Laxman launches ESPNcricinfo's Talking Cricket

Talking Cricket, a compilation of in-depth interviews with the greats of the modern era - from the Nawab of Pataudi to Mark Taylor - on various aspects of cricket, was launched in Hyderabad on Friday by VVS Laxman, the former India batsman. The book, which was launched in the company of commentator Harsha Bhogle and ESPNcricinfo editor Sambit Bal, brings together selected long-form interviews covered in ESPNcricinfo, Wisden Asia Cricket and Cricinfo Magazines over the past decade.

The book features 22 interviews in the Q&A format with current and former players giving their inputs on topics including the technical aspects of the game, and the mental side. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis explain the nuances of swing and fast bowling, Matthew Hayden speaks on intimidation, Ian Chappell on Australianism, Sachin Tendulkar on how he changed his game and Bill Lawry on commentary. Captaincy has been explored in great detail, with four players - Nasser Hussain, Mark Taylor, Mahela Jayawardene and Pataudi - speaking on the subject.

The idea with the series was to broadly explore a single theme in each interview. "Over the years, we interviewed cricketers across generations and countries on a variety of subjects," Bal wrote in his introduction. "If you wanted to know how VVS Laxman developed the gift of caressing the ball from outside off through midwicket, or why Virender Sehwag bats the way he does, you can hear it from the men themselves."

He says the Q&A style does justice to delving deeper into a particular topic: "The Q&A is a format that keeps the interviewee centre stage. The interviewer contributes by steering the conversation, but the spotlight never leaves the subject. The embellishments of the written-through format may at times read better, and the impressionistic interventions of the writer may provide a deeper sense of place and time, but for revelation of soul and exploration of depth, the Q&A is incomparable."

During a live chat with Bhogle and Bal, ahead of the launch, Laxman spoke about how he became a better player of spin, how he developed his wristy style of batting, and why youngsters should be taught early on how to handle fame and pressure.

Warks tempt Hain to Britain

Warwickshire may have pulled off something of a coup by signing Sam Hain. Hain broke into the Australia U19 squad aged just 16 and was regarded by some as the best young batting prospect in the country.

But now he has committed himself to England and has agreed a contract with Warwickshire.

17-year-old Hain was born in Hong Kong but has a UK passport - both his parents are British - and will accompany Warwickshire's first team squad on their pre-season trip to Barbados.

He was spotted by former Warwickshire captain, Michael Powell, while on an exchange scheme at Loretto School in Edinburgh, where Powell now works, and was sent for trials at Warwickshire. He made his debut for the club's second XI aged just 14 and impressed sufficiently to win the club's most promising young player award. He agreed a contract with Warwickshire a year ago, but on the understanding that he would finish his education in Australia and join up with the squad ahead of the 2013 season.

Warwickshire have also signed Scotland batsman Freddie Coleman. The 21-year-old from Edinburgh scored a century for Oxford MCCU against Worcestershire last season in just his second first-class game.

He also won the MCCU Walter Lawrence Trophy for his innings of 141 against Durham MCCU. The award is made to the highest individual scorer from the MCCUs in innings against other MCCUs or the first-class counties. He made his List A debut for Scotland aged just 18 in 2010 and was recently awarded a developmental contract with Scotland. He will join Hain in Barbados.

Practice helped me master spin - Laxman

VVS Laxman, in his 16-year Test career, established himself as one of the best players of spin bowling in the world but, by his own admission, it wasn't a talent he had acquired when he first picked up the bat. Failures early in his career taught him to respect spin bowling more and after hours of practice his batting had evolved to the point where he could master any attack.

Laxman was speaking at the launch of Talking Cricket, a compilation of the best Q&A long-form interviews published by ESPNcricinfo and Walt Disney. The book features 22 interviews with current and former players speaking on specific topics such as captaincy, swing bowling, commentary, batting etc. Those interviewed include Sachin Tendulkar, Ian Chappell, Mahela Jayawardene, Barry Richards, and Laxman himself.

"I never got to play quality spin bowling when I was growing up," Laxman said in a discussion with Harsha Bhogle and ESPNcricinfo editor Sambit Bal, responding to an extract from an earlier interview. "As a kid I always enjoyed playing fast bowling. I neglected playing spinners. At the end of the practice session I got extra throw-downs, asking the coaches to throw from ten yards so I could play quicker bowling. I used to practice on cement wickets using a plastic ball or a wet tennis ball.

"When I started playing the Ranji Trophy, there were some quality spinners in domestic cricket and I remember I would invariably get out to Sairaj Bahutule (former Mumbai legspinner), playing against the spin and getting caught at midwicket. That's when I came back to the nets and luckily Hyderabad had some quality spinners like Arshad Ayub, Venkatapathy Raju, Kanwaljit Singh. I practiced hard at the nets against them and I always felt that the hard work you put in the nets will reap results. Within a span of six months to one year I became an excellent player of spin. In domestic cricket we used to get tough wickets, like the one in Chennai for the Test (against Australia), and my confidence grew."

Laxman's admissions could be a lesson for the touring Australian team, whose batsmen struggled against spin in Chennai. "You react to the ball that is coming at you," he said. "If you focus on the guy holding the ball, your thought process changes. You should remove things like the state of the pitch from your thought process and only react to the ball. If you think too much about the wicket, you're only expecting a certain kind of delivery and in the bargain you lose out on the shot you could have played."

Laxman also spoke at length about how it's a bigger challenge for youngsters today to strike the balance between their game and their personality, compared to the scenario at the time he was growing up. He felt it is a challenge for the modern cricketer to manage distractions better, given that players nowadays have plenty on their plate to deal with.



	"There is so much of fame, adulation, scrutiny, and money [these days]. It is very important for any young cricketer to be as balanced as possible. It is very difficult to do so and I feel for them." VVS Laxman

"It's not just about distractions. It's the amount of options available to you. For example, when I chose not to become a doctor and chose cricket as my career path, there was nothing in my life except cricket. When my friends went to movies etc, I used to go home, so I could be fresh in the morning for practice. Now, there are so many options. If you are not successful as a cricketer you could be successful in any other field. That is why now it is very important how you communicate with the youngsters. You cannot be negative with them. You have to be positive so that their interest in the game always remains.

"There is so much of fame, adulation, scrutiny, and money [these days]. It is very important for any young cricketer to be as balanced as possible. It is very difficult to do so and I feel for them."

While he agreed that mentorship is important to a player's growth, he insisted that a youngster should be educated on what his priorities should be at an early age.

"What was the one thing that kept me going? It was the pride of playing for your country," Laxman said. "That can be ingrained at a young age. [Money] is a danger. For young cricketers, their priorities should be emphasised. They should know that money is a by-product of what you're trying to achieve. Pride and passion should be the first priority. I have noticed in the same coaching camps I used to attend as a kid, the parents now say 'I don't care if my son plays for India or not but I want him to get into one of the IPL franchises.' There has to be a balance. That will happen in the ages of 16-19. The coaches at camps like at the NCA have to address the issue."

Coaching youngsters, he says, also needs to be handled with caution. "After my retirement my son suddenly became interested in the game, I don't know why," Laxman said, which was followed by laughter. "I just tell him to hit the ball. My nephew goes to a coaching camp and one day I was playing with the two of them. It was strange. My son was only hitting the ball without bothering about his head position etc, but my nephew would come to me as ask, 'uncle, how is my elbow position?' They are just aged 6 and 7. What structured coaching sometimes does is it removes the natural instincts of a player. Till a cricketer is mature, one should not load too much information on him. I notice spinners are at their best till they are 15, but they vanish. The coaches try to correct them and the player gets confused."

