures not in place, we would take the appropriate steps&quot;. 
 
However, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters in Dhaka today that Bangladesh wanted the matches to go ahead on home turf. 
 
&quot;We always believe suspending cricket in a particular country will not bring any solution,&quot; Chowdhury said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Our all-out effort will be fulfilling our commitment of hosting the series here,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
He also noted that a security delegation from England would be coming to inspect the security measures in place ahead of the games. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;England security delegate was supposed to visit last month. But they are taking time,&quot; he said.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;They will also tour India after Bangladesh series. Perhaps,they will do the security inspection both in India and Bangladesh together.&quot; 
&nbsp; 
Australia pulled out of a tour of Bangladesh last year due to security concerns. The West Indies Under-19 side also aborted a tour in 2013 after an explosion near their hotel in the southern city of Chittagong. 
 
Chowdhury said the International Cricket Council is working on updated security protocol to deal with the problem globally.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;It`s not just a problem of Bangladesh. Many developed countries in the world, who have strong security barriers, face some incidents too.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Still, whenever we host an international series, we take special security measures. We have hosted many major ICC events, despite many challenges,&quot; he said. 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on September 30 to play two tests and three one-day internationals

Bangladesh has ruled out playing England's cricket team in a third country in September, an idea floated after a deadly terror attack in the capital killed 18 foreigners last week. England are scheduled to arrive in Bangladesh on September 30 to play two Tests and three one-day internationals. England's limited-over captain Eion Morgan voiced "big concern" after last Saturday's attack by Islamist extremists at an upmarket restaurant, saying a neutral venue could be an option for the series. And an England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman hinted at a possible cancellation of the Bangladesh tour saying that "if the environment is not acceptably safe or the right measures not in place, we would take the appropriate steps". However, Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive officer Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters in Dhaka today that Bangladesh wanted the matches to go ahead on home turf. "We always believe suspending cricket in a particular country will not bring any solution," Chowdhury said. "Our all-out effort will be fulfilling our commitment of hosting the series here," he added. He also noted that a security delegation from England would be coming to inspect the security measures in place ahead of the games. "England security delegate was supposed to visit last month. But they are taking time," he said. "They will also tour India after Bangladesh series. Perhaps,they will do the security inspection both in India and Bangladesh together." Australia pulled out of a tour of Bangladesh last year due to security concerns. The West Indies Under-19 side also aborted a tour in 2013 after an explosion near their hotel in the southern city of Chittagong. Chowdhury said the International Cricket Council is working on updated security protocol to deal with the problem globally. "It`s not just a problem of Bangladesh. Many developed countries in the world, who have strong security barriers, face some incidents too. "Still, whenever we host an international series, we take special security measures. We have hosted many major ICC events, despite many challenges," he said. (AFP)

Bangladesh rule out playing England in neutral venue

Australia&#39;s cricket board has banned two players for betting on matches and given a suspended ban to a third as part of its &quot;zero tolerance&quot; approach to gambling-related corruption. 
 
Hayley Jensen and Corinne Hall, who play in the national women&#39;s league and women&#39;s domestic Twenty20 tournament, were both given two-year bans with 18 months suspended, Cricket Australia (CA) said in a media release on Wednesday. 
 
Jensen had admitted placing one bet on the result of the men&#39;s test match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane last November.&nbsp;Hall had made two bets relating to two matches in the men&#39;s domestic one-day competition in 2015-16. 
 
&quot;Jensen and Hall are prohibited from participating in any form of cricket or cricket-related event for a period of six months until 21 October 2016,&quot; CA said. 
 
Joel Logan, who plays for South Australia in the men&#39;s domestic competition, was sanctioned for placing two bets on the winner of the World T20 tournament. 
 
Logan was also given a two-year ban but it was wholly suspended due to &quot;circumstances relating to his match contracts and the specific timing&quot; of his bets.&nbsp;All three players were required to participate in anti-corruption education programs, the board said. 
 
&ldquo;We take a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to maintaining the integrity of our sport and this includes any form of betting on cricket globally,&quot; CA&#39;s integrity boss Iain Roy said. 
 
