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Roger Brathwaite’s departure: West Indies cricket’s problems appear to be unending © Getty Images

For the majority of his tenure at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Roger Brathwaite always appeared to be batting on a sticky wicket.During the four years he spent at the most visible sporting organisation in the region, the outgoing chief executive officer attracted a host of balls that jumped off a good length. In essence, the problems weren’t often of his doing. It was a turbulent environment and sooner or later, it was inevitable he would be a casualty. He leaves office at the end of the month with some measure of respect even if his resignation was clearly a case of jumping before he was pushed. It was no secret that he had been asked to step down, perhaps a surprise that he wasn’t requested to do so earlier.To his credit, Brathwaite brought to the very demanding job a sound knowledge of the business of cricket, and tireless commitment, qualities recognised by Ken Gordon, the WICB president. Brathwaite was professional, articulate, and astute, but let’s not make any bones about it; he had a difficult time at the WICB. He was still acting chief executive when there was the first ever players’ strike in regional cricket during the 2003 semi-finals of the Carib Beer International Challenge.At the very same time he was confirmed in the post, there was the embarrassment of the WICB announcing the appointment of Bennett King as coach subject to completion of contractual negotiations, only for the Australian to later indicate he wouldn’t be accepting the job. Over the latter half of his tenure, Brathwaite couldn’t escape the public microscope. As the WICB’s relationship with the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) deteriorated, fingers were often pointed in his direction.The circumstances that led to the Digicel contract was another issue in which his name surfaced, but the WICB was quick to come to his defence, strongly “deploring the imputations against the integrity of some of its officials, in particular its immediate past president, the chairman of the marketing committee and the chief executive officer”.In recent weeks, whispers emerged that the top brass of the WICB wasn’t fully satisfied that Brathwaite had done enough to cut down on high levels of expenditure. While Brathwaite batted on a sticky wicket for most of the tenure, he appeared to have the skills to cope with the surface when he first sat at his desk on May 17, 2002. He assumed the position of chief marketing officer with all the necessary credentials, bringing a wealth of experience in senior management and global marketing, having worked successfully with the multi-national oil company Shell for 20 years. His last 14 years were spent in the capacity as external affairs manager, a position in which he played a significant role in the development of the Shell Cricket Academy of St George’s University in Grenada. He held responsibility for Shell’s reputation management in 14 Caribbean territories and also had overseas postings with the company in Switzerland, St Maarten and South Africa.Against that background and together with his involvement in West Indies cricket at the time, it might not have come as a surprise that he was made head of marketing at the WICB. In less than five months, he had created such a favourable impression that when the WICB fired its then chief executive officer Gregory Shillingford, Brathwaite was asked to act in the position until a successor was appointed.In the six months that followed, Brathwaite so impressed the board that it appointed him to the post without even advertising the job. With the benefit of hindsight, it might appear it wasn’t the best decision. Chetram Singh, a long-standing WICB director, was one who believed Brathwaite’s strength was in marketing, a view many others might share based on his background. As the debate continues over Brathwaite’s resignation, it might be easy to miss a trend that is developing at the WICB.For whatever reasons, there have been a host of departures among senior management at the WICB’s secretariat in recent years. Throughout that period, presidents have come and gone and directors have changed. In all of it, it is difficult to identify a single denominator. Brathwaite’s departure perhaps just reflects the chaos and controversy that have highlighted the administration of West Indies cricket in the past decade.