Wagner added to NZ Test squad

Neil Wagner, the left-arm quick, has been added to the New Zealand squad for the first Test against England in Dunedin after impressing in the tour match in Queenstown.

Wagner claimed six wickets in the match and produced some lively spells in the second innings to trouble England's top order.

New Zealand could yet decide to field an all-pace attack in the first Test which would mean Wagner, who has three caps, lining up alongside Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell. However, if they opt to give a debut to left-arm spinner Bruce Martin, Wagner could find himself carrying the drinks.

Wagner, who was born in South Africa, has taken five wickets in the early stages of his Test career but has had a productive domestic season with 30 wickets at 25.43.

Teams start even in new format

Match Facts

March 1, 2013
Start time 1800 local (1600GMT)

Big Picture

South Africa's summer of Test cricket is over but the sunshine and good times are not. Another three weeks of activity awaits and it is up to the limited-overs formats to turn what has been a one-sided series into a competitive, two-way street.

The balance has definitely tipped. It is no longer a No.1 ranked team in conditions that suit them up against a side determined to prove something. Both South Africa and Pakistan hover in the middle of the Twenty20 rankings at the moment. While South Africa have never tasted the success of a major trophy, Pakistan have and were responsible for dumping South Africa out of the 2009 World Twenty20 - which they went on to win - and beating them in both other meetings at a major tournament.

That fact sums up the difference between the two teams' approaches to limited-overs cricket. Pakistan have won when it matters, South Africa have when it doesn't. Add that to the hosts' current state of transition and Pakistan will see an opportunity to strike. They have with them a wealth of experience headed by Shahid Afridi while South Africa's young squad includes only four Test regulars.

In essence, this is a clash between a team still experimenting with the format and one that has never had the same urgency to master it because they thrive in unpredictability. Pakistan can be expected to bring every element of themselves that has made the world fall in love with cricket over and over again: the late batting-order revival, the surprise wickets, the picture-perfect catch. If all those elements combine perfectly, it will make for good viewing.

South Africa have promised to be more clinical, a suggestion that hints at no more floating batting line-up and miscalculations over who will bowl at the death. Given their haphazard approach to the shortest format, that shows they are taking it more seriously. The key will be not to be too rigid.

It's set up to be a contest of Pakistan's ability to light flames versus South Africa's new cool and supposedly inflammable nature. What a thrill it would be if the series sets on fire.

Form guide

(Most recent first)
South Africa: WLWLL
Pakistan: LWLWL

In the Spotlight:

Although Faf du Plessis led the team with aplomb in their three-match series against New Zealand late last year, he was merely a stand-in then. Now, he is officially the permanent captain of the team and that will bring different pressure. Du Plessis has already shown he has the maturity to deal with being one of the senior-most batsmen in the XI and leading it and with a young squad under his command, the need for him to continue in that vein will be even more pressing.

His opposite number Mohammed Hafeez will also be under the microscope but for individual reasons. Hafeez was dismal with bat in hand in the Test series but now returns to the format where he has enjoyed much success. He does not have a red ball or Dale Steyn to worry about and Pakistan will be looking to him to kickstart some success for them on a tour that has so far brought only struggle.

Team news:

In yet another shift in roles for AB de Villiers, the former captain will now open the batting and keep wickets. That probably means no space for young Quinton de Kock who had gloves in hand for the matches against New Zealand and batted at No.3. New leader du Plessis will bat out of his preferred position (the top two), but will most likely come in at No.3. Chris Morris will likely slot in the lower middle-order, which will leave Rory Kleinveldt, Kyle Abbott and Ryan McLaren to fight for two spots if Lonwabo Tsotsobe plays. Aaron Phangiso may miss out to Robin Peterson in the spinner's role.

South Africa: (probable) 1 AB de Villiers (wk), 2 Henry Davids, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Justin Ontong, 5 David Miller, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 Chris Morris, 8 Robin Peterson, 9 and 10 Rory Kleinveldt/Kyle Abbott/Ryan McLaren, 11 Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Pakistan welcome back a galaxy of stars, with their brightest being Afridi. If the mercurial all-rounder brings his best side, it will be an immediate boost to them. The Akmal brothers, with Kamran likely to keep, are also back. Junaid Khan has recovered from the thigh wound which kept him out of the last two Tests, and is available for selection.

Pakistan: (probable) 1 Nasir Jamshed, 2 Ahmed Shehzad, 3 Mohammed Hafeez (capt), 4 Umar Akmal, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Kamran Akmal (wk), 7 Shahid Afridi, 8, Wahab Riaz/Juniad Khan 9 Umar Gul, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Mohammed Irfan

Stats and Trivia:

Only one point separates these two teams on the rankings. South Africa are at No.5 and Pakistan No.6
The longest winning streak enjoyed by both South Africa and Pakistan is seven matches. South Africa's was between March and June 2009 and Pakistan's in the same year between June and November.
The teams have played each other six times in T20s, with each side winning three. Their last encounter was at the World Twenty20 in September last year, which Pakistan won.

Quotes:

"We are practising skills now that we want to be better at in six to ten games time. It's not going to happen now because we don't have a lot of time together as a T20 squad."
South Africa's new captain Faf du Plessis is looking to the future as he takes charge of the national side

"We are really missing crowd support because we don't play cricket at home. If we can get some support, it will be good."
Mohammed Hafeez hopes to tap into the sub-continental heritage of Durban and swing the fans his team's way

We played like a family - Manzoor

The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is back in Karachi after two seasons, as Karachi Blues outclassed Sialkot in a one-sided contest to win Pakistan's premium first-class tournament. Blues captain Khurram Manzoor credited the all-round effort of his side, which wasn't too formidable on paper, for the winning the title.

Although there were no fireworks or cheers in the deserted stands of Gaddafi Stadium, there was jubilant celebration by the players. When Manzoor lofted the ball to the midwicket boundary to score the winning runs, the Blues players, who were waiting at the boundary rope, erupted screaming onto the field to embrace their captain. They had another reason for joy: the team had remained unbeaten over the course of ten matches and two months.

"It was the moment we have been waiting for," Manzoor said while standing in front of a sombre Sialkot dressing room. "This is a result of the hard work put in by all of our players and the coaching staff. I am very happy as a player and as a captain - this is a significant achievement for me. They are all happy and want people to know that. I can't explain in words how happy I am and that's why we are screaming loud. This is all about the victory.

"We didn't have big names on paper but we played like a family. Sometime there were heated arguments, differences, we quarrelled on various occasions, but it was merely on how to attain the best result on the field. It was all teamwork. In the end, it is the result that matters, and so it's a moment of joy. I love to be a part of such a talented side.

"The key was the planning of our short-term goals instead of setting a big goal. We had a plan for each hour, each session to keep the players on their toes and didn't burden them to achieve bigger goal. The motto is to win every day to keep the momentum on, and this helped us against complacency. We knew if the plan worked the title wouldn't be far from us. If we have strong belief, we can win."

One of the key men who contributed to the win was Akbar-ur-Rehman, who topped the run-charts with 986 runs in ten games, with three fifties and three centuries, one of which was a double. He scored a century in the final, too; his 178 in the first innings helped his side gain a decisive 199-run lead.

"I simply call him a one-man army and I am proud of him," Manzoor said. "He played his role and his presence in the middle was a relief for me. He was the backbone of our batting and performed well when it matters and I wish him very best of luck for his future."

BCB gets land for stadium in Cox's Bazar

The organisation of the upcoming World Twenty20, scheduled for March next year, received a major logistical boost after the Bangladesh government granted land for an international stadium in the town of Cox's Bazar.

During an inter-ministerial meeting for the global event on Thursday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the civil aviation authority to hand over the coastal town's golf course to the Bangladesh Cricket Board. Many BCB presidents have sought land in the country's most popular tourist destination.

