England’s tour of India

The opening match of England's tour to India has been switched to the Test venue in Bombay for security reasons.

The two-day game against a Mumbai Cricket Association side was originally due to be staged at the Gymkhana ground, which has no fences or stands.

But India's Board of Control has decided that it should be moved to the Wankhede Stadium, which will also stage the final one-day international between the two sides in February.

________________

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that a security officer will accompany the team throughout their tour of India, which starts next week.

"We are looking to appoint a security manager for the tour," an ECB spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday. "The exact nature of the role is still to be determined."

The announcement comes less than a day after the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA) urged the ECB to appoint a fulltime security officer or a team of people employed to protect the players and investigate hotels before the squad arrives.

West Indies in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan `A' team reached 216-5 by the close, with their captain Hashan Tillekeratne top scoring with an unbeaten 74, ably supported by Ian Daniel (62). Tillekeratne has been selected for the Test squad, along with Michael Vandort (19). Hooper took two of the five wickets to fall, as did Colin Stuart, while Dinamath Ramnarine took the other.

________________

Niroshan Bandaratilleke has joined fellow spin bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Thilan Samaraweera in the Sri Lanka squad for next week's opening Test against the West Indies.

Squad - Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, Russell Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Hashan Tillekaratne, Michael Vandort, Thilan Samaraweera, Suresh Pereira, Muthiah Muralitharan, Niroshan Bandaratilleke, Rucheira Pereira, Chaminda Vaas, Charitha Buddhika, Nuwan Zoysa.

Miscellaneous

Michael Holding, one of international cricket's greatest fast bowlers, is to work with Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar on problems with his action.

"I am delighted that Michael has agreed to work with the ICC and Shoaib Akhtar in this important area," said ICC Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed.

"The three stage system introduced by the ICC at the beginning of the year now gives all bowlers identified as having suspect actions, every opportunity to rectify problems and remain in the game while they are doing so," he added.

Meanwhile, Akhtar has expressed frustration after being called for throwing for the second time this year.

“I am at a loss to understand that why my action was reported after I was cleared by a medical report. Whenever I take wickets they question my action, I have started to feel that they are after my career.”

________________

Pakistan’s sporting legends Jahangir Khan, Jansher Khan and Zaheer Abbas were officially handed over retirement letters by the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The three sportsmen, who earned laurels for the country on countless occasions, were unceremoniously shown the door when they were handed over letters by the junior staff.

Zimbabwe in Bangladesh

Zimbabwe paceman Travis Friend took his career-best of five for 31 as Bangladesh were shot out for 107 in the first Test. Friend was effectively supported by fellow pace bowlers Henry Olonga, who captured three for 18, and Heath Streak, with two for 30.

Kiwis Down Under

Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer both scored centuries before Australia's celebrated batting line-up inexplicably collapsed on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand on Thursday.

Hayden struck 136 and Langer scored 104 to provide a flying start with a record opening stand of 224 before the middle order crumbled to leave Australia on 294 for six at the close.

Brief Scores

Australia v New Zealand (Day 1)
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane
Toss: New Zealand

Australia: 294/6 (Gilchrist 13*, Warne 18*, 90 overs)

________________

Bangladesh v Zimbabwe (Day 1)
Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
Toss: Zimbabwe

Bangladesh: 107
Zimbabwe: 20/2 (Carlisle 10*, GW Flower 6*, 12.5 overs)

Yesterday's News .........................  News Roll archive