John Buchanan wants Australia to establish superiority over England’s new players Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff in the two one-day tournaments before the Ashes series. The three huge talents, who have helped push England to the No. 2 ranking, have never faced the world champions in a Test and will be targets as Australia seek their ninth consecutive win.”We want to create some momentum and establish some sort of superiority at that time,” Buchanan told The Age. “The one-day series give us the opportunity to pit our skills against theirs, and then we would hope that in playing pretty well, we would assert ourselves and provide some sort of statement about the rest of the tour.” Australia’s first match of the NatWest Series, which also includes Bangladesh, is on June 18 and the three-game NatWest Challenge begins on July 7.The Australians, who have a handful of spies playing in the counties, believe they have found weaknesses in the batting of Strauss, who was named England’s Player of the Year after his stunning Test breakthrough. Strauss has already attracted the attention of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne, who took his wicket in a county match.”We think he can play across his crease early, and therefore a swinging ball is an early option to him,” Buchanan told the paper. “He generally knows where his off stump is, but like all left-handers, he’s susceptible around that corridor area. He enjoys width, and can play spin well, but is probably limited in his shot range against spin.”

Scorecard

An exhilarating display of power hitting from Virender Sehwag and a stylish century from Yuvraj Singh propelled India Seniors to a convincing five-wicket victory over India A in a warm-up match in which they had been comprehensively outplayed for the first three days.Needing a further 352 to overhaul an imposing target of 387 when they resumed in the morning, Sehwag and Yuvraj played with such flair and assurance that the A team couldn’t even entertain daydreams of success. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly an unforgettable over in which Sehwag – who had reached his century with a straight six – smashed Murali Kartik for 35 runs, including five sixes in an arc between midwicket and extra-cover.It was devastating stuff, and was just the tonic that Sehwag needed after his ten previous knocks in all forms of the game had realised a paltry 60 runs. At the other end, Yuvraj – who had himself been going through a fallow run – was a touch more circumspect, but drove and pulled with panache whenever the opportunity presented itself.John Wright, India’s coach, spoke afterwards of how chuffed he was that both Sehwag and Yuvraj had spent such quality time in the middle ahead of the searching examination that awaits in less than a week’s time. The opening partnership of 279 came at more than five an over, against an attack that was nothing like as potent as it had been in the first innings. Amit Bhandari and Shib Sankar Paul bowled only 11 overs between them in the day, while Kartik – his blonde-highlighted hair perhaps turned grey by the intensity of Sehwag’s blitz – was savaged to the tune of 129 from his 26 overs.Sehwag (146) was dropped once, on 103, but that was a minor quibble about a gloriously entertaining innings that featured 13 fours and nine sixes. Yuvraj’s 115 was no tortoise-like effort either, with 15 fours and a six in a chanceless 170-ball effort.With victory inevitable, the Seniors could even allow themselves a mid-afternoon wobble, with Dinesh Mongia’s innocuous left-arm spin accounting for three of the wickets to fall. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman both failed, and Aakash Chopra – retained to face the Aussies – made just 25, but a brisk unbeaten 44 from Parthiv Patel ensured that the target would be overhauled with 13.1 overs still left to be bowled in the day.

With Sourav Ganguly away consulting with the selectors on the composition of the national squad, it was Dravid who had consoling handshakes for the A team players as they trooped back in, a touch deflated. For men like Sridharan Sriram and Dheeraj Jadhav, both so assured against the acme of India’s bowling talent, it’s surely a case of when, not if, while for Mohammad Kaif and Kartik, it’s time to make the most of the chance that has come their way.Both Dravid and Ganguly had kept enquiring about the Mumbai-Australians match yesterday, and the Amol Mazumdar-led defiance at the Brabourne Stadium this afternoon would undoubtedly have put a smile on a few faces that have become more accustomed to frowns in the past two months. After a poor lead-up to the first Test at Brisbane last December, India were reckoned to be fair-weather batting aristocrats sent to the Australian bowling guillotine. Instead, Ganguly’s magnificent century set the tone for a series in which the Indians more than held their own.It will take something similarly inspirational to tackle a much-improved Australian side, but with Sehwag once again belting the ball with free-spirited abandon, there’ll be a spring in the step on Wednesday morning. Of course, a certain Mumbai gentleman’s inclusion in the 15-man squad doesn’t hurt morale either.