"The decision to build a stadium in Cox's Bazar was among the primary decisions taken during the meeting," sports secretary Noor Mohammad said. "The land belongs to the civil aviation authority, so the BCB will sit with them to build the ground. They will understand the technical issues better. The sports ministry will also assist in whichever way necessary."

The BCB will be looking to host the women's section of the World Twenty20 in Cox's Bazar, particularly because of the number of hotels already existing in the town that is famous for having the longest sea beach in the world.

The BCB has recently had to deal with hotel shortage in Khulna where three international matches and some BPL games were held since November last year. Bangladesh have traditionally used two cities during an international series at home, but with plans to develop the new stadium in Cox's Bazar as a major venue, it could only help in the country's cricket depicting a more exotic picture.

Bengal crush Karnataka, Assam stun Mumbai

Assam 178 (Roy 69, Gokul 51, Salvi 3-25) beat Mumbai 151 (Shaikh 42, Nechim 3-31) by 27 runs
Scorecard

Assam reached the semi-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time by beating previous season's finalists Mumbai by 27 runs. It was double delight for Assam, as they had never defeated the 40-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai before in any format, an outcome that delighted their captain and fast bowler Abu Nechim.

"It is a huge achievement to beat a side like Mumbai," Nechim, who also plays for Mumbai Indians, told ESPNcricinfo. "I have been playing for Assam for so many years and we have not had a result like this for a long time. The entire team is very happy and this win is for all the people of Assam.

"A win like this can take you places. Who knows, it might even open up a chance for some of the young players in the team to play for India or in the IPL."

The result was even more pleasing for Nechim as his side bounced back after having been bowled out for an underwhelming 178. Nechim told his players not to lose heart during the innings break. "I told them we still had a chance with the ball and should go out and give it our best shot. That was the only option we had really."

Assam came out with purpose. Mumbai were reduced to 6 for 3, and 39 for 4, chasing a modest target and could never get going. Wasim Jaffer was bowled in the first over for 5 by Nechim and Rohit Sharma was bowled in the second over for a duck by Arup Das. Shoaib Shaikh (42) and Ankeet Chavan (36) took Mumbai past 100 but following the former's dismissal by Gokul Sharma, Mumbai lost regular wickets to be dismissed for 151. Nechim himself led the way with a haul of 3 for 31 while Pritam Das accounted for the counter-attacking Siddhesh Lad and Chavan.

Aavishkar Salvi's opening burst had Assam tottering at 30 for 3 after Mumbai chose to field but a 92-run fifth-wicket stand between Sibsankar Roy and Gokul revived the innings. Assam were in a decent position at 147 for 4 in the 40th over but the lower order fell apart as the innings folded for 178, which proved enough in the end.

Despite what the win meant for them, Nechim and his side had a semi-final against Kerala to concentrate on and could not afford to spend time in too many celebrations. "We have another big match coming up. What we did was all of us got together in my room after the game. All the players and the coach, we spoke about what had happened today."

Bengal 128 for 0 (Goswami 70*, Saha 52*) beat Karnataka 127 (Shami 3-32, Veer Pratap 3-40) by ten wickets
Scorecard

Defending champions Bengal crushed Karnataka by ten wickets to set up a semi-final clash against Delhi. The seam trio of Shami Ahmed, Veer Pratap Singh and Laxmi Shukla ripped through the Karnataka line-up after Bengal chose to bowl. Karnataka were 57 for 6 at one stage with only Manish Pandey (28) among the top six getting into double figures. The lower order scraped Karnataka to 127 before they were dismissed in the 33rd over.

The Bengal openers Shreevats Goswami and Wriddhiman Saha saw off the new ball and proceeded to knock off the target in the 29th over, with Goswami finishing on a stroke-filled 70 off 79 deliveries.

Dominant Delhi, Kerala make last four

Delhi 130 for 2 (Gambhir 44*) beat Gujarat 126 (Narwal 5-21) by eight wickets
Scorecard

Delhi crushed Gujarat in Visakhapatnam to enter the quarter-final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, first rolling them for 126 and then knocking off the meagre target with over 21 overs to spare. Seamer Sumit Narwal triggered the Gujarat collapse, removing both openers after they had strung together a partnership of 40. Narwal went on to five wickets in an economical seven-over spell, and received support from new-ball bowler Parvinder Awana and Rajat Bhatia as Gujarat went on to score just 86 more runs in 25 overs after the opening stand was broken. Delhi lost opener Dhruv Shorey early in the chase, but the rest of the top order contributed cameos as they cruised home. Gautam Gambhir finished unbeaten on 44, the top-scorer in the game.

Kerala 320 for 6 (Jagadeesh 119, Sachin Baby 104*) beat Punjab 274 (Gurkeerat 99, Mandeep 81) by 46 runs
Scorecard

Kerala put on a dominating show with the bat, to ease past Punjab by 46 runs, and secure their place in the final four. Punjab chose to bowl, and made a decent start, reducing Kerala to 51 for 2 in the tenth over. However, one of the openers, VA Jagadeesh, hung in there and went on to make a career-best 119, that set a firm platform. Sachin Baby, batting at No. 6, launched from that platform, scoring a maiden List A century. He finished unbeaten on 104 runs from 70 balls to take Kerala to 320. For Punjab, Gurkeerat almost played a similar role to that of Jagadeesh, but was run out on 99 to dent Punjab's chances. Their hopes took another big blow when Yuvraj Singh was out to Prasanth Parameswaran for a golden duck. Mandeep Singh kept them going with a steady 81, but they still fell well short, bowled out in the 48th over.

Jahural Islam fined 50% of BCL-final match fee

Jahurul Islam has been fined 50% of his Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) final match fee after he played in a university match without the Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) permission. He was also warned that a similar incident in the future will result in an automatic two-match ban.

Ahead of the third day of the BCL final held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, he played for Dhaka University in the nearby Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium, in an inter-university indoor cricket tournament. With the final being a day-night match, Jahurul returned to the ground two hours before play started, having played an eight-overs-a-side match. Later on the same day, he was named in the 15-man Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour, returning after almost three years.

A day after the final, which Jahurul almost won single-handedly for North Zone, he was summoned by the BCB's cricket operations committee because he is a contracted player under Grade C.

"The BCB disciplinary committee felt that as an experienced cricketer at domestic and international level, Islam should have been more aware of the terms of his engagement with the BCB," the board said in a statement. "As captain of a side playing in the final of a first-class event, he should have displayed a more responsible attitude, not only to his team-mates, but also to the outcome of the match.

"Finally, by playing in an unauthorised capacity, in an unfamiliar format, he had exposed himself unnecessarily to the risk of possible injury, thereby jeopardising the selection process of the Bangladesh Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka."

Sussex positive after 2012 loss

Sussex have reported a loss of £325,375 for 2012, with the club's success in reaching the semi-finals of both limited-overs competitions helping to offset the poor weather that hit county takings around the country.

Turnover remained the same, at £5.2m, but although operating profits were up, an increase in depreciation to £553,000, after the redevelopment of Sussex's Hove ground, saw losses jump by more than £200,000 on the previous year. The club suffered an almost-total washout to West Indies' tour match in Hove - with only 34 overs bowled over three days - but they did benefit from a one-off payment of £133,000 from a settled legal claim in 2012.

"Whilst a £227k operating surplus is a credible outcome, it was boosted by the one off receipt of £133k in respect of the settlement of a legal claim," Simon Crundwell, the Sussex treasurer, said.

