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Tasmania’s top three and Ben McDermott put up a solid display of attritional batting in the face of a 476-run target

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2019Faced with an immense 476-run target, Tasmania dug in and ground their way to a draw against Victoria on the fourth day of the Sheffield Shield match in Melbourne.Tasmania began the day from an overnight score of 0 for 27, and the opening pair of Alex Doolan and Jordan Silk put up a century stand, taking the side to lunch without the loss of a wicket. Silk fell to Scott Boland in the first over after lunch, for 41 off 116 balls, after which the quick wickets of Doolan (88 off 204 balls) and Matthew Wade (1 off 6 balls), raised Victoria’s hopes of inciting a collapse.Those hopes, however, were thwarted by Ben McDermott who played 98 balls for his unbeaten 5, negating an attack that had dismissed the side for 286 in the first innings. McDermott was the common factor in three partnerships that held firm after Wade’s dismissal: McDermott added 22 off 18 overs with Charlie Wakim, who himself scored 36 off 125 balls at No. 3, followed by a six-run fifth-wicket partnership with Jake Doran off 44 balls and a sixth-wicket partnership with the 18-year-old Jarrod Freeman yielded 8 runs off 51 balls.A win against Tasmania would have placed Victoria closer to a spot in the Sheffield Shield final, but with two rounds to go, Victoria are leading the table with 43.31 points. Tasmania, on the other hand, are third with a lead of just one point over fourth-placed Western Australia.

James Anderson became just the third fast bowler and sixth overall to reach the landmark when he removed Kraigg Brathwaite in the sunshine at Lord’s

Alan Gardner08-Sep-2017James Anderson has become the third fast bowler, and sixth overall, to reach 500 Test wickets. He reached the landmark on the second day against West Indies at Lord’s, when he bowled Kraigg Brathwaite.Anderson, who was the first English bowler to pass 400 in Tests, came into the third Investec Test needing three wickets to join an even more exclusive club. Among quicks, only Glenn McGrath and Courtney Walsh have previously managed to combine threat and longevity to the same level; out ahead, beyond the 600 mark, are the spin trio of Anil Kumble, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.After striking twice on the first morning of the match to move to 499, Anderson was made to wait for the landmark as Ben Stokes ripped through West Indies’ first innings with figures of 6 for 22. But second time around he didn’t have to wait long, spearing a full delivery through Brathwaite with his 12th delivery.After taking a five-for on debut at Lord’s against Zimbabwe in 2003, Anderson’s early years with England were characterised by struggles with injury and changes to his action. His return to the team on the 2008 tour of New Zealand – having reverted to the distinctive delivery style that sees his head facing the ground – marked the start of his ascent to becoming England’s most prolific international wicket-taker.In Antigua in 2015, he passed Ian Botham’s mark of 383, which had stood since 1992, and he then raised 400 against New Zealand, at Headingley, a few weeks later. Anderson is also England’s most successful bowler in ODIs, with 269 wickets, to go alongside a further 18 in T20 internationals. Last month, he was honoured by Lancashire with the naming of the James Anderson End at Old Trafford.Although he has been reluctant to set targets, Anderson has often spoken of wanting to play for England for as long as possible. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo last week, he said: “There’s no reason I can’t play until I’m 40. I am now as skilful a bowler as I have ever been and consistent as well. I don’t know whether I’ve peaked but I think I’m bowling as well as I have.”I wouldn’t rule out playing in the Ashes of 2020-21, either. I’m very fortunate to have the body I have. For a fast bowler, not much stress goes through my body. A lot less than a lot of other fast bowlers. It’s just a case of looking after myself. If I can keep fit, keep my speeds up there’s no reason why not.”While Anderson’s injury record in 2015 and 2016 was cause for concern, as he missed Tests against Australia, South Africa, Pakistan and India, he has maintained his fitness this year and been as potent as ever in English conditions.”His record speaks for itself,” Chris Woakes said during the second Test, at Headingley. “If you think of the greats that have gone on to get that sort of landmark it’s pretty amazing. He’s a great guy to have in the dressing room. The thing we take from his as bowlers is he’s still motivated to improve and get more.”Anderson is set to go on his fourth Ashes tour of Australia this winter, where he may be able to contemplate surpassing Walsh, the next man ahead of him, on 519. A little further along, on 563, is McGrath, who said last year that Anderson could “easily” break his record for a fast bowler, if he stayed fit.