South Australia have recorded a 71-run victory over Western Australia on the fourth day of the ACB Cup match between the two sides at Tompkins Park in Perth.Going into the final day, Western Australia needed 229 for victory. With three wickets down and only 90 runs on the board at stumps on day three, many thought WA would be hard pressed to meet the challenge.After an innings of safety-first cricket, Simmons 34 (127) pushing forward, edged to the keeper Deitz who was standing up to the bowling of Davidson only half an hour into the start of the final day. Western Australia losing its fourth wicket with 108 the score.Voges 11 (52) lived a dangerous life, offering a few half chances. The South Australians, in fact, at one point were convinced that they’d had him caught. His dismissal eventually came when he padded up to a ball from Cleary and was given out ‘leg before wicket’. Western Australia were now five down for 120.Conservative Casson 4 (35) pushed forward to Davison and was caught at first slip by Higgins. Before that he offered no chances, stoutly defending and supporting his partners. Western Australian hopes were now evaporating with Ronchi the only remaining recognised batsman and 128 the score after six wickets had fallen.Ronchi 48* and Karppinen 24* resisted the South Australian bowlers upto the lunch break when Western Australia were 194 for the loss of six wickets after 68 overs had been bowled.Drama enveloped the dismissal of Ronchi 56 (60) who pulled Harrity in the air to deep backward square leg where Marsh running around to his left and lunging forward to take the catch, appeared to lose control of the ball after he hit the ground face down. The ball, then, appeared on the turf behind him and he seemed to turn to scramble after it. Players in the middle were of mixed attitute. Some were downcast and others enraptured. The umpires conferred and Ronchi sensing his fate moved toward the pavillion. Umpire Jeff Brookes confirmed the decision to Ronchi and Western Australia now knew for certain that it would just be a matter of time before they would all be back in the pavilion.Thorp 18 (26) was the next to go, clean bowled by Cosgrove, a victim no doubt of the variable bounce of the fourth day pitch. This left Western Australia two wickets away from defeat at 239-8. Then, Clark 2 (20) drove Marsh to Cosgrove at cover and was caught there to leave Western Australia writhing at nine wickets for 246.Attempting to make his fiftieth run, Karppinen 49* (85) called Michael Thistle 0 (4) back for a second and ultimately suicidal run. The final wicket falling with 247 the score sealed South Australia’s 71-run win.Harrity and Davison, who claimed three wickets each, were the pick of the South Australian bowling. Cleary, Cosgrove and Marsh all took one wicket each. The South Australians may have to look at some wayward returns from the deep fielders and some lack of intensity toward the end but that said they acquitted themselves quite well.The South Australian victory was achieved on the final day in the middle session after the drinks break, but the real work had been done on the first and second days. Western Australia fought hard to get back into the match on the third day but ultimate success has eluded them today.While there was no official man of the match award Deitz was by far the best player on view. His 140 runs in the South Australian first innings, while sharing in an 85-run partnership with Harris and a 179-run partnership with Ferguson, put the visitors into a seemingly indominatable position.He took two catches and effected the stumping of Karppinen in the WA first innings and then followed up with two more catches in the WA second innings. An observer claimed quite rightly that the quality of Deitz as a batsman/keeper exceeds this level of the game.

Stephen Fleming will not be playing for Surrey next season, after the club pulled out of talks with New Zealand cricket when it was decided that his availability would not be sufficient to fulfil the job that would have been desired of him.”It is obviously disappointing for us that Steve will not be involved next year,” said Steve Rixon, the club’s coach. “Unfortunately, due to his availability, he will not be able to do the job that I wanted him to do here. Consequently, we are now pursuing other options.”Fleming, who already has some experience of county cricket after stints with Middlesex in 2001 and Yorkshire last summer, would have been free to play almost all the summer, with New Zealand playing in a home Test and one-day series against Australia in March, followed by a five-month break before their trip to Zimbabwe in September, although the exact dates for that tour are yet to be confirmed.The possible problem could have been Fleming’s troublesome abdominal injury. Although it appears to have been better of late, he has been told that he might require surgery at some point, and the break between the two series next year would provide a perfect opportunity for that.

With just 36 hours to go until the second Test against West Indies, several of Sri Lanka’s cricketers are battling a flu virus that is hampering preparations. Four players – Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera – missed afternoon training because of the flu and Sanath Jayasuriya, a serial tonsillitis sufferer, is once again struggling with sore tonsils.Sri Lanka remain hopeful that all the affected players will have recovered sufficiently to play in the second Test in Kandy, the hill-country capital, but the coughing and sniffling condition of key players is a concern. “We don’t think it is too serious but many of us have been struggling with this flu and Muralitharan has been the latest victim,” Atapattu told Reuters. “But we are not too worried and tomorrow we want to have more of a serious training session.”Preparations have also been hampered by unsettled weather. No net sessions were possible in the afternoon because of occasional showers and the healthy players spent two hours fielding and knocking throw-downs against the advertising hoardings at Asgiriya International Stadium. The players then warmed down with a 45-minute walk back to the team hotel.