"Alongside continuing challenging economic conditions, the unseasonal weather in 2012 contributed in part to our match income being 22% down on prior year. However, alongside the legal claim, income from our home Clydesdale Bank 40 semi-final and home Friends Life t20 quarter-final was vital. Encouragingly, our non-match day revenue continues to grow, 28% ahead on the prior year, which is an important cornerstone of our medium-term business plan.

"The deficit of £325k recorded is after charging increased depreciation of £553k, reflecting the completion of our ground redevelopment. Importantly however, the club remains cash positive at an operating level with £95k generated from continuing operations after interest and before non-repeat income and depreciation."

Jim May, Sussex's chairman, added: "The county club business model is marginal and without our success in one-day competitions, Sussex would have made an operating loss. However, it is pleasing that, whilst the playing side remains strong, we are making progress year-on-year on the business front."

Bangladesh medical staff unhappy with BPL-related injuries

The injury management of Bangladesh cricketers has come under sharp focus after two players who were injured during the BPL had to withdraw from the touring party to Sri Lanka.

Chief selector Akram Khan has called for better monitoring of injuries, along with greater communication between the clubs and franchises, and the national board. "In the national team, we can think of a replacement as soon as someone is injured," Akram said. "It is the opposite in the BPL or for Dhaka club cricket, [because] nobody will listen to the player if he says 'I am injured'. They will always tell him to play. Everyone has to be accountable, but there are gaps in the system which should be plugged."

Akram also held the players responsible for not giving their injuries enough attention. It is perceived that the local players' desire to play all BPL matches stems from the pay disputes from the tournament's first season; none of the local players are willing to take a chance, lest the injuries are used as reasons not to pay, although Mushfiqur Rahim said on Wednesday that BPL franchises are liable to play the players regardless of injuries.

"I have not been in such a position as a selector in the last five years, where so many players [have] turned up injured from a domestic tournament." Akram said. "The physical pain will not go away if you continue to play, [it only] gets worse. Those who had minor injuries have now broken down. There is a proper medical structure in Bangladesh cricket, so the players should take advantage of it."

One of the two players who got injured was Naeem Islam, who hurt his quadriceps while playing for Chittagong Kings just two weeks before the Bangladesh team was scheduled to leave for Sri Lanka. He accidentally stepped on the ball while attempting to stop it, and ended up being stretchered off as a result of the mishap. Chittagong physio Bayezid Ahmed said he did not clear Naeem, but Naeem ended up playing in the second semi-final four days later.

"The decision to play with injury was Naeem's," Bayezid said. "He said he felt better but I never cleared him as fit. I informed the Bangladesh team physio [Vibhav Singh] of his condition, but four days later he decided to play. After February 20, he was no longer in my hands."

Shakib Al Hasan continued to play in the BPL despite minor injuries, and later had to be sent to Australia in order to reduce pressure on his right shin bone, an injury he has had since November last year. Ziaur Rahman also suffered a shoulder injury during the BPL. Only Tamim Iqbal pulled out of Duronto Rajshahi's BPL campaign towards the end, after injuring his left wrist.

Enamul Haque jr was also ruled out of the Test series in Sri Lanka with a hamstring injury he suffered during the BPL final, but neither Enamul nor Naeem informed Vibhav Singh of their injuries after the BPL.

During the domestic Twenty20 competition, the national-team physio asked the franchises to give him player fitness updates, but only a few replied. It left him and the rest of the team management in the dark about the pile-up that landed at their feet just a few days before they were to pick the 15-man Test squad.

"Had we known of them [the injuries] before, it would have been different," Vibhav said. "In the next BPL, the franchises and the medical team need to work together with the national medical staff.

"I did send the franchises an email requesting feedback from their medical staff, but I did not get anything. So it made it a bit difficult for us to gauge where players were because we had no control over their medical concerns. We can make recommendations but at the end of the day it's a separate tournament, so we can just advice."

Glamorgan finances improve despite loss

Glamorgan have become the latest county to announce a loss for 2012, although the club have significantly improved their fortunes after recording a deficit of £2m last year.

After the wettest summer in 100 years - and one which saw the ODI between England and South Africa at Cardiff abandoned after 5.3 overs - Glamorgan's accounts were £315,793 in the red. A turnover of £6.5m was equivalent to the previous year but the club have taken steps to reduce outgoings. Glamorgan also improved their net cash balance to £481,027, representing a year-on-year increase of more than £1.3m.

The Glamorgan chief executive, Alan Hamer, said: "Whilst it is disappointing to report an operating loss, our trading performance during the past year is much improved. The game of cricket is currently facing many financial challenges and we have made many changes to the business over the last 12 months as part of a programme to improve the profitability of the club.

"This year is our 125th anniversary and it promises to be an exciting season both on and off the field. Having received a £1m loan from the England and Wales Cricket Board, we have committed to making a whole host of improvements to spectator facilities including the installation of a permanent replay screen which will also act as a new scoreboard."

In 2012, Glamorgan's Sofia Gardens ground hosted Friends Life t20 Finals Day, while during the coming season, Cardiff will be the location for five Champions Trophy fixtures, including the opening match of the tournament, plus an England-Australia ODI in September. The ground has also been awarded an Ashes Test for 2015.

While several counties, including Warwickshire and Leicestershire, suffered heavy losses last year, an equal number have demonstrated their financial prudence in tough economic circumstances. Derbyshire, Worcestershire and in particular Somerset are among the clubs to enjoy surpluses from their 2012 trading.

Lloyd fails in latest WICB presidency bid

Julian Hunte and Whycliffe Cameron of Jamaica will contest the WICB presidential elections after former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd failed in his nomination bid. To secure a nomination, a candidate needs the backing of two full members (regional boards) and Lloyd only had the approval his native Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) before the deadline for filing the application expired on February 22. The elections will be held as part of the WICB AGM, on March 27 in Barbados.

The presidential race is now a two-way fight between Hunte, who currently heads the WICB, and Cameron, who is vice-president. According to the amended rules of the WICB, none of the directors, who are part of the executive board, have voting powers from this year. That was one of the recommendations of the Wilkins Committee report, which was ratified by the board at its last meeting. Each of the six regional boards (Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands) have selected two representatives who are allowed to vote, with the new president to be elected via a secret ballot.

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president, Joel Garner, who was an integral part of the dominating West Indies team of the 1970s and '80s that Lloyd led, has put his hat into the ring for the vice-president's role. Garner, who is one of the WICB directors, will face-off against Dominican Emmanuel Nanthan, president of the Windward Islands Cricket Association.

This was Lloyd's second failed attempt to get a nomination. In the past he was not allowed to enter the presidential race on the grounds that he did not satisfy the required residential conditions, as he was staying outside of the Caribbean at the time. This time Lloyd had fulfilled that obligation, having moved back to Guyana after been appointed by the government as chairman of the interim management committee formed in the aftermath of the disputed GCB elections in 2011.

Despite Lloyd calling the controversial GCB elections held on January 27 this year "illegal", a special executive board meeting held last Thursday nominated him as its delegate for the WICB presidential elections. But Lloyd needed the one of the other five regional boards to second his nomination.

In his attempt to garner more support Lloyd had even sent his manifesto to the T&T and Barbados cricket boards. Titled 'Clive Lloyd's manifesto - WICB presidency', the three-page document stressed that West Indies cricket desperately needed a "second growth curve"and argued he had the right expertise and international experience as a former professional cricketer and ICC administrator to lead the board.

"My vision for West Indies cricket is to take our cricket out of the doldrums and to put us back at the top. To use my expertise, knowledge of and passion for the game, my credibility, integrity and international professional standing and every moral fibre within to reverse the fortunes of our WI cricket," Lloyd wrote.

