Close Pakistan 134 for 2 (Taufeeq 60*) trail Bangladesh 361 (Omar 119, Bashar 97, Ashraful 77, Shoaib 6-49) by 227 runs
Scorecard Day 1 Bulletin

A devastating spell of fast bowling by Shoaib Akhtar brought Pakistan back into the game on the second day of the second Test, at Peshawar. Shoaib’s returns of 6 for 49 – which included a five-over spell where he took 5 for 9 – was largely instrumental in restricting Bangladesh to 361 in their first innings, despite a gritty 119 by Javed Omar. By close of play, Pakistan had progressed to 134 for 2.Shoaib’s inspirational spell came early in the afternoon session, after Omar and Mohammad Ashraful (77) had negotiated the first two hours of play with scarcely a worry. Undettered by the hot mid-day sun or the placid pitch, Shoaib ripped apart Bangladesh’s line-up with a scorching burst of inswinging yorkers and short deliveries – all bowled at a furious pace.Omar had fought on to his first century, becoming only the fourth Bangladesh batsman to reach that landmark in Tests, but he had no answer to a full-length delivery which swung in late and crashed into middle-and-leg stumps, ending a 130-run third-wicket stand with Mohammad Ashraful (310 for 3).Ashraful, who had stroked his way to a fluent 77, was Shoaib’s next victim, attempting an injudicious pull to a short ball which was wide outside off stump. The top edge presented Rashid Latif with a simple catch (315 for 5). Three balls later, Khaled Mashud shouldered arms to an inswinging delivery which was spearing in towards middle stump and was trapped plumb in front.Shoaib wasn’t done, though. Next over, he had two more scalps to celebrate: Alok Kapali inside-edged to Latif, while Mohammad Rafique was cleaned up by another speedy yorker (320 for 8). Danish Kaneria chipped in with a fortuitous wicket, when Rajin Saleh (3) was adjudged to have nicked a catch to Latif, and Bangladesh had lost six wickets for 10 runs.Khaled Mahmud led a rearguard fightback, adding 41 for the last two wickets, but Shoaib returned to finish off Bangladesh’s innings when Mahmud hoicked a short ball straight to Shabbir Ahmed at fine leg. Pakistan, who had toiled 121 overs to pick up the first two wickets, needed only 16 more to grab the remaining eight. The action proved too much for umpire Russel Tiffin too, who was forced off the field with stomach cramps. Asad Rauf, the third umpire, rushed out to do the on-field duties.Pakistan’s batsmen then continued the good work, with Taufeeq Umar stroking an elegant half-century. He was helped in large measure by Bangladesh’s feeble bowling attack – apart from Mashrafe Mortaza and Mohammad Rafique, none of the bowlers looked the part.Alamgir Kabir, included in the team at the expense of Tapash Baisya, was the worst of the lot. In the only other Test match he played – against Sri Lanka in 2002 – he went for 82 in 15 overs as Sri Lanka amassed a record 509 runs in a single day. He was equally abysmal here, serving up generous helpings of half-volleys at little more than medium pace. Umar took a special liking for him, creaming four fours in one over.Pakistan did lose two wickets, but both were the result of shoddy batting: Mohammad Hafeez (21) nicked a wide ball off Mahmud, giving him his third Test wicket, while Yasir Hameed, the hero of the first Test, played across the line and was bowled by Rafique for 23 (84 for 2). Inzamam-ul-Haq and Taufeeq ensured that Pakistan ended the day no more than two down.Dav Whatmore would have hoped for more, but it was still a reasonable day’s work for Bangladesh. They registered their second-highest total in Tests, and batted through an entire session without losing a wicket for only the second time ever – the first was in the afternoon session on the first day. This afternoon, though, Shoaib Akhtar stepped it up a gear, and Bangladesh had no response.

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.