Pakistan’s new coach Mickey Arthur has said he will not compromise on discipline, fitness and fielding standards during his stint with the side

ESPNcricinfo staff10-May-20161:08

Can Arthur fix Pakistan’s problems?

Pakistan’s new coach Mickey Arthur has said he will not compromise on discipline, fitness and fielding standards during his time with the side. Arthur was appointed Pakistan’s coach last week, filling the position vacated by Waqar Younis in April.The assignment with Pakistan is Arthur’s third with an international side, after South Africa and Australia. While he had considerable success with South Africa, his tenure with Australia was marked by an uneasy relationship with players that culminated in the infamous homeworkgate episode on the tour of India in 2013, when four players were axed for ignoring team orders. Arthur, who is expected to take over by the end of the month, stressed that discipline would bring better results for Pakistan.”I will be tough on discipline and that’s the way we can get better and better results,” he said. “I want everybody to start playing for the team and I don’t want any selfish players around.”Our bowling is good, but we need to lift our batting massively. I will also be tough on fielding and fitness, and need players who can play long term, and these issues are non-negotiable. I also want players who aren’t prepared to be bullied.”Discipline and fitness have been problem areas for Pakistan, who have slipped down the ICC rankings in limited-overs cricket. Earlier this month, Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal were left out of the training camp for the England tour on disciplinary grounds. Waqar’s report following Pakistan’s early exit from the World T20 had also highlighted concerns around Shehzad and Akmal’s attitudes, and the former coach had suggested the pair should be made to re-earn their place in the national squad with performances in domestic cricket.Ranked No. 9 in ODIs after the ICC’s annual update, Pakistan have won only three bilateral series in the format since December 2013, of which two were against Zimbabwe. They were quarter-finalists in the 2015 World Cup but suffered early exits in the 2016 World T20 and the Asia Cup in February this year. They are currently ranked No. 7 in T20Is.Pakistan will travel to England and Ireland in July and September, where they are scheduled to play four Tests, five ODIs and one T20I against England, and two one-day matches against Ireland. Arthur admitted the conditions would challenge the Pakistan players.”For Pakistan players, those conditions are trying, but I want the team to be up for the challenge. Without a doubt we will go to win … If the players show improvement, then I know I am doing my job.”

Last year the pitches were too dull at Hove. Now they’re too fruity. The last two four-day games here have only needed three for a result. With 14 wickets falling on the first day this time, be prepared to add this one to the list

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Hove07-Jun-2015
ScorecardJames Vince was one batsman able to defy the difficult conditions•Getty Images