He signed off the document by quoting Winston Churchill, the former British prime minister: "'To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents.' Today I believe I have been 'figuratively tapped' and offered an opportunity to do a very special thing. Cricket is one of the great unifying forces in West Indian history and culture and I would like to offer my services to people of the West Indies as the next president of WICB."

However, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board sidestepped the issue by deciding to act as a neutral observer instead of supporting any candidate, while the BCA's stance remained unclear.

ECB to target recreational drug use

The ECB is to introduce further drug testing as a result of the death of Tom Maynard in June 2012. An inquest on Tuesday heard that samples taken from Maynard's body contained high levels of alcohol and traces of ecstasy and cocaine consistent with that of a "daily or habitual" drug user. In her summing up at the end of the inquest, the coroner, Dr Fiona Wilcox, urged cricket's authorities to test hair samples in order to detect drug use.

Now the ECB and the Professional Cricketers' Association (PCA), the players' union, aim to increase the amount of drug testing with a view to not just catching drug cheats but also helping those who may be suffering from addiction.

The ECB currently carries out around 200 tests a year. That means they test somewhere between 35-40% of the registered professional players in county cricket. Last year one player, Abdur Rehman, who was playing for Somerset, tested positive for cannabis following an in-competition test.

Now, however, they appear set to carry out more tests. While they have not committed themselves to hair-sample testing - one of the more effective methods of looking for drug use over a longer period - the ECB, in co-operation with the PCA, has agreed to develop an out-of-competition testing programme to encompass recreational drugs. These measures will supplement the ECB's existing anti-doping programme, which involves in- and out-of-competition testing through UK Anti-Doping, in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code, and the financial support provided to the PCA for player education and support programmes.

England players are tested, in addition, as part of the ICC's own anti-doping programme for all international cricketers, which are also WADA compliant. To date, no England player has tested positive under these programmes.

"More testing will improve our chances of helping players with a problem which is as much societal as it is sporting," PCA chief executive told the BBC. "We have a comprehensive programme of testing in and out of competition for performance-enhancing drugs - very much in line with the WADA code - testing in competition and also testing for recreational drugs.

"What we are now in discussions with the ECB on is whether we need to extend the testing for recreational drugs to out of competition and I think we both think that that is a good idea. We are working on plans for that and investigating the practicality, following sports such as rugby and football which have done similar things.

"We all think that the use of recreational drugs out of competition needs to be thought of very differently from performance-enhancing. The purpose of the taker is very different - they are not cheating and need to be thought of differently and it is too easy for people to confuse this."

As things stand, there is no mandatory ban for players caught with recreational drugs - including ecstasy and cocaine - taken from out-of-competition samples. The PCA hopes that would remain the case and, in the first instance at least, a player would be referred for treatment, counselling and support, with suspensions only applied to repeat offenders. In-competition testing is defined as being from 6am local time on the first day of a match up until one hour following the completion of the match.

Surrey conducted an internal enquiry following Maynard's death, which was ruled to be accidental after he was found on the tracks of the London Underground last summer. The club's chief executive, Richard Gould, told ESPNcricinfo that he was satisfied that Maynard's drug use was a "one off". Team-mates Jade Dernbach and Rory Hamilton-Brown both insisted that they had no knowledge that Maynard had ever taken drugs.

In a statement following the inquest verdict of accidental death, the ECB said: "While the ECB accepts that recreational drug use is a part of modern society, we do not condone it and will take all reasonable steps to prevent its use within the game. We also believe we have a responsibility to educate all our players and are committed to supporting any player who needs help in this area.

"In the light of today's verdict, ECB and Surrey CCC would like to reiterate that this incident was a terrible human tragedy and again extend our condolences to the Maynard family and to Tom Maynard's many friends and colleagues within the professional game.

"ECB and Surrey CCC would like to end by echoing the statement issued by the Maynard family earlier today. The results of this inquest do not define Tom Maynard or alter in any way the tragedy of his passing. Tom was a great man and a great cricketer and will be remembered forever by everyone who had the privilege to know him."

Gayle rested for Zimbabwe T20s, Sammy returns

After opting out of the ODI series against Zimbabwe, Chris Gayle has been rested from the upcoming two Twenty20 internationals against the visitors as well. A WICB release said Gayle had asked to miss the T20s. Darren Sammy, who had also been rested from the ODI series, returned to lead a 13-man West Indies squad, which had call-ups for fast bowler Shannon Gabriel and allrounder Christopher Barnwell.

The release said both were leading performers during the recent Caribbean T20 tournament. Barnwell, who has played four T20s for West Indies, was the highest run-getter in the Caribbean T20 and also took six wickets. Gabriel, who made his Test debut at Lord's in May 2012, picked up five wickets.

The T20s against Zimbabwe will be played on March 2 and 3 in Antigua.

West Indies squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Samuel Badree, Christopher Barnwell, Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons

Dernbach, Hamilton-Brown witnesses at Maynard inquest

England seamer Jade Dernbach and former Surrey captain Rory Hamilton-Brown are to give evidence at the inquest of Tom Maynard at Westminster Coroners' Court on Tuesday, February 26. The pair are believed to have been among the last to have seen Maynard, their former Surrey team-mate, alive.

Maynard's body was found on the tracks near Wimbledon Park station at 5.10am on Monday, June 18, 2012. His car had been stopped by police at 4.15am after officers described it "being driven erratically on Arthur Road, SW19" after which the male driver "made off on foot." Maynard, the son of former England batsman and batting coach, Matthew Maynard, was 23.

Dernbach and Hamilton-Brown are the only cricketers called as witnesses. Hamilton-Brown, 25, relinquished the Surrey captaincy in August following a prolonged spell of compassionate leave. A school friend and housemate of Maynard, he subsequently left Surrey for a new start at Sussex. Dernbach, 26, continues to feature in England's T20 side.

Akram takes break as KKR bowling coach

Kolkata Knight Riders bowling coach Wasim Akram will not be available this IPL season because he wants to spend more time with his family. Akram has been with Knight Riders, the IPL champions, for the last three seasons, forming the coaching unit along with chief coach Trevor Bayliss.

"Wasim Akram will be badly missed," Knight Riders' chief executive Venky Mysore said. "He is a legend and a great motivator to have around the team. However, we fully appreciate the reason why he will be unavailable. We hope to work with him in future."

Knight Riders appointed Trevor Penney as their fielding coach. Penny is presently fielding coach of the Indian team and also worked with Deccan Chargers, a former IPL franchise.

The sixth season of the IPL begins on April 3.

I'm a bit more versatile now - Fulton

Peter Fulton has admitted he has "a pretty average" Test record, but hopes a new found versatility will help him grasp his latest opportunity in international cricket. Fulton has not played a Test since December 2009 but, having enjoyed a fine run of form in domestic cricket, finds himself back in the New Zealand Test squad to face England.

Fulton has averaged just 20.93 from his first 10 Tests but, as the second-highest run-scorer in this season's Plunket Shield, has forced his way back into contention. Fulton scored 902 runs in nine Shield matches, with three centuries, seven half-centuries at an average of 56.37. Had the recurrence of a knee injury not forced him home, he would have opened the batting during the series against South Africa.

"Getting selected is great, but now I need to work hard, play well and score runs to keep myself in there," 34-year-old Fulton said. "I've always looked at my international career in two parts. There's the ODI stuff, where I played 49 games and compiled a pretty handy record. Then there's the 10 or so Tests I played. I never really got going and had a pretty average record.

"I do think my game has changed a bit though and I'm a bit more versatile now. I've scored a few runs this season, some quite quickly and some I've really had to grind out."

He is not the only mature face in the New Zealand squad. Bruce Martin was first called into the New Zealand squad as a teenager in 2000 but, 13 years later and aged 32, remains without an international cap. Now, like then, he owes his call-up in part to injury to his fellow left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori but, while he missed out to Darly Tuffey on that occasion, looks certain to play this time.