Justin Langer issued the challenge.Steve Waugh – surprise, surprise – accepted.He hasn’t lost his sense of occasion.Langer, the Western Australia captain, made a freewheeling 163 not out against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground today, setting the Pura Cup match alight by chasing fast runs and making a bold declaration that triggered a thrilling limited overs-style run chase on the final afternoon.The Blues were set 303 from 52 overs for outright victory.Waugh clobbered 117 not out from 141 balls and the seriously in-form Simon Katich purred to an unbeaten 71 in 45 balls to get the defending Pura Cup champions over the line with 4.4 overs and five wickets to spare.”It was a pretty incredible day,” said the NSW and Australian skipper after the Blues finished on 5-303.”I played well, paced myself well and Simon helped me out at the end.”Full credit to both sides – for them setting a target and us going for it. A lot of sides wouldn’t have gone for it. It was a generous declaration and we probably didn’t deserve it but in the end it was a great game.”The revered Test skipper hustled to the crease at 3-70 in the 11th over after Michael Slater (17 off 21 balls) and pinch hitters Nathan Pilon (19 off 16) and Don Nash (13 off eight) had given the Blues a flying start.Waugh immediately found the boundary through cover in an ominous sign. Driving on the rise, hitting powerfully, clearly enjoying the thrill of the chase, he raced to a half century from 46 balls, almost decapitating a few fieldsmen along the way.And then a rarity – Waugh played a hook shot, believed to be his first since 1998.The departure of Phil Jaques for a 35-ball cameo of 43 brought Mark Waugh to the crease. After a typically brief discussion, the twins set about making the 134 runs still required from 25 overs. Langer was eyeing off six more wickets, not the least because Katich supposedly had a thumb injury.X-rays cleared Katich of any serious problem and he replaced Mark Waugh, who was bowled by Beau Casson for 13 not long after hitting an enormous six. Eighty-eight runs were needed from 16 overs and the mood was tense.Coming off his imperious 182 not out in the first innings, Katich batted out of this world. Waugh was 100 when they joined forces and added only 17 runs of an 88-run stand in 77 balls with the classy left-hander.”He couldn’t move his thumb,” said Waugh of Katich.”I said take a couple of Panadol Fortes and get out there … it was an amazing innings of his.”Langer deserved enormous credit for the aggressive team tactics and declaration which saved the game from fizzling into a tame draw.Asked about Waugh, he shook his head and rolled his eyes.”It ended up a great game,” he said.”We set them 300-odd in 52 overs – it was probably a pretty fair declaration.”Langer’s boundary-riddled ton, a record-breaking 22nd for WA, came from just 236 balls and included 18 fours and two sixes. With Ryan Campbell, he racked up a quick 92-run stand in 66 minutes before gambling on a second innings declaration at 8-362, setting the Blues’ their tempting target.Waugh – and Katich – were unable to resist.Five-hundred-and-eleven runs were scored on the day, about double the number of people lucky enough to be watching.

Retravision Warrior Murray Goodwin says he wants to focus on playing quality cricket for Western Australia in the wake of his reprimand from Cricket Australia.Cricket Australia Code of Behaviour Commissioner Mr Alan Sullivan QC yesterday reprimanded Goodwin for breaching Cricket Australia’s Code of Behaviour.Goodwin was charged by the Western Australian Cricket Association under Rule 9 of Section 1 of the Code for making detrimental public comment regarding the selection of the Zimbabwe Test team."The breach was not intended," Goodwin said."I value my working relationship with the WACA and the privilege of playing for WA. I would not wish to do anything that would damage that relationship."I’m now glad to put this matter behind me and concentrate on playing cricket."The case against Goodwin, due to be held before a full hearing in Sydney today but was brought forward after Goodwin advised of his intention to plead guilty.Mr Sullivan was asked to determine the question of penalty, if regarded as appropriate.Mr Sullivan found Goodwin’s comments were inappropriately timed and were potentially harmful to the interests of cricket. He took into account Goodwin’s genuine regret in making the comments and his prior record in handing down the verdict.He considered that Goodwin intended no malice in the comments he made.