&quot;These players have accepted the seriousness of their errors and have voluntarily accepted their sanctions.&quot; 
 
CA in February banned 19-year-old woman cricketer Piepa Cleary for six months, with another 18 months suspended, for placing six bets on a men&#39;s test match between Australia and New Zealand in November. 
 
That followed a two-year suspended sentence given to Sydney-based women&#39;s cricketer Angela Reakes in December for placing five bets on the man-of-the-match for last year&#39;s cricket World Cup final. 
 
World cricket has been rocked by a number of gambling-related scandals in recent years. 
 
Three Pakistani players were banned from cricket and jailed in 2011 after they were convicted of criminal charges related to spot-fixing in a test match during their tour of England the previous year. 
 
(Reuters)

In its drive to clean up the sport, Cricket Australia has penalised two women and one man for gambling

Australia's cricket board has banned two players for betting on matches and given a suspended ban to a third as part of its "zero tolerance" approach to gambling-related corruption. Hayley Jensen and Corinne Hall, who play in the national women's league and women's domestic Twenty20 tournament, were both given two-year bans with 18 months suspended, Cricket Australia (CA) said in a media release on Wednesday. Jensen had admitted placing one bet on the result of the men's test match between Australia and New Zealand in Brisbane last November. Hall had made two bets relating to two matches in the men's domestic one-day competition in 2015-16. "Jensen and Hall are prohibited from participating in any form of cricket or cricket-related event for a period of six months until 21 October 2016," CA said. Joel Logan, who plays for South Australia in the men's domestic competition, was sanctioned for placing two bets on the winner of the World T20 tournament. Logan was also given a two-year ban but it was wholly suspended due to "circumstances relating to his match contracts and the specific timing" of his bets. All three players were required to participate in anti-corruption education programs, the board said. “We take a proactive, zero-tolerance approach to maintaining the integrity of our sport and this includes any form of betting on cricket globally," CA's integrity boss Iain Roy said. "These players have accepted the seriousness of their errors and have voluntarily accepted their sanctions." CA in February banned 19-year-old woman cricketer Piepa Cleary for six months, with another 18 months suspended, for placing six bets on a men's test match between Australia and New Zealand in November. That followed a two-year suspended sentence given to Sydney-based women's cricketer Angela Reakes in December for placing five bets on the man-of-the-match for last year's cricket World Cup final. World cricket has been rocked by a number of gambling-related scandals in recent years. Three Pakistani players were banned from cricket and jailed in 2011 after they were convicted of criminal charges related to spot-fixing in a test match during their tour of England the previous year. (Reuters)

Australian cricket board slaps bans on three players for betting

England have major concerns about the planned tour to Bangladesh later this year, the team&#39;s limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan has said in the wake of Friday&#39;s attack by gunmen at an upmarket Dhaka restaurant that left 20 dead. 
 
An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesman said they would follow government advice on the trip to the South Asian country, where the team were due to play three one-day internationals and two tests from October 7 to November 1. 
 
&quot;I think it is quite a big concern at the moment,&quot; Morgan told reporters. &quot;We&#39;ve always left the big decisions to the ECB,&quot; he added. 
 
&quot;They write reports, send guys out to see if it&#39;s safe then come back to the players to see if they&#39;re happy or unhappy. But certainly it&#39;s a concern at the moment,&quot; the England skipper asserted.&nbsp; 
 
Security concerns have been a major issue in South Asia, starving Pakistan of international sports at home, while the Australian cricket team postponed their Bangladesh tour last year and then pulled out of the under-19 World Cup following a warning from their government. 
 
The Bangladesh Cricket Board said England&#39;s reaction was normal but hoped the tour would go ahead as scheduled. 
 