Martin's Plunket Shied record this season is modest - he averages 40.40 runs per wicket - but, having narrowly missed out to Jeetan Patel for selection in the Tests against South Africa - will play unless New Zealand opt for an all-seam attack.

"I worked hard in South Africa and I was disappointed I didn't get a run there," Martin said. "I knew I was thereabouts and I had to keep working hard. It was still a nice surprise. It's going to be good fun and I can't wait.

"I like to be attacking rather than hold up an end, I'll be looking to take poles and bowl to some pretty attacking fields."

Zimbabwe look to avoid whitewash

Match facts

February 26, 2013
Start time 0930 local (1330 GMT)

Big Picture

Going by the series scoreline so far, 2-0 in favour of West Indies, nothing out of the ordinary and unexpected has happened. A convincing 156-run victory in the first ODI and a seven-wicket win in the second. The second margin also sounds comprehensive, but it wasn't. Zimbabwe showed a marked improvement on Sunday and halfway through the match, would have even thought of leveling the series. What they are left with now, is to play for a solitary win in the third and final ODI and win their first one-dayer since October 2011, when they chased 329 against New Zealand. West Indies will be brimming with confidence after a forgettable summer in Australia and agog to complete a whitewash and continue their winning run.

After being thrashed in the first ODI, Zimbabwe would have been satisfied with their batting and stretching the hosts to the 49th over in the second ODI. Their bowling and fielding went up a notch or two, but they failed to pick wickets to keep the lid on the pressure they created. They have picked only seven wickets in nearly 100 overs and have conceded 611 runs at a dismal average of 87.29. They will rely on Kyle Jarvis and their most experienced bowler, Prosper Utseya, to give them breakthroughs, especially in the opening overs. The 22-year old Natsai M'shangwe has been the most economical in the two ODIs, but it's the wickets they need to win matches.

West Indies, meanwhile, would not want to repeat the kind of pressure-cooker situation they found themselves in on Sunday. Even though their batsmen have done their job, curbing Zimbabwe to a lower score or dismissing them would be ideal to make the whitewash easier. This will be their first whitewash over a Test-playing nation since beating Bangladesh 3-0 in 2004.

Form guide

West Indies WWLLL
Zimbabwe LLLLL

In the spotlight

Despite scoring two consecutive fifties, Kieran Powell threw his wicket away in both the ODIs. Against a feeble Zimbabwe attack and in the absence of Chris Gayle, this will be the apt time for Powell to convert a start into a three-digit score and boost his confidence before the Champions Trophy in June.

Hamilton Masakadza was Zimbabwe's top performer on Sunday with a fifty and figures of 2 for 27 from seven overs. If Zimbabwe have to win, he will have to extend his stay on the pitch to chase or set up a big total for the in-form West Indies batsmen.

Team news

West Indies are yet to announce their squad for the third ODI. Gayle and Darren Sammy were rested for the first two matches. With the series to their name, West Indies may want to give a chance to the left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (if available), who has been in fine form for Guyana with 13 wickets in the last two Regional Four-Day matches.

West Indies: (probable) 1 Kieran Powell, 2 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Narsingh Deonarine, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Dwayne Bravo (capt), 7 Andre Russell, 8 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Tino Best, 11 Sunil Narine/Veerasammy Permaul

Zimbabwe: (from) Brendan Taylor (capt), Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Tino Mawoyo, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya, Regis Chakabva, Malcolm Waller, Keegan Meth, Craig Ervine, Chamu Chibhabha, Tino Mutombodzi, Natsai M'shangwe

Stats and trivia

The last time West Indies and Zimbabwe played a bilateral ODI series, West Indies won the series 4-1 in West Indies in 2010.
West Indies have won six and lost six of the 12 ODIs they have played at St. George's in Grenada.

Quotes

"I felt a burden lifted when I reached my hundred. I was lacking a little confidence before this performance so I have my confidence back now."
Ramnaresh Sarwan after the first significant innings since his comeback

Board officials to meet on Hyderabad security

Senior officials of the BCCI and the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), along with a Cricket Australia security officer, will meet the Hyderabad police commissioner on Monday to finalise the security plan for the second Test between India and Australia, which starts in the city on March 2.

The HCA secretary MV Sridhar said the meeting was a "routine affair", but its significance is increased after 16 people were killed, and many more injured, in bomb blasts in Hyderabad on February 21, the eve of the ongoing first Test in Chennai. Though both CA and BCCI clarified the second Test would go ahead as scheduled, neither board was willing to take any chances.

So far, the host association had not been informed of a specific demand by the Australian team management in terms of security. "It's a routine affair, to finalise the security arrangements," Sridhar said. "If they have any specific concerns or demands, it will surely be considered."

Ratnakar Shetty, the BCCI general manager - cricket development, is travelling from Mumbai to Hyderabad for the meeting.

Comfortable wins for Lions, Cobras

Lions 162 for 7 (De Kock 47, Pretorius 38, Parnell 2-23) beat Warriors 115 (Harmer 33, Viljoen 3-12) by 47 runs
Scorecard

Lions continued their unbeaten run in the tournament with a convincing 47-run win against Warriors in Potchefstroom. After putting up 162 in their 20 overs, Lions, led by Hardus Viljoen's 3 for 12, dismissed Warriors for 115 in 18 overs.

Put into bat first, Lions got a strong start through a 53-run stand between Quinton de Kock and Gulam Bodi. They lost Bodi and Neil McKenzie within three overs but de Kock kept them steady. De Kock and Sohail Tanvir were then run out off consecutive deliveries and Jean Symes was soon bowled for seven. Temba Bavuma and Dwaine Pretorius put on 61 runs in 34 balls for the sixth wicket which propelled Lions to 162.

Warriors were jolted in the first over by Tanvir, who dismissed JJ Smuts for a duck. There was a brief stand between Christiaan Jonker and Colin Ingram, but Lions struck to remove both and Wayne Parnell - all at the score of 34. Viljoen accounted for two of those wickets. Warriors lost regular wickets from there on and apart from a 23-ball 35 by No. 8 Simon Harmer, there wasn't much resistance as they were restricted to 115.

Cape Cobras 137 for 1 (Levi 80*, Vilas 43) beat Dolphins 134 for 6 (Bopara 60, Langeveldt 2-32) by nine wickets
Scorecard

A quick unbeaten 80 by Richard Levi helped Cape Cobras comfortably overhaul Dolphins' total with more than three overs to spare at Newlands. Chasing a middling 135, Levi scored at run-a-ball for the first five overs, but changed gears with two fours and a six off the first three balls of the sixth. He got to his half-century off 31 balls and with Dane Vilas, who came in at the fall of opener Stiaan van Zyl in the fifth over, forged an unbeaten century stand to give Cobras their third win in four matches.

Dolphins, who had chosen to bat, were in early trouble at the start of the match. They lost their top three with only 22 runs on the board. But they rebuilt the innings, although at a slow pace, through an 84-run fourth-wicket stand between Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Ravi Bopara, who was the dominant of the two. Bopara cleared the boundary thrice in his 44-ball 60 and was out of the last ball of the innings.

Kohli lauds Dhoni special

	Time away from cricket helped - Virat Kohli

It is not often a Virat Kohli century can be outshone or overshadowed. At its best, it is usually an exquisite construction of beauty, timing, balance and precision. But given that his captain had taken ownership of an entire day with an innings of utter dominance, Kohli fittingly opened his media interaction with a statement before taking questions. "First I'll speak on the captain's innings," he said.