Cricket Australia today announced that middle-order batsman Darren Lehmann has been ruled out of the 3 Test Series against India due to an Achilles tendon injury.Lehmann, who has been undertaking enforced rest since suffering the injury to his left Achilles in early October, was reviewed today by Sydney-based foot and ankle specialist, Dr Martin Sullivan.The South Australian will now undergo an intense rehabilitation program with a view to returning to first-class cricket in early January.While disappointed to miss the four Test matches against India, Lehmann said he was determined to fix the problem for good.”I’m naturally disappointed with the knowledge that I’ll be watching this series from the sidelines, but I’m determined to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible, with a view to being right again in early January,” Lehmann said."Obviously the VB Series is now my target, but there’s a lot of hard work to do before then to ensure I am 100 per cent fit.”It’s been a frustrating period given that I’ve had to wear a protective boot since October, but I’m pleased that I can now get on with my rehabilitation and work towards a return to the Redbacks’ squad," he said.

Chandu Sarwate, a former Indian Test player and national selector, has died in Indore following a protracted illness. Sarwate, 83, represented India in nine Tests, scoring 208 runs and taking three wickets.His international record was modest, but Sarwate’s first-class record was superb: over a career spanning 32 years and 171 matches – most of them for Holkar – he took 494 wickets with his mix of offspin and legspin bowling at an average of 23, while scoring 7430 runs at a shade under 33.Sarwate’s best moments came when the Indians toured England in 1946. Playing a match against Surrey at The Oval, Sarwate, who normally batted in the middle order, came in at No. 10 and added 249 for the last wicket with Shute Banerjee, the No. 11. Both batsmen hit centuries – the only instance in first-class cricket when the No. 10 and No. 11 scored hundreds – as India recovered from 205 for 9 to 454. Not satisfied with that effort, Sarwate went on to take 5 for 54 in Surrey’s second innings as the Indians wrapped up a nine-wicket win.A fingerprint expert by profession, Sarwate was also a national selector for three seasons, from 1980-81 to 1982-83.

Canterbury 215 (Fulton 90, Wiseman 65, Orchard 5-10) and 136 for 3 (Stewart 78) trail Northern Districts 434 by 83 runs
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The weather may turn out to be be Canterbury’s ally in the race for a place in the State Championship final. While nearly a full day was possible at Gisborne, Wellington and New Plymouth were subjected to the heavy rain that hit most of the North Island. If no further play is possible in the other two games, Canterbury will hang on by their finger nails, with the knowledge that they will have to beat Wellington outright to claim the title.Canterbury will also need to put up a better show than they produced after being asked to follow on. Peter Fulton’s innings ended on 90, soon after the resumption, while Paul Wiseman scored 65 after 231 minutes of graft. But he became the first of the victims who were involved in a hat-trick by Mark Orchard. It was only the fourth occasion in ND’s 51-year history that a hat-trick had been achieved, as Orchard finished with superb figures of 5 for 10.In their second innings, Canterbury lost two early wickets, including Fulton for a duck, but then recovered to reach 136 for 3 at stumps. Shanan Stewart (78) fell towards the end of the day after a 111-run partnership with Gary Stead (39 not out). However, Canterbury were still 83 runs behind ND’s first innings total.Otago 154 for 2 (Gaffaney 69) trail Wellington 482 for 9 dec (Walker 126, Nevin 124*) by 328 runs
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Canterbury 145 for 5 (Fulton 74*) trail Northern Districts 434 (Hatwell 68, Yovish 65, Hart 64) by 289 runs
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Gundappa Viswanath, the match referee, plans to rein in New Zealand and South Africa captains Stephen Fleming and Graeme Smith before Tuesday’s final ODI to stop sledging spiralling out of control.Sunday’s match at Eden Park was marred by some heated exchanges, with Fleming and Smith indulging in a prolonged verbal exchange and Brendon McCullum and Jacques Kallis having to be separated after clashing mid-pitch.Surprisingly Viswanath, not known as a strict disciplinarian, took no action after umpires Russell Tiffin and Doug Cowie assured him that the matter was not too serious. He said he would speak to both captains before the toss tomorrow. “I will remind them what we discussed at the pre-series meeting,” he said. “Yesterday there were a couple of incidents and I don’t want it to get out of hand. I’ll just mention it, there’s still a lot of cricket left in the series.”But while Viswanath looked to play the incidents down, the same could not be said for John Bracewell, New Zealand’s coach, who praised Fleming for sticking up for his players. “I quite like the way they’re not allowing themselves to be bullied, and I like the way their team-mates went in there and helped them out,” he explained. “The South Africans learned the trick from the Australians but I don’t think they’re as good at it. We’re very aware of it, under pressure with their backs to the wall, people will try those things. The Australians do it by nature, they do it before they’ve started losing.”South Africa’s coach Eric Simons said he was disappointed with the Fleming-Smith clash, but wasn’t about to second-guess Viswanath. “There’s needle out there but it wasn’t necessary perhaps,” Simons said, adding there was no lingering animosity between the sides.New Zealand released Craig McMillan from the squad to be with his wife Cherie in Christchurch for the impending birth of their first child at the weekend. It means yesterday’s Man of the Match Chris Harris gets another chance, with Daryl Tuffey the most likely 12th man after suffering what Bracewell termed a “corked thigh” after sliding on the boundary rope yesterday.Simons said he would consider resting some key players ahead of the Test series, with Shaun Pollock, who was nursing various niggles, the most likely absentee.