Last year the pitches were too dull at Hove. Now they’re too fruity. The last two four-day games here have only needed three for a result. With 14 wickets falling on the first day this time, be prepared to add this one to the list.The surface was not quite the hell-raiser against Middlesex, or the blood-spiller that stung Warwickshire’s paws. But there was enough to be wary of going forward: the Cromwell Road End was a collection of plates while, by tea, Fidel Edwards’ footmarks had dug a crater that needed filling at the interval.He seemed to want to create imprints in the middle of the pitch with the ball, too – bumper happy throughout a day that suggested if the bowlers found consistency, the pitch would do the rest. That being said, his pursuit for the perfect bouncer contributed to some great entertainment.Perhaps the best indication of how this pitch will unfold – not literally of course, though you can’t be too sure at Hove nowadays – was Ed Joyce’s decision to ensure Sussex would not be batting last on it. And when Edwards dug them in, Luke Wells and Michael Yardy had a go.The opening pair went at more than five an over, swiping effectively around their heads, like rich-blooded tourists in mosquito country. Steaming in from the Sea End, Edwards was even allowed two men on the hook inside the first few overs. To the credit of Wells and Yardy, nothing came close to going to hand, as both committed to each of their shots and timed each swivel and roll of the wrists to make the most of the pace of both Edwards and the outfield. With Jackson Bird proving expensive from the Cromwell Road End, it fell to Gareth Berg to curtail the excitement.Judging a book by its cover just this once, it is not a role you would associate with Berg. His expansive range of tattoos and penchant for a night out in his younger days paint the picture of a character more at ease with introducing a little anarchy than control.Yet, while his fellow pacemen touched and exceeded four runs an over, he was steady at around three. He also attacked; a pre-lunch spell of eight overs accounting for the wickets of Wells lbw, Yardy caught at third slip by Will Smith and Ed Joyce caught by James Vince at second, while only conceding 24 runs. He would go on to take one more, Ollie Robinson, caught by Sean Ervine at first slip, to return figures of 4 for 67 – his best first-class return with the ball since a six-wicket haul against Glamorgan in September 2011.Above the haul, he and Hampshire will be buoyed that he bowled his 22 overs at a consistent pace and getting good lift off the pitch, with no sign of any discomfort. For an avid Batman fan – a tattoo of the caped crusader covers his left forearm – the Ageas Bowl may prove to be his Lazarus Pit.Post-lunch, Luke Wright and Chris Nash made use of some wayward bowling from Bird, and the odd miscalculation from Berg, to thump fifty runs inside the first six overs of the afternoon session. Their fifth-wicket stand reached three figures in 124 balls, with Wright’s hard-handed square game dovetailing nicely with Nash’s touch, to wrestle back the initiative. Wright brought up his half-century in 71 balls but Nash fell short on 48 – his highest score of the season so far.Having taken the score to 202 from 87 for 4, both fell in successive balls to trigger a collapse that led to Sussex’s first innings finishing on 251. First Nash, who had just seen Wright cart Vince into the pavilion balcony for six, was given the chance to do the same with a juicy long-hop. All he could find was Sean Terry on the square leg boundary. A ball later, Danny Briggs got one to spit off the pitch and take the glove of Wright, through to Ervine at first slip.Hampshire’s first innings followed a similar pattern with the loss of their four wickets triggered by an unfortunate run out of skipper Jimmy Adams who was backing up too far when Magoffin got fingertips on a Terry straight drive. Some smart working of his bowlers from Joyce saw Robinson take a wicket from each end, meaning Briggs was sent out as nightwatchman to see the day out.He will start again on the second day with Vince, who closed with his first half-century of the season. It was more of what we have come to expect from Vince; full value from drive balls and elegance through the gaps. His innings has featured nine fours so far and his team-mates would rather he cashed in rather than someone else having to start again tomorrow. Although even with a fifty under the belt that will not be easy. Especially on this pitch.

Adam Voges has said that Australia’s players will be keenly listening to Shane Watson’s tips given the latter’s experience of playing in India

Amol Karhadkar in Mumbai08-Oct-2013If George Bailey’s Australia have to displace India as the No 1 ODI side during their seven-match series, Shane Watson will have to play a big role. Not just with the leather and the willow that he is accustomed to, but more so in mentoring a squad that lacks experience at the highest level.If Australia’s final training session at the Cricket Club of India’s Brabourne Stadium before flying to Rajkot for Thursday’s solitary Twenty20 international was an indication, Watson was ready for the challenge. The allrounder, who joined the squad on Monday evening following Rajasthan Royals’ fruitful Champions League T20 campaign, appeared to be the sought-after senior during Australia’s extensive practice session.Almost everyone returning from his stint in the nets was seen seeking tips from Watson. And it was perfectly understandable since Watson’s wealth of experience of playing in India dates back to Australia’s triumphant Champions Trophy campaign in 2006. Adam Voges, who was among those who sought Watson’s advice, admitted the latter would indeed wear the mentor’s hat along with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin during the series.

Voges ‘fully fit’ after back niggle

Adam Voges, who had returned to Australia during Perth Scorchers’ Champions League T20 campaign, has said his lower back complaint has been taken care of and he is “fully fit” ahead of the ODI series in India.
“Briefly towards the end of the Champions League, made a quick trip home for treatment,” Voges said. “Fully fit now and ready to go. (It was) just a bit of tired back and tired hamstring so just a quick treatment. Back on the plane and ready to go.”
Voges’ return to Australia at the end of last month had raised question marks over his participation in the ODI series. However, he didn’t appear to be in pain at any point during Australia’s rigorous training session and was looking forward to Thursday’s lone T20 in Rajkot. “Every time I play for Australia is a huge opportunity for me. I never look any further than, umm… Thursday night,” he said. “I just love playing for Australia, so any opportunity I get to do that, I really look forward to.”