When asked if the matches could be played on neutral territory, Morgan said, &quot;I think that could be feasible if that came to it.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The Bangladesh Cricket Board said England's reaction was normal but hoped the tour would go ahead as scheduled

England have major concerns about the planned tour to Bangladesh later this year, the team's limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan has said in the wake of Friday's attack by gunmen at an upmarket Dhaka restaurant that left 20 dead. An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesman said they would follow government advice on the trip to the South Asian country, where the team were due to play three one-day internationals and two tests from October 7 to November 1. "I think it is quite a big concern at the moment," Morgan told reporters. "We've always left the big decisions to the ECB," he added. "They write reports, send guys out to see if it's safe then come back to the players to see if they're happy or unhappy. But certainly it's a concern at the moment," the England skipper asserted. Security concerns have been a major issue in South Asia, starving Pakistan of international sports at home, while the Australian cricket team postponed their Bangladesh tour last year and then pulled out of the under-19 World Cup following a warning from their government. The Bangladesh Cricket Board said England's reaction was normal but hoped the tour would go ahead as scheduled. When asked if the matches could be played on neutral territory, Morgan said, "I think that could be feasible if that came to it." (Reuters)

After terror attack, England skipper Morgan expresses 'concern' over Bangladesh tour

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will apply for the inclusion of women&#39;s cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, South Africa, said&nbsp;the governing body. 
 
Cricket has struggled to venture into new markets away from its traditional strongholds and the influential Indian board&#39;s reluctance to embrace multi-sports events as a means to increase exposure has hindered growth. 
 
Following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the ICC board agreed to apply for a women&#39;s competition at the Durban Games during its annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday. 
 
&quot;It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers,&quot; ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said in a statement. 
 
South Africa won the men&#39;s event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme. 
 
The Asian Games remains the largest multi-sports event that features cricket and the last two editions included both men&#39;s and women&#39;s competitions. 
 
The ICC has also been exploring the possibility of getting cricket added to the Olympic programme. 
 
&quot;There will be further discussions on cricket&#39;s potential participation in the Olympic Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later in the year,&quot; the governing body said. 
 
President of the Italian board Simone Gambino told ESPNcricinfo on Friday that cricket would be included in the 2024 Olympics should Rome win the bid to host the Games. 
 
(Reuters)

South Africa won the men's event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will apply for the inclusion of women's cricket at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Durban, South Africa, said the governing body. Cricket has struggled to venture into new markets away from its traditional strongholds and the influential Indian board's reluctance to embrace multi-sports events as a means to increase exposure has hindered growth. Following a presentation by the Commonwealth Games Federation, the ICC board agreed to apply for a women's competition at the Durban Games during its annual conference in Edinburgh on Saturday. "It will enhance the profile of the sport and create additional exposure and experiences for female cricketers," ICC chairman Shashank Manohar, a former head of the Indian board, said in a statement. South Africa won the men's event when cricket took place at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, the only time the sport has been included in the programme. The Asian Games remains the largest multi-sports event that features cricket and the last two editions included both men's and women's competitions. The ICC has also been exploring the possibility of getting cricket added to the Olympic programme. "There will be further discussions on cricket's potential participation in the Olympic Games following further meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later in the year," the governing body said. President of the Italian board Simone Gambino told ESPNcricinfo on Friday that cricket would be included in the 2024 Olympics should Rome win the bid to host the Games. (Reuters)

ICC wants women's cricket at 2022 Commonwealth Games

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was not satisfied with being an average performer and the India test captain says that a desire to reach the next level was his motivation for an improvement in his conditioning. 
 
The 27-year-old is widely considered to be the fittest cricketer in the Indian side, complementing his batting with razor-sharp skills in the field. 
 
A lean patch with the bat during the 2012 Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament acted as the catalyst for Kohli to make a &quot;lifestyle choice&quot;. 
 
&quot;Until IPL 2012, I did not focus much on the physical aspect,&quot; said Kohli, who tops the world Twenty20 batting rankings and is second on the one-day international list. &quot;I never got into the minute details of fitness, things like what I need to eat from morning to night, how much I need to work out and how much I need to train. After that IPL, I started listening to my body. I made a lifestyle choice.&quot; 
 
Kohli, who has scored 11 test hundreds and 25 one-day international centuries for India, admitted he initially did not have the fitness to be the world&#39;s best batsman. 
 