Rahul Dravid wants to have a tete-a-tete with Javed Miandad about batting preparation after the series is over. According to Mid Day, they had a short discussion before the fourth day’s play at Lahore. What was it about? “He wanted to know the drills because he watches us practising and was interested,” Miandad said. “He also wanted to know what preparations we made as batsmen before matches in our time.”However, Miandad assured, no trade secrets were revealed.What was revealed by Dilip Vengsarkar, in his column for the same paper, was that that Indian batsmen fell to innocuous deliveries – a criminal offence – considering their formidable reputation. He also commended Umar Gul’s matchwinning performance. “Fortunately for them [Pakistan], Gul was now inducted and he justified his inclusion with a matchwinning performance. Gul hits the seam and he could be dangerous on any wicket. He has to just bowl a proper line and length and will be difficult to handle.”While Vengsarkar wrote about sticking to the basics, Shahryar Khan, the PCB’s chairman, believed that new coaching methods had to be implemented, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. “He [Miandad] must have new ways to improve the performance of the team. We are still using old methods which are not really effective.” Miandad had been vocal in his dislike of technology, citing the example of Richard Pybus, who had earlier coached the Pakistani team without much success. But Shahryar was convinced that specialisation would improve the team’s performance. “Gone are the days when one person was managing everything in a team. In today’s world specialists are required to work in various fields. This is our objective to attach specialised professionals with the team and we will be taking some decisions soon.”What did this mean? Miandad read between the lines and said he “will see if I want to continue as coach or not after this series is over … I don’t like anyone doubting my commitment.”

The possibility – albeit only a slight one – of a solution to the stand-off threatening to rip apart Zimbabwe cricket emerged with the news that the Zimbabwe Cricket Union has taken steps to try and find a compromise with the rebel players. A source close to the ZCU told the AFP news agency that a process had been put in place “which will hopefully help negotiations”.Vince Hogg, the marginalised chief executive of the ZCU, confirmed that there had been developments, but would add nothing else. “The players are looking at the document,” he said today. “It will be tomorrow at the earliest before we get their response.”Although no specifics were revealed, it is thought that the ZCU might have agreed to arbitration to try and find an end to the dispute . If the board softens its line then it would expect the players to make themselves available for future matches, as well as training sessions. But there was no mention of the board withdrawing the 21-day deadline imposed last week which stipulated that if the players did not fall into line by then, then they would be suspended or dismissed.The main sticking point could well be Heath Streak. Relations between Streak and the board are at an all-time low – the board announced that he had retired from all cricket – and in recent days the ZCU and the government-backed media have sought to identify him as a key instigator in what they paint as a racist plot to overthrow the board. Furthermore, Peter Chingoka, the ZCU chairman, has gone on record as insisting that Streak will not be reinstated and that the matter is closed. Without Streak, it is unlikely that the majority of the players would consider returning to play for a board which has thrown so much mud at them.The olive branch clearly comes as a result of pressure the International Cricket Council (Chingoka met with several of its representatives earlier this week), but it might be too little, too late.The other problem is that the board’s leeway is very limited. It is controlled by a government which rarely considers compromise, and rules by force. But that it has offered anything at all keeps alive a glimmer of hope.