Shane Warne has told the Trent Bridge groundsman to “keep his mouth quiet” after suggesting the fourth-Test pitch would suit seam instead of spin. Warne, who has a stunning record at the ground with 21 wickets in three matches, said Steve Birks should be concerned only with preparing the surface.”The wicket looks pretty good, contrary to what the groundsman wants to try and say,” Warne told . “He should just worry about getting a good wicket up. He should keep his mouth quiet, that’s what he should do.”Warne was upset with Birks’ comments in the earlier in the week. “One thing is certain as far as the Test pitch is concerned,” Birks said, “there shouldn’t be anything in it for that spinner of theirs until the fifth day.”With 20 wickets and 204 runs in the opening three matches, Warne will again be a crucial member of the side contemplating a bowling attack without Glenn McGrath, who has an elbow problem, for the second time in three Tests.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
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How they were out

A stunning England fightback, with Andrew Flintoff leading from the front, and bad light were the major players on the fourth day at The Oval. With another 56 overs lost England are edging near to regaining the Ashes, but just as no day this series has seemed complete without a contribution from Flintoff the same can be said of Shane Warne. Australia were given one final sliver of hope to cling to as Warne removed Andrew Strauss in his first overRicky Ponting had been forced to turn to his spinners early, but even with them operating England were offered the light on two occasions. Unsurprisingly Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan nearly jogged back to the pavilion on both times. The Australians did not make a great deal of fuss but were not enamoured by the decision. On the resumption after the first stoppage the players tried to make their point by all wearing sunglasses as they walked to the pitch.But that was a rare moment of humour in another seriously competitive day, the majority of which brought a thrilling bowling performance from England. Flintoff operated for the remaining duration of the Australia innings and his total spell, taken from yesterday evening, lasted 18 overs. It was a spell of sustained, hostile pace bowling which none of the Australia batsmen were comfortable at facing. After Flintoff took his fifth wicket Hoggard ran through the tail as England claimed a completely unexpected six-run lead.With the weather playing such a significant part in this match Australia were relieved when play started on time following torrential overnight thunderstorms. However, their progress suffered an early blow when Flintoff removed Damien Martyn in his second over. Flintoff charged in from the Pavilion End and cramped Martyn for room with a short ball, which looped out to square-leg for Paul Collingwood to hold onto the catch.

When Vaughan opted for the new ball the umpires consulted about the light but, this time, the Australian batsmen opted to stay on rather than lose more precious time. That belated show of aggression was then followed by an attempt to push along the scoring rate as Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke started to play their shots.Clarke received a life when he edged a booming drive off Hoggard to Flintoff at second slip, who proved he was human after all by dropping the chance, which he attempted rather casually. However, Flintoff put that miss to the back of his mind and continued to charge in. Although Hayden appeared more comfortable against England’s other bowlers, his discomfort against Flintoff was clear as he refused to push forward.This ultimately cost him his wicket when Flintoff seamed a ball back into him which would have crashed into middle stump. Hayden knew his fate and was almost walking before the umpire raised his finger, as was Simon Katich two overs later. Katich received an almost carbon-copy ball, after a series of deliveries slanting across him, and this time replays showed leg-stump would not have been standing.Clarke, after his early life, was hanging on grimly, using all his efforts to try and see the ball amid the gloom and repeatedly played-and-missed at Hoggard’s probing outswing. Adam Gilchrist came out and played the only way he knows – by taking on the bowling, but his series has been characterised by rapid twenties. Flintoff’s line outside off stump has certainly troubled him, but so has Hoggard’s inswing. Gilchrist played across the line to what became the last ball before lunch – in a manner very similar to his second innings at Trent Bridge – to become the third lbw victim of the session.

The collapse continued after lunch when Hoggard also trapped Clarke in front – ensuring that another missed catch by Geraint Jones did not prove costly for England. Warne then top-edged a pull to Vaughan at mid-on and despite a juggle the catch was pouched as Flintoff gained worthy reward for another stunning display of aggression. Hoggard then took his cue to mop up the tail by dismissing Glenn McGrath for the first time this series and Brett Lee holed out at deep mid-wicket as he attempted to slog some late runs.Australia had lost eight wickets for 90 runs, but the celebrations from the crowd did not last long before Warne brought a dose of reality back to the day. With his fourth ball he forced Strauss to get an inside-edge to short-leg, dismissing the left-hander for the sixth time in the series.Vaughan played two flowing square cuts off McGrath, during a brief period when the light was good enough for the seamers, and only Warne caused many alarms. He spun a couple of deliveries past Vaughan’s edge while also finding considerable help from the footmarks. Warne is determined to finish his last Test in England on the winning side and although time is now against him he has the knack of pulling off the miraculous. England are now in the position of needing two sessions of batting to seal the Ashes and half those overs will be bowled by Warne.With this in mind, the cheer for the bad light was almost bigger than for any of Flintoff’s wickets on a day when the quirks of cricket were demonstrated to their fullest. A crowd who had paid considerable money to watch play were deliriously happy when they were watching nothing. Most of them want England to win the Ashes and they aren’t too bothered how they do it.