&quot;I wanted to explore a new side of my body to take me to the next level because I never wanted to be average,&quot; he told reporters at a promotional event in Delhi. 
 
&quot;I wanted to (be) best in the world. So I always had that mindset but never had the physical ability.&quot; 
 
Kohli has often been lauded for the effort he puts into his fitness regime and he feels it has also improved his fielding as well as given him confidence. 
 
&quot;When you become fit, you feel you can do anything,&quot; he said. &quot;I will give you one example. I was never a quick fielder. I was never willing to field in every position. But after becoming fitter, lighter and stronger, I overcame all those doubts I had. Now it (staying fit, eating right) has become second nature to me. I have never been as fit as I am today. It has worked beautifully for me. Even in my off-time, I watch what I eat.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The Indian Test captain credits his fitness regime for improving his on-field performance as well as his confidence

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli was not satisfied with being an average performer and the India test captain says that a desire to reach the next level was his motivation for an improvement in his conditioning. The 27-year-old is widely considered to be the fittest cricketer in the Indian side, complementing his batting with razor-sharp skills in the field. A lean patch with the bat during the 2012 Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament acted as the catalyst for Kohli to make a "lifestyle choice". "Until IPL 2012, I did not focus much on the physical aspect," said Kohli, who tops the world Twenty20 batting rankings and is second on the one-day international list. "I never got into the minute details of fitness, things like what I need to eat from morning to night, how much I need to work out and how much I need to train. After that IPL, I started listening to my body. I made a lifestyle choice." Kohli, who has scored 11 test hundreds and 25 one-day international centuries for India, admitted he initially did not have the fitness to be the world's best batsman. "I wanted to explore a new side of my body to take me to the next level because I never wanted to be average," he told reporters at a promotional event in Delhi. "I wanted to (be) best in the world. So I always had that mindset but never had the physical ability." Kohli has often been lauded for the effort he puts into his fitness regime and he feels it has also improved his fielding as well as given him confidence. "When you become fit, you feel you can do anything," he said. "I will give you one example. I was never a quick fielder. I was never willing to field in every position. But after becoming fitter, lighter and stronger, I overcame all those doubts I had. Now it (staying fit, eating right) has become second nature to me. I have never been as fit as I am today. It has worked beautifully for me. Even in my off-time, I watch what I eat." (Reuters)

Cricketer Virat Kohli lauds benefits of conditioning to reach next level

Darren Bravo&#39;s third hundred and impressive fast bowling from Shannon Gabriel propelled the West Indies to a comprehensive 100-run victory over South Africa in the ninth and final preliminary match of the Tri-Nation One-Day International Series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Friday. 
 
Bravo&#39;s stroke-filled 102 anchored an impressive recovery from 21 for four to lift the West Indies to 285 all out off 49.5 overs batting first. 
Gabriel, in just his second ODI, then tore through the Proteas&#39; vaunted top-order, taking the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and captain A.B. de Villiers in the space of four fearsome overs. 
 
It was a setback from which they never recovered, eventually being dismissed for 186 off 46 overs despite a last-wicket partnership of 51 between Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir. Sunil Narine ensured there would be no escape for the South Africans after Gabriel&#39;s early blast, the spinner taking three for 28 off ten overs. 
 
With their second win in three matches against the Proteas in the tournament, the hosts advance to face World Cup-holders Australia in the final on Sunday at the same venue. It is also the first time in ten years that South Africa have failed to reach the final of a tri-nation ODI series. 
 
Of concern for the West Indies looking ahead to the final though will be the fitness of Gabriel, who left the field nursing a right leg injury after claiming the impressive figures of three for 17 from five overs of extreme pace. He should have also snared the wicket of Hashim Amla but wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin missed the straightforward opportunity offered by the prolific opener. 
 
