India in South Africa

The BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya is unhappy with India's performance. "I feels India has immense talent. The board is willing to offer all the support needed. I don't know what is happening in between,' is what the BCCI president had to say about the Indian teams performance.

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Fears that Saturday's practice match, the only one between two back-to-back Tests between India and South Africa, could be washed off were allayed after rain stopped playing truant and fine weather was forecast for the coming four days.

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But the Indians were in for another setback when left-arm seamer Ashish Nehra joined the list of doubtful starters. The Delhi speedster was found to be suffering from blisters on his right sole and may not play the four-day game against South Africa 'A'.

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With wicketkeeper Sameer Dighe out following a back injury, the touring Indian team faces a crisis before the second Test in the three-Test series against South Africa. Indian selectors now reportedly have to choose between Nayan Mongia, who has played in South Africa twice before, and Ajay Ratra, who has only played first class cricket for Haryana.

New Zealand in Australia

New Zealand suffered a blow when left arm medium pacer Shayne O'Connor injured knee during play in day two of the first Test between the two nations. O'Connor suffered a recurrence of a knee injury.

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Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said New Zealand let his team off the hook on the second day of their first Test on Friday by playing negatively. Gilchirst went on to make 88 at the end of play on day two.

West Indies in Sri Lanka

Opener Chris Gayle cracked an unbeaten 96 from 92 balls as West Indies raced to 134 without loss against Sri Lanka 'A' before heavy rain washed out the final session on Friday.

Miscellaneous

Craig Wishart hit a career-best 94 as his team gained a 241-run lead over Bangladesh on the second day of the first Test. at the Bangabandhu National stadium, in Dhaka, on Friday. At one point, Zimbabwe were struggling at 89 for 5.

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At 33, Flower would be starting his county career late, but it is suggested by the Daily Mail that he would retire from international cricket with Zimbabwe to concentrate on first class cricket. Andy Flower is being lined up as Essex's new overseas player.

Brief Scores

Australia v New Zealand (Day 2)
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane
Toss: New Zealand

Australia: 435/7 (Gilchrist 88*, Lee 60*)

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Bangladesh v Zimbabwe (Day 2)
Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
Toss: Zimbabwe

Bangladesh: 107
Zimbabwe: 348/7 (Carlisle 94, Marillier 73, Streak 57*, Friend 38*)

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