AustraliaDamien Martyn c Collingwood b Flintoff 10 (281 for 3)
Matthew Hayden lbw b Flintoff 138 (323 for 4)
Simon Katich lbw b Flintoff 1 (329 for 5)
Adam Gilchrist lbw b Hoggard 23 (356 for 6)
Full length, swinging back, would have hit leg stumpMichael Clarke lbw b Hoggard 25 (359 for 7)
Shane Warne c Vaughan b Flintoff 0 (363 for 8)
Glenn McGrath c Strauss b Hoggard 0 (363 for 9)
Brett Lee c Giles b Hoggard 6 (367 all out)
EnglandAndrew Strauss c Katich b Warne 1 (2 for 1)

Bermuda’s government have said that it will invest $11 million into the national game over the next five years.”You cannot buy inspiration,” said Alex Scott, the country’s president, who donned a Bermuda cricket baseball cap to make the announcement. “But you can support those who provide inspiration. It is a new era for cricket in Bermuda and the Government will do all it can to ensure that we are on the world cricketing stage for many, many years.”The money is on top of $1 million already earmarked to help Bermuda prepare for the 2007 World Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formed a three-member committee to review the effectiveness of last season’s players’ contract, and submit a report to the board for the 2005-06 season. The previous season’s contract has expired and the new international season kicks off with the home series against Sri Lanka on October 25.The committee comprising of Jyoti Bajpai, the board’s treasurer, Gautam Dasgupta, the joint secretary and Ratnakar Shetty, executive secretary-in-charge, would submit a report to SK Nair, the board secretary. The Kolkata-based daily quoted BCCI sources as saying, “No time frame has been fixed for the matter. The committee has to compile a report on how the contracts have worked and whether there was any need to change any existing clauses and send it to the board secretary. If there’s a camp before the Sri Lanka series it would help the committee members to have a discussion with the senior players before preparing the report”.The paper reported that the committee’s findings would be discussed by another committee convened by SK Nair that would comprise Ranbir Singh Mahendra, BCCI president, Greg Chappell, the Indian coach and Kiran More, chairman of the selection committee. Last season, 17 players were given contracts by the BCCI after dividing the players into three groups, with the annual retainership per player pegged at Rs 50 lakh, Rs 35 lakh and Rs 20 lakh respectively.

Rahul Dravid has been appointed captain of the Indian team for the forthcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The five-man selection panel met in Chennai on Tuesday ahead of India’s third ODI against South Africa and made the decision.”It’s time for us to look ahead,” Kiran More, chairman of the selection panel, told reporters after the meeting. “Rahul [Dravid] has done wonderfully well for us whenever given the opportunity including in Pakistan last year. Given how well he has done recently [as captain in the ODIs] it is important that he be given the opportunity [in Tests].”This announcement follows widespread speculation on whether Sourav Ganguly, who has been missing from the Indian ODI team, would retain his position as Test captain. In the last Test series India played, against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, Ganguly was captain and led the team to a 2-0 win over a depleted opposition. Dravid, a long-time deputy to Ganguly, has led India in five Tests in the captain’s absence, with mixed results. Under Dravid, India won and lost a Test each against Australia and Pakistan last season, while the fifth against New Zealand was drawn.The selectors would have given Dravid a longer term but left the decision to the new committee that will be in place after the Indian cricket board’s elections on November 29. The gruelling season till July includes home Tests against Sri Lanka and England and tours of Pakistan and the West Indies.The selectors will now meet on Wednesday, in consultation with the newly-appointed Test captain, and coach, and pick the team for the Test series which begins on December 2. They also picked the Board President’s XI team that will play a warm-up match against the Sri Lankans. Y Venugopal Rao was named captain of that team. Parthiv Patel was included in the squad as wicketkeeper and vice-captain. There were also opportunities for the likes of Dheeraj Jadhav, Robin Uthappa and Gagandeep Singh to push hard for a place in the Indian team.Board President’s XI squad Y Venugopal Rao (capt), Dheeraj Jadhav, Shikhar Dhawan,Robin Uthappa, Munaf Patel, Niraj Patel, Sreedharan Sriram, Parthiv Patel (vice-capt, wk), Kulamani Parida, Amit Mishra, Ranadeb Bose, Gagandeep Singh.