England in India

Darren Gough, who still has to prove his worth to captain Nasser Hussain to earn selection in the England team, has announced he will be targeting specific batsmen in the one-day series in India. Taking a leaf out of Glenn McGrath's book, Gough told Indian journalists: "I have my plans in place and will be singling out a batsman.

"It does not have to be the best player. It could be six different players in six matches. I am fresh after the break and enjoying my cricket."

Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka

Better discipline from Zimbabwe's bowlers saw them restrict Sri Lanka's scoring to manageable proportions and take six wickets on the first day of the final Test.

The home side have already won the Test series 2-0 but here in Galle only Mahela Jayawardene (76) was able to score at more than three an over and some batsmen were frustrated into giving their wickets away.

Zimbabwe brought in opener Dion Ebrahim in place of Hamilton Masakadza, released for the under-19 World Cup in New Zealand.

Mike Denness Controversy

India's row with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the Mike Denness affair is set to drag on after the Indian board rejected the panel set up to review the matter. On Thursday the ICC announced South African judge A.L. Sachs, former Pakistan skipper Majid Khan and ex-Australia batsman Andrew Hilditch would investigate the saga.

But Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has told the world governing body they must reconsider the make-up of the panel.
The Mike Denness controversy

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Imran Khan has called for the abolition of match referees in Test cricket as the Mike Denness controversy gathers fresh pace.

The former Pakistan captain was speaking after denying that either the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the Indian cricket board (BCCI) had contacted him to sit on the newly-formed Referees Commission. "There is no need for match referees in cricket as they are creating controversies one after another and instead their powers should be given to the two umpires on the field," he said.

Miscellaneous

Pakistani opener Saeed Anwar has re-affirmed his desire to continue in cricket despite fears he would quit the game to concentrate on his religion.

Anwar turned to Islam following the death of his infant daughter back in September. Since then he has adopted a clerical form of Islamic dress and grown a bushy beard as he continues to both study and preach from the Koran.

However, Anwar feels that this change in his lifestyle is not inconsistent with being a cricketer. "I will continue playing cricket while I can do it with dignity." Anwar also confirmed that his target is the World Cup in South Africa in 2003.

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