Grant Flower: Chelmsford-bound© Getty Images

Grant Flower insists that he is not interested in returning to play for Zimbabwe, despite the imminent return of his fellow rebels Heath Streak and Andy Blignaut to the international arena.Flower, 34 – Zimbabwe’s most-capped player with 67 Test appearances – told Sky Sports that he is content to honour his two-year contract with Essex, where he will play as a Kolpak player alongside his elder brother Andy. Streak, meanwhile, is likely to be drafted into Zimbabwe’s current tour of South Africa in time for the Test series. It has been confirmed that Ray Price won’t return for Zimbabwe, either.”I won’t be playing for Zimbabwe in the next few years, then after that anything’s possible,” Flower said. “I’ve committed myself to Essex, and I won’tchange my mind. I’m on the Kolpak scheme: I will be with Essex.”Flower, who was a leading figure in the early stages of the Zimbabwean players’ dispute with their board, appeared to have been kept out of the loop as to the latest developments. When asked what light he could shed on the end of the dispute, he was vague: “When I left Zimbabwe two weeks ago nothing had been resolved. Nobody was going to play in South Africa, but things have changed.”When asked if Streak’s announcement had come as a shock, Flower replied: “Yes, to a certain extent, or at least to one or two of the guys. When I left the country nobody was making themselves available to play against South Africa.”

Two days before the start of the first Test between India and New Zealand at Ahmedabad, John Wright looks ahead to the challenges confronting the team. Despite the heat, Wright is pleased with preparations, conditions and just about everything else. He described the scorching heat as "very pleasant" and addressed a press conference.On the Ahmedabad Test
A lot of teams have come to India expecting to beat us. England came here after winning series in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. All I can say is that we are looking forward to the match here, to the entire series.On India’s preparation for the New Zealand series
We have also been preparing plans for the opposition. Every team has plans for each other. That actually hasn’t changed too much over the years. I suppose the equipment these days allows you to do it in quicker time, but planning for different teams and players has been going on for years and will continue to happen. We have our plans. The trick is to execute them. It’s all very well having plans, but it’s the execution that’s the key. We have done our home work and the thing about us is we want to play good cricket. We try and concentrate on our preparation and what we want to do. That’s always been my belief. You only achieve good results if you play good cricket and play well yourself. We tend to look inwards as much as we can, bearing in mind that we need to do our home work on the opposition as well.On the selection of Akash Chopra, L Balaji and Aavishkar Salvi
Particularly in Akash’s case, he is in good form and he has earned that opportunity with two good scores against the tourists. Balaji had a very good Irani Cup match. Salvi has been taking wickets in Sri Lanka. When young players come in, it is tough on the ones that have to go out, but in those particular cases, the players have earned their selections.On playing home Tests with only four specialist bowlers
It’s a formula that’s worked for us in India, and particularly in my tenure. I feel we have a tremendous opportunity to use people like Sourav, Sehwag and Sachin, perhaps bring them more into the game. I encourage them to bowl in the nets as much as possible. I think Tendulkar can be a match-winner with the ball. I have seen him play a big part in winning one of the Test matches against Australia in Kolkata. Sehwag is easily capable of bowling 12-15 overs in a Test match, he has got a lot of ability. And the captain is fitter and faster.On the Indian team’s fitness levels
Physically, we are fit. We are coming off a break, we were just used to playing cricket for long periods of time. It’s a little different in that regard, but certainly the boys are fresh, fit, keen and eager. I think they can play a bit! We are looking forward to playing attractive, entertaining cricket.

Sukhvinder Singh hit a sparkling century to give Assam the decisive upper hand in their Ranji Trophy league match against Tripura at Guwahati on Wednesday.Unbeaten on 65 overnight, Sukhvinder converted his fifty into a responsible hundred. Putting on 180 runs for the sixth wicket with SR Das (67, 174 balls), Sukhvinder hit 15 fours in his knock of 118 off 199 balls. He was the seventh wicket to fall, with the score on 325.A fifty (52 off 65 balls) from J Gokulakrishnan and some spirited cameos from the tail saw Assam past the 400-run mark. The home side were bowled out for 411 in 136.2 overs, with J Debnath taking 5-79 for Tripura.In their second innings, Tripura were 80/1 at the close of play. Opener Rasudeb Dutta was unbeaten on 27, while SD Chowdhury was not out on 4. The lone wicket to fall was that of skipper S Dasgupta, who made 41 off 91 balls.