West Indies were themselves rocked back at 21 for four when pacer Kagiso Rabada led the assault after de Villiers chose to field. However Bravo&#39;s third one-day century, embellished with 12 fours and four sixes off 103 deliveries, proved invaluable. He found an able partner in Kieron Pollard, who curbed his usual all-out aggression in compiling 62 off 71 balls. 
 
Their fifth-wicket stand of 156 was a new West Indian record for the wicket against South Africa and wrested the initiative from the visitors who did not help their cause with characteristically untidy cricket in the field, fast-medium bowler Morne Morkel delivering six of the 17 wides conceded by the Proteas. 
 
Morkel&#39;s nine overs cost 68 runs yet for all that indiscipline, he should have still claimed the important wicket early on of Bravo who, on 11, top-edged an attempted hook only for Wayne Parnell to misjudge the catch at fine-leg and parry the ball over the boundary rope. 
 
Imran Tahir, who routed the West Indies in their last meeting in St Kitts with record-breaking figures of seven for 45, was kept wicketless through his ten overs for the first time in ODI cricket against these opponents. 
 
South Africa&#39;s bowling star without doubt was Rabada, whose returns of three for 31 were highlighted by a devastating opening burst after Parnell had removed Andre Fletcher in his opening over. 
 
Generating tremendous pace, Rabada induced an edge from the other opener, Johnson Charles, for Chris Morris to take a comfortable catch at second slip. He then uprooted Marlon Samuels&#39; off-stump first ball to have the West Indies tottering at 12 for three. 
 
Ramdin avoided the hat-trick but subsequently succumbed to the lethal hostility of the 21-year-old fast bowler, first ducking into a short ball to take a blow on the back of the helmet before being comprehensively bowled off the next delivery. 
 
Bravo and Pollard then countered the rampant South Africans with determination and forceful strokeplay before the big-hitting all-rounder was caught at long-on off the suffering Morkel. 
 
Morris claimed three wickets at the end of the innings with West Indies captain Jason Holder (40) and Carlos Brathwaite (33 not out) pushing the home side to a challenging final total. 
 
(AFP) 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

After their second win in three matches against the Proteas, West Indies have advanced to face Australia in the finals of the Tri-nation ODI

Darren Bravo's third hundred and impressive fast bowling from Shannon Gabriel propelled the West Indies to a comprehensive 100-run victory over South Africa in the ninth and final preliminary match of the Tri-Nation One-Day International Series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Friday. Bravo's stroke-filled 102 anchored an impressive recovery from 21 for four to lift the West Indies to 285 all out off 49.5 overs batting first. Gabriel, in just his second ODI, then tore through the Proteas' vaunted top-order, taking the wickets of Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and captain A.B. de Villiers in the space of four fearsome overs. It was a setback from which they never recovered, eventually being dismissed for 186 off 46 overs despite a last-wicket partnership of 51 between Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir. Sunil Narine ensured there would be no escape for the South Africans after Gabriel's early blast, the spinner taking three for 28 off ten overs. With their second win in three matches against the Proteas in the tournament, the hosts advance to face World Cup-holders Australia in the final on Sunday at the same venue. It is also the first time in ten years that South Africa have failed to reach the final of a tri-nation ODI series. Of concern for the West Indies looking ahead to the final though will be the fitness of Gabriel, who left the field nursing a right leg injury after claiming the impressive figures of three for 17 from five overs of extreme pace. He should have also snared the wicket of Hashim Amla but wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin missed the straightforward opportunity offered by the prolific opener. West Indies were themselves rocked back at 21 for four when pacer Kagiso Rabada led the assault after de Villiers chose to field. However Bravo's third one-day century, embellished with 12 fours and four sixes off 103 deliveries, proved invaluable. He found an able partner in Kieron Pollard, who curbed his usual all-out aggression in compiling 62 off 71 balls. Their fifth-wicket stand of 156 was a new West Indian record for the wicket against South Africa and wrested the initiative from the visitors who did not help their cause with characteristically untidy cricket in the field, fast-medium bowler Morne Morkel delivering six of the 17 wides conceded by the Proteas. Morkel's nine overs cost 68 runs yet for all that indiscipline, he should have still claimed the important wicket early on of Bravo who, on 11, top-edged an attempted hook only for Wayne Parnell to misjudge the catch at fine-leg and parry the ball over the boundary rope. Imran Tahir, who routed the West Indies in their last meeting in St Kitts with record-breaking figures of seven for 45, was kept wicketless through his ten overs for the first time in ODI cricket against these opponents. South Africa's bowling star without doubt was Rabada, whose returns of three for 31 were highlighted by a devastating opening burst after Parnell had removed Andre Fletcher in his opening over. Generating tremendous pace, Rabada induced an edge from the other opener, Johnson Charles, for Chris Morris to take a comfortable catch at second slip. He then uprooted Marlon Samuels' off-stump first ball to have the West Indies tottering at 12 for three. Ramdin avoided the hat-trick but subsequently succumbed to the lethal hostility of the 21-year-old fast bowler, first ducking into a short ball to take a blow on the back of the helmet before being comprehensively bowled off the next delivery. Bravo and Pollard then countered the rampant South Africans with determination and forceful strokeplay before the big-hitting all-rounder was caught at long-on off the suffering Morkel. Morris claimed three wickets at the end of the innings with West Indies captain Jason Holder (40) and Carlos Brathwaite (33 not out) pushing the home side to a challenging final total. (AFP)

