India in South Africa

The first day of the four day tour match between South Africa 'A' and India in East London on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to overnight rain.

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Uncapped Ajay Ratra has been named as standby wicketkeeper following the withdrawal of Sameer Dighe from India's tour of South Africa. "We have got Ratra in mind. We are keeping him as standby," India's chief of selectors Chandu Borde said from the western city of Pune on Saturday.

New Zealand in Australia

Gilchrist made 118 as Australia declared at 486 for 9. New Zealand were 29 without loss by close of Day 3 in the first Test.

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New Zealand cricket captain Stephen Fleming defended himself against accusations by Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist that his team used negative tactics. Fleming hit back, denying his team had played negatively and arguing that the conditions had made it impossible for his team to play any other way. The conditions cut down a lot of our options and we had to sit in."

West Indies in Sri Lanka

The West Indies preparations for the first Test against Sri Lanka next week were disrupted once again on the last day of their final practice match at Matara on Saturday. A blocked drain left a sizeable section of the ground completely submerged by water, following steady overnight rains to leave only enough time for a single session of play.
During the 35 overs possible, the West Indians, starting the day on 134-0, progressed smoothly to 241 for two, as Chris Gayle (120) duly reached his century and Daren Ganga (54) completed a painstaking four-hour half century.

Zimbabwe in Bangladesh

Zimbabwe, inspired by an all-round performance by Travis Friend, moved closer to an innings victory in the first Test against Bangladesh on Saturday
Bangladesh closed on 125 for three, still 199 short of making the touring side bat again.
Earlier in the day Friend, batting at nine and only in his fourth test, had made 81 to steer Zimbabwe to a 324-run first-innings lead, the touring side bowled out for 431 just after lunch.

Miscellaneous

Darren Gough has admitted life at Yorkshire is "almost unbearable" - and he is seriously considering quitting the county. The England pace bowler has vowed to make a final decision on his future with the White Rose county this week.
But the 31-year-old is frustrated with the conduct of people connected with the county with which he made his debut in 1989 and was awarded his cap in 1993.

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Warren Hegg has admitted he had doubts about touring India with the England party this winter as allied strikes continue in Afghanistan - but he is now looking forward to the three Test series.
The tour is Hegg's second, and probably last, chance to establish himself as England's number one keeper after he earned two caps on the last Ashes tour to Australia - and he is determined to take it.

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The Sri Lankan cricket authorities advised Caribbean Media Corporation that it had arrived at an agreement for Taj Sports Television Limited to be its new rights and marketing agent for the next four years.
At the same time, the Sri Lankan authorities advised CMC that they could enter into negotiations with Taj Sports Television Limited in respect of television coverage.
Just this week however, the CMC were informed by the Group Lawyer for WSG Nimbus that their client still held legal rights to the upcoming Test and one-day series in Sri Lanka, and outlined all the unsettled legal actions in this matter.
At the same time, WSG's lawyer warned against entering into a contract with any other television or production company. Its seems highly unlikely that fans in the Caribbean will get a chance to watch their team in action.

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ECB chairman Lord MacLaurin will be absent when the 1st Test against India begins in Mohali on December 3. He's delaying his arrival while Tim Lamb (chief executive), David Morgan (deputy chairman), John Read (commercial director) and John Carr (director of cricket operations) wil be there.
MacLaurin will eventually fly out to India to stand by his troops for the 3rd Test in Banglore.

Brief Scores

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

Australia: 486 for 9 (Gilchrist 118, Lee 61)

New Zealnd: 26 for 0

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

Bangladesh:
1st inns: 107 all out
1st inns: 125/3

Zimbabwe: 431 all out (Carlisle 94, Marillier 73, Streak 61, Friend 81)

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