Another dreadful batting performance from the West Indies will see them lookingdown the barrel of a possible, but by no means certain, defeat againstGlamorgan. The WIndies were skittled for 97 on a turning pitch, leavingGlamorgan 134 runs to win the match tomorrow.Hansie Cronje believes he was led by Satan when he accepted money from an Indianbookmaker. Quite what Brian Lara is being led by at the moment is much morepuzzling. Lara appeared to have left his white stick and guide dog at homeyesterday, beginning his knock with a perfectly timed cover drive. He sauntereddown the wicket and over the top, two flashes of genius, but this was not theLara we have got to know. He laboured somewhat over his 11 runs, lasting out 32balls, before Croft nabbed him for the second time in the game, padding up to aball which, on reflection, would have probably passed by the off-stump.Lara may have been unfortunate, but the rest of the West Indians were lazy, apoor attempt to combat a difficult pitch. Sherwin Campbell was well caught byWharf, from his own bowling, after the right-hander mis-judged a pull, the ballnot coming quickly onto the bat. Hinds miscued a slash, caught at mid-on. ChrisGayle was trapped plumb in front by Wharf, his bat some way behind his pad, apoor judgement.With Lara gone, the score was 20-4, and some direct action was needed. It came,albeit too briefly, in the form of Ridley Jacobs, who crashed six boundaries inhis 43. Adams long vigil was ended by Wharf, who also picked up the wicket ofNagamootoo, for a less than elegant duck. The end came fairly swiftly, despitesome clean hitting from McLean. Wayne Phillip was well held at silly point, areaction catch from Mike Powell, who had replaced Wayne Law close in on the offside. Whilst Powell looked ready for a catch, Law cowered comically every timethe striker raised his blade. With Parkin and Croft picking up three a piece andWharf four, it was a fine performance by Glamorgan.The Welshmen too batted dreadfully earlier in the day. The pitches at SophiaGardens turn square, but there was no excuse for night-watchman Dean Cosker’sdismissal, bowled off stump, leaving one from McLean. The only real resistancecame from James, who battled for 39. Today looks set to be an interesting one,particularly as the ball is likely to be in the hands of leg-spinner Nagamootoo- who claimed four victims in Glamorgans first effort – very early on.

Southampton are reportedly now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder Tete as a free agent.

The Lowdown: Contract uncertainty

It has been reported that Brazilian players at Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk, including Tete, are now potentially looking to terminate their contracts, following Russia’s invasion of the country.

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It means that Tete would become a free agent, and so could be signed by clubs from the Premier League, although he would not be able to play until next season.

The Latest: Tete talks

As per talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, the St. Mary’s faithful are one of a number of teams to have held ‘advanced talks’ over Tete.

However, Leicester City and Brentford are also ‘keen’ on his signature, and he also has ‘offers’ from AC Milan, Atalanta and Benfica.

The Verdict: Bargain

If Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side could sign Tete as a free agent, it would certainly represent a bargain.

Currently rated at £18m, the Brazilian has managed to score ten goals and make two assists in total over all competitions so far this term, including a goal and an assist to help Shakhtar qualify for the UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

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At just 22 years of age, Tete still has a high ceiling as well, and even if things did not quite work out at the Saints, they could still sell him on for a tidy profit.

In other news, find out which position is now a priority for Southampton to sign here!

Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) enter this season’s Carib Beer Series as defending champions, but coach Kelvin Williams does not feel the pressure of expectations.”I just want to continue the success of the team,” he said, noting that there will be big gaps to fill in the squad.T&T will be without the services of Daren Ganga, Dwayne Bravo and Denesh Ramdin, all on tour with the West Indies in South Africa, and Williams believes that “We will have to use what we have.”Yes we will be missing these guys but the players coming in to replace them have to realise the role they have to play,” said Williams, who is filling in for David Williams, appointed West Indies’ assistant coach.”Everyone plays important roles in the squad and I think the senior guys will have to encourage the younger ones to perform and bring their game to the level required.”Bad weather has hampered T&T’s preparations for their first match against Guyana on January 4 Williams thinks, “because of the nature of training indoors” the guys have not adjusted well to outdoor conditions.”T&T is in an enviable position with the talent we have. It is up to them to continue to play the way they normally play as a team together, with pride and passion. If they continue to play like that then we will be able to successfully defend our championship.”A core of players have been training for the last eight weeks or so and I don’t think it will be a problem for the final squad to gel together.”