“Shane is a senior player along with Brad Haddin and these guys bring a wealth of experience, particularly here in India,” Voges said. “Shane has played a lot of cricket here and any tips that he can give to any of our guys, I am sure we all will be listening.”Having been on the road for a fortnight during Royals’ dream run in the CLT20, Watson expectedly took it easy, only doing fielding drills early on. Once he was done with that, the most experienced international cricketer in the Australia squad of 14 switched to the mentoring role for the rest of the session.First, he stood close to the fast bowlers’ nets and was seen constantly passing on tips. He had a prolonged discussion with Mitchell Johnson, the only other squad member besides Watson with more than a 100 ODI caps, who is looking to cement his place in the Australia side. The duo appeared to be discussing gripping the ball and wrist positions.Watson then walked across the outfield and stood behind the batsmen, observing whether his tips had had an impact on Johnson’s bowling. Soon, he was joined by his Royals teammate James Faulkner and the duo was involved in yet another extended chat. After finishing the discussion, Watson sat down on a chair. For the next half hour or so, it became a free-for-all information session for all his team-mates.If they follow Watson’s words of wisdom and he repeats his heroics in the last ODI against England, Australia may well pose a serious threat to India’s top ranking by the end of the series.

Australia summoned long-dormant reserves of application and patience to force England’s bowlers to slave at a hot, humid Old Trafford

The Report Daniel Brettig01-Aug-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsMichael Clarke led Australia into a commanding position•Getty Images