West Indies topple South Africa in Tri-Nation

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler believes England&#39;s batsmen should continue to be aggressive and play even more shots, even as the team&#39;s top-order crumbled against Sri Lanka in the tied first one-day international on Tuesday. 
 
Chasing a target of 287, England were reduced to 30 for four and then 82 for six before Buttler made 93 and Chris Woakes 95*, to give the hosts a chance of winning at Trent Bridge. 
 
Liam Plunkett then smashed the last ball of the match for six to earn his team a dramatic tie against the touring side. 
 
&quot;If anything we should come out and play even more shots,&quot; Buttler was quoted as saying by the British media. &quot;That&#39;s the way we want to play our cricket. We want to put teams under pressure and there&#39;s no reason to change. This style of cricket has been good fun to play in and has given us some success.&quot; 
 
England have displayed freedom and exuberance in their approach to the limited-overs formats since their humiliating group stage exit at last year&#39;s 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. 
 
Joe Root has been talismanic with the bat for them, but the right-hander has suffered a dip in form, scoring just 89 runs in his last five international innings, 80 of which came in one knock. 
 
Buttler feared it might have been caused by the heavy workload on Root&#39;s shoulders. 
 
&quot;He&#39;s one of the best in the world and it&#39;s probably just because of the high standards he&#39;s set...I&#39;m sure he&#39;ll bounce back,&quot; Buttler said. 
 
&quot;He plays all forms of the game and I think that&#39;s something England management always have to be careful with...he&#39;s a very important player and if he needs a rest he&#39;ll say he needs a rest and that will happen.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

The wicket-keeper batsman finds the style fun to play and a good way to win

Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler believes England's batsmen should continue to be aggressive and play even more shots, even as the team's top-order crumbled against Sri Lanka in the tied first one-day international on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 287, England were reduced to 30 for four and then 82 for six before Buttler made 93 and Chris Woakes 95*, to give the hosts a chance of winning at Trent Bridge. Liam Plunkett then smashed the last ball of the match for six to earn his team a dramatic tie against the touring side. "If anything we should come out and play even more shots," Buttler was quoted as saying by the British media. "That's the way we want to play our cricket. We want to put teams under pressure and there's no reason to change. This style of cricket has been good fun to play in and has given us some success." England have displayed freedom and exuberance in their approach to the limited-overs formats since their humiliating group stage exit at last year's 50-over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Joe Root has been talismanic with the bat for them, but the right-hander has suffered a dip in form, scoring just 89 runs in his last five international innings, 80 of which came in one knock. Buttler feared it might have been caused by the heavy workload on Root's shoulders. "He's one of the best in the world and it's probably just because of the high standards he's set...I'm sure he'll bounce back," Buttler said. "He plays all forms of the game and I think that's something England management always have to be careful with...he's a very important player and if he needs a rest he'll say he needs a rest and that will happen." (Reuters)

Buttler backs England to stay aggressive

Australia qualified for the final of the triangular one-day international series (ODI) with a six-wicket win over West Indies in Barbados on Tuesday. 
 