He called M S Dhoni's 206 not out, "a great display of batting" in "temperament, hitting the ball cleanly and assessing the situation." When asked whether No. 6 was an ideal batting position for Dhoni going into the future, he said it "might be the trick that will work with the batting order for us."

Kohli did say he had not seen him batting at No. 6 often. He said Dhoni at No. 7 spot doesn't have enough time to get big runs. "People started doubting his Test batting, because he wasn't getting ample opportunities. If the team is five down, you have to negotiate the pressure, then you expect the guy to get a hundred every four games. It's pretty difficult."

The No. 6 position would give Dhoni, Kohli said, "ample opportunity to get settled and analyse the situation. Once he's settled, he is one of the most experienced guys to play with the lower order, he knows how to play with the tail. So yes, that's a huge difference he could make at No. 6 going ahead in Test matches."

Kohli said it was easier to maintain the tempo of an innings like today in ODIs where he had seen Dhoni score 183 against Sri Lanka batting at No. 3. "It's very easy to go for your shots in one-dayers. You don't have to think too much when you're in that kind of flow. But [in Tests] to actually analyse the situation, to play with the tailender, to take strike when wanted, to defend when wanted, hit the ball when needed… in Test matches it's not easy to bat with the lower order and to get a double hundred is a commendable thing."

Kohli said India had played the day much like they had planned it. They had expected Australia to use reverse swing with the old ball in the first session. "Pattinson was bowling really well with the old ball, reversing at pace. We decided to give respect to the bowlers bowing well. We knew if we batted the whole day, we'll have a considerable lead and we'll be in a great position in this Test. It was all about giving respect to good bowling and capitalising later on loose deliveries which MS and I were able to do."

Dhoni, he said had come out to bat with a clear idea about his approach. "He didn't want to talk about the game, he didn't want to talk about cricket. He said just talk about something else to me." His instructions to Kohli were simple: "Don't ask about how the wicket was, how the bowling was, nothing. He was pretty relaxed and calm so he didn't want to talk a lot about the game. He was pretty sure what he wanted to do out in the middle."

Australia paid heavily going in with a single specialist spinner, Kohli said, as the wicket had begun to break on day three. After it had "evened out and eased up" on day two, he got one ball from Nathan Lyon shooting under his bat and the other hitting him on the chest. "I was pretty surprised with how quickly the wicket was coming off. If they [Australia] had more slow bowlers in the team you would have seen the difference of that wicket. The spinners are going to get a lot of turn and bounce tomorrow with the hard ball. That's going to be the crucial thing - the wicket is getting roughed up by the day."

Speaking of his own batting, Kohli said he had been disappointed to get out soon after his hundred and called it, "this block I am facing - when I get 100 I get out." He said, "As a batsman you would love to get big runs when you've scored century from a tough situation, you don't want to throw it away." His dismissal today - caught at mid-on by Mitchell Starc off Lyon - came because he got too close to the ball.

"I was disappointed I got out. But I knew I wanted to go for that shot, so I went for it hundred percent. But I got too close to the ball and just didn't get the elevation. But next time you can only learn from mistakes. I'll try and erase all these errors that I have been doing after getting centuries."

Kohli said the century, the fourth of his Test career, had brought him extra pleasure as it followed a poor run against England and Pakistan. He had taken time away from the game to get ready for Australia. "Sometimes you just need to get away from the game and get your mind fresh and get back on track. I was feeling hungry for this series. I was eagerly waiting to get into the field and bat and feeling that is important for a cricketer."

Giles pleased with comeback win

With England's focus switching to Test cricket for the final leg of the New Zealand tour, Ashley Giles, the limited-overs coach, was able to reflect on the end of his brief with some satisfaction. New Zealand may not be ranked among the toughest opponents in the world but two series wins, including a comeback from 1-0 down in the ODIs, represented a positive conclusion to Giles' first two months in the job.

Giles took over from Andy Flower in the short formats in January and began his reign with a 3-2 defeat in India. In the opening match, England managed to beat India at home in an ODI for the first time in 14 attempts and, although the series was lost, there were encouraging signs in traditionally inhospitable conditions - particularly as key players such as Jonathan Trott, James Anderson and Graeme Swann were rested.

When England were beaten in the first match in Hamilton last Sunday, it stretched their run of defeats against New Zealand to five in a row, but they came back strongly to claim a first ODI series win in the country since 1992. The performances of the bowlers, in particular Steven Finn and the returning Anderson, as well as further evidence of Joe Root's rapid progress, brought impressive wins in Napier and Auckland and means Giles can return to England confident that he has the squad to mount a challenge during the Champions Trophy.

"We always knew India would be a difficult challenge. [Losing] 3-2, you can't say it was a good result but it's better than results of late there," Giles said. "There were some positive signs from a side that probably didn't have our most senior players in it.

"Coming here, we knew New Zealand would be very difficult to beat, on their home soil. They like to play it up that they're always the underdogs, even here. But they play a very tough form of cricket, and have some very good cricketers. So to win both series is great for me, and the team have worked very hard as well."

In conditions not dissimilar to those likely to be encountered during the Champions Trophy, to be played in England in June, Anderson and Finn collected 12 wickets between them and both managed impressive economy rates of less than four. Perhaps more importantly, as England look to balance their one-day side with a seamer who can also bat at No. 7, Chris Woakes claimed six wickets at 22.66. Finn also successfully trialled a new, shortened run-up, in an attempt to cure his stump-kicking problem, which appeared to augment his pace and control.

"To have gone 1-0 down in this series and come back and win it is very impressive," Giles said. "The performances, particularly with the ball in the last two games, have been outstanding. Steven Finn, in this last match, was fantastic. He and Anderson are going to be a handful."

The only New Zealand player to consistently hurt England's attack was Brendon McCullum, who hit three blistering half-centuries. Such was the force of his batting, however, he sustained a side strain during the final ODI. Although he is expected to be first for the first Test, starting on March 6, the question of who might lead the side in the case of McCullum's enforced absence has reopened the vexed issue of the captaincy, which was removed from Ross Taylor in controversial circumstances last year.

Taylor subsequently opted out of the tour of South Africa, where Kane Williamson was reportedly named as McCullum's Test back-up. However, speaking after the announcement of the Test squad, the coach, Mike Hesson, said that there was no official vice-captain. "We've got a leadership group of three and we haven't formed that leadership group for this series," Hesson was quoted as saying by Fairfax, adding that a decision on who might step in for McCullum would be made when the squad convened in Dunedin on March 3.

Shakib ruled out of Sri Lanka tour

Shakib Al Hasan has been ruled out of Bangladesh's tour to Sri Lanka next month after it was decided that he will undergo surgery this week on his right calf muscle*. His involvement in the Zimbabwe tour in April is also in doubt, as it will take him six weeks to return to active cricket, according to BCB's chief medical officer, Dr Debashish Chowdhury.

"Shakib will be out of action for at least six weeks after the surgery," Chowdhury said. "BCB has granted him permission to undergo the surgery. BCB president Nazmul Hasan agreed to release him as per the advice of the specialist in Australia."

Chowdhury however is unsure whether Shakib will return to action immediately after making a full recovery. "Apart from the exertional compartmental syndrome for which he is undergoing surgery, Shakib has sustained tenoperiostitis and stress reaction on his tibia," he said. "To heal the other two complications, he will need rest, physiotherapy, a rehabilitation programme and biomechanical correction." Shakib is expected to do the biomechanical correction test on Sunday.

He first complained of pain in his shin during Bangladesh's Test series against West Indies in November last year. He was immediately given rest and recovered in time for the Bangladesh Premier League, but he missed a couple of games in the tournament and afterwards was seen bowling off a very short run-up.