What a difference a day’s batting makes. Clueless, hopeless and helpless at Lord’s, Australia summoned long-dormant reserves of application and patience to force England’s bowlers to slave at a hot, humid Old Trafford. In doing so they breathed belated life into an Ashes series that now seems a fraction less inevitable in outcome than it did 24 hours ago.It was no surprise to see the captain, Michael Clarke, at the centre of it all, marrying grit with glitz in one of his best and most satisfying innings, the first century by an Australia batsman since Clarke himself seven Test matches ago. But there were also critical contributions by the well-travelled Chris Rogers, a sparkling 84 that set exactly the right tone, and by the precocious Steve Smith, helped by a liberal supply of the luck that had previously deserted the tourists in the series.Australia had felt much harder done by in the minutes before lunch, when Usman Khawaja was given caught behind and then had his referral rejected despite ample evidence that he had not touched Graeme Swann’s offbreak. That verdict, reached by Tony Hill and upheld by Kumar Dharmasena, will serve mainly to batter the reputation of the serving umpires and the protocols of the DRS, which place a heavy weighting on the on-field umpire’s initial call.Khawaja’s exit enhanced Australia’s sense of injustice in a series where the wide margin so far has been hurried along by numerous questionable decisions but England were to join their opponents in feeling they had been wronged, as Smith was escaped three times in all, twice for lbw and once on a raucous appeal for a catch at the wicket. James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Swann were all showing signs of fatigue by the end, as Clarke and Smith capitalised on Rogers’ bridgehead.Anderson took the new ball at his home ground, though its reconfiguration in the middle and in the stands made it something of an unknown quantity for players on both sides. Watson collected a single and Rogers a boundary from the first over, a pattern that would be maintained throughout their partnership in conditions quickly revealed to be the most friendly for batsmen all series.Rogers and Watson had trained together in London between Tests rather than travelling down to play against Sussex, and their new approaches reflected plenty of thought. Watson was largely conservative, battling to value his wicket and also to avoid the lbw fate that had befallen him three times in four innings. But Rogers showed far greater intent to score than simply survive and punished all but the most minute errors of line and length.Sequences of boundaries pushed Rogers along in between the deliveries he gave their due respect, a brace off Tim Bresnan through gully and down the ground, then a trio to the fence in a single Anderson over took him to a second Test fifty. All these shots were played with assurance and no great sense of haste, but Rogers’ intent had given Australia an ideal start.At the other end, however, Watson was becalmed, and though he did not fall lbw it was less of a surprise to see Bresnan find a way through, coaxing an edge from a firm defensive blade that flew straight to Alastair Cook at first slip. Watson wandered off having again made only a start, his wicket drawing England back into the morning.Khawaja was greeted by the introduction of Swann, and in his second over an optimistic lbw appeal was followed next ball by a more convincing shout for a catch at the wicket. Khawaja’s bat brushed his pad well before swishing at the turning ball but Hill’s finger was raised. After a brief pause to consult Rogers, Khawaja referred, shaking his head as he did so.Despite replays that offered no evidence whatsoever of an edge, the third umpire Dharmasena upheld Hill’s original call. Khawaja walked off with the air of a man found guilty of a crime he did not commit. Heated discussion of the incident, both at Old Trafford and around the world, extended well beyond the lunch interval. On resumption, Rogers lost some of his earlier fluency and Clarke dealt in edges as often as the middle of his bat. The combination of a looming century and inattentive stewards behind the bowler’s arm did for Rogers, who lost concentration when facing Swann and swished across a straight ball to be lbw.Smith came to the crease in halting form, despite a century at Hove, and gave England hope of another wicket. They thought they had it when Swann spun an offbreak sharply to strike Smith in front of the stumps, only for Hill to decline the appeal and then Hawk-Eye to deny the decision review by a millimetre. Happy to be reprieved, Smith gathered in confidence alongside Clarke, who had shed his earlier uncertainty to purr past 50.As the tea break neared England had another moment of frustrated jubilation, when Smith drove at Anderson and a loud sound accompanied the sight of ball passing bat. Anderson and Matt Prior were utterly convinced, abandoning their usual tact to gesture for a review from Marais Erasmus even before the captain Cook had done so. But in the absence of a Hot Spot or a visible deflection Smith survived, leaving England to enter the final session without any reviews left to call on.It would not be long before this came back to haunt the hosts, Hill declining an lbw appeal by Broad against Smith that struck the batsman in line and would have plucked out middle stump. English exasperation was to be heightened with every subsequent run, as Clarke and Smith established the most productive union between two Australia batsmen all series. Smith’s effort was never quite fluent but showed plenty of gumption, while Clarke rediscovered the confident batting groove he had sat in throughout 2012.At times Clarke could be seen to stretch his back, an ever-more-present handicap for Australia’s captain, but his discomfort was no more evident than that of several Englishmen. Swann resorted to painkilling tablets on more than one occasion, while Broad spent a decent chunk of the final session off the field and receiving treatment for a tight calf. Given the toll taken on Australia’s bowlers by earlier poor batting displays, it was a source of relief to Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris and company to see their opposite numbers starting to struggle.A handful of overs before the second new ball was due, Clarke tucked Swann away to the leg side for his 100th run, and minutes later Smith paddled the same bowler to fine leg for his 50. They were to negotiate the new ball ably, settling in for further occupation tomorrow with a stand unbroken at 174. While Cook’s men remain in charge of the series, Rogers, Clarke and Smith have at least ensured they will have a steep task ahead to seal it in this match.

It was all one-way traffic on the opening day in Galle as Sri Lanka’s batsmen, with varying levels of experience, set the platform for a massive score and never allowed the initiative to slip

The Report by Kanishkaa Balachandran 08-Mar-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsKumar Sangakkara showed no signs of discomfort after returning from injury•AFP