Nathan Bracken prepares for Australia’s warm-up game with England at St Vincent © Getty Images

Nathan Bracken is getting ready for the World Cup knowing his mother-in-law – the left-arm bowler’s strong supporter and critic – will be keeping a keen eye on his progress. Lenore Rich, who had noticed Bracken seemed more relaxed during domestic games than internationals, had been predicting for several months beforehand that he would be involved in a record to do with “four runs and bowling.”On the morning of New South Wales’ Pura Cup match against South Australia in 2004-05 she told Bracken’s wife Haley she ought to go to the ground. Bracken then took 7 for 4 as South Australia fell for 29.”I’m hoping she rings me up and goes ‘you are going to get this and that’. There’s nothing as yet,” Bracken told reporters during Australia’s final net session before Friday’s warm-up against England. “She tells me the same thing she always does, to back my ability. It’s the same thing [Australia bowling coach] Troy Cooley says to us every day: go out there, back yourself and back the decisions you make.”When you always hear it from coaches you start taking it for granted. When you hear it from somebody different it tends to sink in.”Bracken has become a regular in Australia’s one-day line-up since being recalled in 2005 and he has taken 96 wickets in 57 matches at 22.23. He said support from Ricky Ponting had helped him find his form since his international return.”Ricky backs me 100% in that and so does the team,” he said. “That’s the difference when we are on form, the guys are backing their ability and judgments.” The bowling outfit has struggled over the past month during a five-match losing streak, which included allowing New Zealand to score 340 and 350 to take the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.Australia are without Brett Lee, who has an ankle injury, but Bracken believes Shaun Tait, who has played only four ODIs, can fill the gap. “For South Australia he’s bowled tremendously well and taken plenty of wickets,” he said. “We are hoping he can slot in here and be a wicket-taker and can take that strike role when needed.”Sometimes I think ‘if that was me I’d break my back in half’. He’s unique in what he does and he can change a game. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve seen him or played him, the first few balls are hard to pick up because the action is slightly different and it does skid through at pace.”

Mohammad Asif castles Sachin Tendulkar as Pakistan close in on victory at Karachi © AFP