Towards the end of the tournament, Shakib was diagnosed with exertional compartment syndrome on his shin bone, a condition that can be caused by frequent running, and leads to pain and swelling. After the final, he admitted that his movement was restricted.

As a result, he was sent to Australia on February 20 where a specialist suggested he undergo the surgery to reduce stiffness in the injured area.

Bangladesh will leave for Sri Lanka on February 28, to play two Tests, three ODIs and a Twenty20.

13.15GMT, February 23: The article had previously incorrectly stated left calf muscle

Warriors in sight of stunning victory

Western Australia 97 and 8 for 351 (Whiteman 83, Agar 71*, Marsh 51, Faulkner 4-65, Hilfenhaus 3-59) need 6 runs to beat Tasmania 211 and 242 (Ponting 76, Duffield 4-71)
Scorecard

A remarkable rearguard by Western Australia has taken the Warriors to within six runs of victory over Tasmania with a day remaining in the Sheffield Shield match at the WACA ground.

Set 357 to win early on day three after forfeiting their first innings for a mere 97, the hosts fought their way to 8 for 351 at the close of a day extended by 30 minutes to allow the match to be decided.

Tasmania remain a chance to win with a pair of late wickets, though the will be ruing the fact the match has been allowed to get that close given their earlier dominance.

WA's chase was shepherded by the young wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman, while the 19-year-old spinner Ashton Agar showed tremendous maturity in an unbeaten 71. Michael Hussey and Mitchell Marsh also contributed.

The Tigers appeared headed for the outright win, Ben Hilfenhaus and James Faulkner reducing the Warriors to 3 for 37 then 5 for 137. But Marsh, Whiteman and Agar persisted admirably to take their side to the cusp of a memorable chase.

Zimbabwe look to avoid first ODI repeat

Match facts

February 24, 2013
Start time 0930 local (1330 GMT)

Big picture

In a short three-ODI series that doesn't last a week, a heavy defeat in the first game can quickly become a nightmare. It wouldn't be outlandish to say that 3-0 to West Indies is an expected result, but for Zimbabwe, who hardly play international cricket these days, this series offers a vital chance to show improvement. Their first outing was forgettable, but they need to avoid a repeat performance.

Their bowlers were battered by the West Indies batsmen, who could have got more than the 337 they eventually did, and when it was their turn to bat, their batsmen slipped at the first sight of Sunil Narine. In the end, it became a question of how badly would they lose. That they lasted 50 overs was largely due to a 67-ball 18 by No. 8 Prosper Utseya. In both innings, there were only a couple of performers of note and in international cricket, other teams feast upon such weaknesses. Zimbabwe need to regroup quickly, as a team, and must show the will and confidence to stay competitive.

West Indies, on the other hand, need to find the ruthlessness that went missing after their World Twenty20 title win. They are expected to steamroll the opposition in this series and the only competition is with themselves. Can they get more if they bat first? Can they bowl out Zimbabwe within 40 overs? These are the challenges that Dwayne Bravo would want his team to take head on after the recent reverses in ODIs in Australia.

Form guide

West Indies WLLLL
Zimbabwe LLLLW

In the spotlight

Darren Bravo has been around for close to four years now. He has shown numerous glimpses of his talent in the past - especially in Tests - but the hundred on Friday was his first in 51 ODI outings. He followed up his maiden Test hundred with two more soon after. With the quality of bowling Zimbabwe offer, he would certainly be hoping for another one in this series.

If Zimbabwe need to show improvement, it has to start from two of their experienced batsmen, Brendan Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza. The two were out in consecutive overs without getting into double-digit scores. With 249 matches between them, Zimbabwe would hope the pillars of their batting line-up show some resistance.

Team news

Kieron Pollard, who missed the previous match due to travel difficulties in getting to Grenada, will be available for selection for the second ODI.

West Indies: (probable) 1 Johnson Charles, 2 Kieran Powell, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Dwayne Bravo (capt), 7 Andre Russell, 8 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Kemar Roach, 10 Tino Best, 11 Sunil Narine

Zimbabwe (from) Brendan Taylor (capt), Hamilton Masakadza, Vusi Sibanda, Tino Mawoyo, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Prosper Utseya, Regis Chakabva, Malcolm Waller, Keegan Meth, Craig Ervine, Chamu Chibhabha, Tino Mutombodzi, Natsai M'shangwe

Stats and trivia

Zimbabwe's first ODI win against West Indies came in their ninth encounter - in July 2000.
Their last win against West Indies was three years ago, in Providence.

Quotes

"A first century in a winning cause is a great feeling. The hard work is paying off and the aim is to continue and get more big scores."
Darren Bravo .

Nothing wrong with my technique - Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan's opening batsman, has fiercely denied being the team's weak link despite sub-standard performances with the bat. Hafeez registered his fourth single-digit score of the series to open Pakistan up for the second time in the match and leave them staring at a whitewash.

Despite posting his highest score of the series in the first innings - 18, Hafeez has had a disappointing time overall with just 43 runs from six innings. His record outside the subcontinent and Zimbabwe is similarly dismal with his average sitting at 15.59.

Still, he believes he is fit to continue as an opener at Test level. "I am really working hard in the nets, it's just that I got some good balls in the series," a defensive Hafeez said at the end of day two. "There is nothing wrong with my technique, it's just that the runs aren't coming and I am not performing for the team."

After surviving for more than an hour in Pakistan's first innings, Hafeez looked set to turn his fortunes around. He was driving well and looked more comfortable at the crease than he has thus far. But he succumbed to a familiar problem that ran through the entire line-up today.

As he tried to fend off extra bounce from Kyle Abbott, he popped a chance up to Dean Elgar at gully to spark Pakistan's collapse. In the second innings, it was the other problem Pakistan's openers have had that affected Hafeez - the struggle against the new ball with its pace and movement. Dale Steyn was keen to finish the job and steamed in, Hafeez was stuck in his crease and played on.

Deliveries like that, not his own inability to deal with them or the conditions, are what Hafeez thinks has hampered him this series. "The bowler did the basics right, especially by pitching the ball in the right areas," he explained. "And credit must go to them, especially to the debutant Abbott, who bowled really well. There is not too much in the pitch, there is some bounce which we expected."

Hafeez has also been under-utilised with the ball, except at the Wanderers where he made a major impact, but feels the captain "knows how to handle the players," and does not see that as a way in which he could have contributed more. Instead, he remains symbolic of Pakistan's malaise, although he also insists their troubles are not as serious as they look.

"In Cape Town we had some good moments. We couldn't put pressure on them but we are trying to fight it out. If we have one good partnership here, we can fight it out. We are very capable of scoring runs on any track. We need things to change. The series will go on and the boys will come out with some good performances," he said.

For that, Pakistan will need a Herculean partnership, even better than the one Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq put on at Newlands, which was the highest by visiting batsmen in South Africa in seven years. Younis is at the crease and Shafiq is yet to come. They also have Imran Farhat, who didn't come out to bat in the second innings. He was struck on the hand and has since had an x-ray taken, but will be fine to bat on the third day. Pakistan's chances still appear thin.

The South African attack, even without Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis, remains potent and aggressive. Perhaps more importantly, they are uber-confident, something that was evident in Graeme Smith enforcing the follow-on. "We all thought of not having to bat last but it was a very positive move," AB de Villiers explained. "Graeme showed confidence in the bowlers. Hopefully in the morning session, it will move around a lot like it did today. I found it played quite well after lunch on day one but it does a bit in the morning."

Pakistan have had to contend with many early bursts in the series and those words will not give them any comfort. In this situation, only small goals are worthwhile, such as getting through the first over, then the first hour and then the first session. If they can achieve some of those, Hafeez may be proved right in some ways. "We lost the series but this game was a little bit different and we have to come up with some good performances," he said.

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