It was all one-way traffic on the opening day in Galle as Sri Lanka’s batsmen, with varying levels of experience, set the platform for a massive score and never allowed the initiative to slip. Kumar Sangakkara had been out of action since injuring his finger in the Melbourne Test in December. The lack of match practice over the last three months – he was forced to pull out of the tour game in Matara due to the contracts crisis – didn’t matter as he eased back into Test match action with a positive century, getting to the landmark inside two sessions.Tillakaratne Dilshan’s attacking fifty had eased the pressure not just on Sangakkara but also the inexperienced middle order, which was missing two stalwarts ahead of this series. One of the newer players to benefit from the pressure-free scenario was Lahiru Thirimanne, who remained unbeaten on a steady 74.It was a deflating day for the Bangladesh bowlers, with the exception of the offspinner Sohag Gazi, who took all three wickets. He didn’t have adequate support from the other end and from day one, Bangladesh were left to regret the absence of Shakib Al Hasan, missing the series due to injury. Aside from the lack of wickets, what hurt the visitors more was the inability to check the scoring. An innings run-rate of close to four and a half after two sessions was intimidating enough for the bowlers.At the toss, neither captain fancied bowling first. Mathews wanted his new-look batting order to make first use of the pitch before it started to get slower and lower. Dilshan maintained a healthy strike-rate of close to run-a-ball, scoring 36 runs off boundaries alone, but not all came off the middle of the bat. In between a few edgy boundaries were crisply driven fours through cover, a sweep and an effortless drive past mid-on that brought up his fifty.

Smart stats

• Kumar Sangakkara’s century is his 31st in Tests taking him level with Mahela Jayawardene among Sri Lankan batsmen with the most centuries. Sangakkara is joint-eighth on the list of batsmen with the most centuries.

• Sangakkara also became the first batsman to pass the 1000-run mark in Tests against Bangladesh. He has now scored 1018 runs at an average of 78.30 with three centuries and five fifties.

• For only the second time, Sri Lanka had four fifty-plus stands for the first four wickets in an innings against Bangladesh. The previous such occasion was at the SSC in 2001. Overall, they have done so nine times.

• Sri Lanka’s run-rate (4.22) is the second-highest in the first innings of a match in Sri Lanka since 2000 (min 80 overs bowled). The highest is 4.94 for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh at the P Sara Oval in 2005.

• This is the 11th time (since 2005) that three or more of the top four Sri Lankan batsmen have passed fifty in an innings. Overall, it is the second such occurrence for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh since the SSC Test in 2001.

• The 124-run stand between Sangakkara and Lahiru Thirimanne is the fifth-highest third-wicket stand for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh and their fourth-highest third-wicket stand in Galle.

Bangladesh turned to spin from both ends from the 13th over, but there wasn’t much purchase for them straightaway. Dilshan was intent on using his feet to disturb their rhythm and Bangladesh to their credit took the first real opportunity that came their way. Gazi tossed it up wider, Dilshan came down the pitch and spooned it to mid-off off the toe of the bat.Sangakkara walked in when Karunaratne was forced to retire after hurting his arm when trying to pull a short ball. It took Sangakkara just one ball to find his rhythm as he slashed a wide delivery past point for four. He was strong against the spinners, rocking back and cutting when they dropped it short and wide, and it was a pattern through his innings. He survived a stumping chance when he was beaten in flight and bounce off Gazi, managing to drag his back foot back just in time. He was luckier to survive a close shout for lbw off Gazi on 38 and replays showed the ball striking him in front of middle stump. In the absence of DRS, Bangladesh had to accept the umpire’s call and move on.Shahadat Hossain attempted the bouncer, but the lack of pace on the pitch enabled Sangakkara and the returning Karunaratne to stay back and pull. Gazi’s drift into the left-handers from round the wicket kept the batsmen in check, but when he dropped short or too wide, he was punished through the off side. Two such cuts past point brought up two milestones for Sangakkara – his fifty and took him past Sunil Gavaskar’s tally of 10,122 runs.There was temporary relief for Bangladesh when Karunaratne was trapped lbw on the back foot to Gazi, who was rewarded for his drift. Sangakkara’s was the wicket they needed, though. Thirimanne had the benefit of a set batsman at the other end, and after a watchful start – he scored only 4 from his first 25 balls – took on the spinners. Sangakkara smacked a six and a four off the part-timer Mohammad Ashraful, and then reached his 31st Test century with a clip wide of midwicket.There was no letting up after tea. If it was tossed up, Sangakkara was down the pitch to loft; if it was banged in short – not recommended on this surface – it was clubbed over midwicket. A sloppy effort by Ashraful at mid-on – he mistimed his jump – gave Sangakkara another life, on 111. Ironically, it was a sound reflex catch at cover that ended his innings. Gazi bowled it wide and Sangakkara tried clearing the off side but Jahurul Islam jumped, fumbled and managed to turn around and take it on the second attempt. The drop cost Bangladesh 31 runs, but the damage had already been done.Thirimanne matched Sangakkara shot for shot particularly through the off side against the spinners. The cover drive in particular stood out for its poise and follow-through. Mathews found his timing against the seamers when the second new ball was taken. None of the seamers managed any movement, despite the persistent cloud cover. The heavens opened with less than five overs left, but Bangladesh, after a draining day in the field, would have been relieved to pack it in early.