9.5 Younis Khan
If it’s India, it must be Younis. Over 500 runs again, two big hundreds, two fifties and captained his side astutely for the Karachi win. Loses a half a point for dropping a catch and getting out first ball on a seaming pitch but otherwise, more than anyone else, Younis demoralised the Indians with his running (and clapping) and hardly looked like relenting.9 Mohammad Asif
In Karachi, Asif produced as incisive a spell of seam bowling as has been seen in Pakistan for some time, moving the ball in, out, up, down and working out the cream of the Indian top-order. Additionally, he bowled long spells and rarely flagged for pace and, crucially, his accuracy, which helped in Faisalabad. It’s been said for two months that he is the most improved pace bowler in Pakistan; we know it now.9 Kamran Akmal
If his centuries against England and India at Lahore (incidentally, the fastest by a wicketkeeper batsman) were special then how do we classify his epic at Karachi? Simply, it will rank as one of the best seen in this country. Dropped a catch but was more than efficient otherwise and did also open and score a fifty. Seriously, seriously special.8.5 Abdul Razzaq
He gave, in Karachi, the most influential Test performance of his career, reminding everyone that some time ago, he was one the most promising allrounders on the scene. He took big wickets, scored runs when they were really needed and was a strong claimant for the match award. After a couple of indifferent years, this could be the boost his career needs.8 Mohammad Yousuf
Scored runs for fun at most times and was as responsible as Younis for deflating the Indians. His form here, and against England, suggests the impending responsibility of being the team’s most senior batsman is sinking in.8 Shahid Afridi
Mr. Consistency? As scary as it sounds Afridi, with over 300 runs, two centuries and a fifty, was a model of efficiency. Naturally, with a strike rate of 121, his efficiency inhabited a different plane to the rest of the world.7.5 Inzamam-ul-HaqA low-key series as dead pitches and a bad back confined his role and influence. A typically controlled century at Faisalabad, notable for his battle with his own fitness rather than the Indian bowlers in the second half of it. But his back will be closely monitored from now till the World Cup in 2007.7.5 Faisal Iqbal
The third coming and, hopefully, one that will seal his place in the squad. He was talented we knew and all the beauty of his backfoot game was on display in his important maiden Test century at Karachi. The timing of his knock, with Inzamam’s back trouble likely to leave a middle-order gap often enough, is pretty good too.6 Shoaib Akhtar
Will curse the wickets he was given but still managed to put in a couple of vicious spells. Didn’t have the results to show but at key moments, as in Faisalabad and the start of both Indian innings at Karachi, he rattled the Indians. And, whisper it, but he’s now played six Tests in a row without breaking down.5.5 Imran FarhatWorked his way back into national reckoning as an opener after a year out, and managed to impress with a fifty in the second innings at Karachi. But his dismissal to loose shots in both knocks also highlights why he was dropped in the first place.5 Shoaib Malik
Truncated series leaves the question of his potential as opener still unanswered. Scored a fifty at Lahore where others hammered hundreds but, with Farhat back on the scene, competition is heating up.4.5 Salman Butt
Hugely disappointing series on such flat tracks, with one fifty, an average of 24 and numerous loose dismissals. Sri Lanka will be an important series for him.4.5 Danish Kaneria
The first series in a year and a half where Kaneria hasn’t played a major part. Bowled a tight spell to Dravid and Laxman in Faisalabad, and wasn’t needed in Karachi.3 Mohammad Sami and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan
To differing extents both men have been overshadowed by Asif. While Sami’s dropping may be longer-term Rana, on the back of the England series, is still likely to play as a third seamer when needed. But that both men are on the sidelines highlights just how rich Pakistan’s pace-bowling resources are at the moment.

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition filed by Zee Telefilms contesting the manner in which the Indian board cancelled the telecast rights after awarding them to Zee. In its verdict, the court announced that the BCCI could not be called a state, according to the definition of the term in the Indian constitution, nor could a writ petition be filed against it for violation of fundamental rights.According to a report by the Press Trust of India, the court ruled that while some element of public duty was involved in selecting the Indian team, it wasn’t enough make the BCCI a state. “The Indian government had failed to prove that it has given de facto recognition to the cricket board for discharging these functions. In the absence of any such authorisation, if a private board discharges these functions, it would be not be proper for the court to hold the same body as an instrumentality of the state.”The court also pointed out that if the cricket board was termed a state, then all other sports bodies would need to be declared states too. “The board cannot be singly identified as a state for the purpose of Article 12,” the bench observed, saying that it would be in violation of the right to equality. The five-member bench passed its verdict by a 3-2 majority.A five-judge constitution bench – Justices N Santosh Hegde, SN Variava, BP Singh, HK Sema and SB Sinha – handed down the ruling. While Justices Hegde, Singh and Sema contended that the BCCI was not a state, Justices Variava and Sinha were of the view that the board could be considered one under the ambit of article 12 of the Indian constitution.Explaining the majority view, Justice Hegde noted that the Indian government had not passed any laws or statutes vesting authority in the BCCI to select the Indian team. According to him, the control exercised by the government over the BCCI could best be termed “regulatory”, not enough to have the organisation declared as a state.However, the court also stated that any complaints against the BCCI could still be made to the High Court under article 226, which had a much wider scope and wasn’t restricted only to bodies which could be classified states.The BCCI had earlier agreed to a US$308 million, four-year deal with Zee for the telecast of all cricket matches in India, but it reversed its decision after being challenged in court by ESPN-Star, who had bid unsuccessfully for the rights. The BCCI then went on to grant the telecast rights for the India-Australia series to Sony. Zee had contested both these decisions in the Supreme Court.