West Indies were sent in to bat and compiled 282 for eight off their 50 overs, with Marlon Samuels scoring 125 off 134 balls for his maiden ODI century against Australia. 
 
Wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin chipped in with a brisk 91 in a 192-run fourth wicket stand as the hosts roared back after losing three early wickets. 
 
Australia made a wobbly start in reply, with openers Aaron Finch (16) and Usman Khawaja (17) going early. But, the visitors settled in as play wore on and chased down the target with eight balls to spare, Glenn Maxwell (46 not out) securing victory with a devastating late burst. 
 
The result means the winner of Friday&#39;s match between West Indies and South Africa will advance to Sunday&#39;s final against Australia at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. 
 
While captain Steve Smith (78) top-scored for Australia with his third successive ODI half-century, the batting form of team mates Mitchell Marsh (79 not out) and Maxwell pleased the skipper. Maxwell&#39;s innings included a magnificent switch-hit sweep for six over cover-point off spinner Sunil Narine in the 46th over. In the next over he bludgeoned 14 runs off three balls off Carlos Brathwaite to effectively seal victory. 
 
&quot;An innings like that, I was speechless at the other end,&quot; said Marsh in an on-field interview. &quot;Maxie has a lot of doubters but an innings like today shows why he&#39;s such a pivotal part of the team.&quot; 
 
Smith, who downplayed a question about apparent on-field sledging, had plenty of praise to share around. 
 
&quot;I thought Mitchell Marsh played a very mature innings and Glenn Maxwell finished off nicely with a few of his trademark reverse slog sweeps, or whatever they&#39;re called,&quot; he said. 
 
West Indies captain Jason Holder limped off with a strained left hamstring after bowling just two overs and is doubtful for Friday&#39;s showdown against South Africa. 
 
(Reuters)

West Indies were sent in to bat and notched up 282 for eight, with Marlon Samuels scoring his maiden ODI century against Australia

Australia qualified for the final of the triangular one-day international series (ODI) with a six-wicket win over West Indies in Barbados on Tuesday. West Indies were sent in to bat and compiled 282 for eight off their 50 overs, with Marlon Samuels scoring 125 off 134 balls for his maiden ODI century against Australia. Wicketkeeper-batsman Denesh Ramdin chipped in with a brisk 91 in a 192-run fourth wicket stand as the hosts roared back after losing three early wickets. Australia made a wobbly start in reply, with openers Aaron Finch (16) and Usman Khawaja (17) going early. But, the visitors settled in as play wore on and chased down the target with eight balls to spare, Glenn Maxwell (46 not out) securing victory with a devastating late burst. The result means the winner of Friday's match between West Indies and South Africa will advance to Sunday's final against Australia at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown. While captain Steve Smith (78) top-scored for Australia with his third successive ODI half-century, the batting form of team mates Mitchell Marsh (79 not out) and Maxwell pleased the skipper. Maxwell's innings included a magnificent switch-hit sweep for six over cover-point off spinner Sunil Narine in the 46th over. In the next over he bludgeoned 14 runs off three balls off Carlos Brathwaite to effectively seal victory. "An innings like that, I was speechless at the other end," said Marsh in an on-field interview. "Maxie has a lot of doubters but an innings like today shows why he's such a pivotal part of the team." Smith, who downplayed a question about apparent on-field sledging, had plenty of praise to share around. "I thought Mitchell Marsh played a very mature innings and Glenn Maxwell finished off nicely with a few of his trademark reverse slog sweeps, or whatever they're called," he said. West Indies captain Jason Holder limped off with a strained left hamstring after bowling just two overs and is doubtful for Friday's showdown against South Africa. (Reuters)

Australia beat Windies to reach ODI tri-series final

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