Danish Kaneria has said that he is prepared to appear before an integrity committee of the Pakistan board to try to save his cricket career

David Hopps21-Feb-2012Danish Kaneria has said that he is prepared to appear before an integrity committee of the Pakistan board to try to save his cricket career in the wake of the Mervyn Westfield spot-fixing trial.Westfield, the former Essex seam bowler, was jailed for four months at the Old Bailey last week and Kaneria was identified by his defence solicitor, Mark Milliken-Smith QC, as the Essex team-mate who introduced him to the murky world of cricket corruption. Already excluded from the Pakistan side, he faces the possibility of a life ban in all forms of cricket.”Whenever the PCB integrity committee calls me, I will present myself, as I always have,” Kaneria said. “After that whatever happens, I will see about that later.” He refused to answer whether he would return to England if asked to face an ECB disciplinary committee.Kaneria, speaking at the tea interval at the Gaddafi Stadium, where he was captaining Sind in the final of the Pentangular Trophy, waved a letter from the ICC, dated November 2010, that he said stated that the ICC’s anti-corruption unit (ACSU) was not actively investigating him – a letter that has become his main refuge as allegations have stacked up against him.ICC sources have since formally advised the ECB and PCB that their letter in no way exonerated Kaneria but simply stated that the investigation was in the hands of Essex Police, and that any clearance certificate was a matter for the PCB.Essex Police did not charge him because of insufficient evidence as Westfield changed his plea to guilty after Kaneria had returned to Pakistan. Allegations made against Kaneria at the Old Bailey were made not by Westfield himself, who has never given evidence, but by his solicitor.”I have also presented this letter to the PCB’s integrity committee,” Kaneria said. “The letter says clearly the ICC neither issues any clearance nor is any player required to obtain such clearance from the ICC. I have this letter, which also says ‘the ICC ACSU is not conducting any investigation of your client under the ICC anti-corruption law.’ “”I want to clarify these points because the media has [misquoted] me a little by saying I said I have a clearance letter from the ICC. What I have is a letter from the ICC.”Kaneria was asked if he knew the bookmaker, Arun Bhatia, who was named in court as an alleged accomplice. “No,” he said.With inputs from Umar Farooq

Nathan Coulter-Nile put Western Australia on target for victory as South Australia’s top order suffered serious jitters on the third afternoon in Adelaide

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Oct-2011
ScorecardLiam Davis made 93 for the Warriors•Getty Images

Nathan Coulter-Nile put Western Australia on target for victory as South Australia’s top order suffered serious jitters on the third afternoon in Adelaide. Set 353 to win after Liam Davis and Adam Voges led the Warriors in the second innings, the Redbacks stuttered to 3 for 23 at stumps, still 330 short of their goal with a day to play.The captain, Michael Klinger, was still at the crease on 12, but had just lost his partner Tom Cooper, who was run out from the final ball of the day. Cooper drove the first ball he had faced to point and took off for a single, but was caught short by Davis’ throw when sent back by Klinger.Coulter-Nile had already accounted for Daniel Harris, who was caught behind for a duck, and Callum Ferguson, who was sharply snaffled at slip by Voges for 11. It was fitting that Davis and Voges both had an impact in the field, for they were the ones who rescued Western Australia from a shaky start to their second innings, as Gary Putland and Peter George reduced them to 3 for 21.Putland’s fine match continued – he took eight wickets for the game – but a 164-run stand between Davis and Voges ensured that Western Australia, who took first-innings points, extended their advantage significantly. Davis (93) and Voges (89) both fell short of centuries, but the Redbacks will need something special on the final day to prevent the Warriors celebrating victory.