Zimbabwe in India

The Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium is a lucky ground for master batsman Sachin Tendulkar who notched up his 28th hundred here Saturday to take the third place in the list of highest century makers.

"I think the VCA ground is lucky for me as I got a fine 179 against the West Indies (in 1995) and then I scored the second double century of my career against Zimbabwe in November 2000 here," Tendulkar told reporters after placing his side in a comfortable position with a solid unbeaten 137.

"Obviously I feel good scoring this century because batting on this wicket has been slightly tougher than the last time around and I would like to keep going till we get a good lead for our bowlers to bowl at," Tendulkar said, adding that a lead of 230 to 250 should be a good target to defend against Zimbabwe.

England in New Zealand

England beat New Zealand by 33 runs at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday to set up a deciding match in the five-game one-day international series in Dunedin on Tuesday.

England compiled 193-6 off 40 overs after two lengthy rain delays had forced a reduced overs match.

Graham Thorpe made a patient 59 not out while Michael Vaughan also hit 59 - off just 53 balls with eight fours and one six.

New Zealand were set a revised Duckworth-Lewis target of 223 but folded for 189 despite a swashbuckling stand of 67 between Chris Cairns (58 off 56 balls) and Chris Harris (23).

Australia vs South Africa

Australia's Adam Gilchrist expressed his surprise at breaking the record for the fastest ever-double century in Test history.

"I haven't had too much time to reflect on what I did," Gilchrist said after his exploits on day two of the first Test against South Africa.

"It's obviously a fantastic personal milestone, but the partnership was just as memorable.

"Damien (Martyn) and I were the beneficiaries of great work at the top of the order that allowed us to play our natural games."

"It's pretty outrageous to see your name alongside Ian Botham," added Gilchrist, who became aware of his achievement when it was flashed up on the stadium's big screen.

Gilchrist reached his first ever-double century in Tests from just 213 balls, beating Botham's mark by seven deliveries.

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South Africa are falling way behind arch-rivals Australia according to a man with intimate knowledge of both camps.

Kepler Wessels, a former Australian opener and South African captain, has launched a savage attack on his former team, saying they lack off-field leadership and the players are unfit.

Coach Graham Ford will be most unimpressed by Wessels' accusation that the South Africa side is poorly prepared and needs a stronger figure in the management team – especially coming on the opening day of their most important Test series.

"The management of the South African team needs reinforcing," Wessels said.

"They haven't been able to stamp their authority in critical situations and badly need someone to help enforce a successful campaign.

"All the technology to provide the necessary information is available. All that remains is to find someone able to assist the management team to put the necessary plans into place."

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South Africa are in desperate straits in the first Test at the Wanderers, with Australia once again proving far too strong.

Left with a huge target to avoid the follow-on after Adam Gilchrist's 204 not out - the fastest ever double century in Test history - the home side lost three early wickets.

Debutant Ashwell Prince put on 50 for the fourth wicket with Neil McKenzie, but he lost his partner when McKenzie (16) miscued a hook shot off Glenn McGrath to be caught at fine leg.

1st Test, Johannesburg, day two (stumps): Australia 652-7 dec v South Africa 111-4

Miscellaneous

Brian Lara, who is recovering from a fractured elbow, hopes he will be able to play some part in the Test and one-day series at home to India in April.

However, the signs are not immediately encouraging for fans hoping to see him feature in the first Test on 11 April.

The side's star batsman said he was unlikely to pick up a bat for at least another month and does not expect to play any domestic Busta Cup matches for Trinidad and Tobago this season.

"I don't know if I'll be able to play for Trinidad and Tobago for the rest of the season," Lara told reporters.

"The elbow is coming along but it still has some way to go. I think it'll be another four to six weeks before I can even think of picking up a bat again."

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Three spectators arrested after two separate incidents involving the Australian team during the first Test against South Africa at the Wanderers on Friday have been charged, police said today. One spectator was arrested for spitting on Steve Waugh, the Australian captain, as he left the field after being dismissed, and two were arrested for throwing beer over Damien Martyn and Adam Gilchrist, the not-out batsmen, at the end of the first day’s play. "The three men, two aged 25 and one 22 years old, were charged with crimen injuria and assault, and will appear in court on Monday," Superintendent Lungelo Dlamini, a Johannesburg police spokesman said

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Pakistan plans to organize a tri-nation one-day series also involving Australia and New Zealand prior to this year's ICC KnockOut tournament.

The double-league competition is tentatively scheduled after mid-August and would also serve as the warm-up tournament for the 12-team biennial tournament likely to be held in Sri Lanka between Sept 12 and 30.

The proposal has been forwarded by New Zealand Cricket and appeals the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it would help them cover-up for the financial losses.

"I don't think Australian Cricket Board (ACB) would have any objections after we play three one-day internationals in early August in Melbourne," PCB chairman Lt Gen Tauqir Zia said from Rawalpindi Friday. "Nevertheless, the proposal is still in the pipeline and no formal invitation has been sent to ACB," he added.

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