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New Zealand were very nervous when India started their second innings, fearing that they would pay the price for not posting more runs in their first innings of the first National Bank Series Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington today

Lynn McConnell14-Dec-2002New Zealand were very nervous when India started their second innings, fearing that they would pay the price for not posting more runs in their first innings of the first National Bank Series Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington today.Stephen Fleming, who was celebrating his 18th victory as captain, was true to his word that New Zealand would not catch as poorly as they had in India’s first innings, and some superb efforts complemented a fiery bowling spell by Shane Bond who at one stage had three for eight from eight overs.”We were nervous going into the second innings. We were looking towards the fourth and fifth day and wondering what we would have to chase.”To bowl them out that well, that quickly and that professionally was fantastic,” Fleming said.Having a fast bowler in Bond gave the side some extra firepower and it was well used.”We’ve joined the big boys a little bit, we’ve got another area covered with a quality fast bowler. And a couple of guys who backed him up very well this game and Daniel Vettori waiting in the wings.”We’re starting to get some real firepower and I think we are using it pretty well,” he said.Heading to Hamilton where the nature of the pitch is expected to be similar to the Basin Reserve, Fleming said New Zealand would still be wary of India because of the quality of their line-up, but they had been encouraged by what had been achieved today.”We have to do things very well again,” he said.”If we can exploit the Indian batsmen in certain areas I think we will be in with a chance. We have to do that with quality play, the likes of which you saw today,” he said.Fleming admitted to being upset when Sachin Tendulkar was bowled off a no-ball when on three because he had the ability to boost the run scoring to more than what was preferable and he was mindful that it needed only one of the tail-enders to stay with him and a target of 150 might have been left.”I was delighted with the way we kept putting pressure on the Indian batsmen,” he said.The team had been strong in its disciplines to prevent India developing a lower-order partnership and that had made the victory possible.Bond said he had heard the no-ball call before the ball hit Tendulkar’s stumps and was disgusted in himself but it had been good to get him later on to end the innings.The New Zealanders had been aware that it had been expected the side would have a lot of trouble removing the Indians twice in the game and their first innings effort against them had given the home team a lot of confidence.”Just watching their guys bat this morning we knew there was a little bit in the pitch. I always felt that if we got through a partnership with Rahul [Dravid] and Sachin there, there was a chance we could get a bunch of wickets. And that’s how it panned out,” he said.New Zealand would need more from everybody in Hamilton, and while the bowlers could pat themselves on the back, the batsmen needed to take more from Mark Richardson’s batting example, Fleming said.

SYDNEY, Nov 16 AAP – Steve Waugh hit back at his critics ahead of next week’s second Ashes Test with a spirited century for NSW but he still handed first innings points to South Australia in the Pura Cup cricket match at the SCG today.

Valkerie Mangnall16-Nov-2002SYDNEY, Nov 16 AAP – Steve Waugh hit back at his critics ahead of next week’s second Ashes Test with a spirited century for NSW but he still handed first innings points to South Australia in the Pura Cup cricket match at the SCG today.Waugh’s dismissal after a confident 135 prompted the Blues and Australian Test skipper to close the NSW first innings at 9(dec)-296, well short of the SA’s 397.Another strong performance from Brett Lee then helped skittle the Redbacks for 181 in their second innings.After an outstanding third day in which 18 wickets fell and 404 runs were scored, NSW went to stumps at 2-11 needing another 272 runs to win with Michael Slater four not out.When Waugh reached his ton, an announcement came over the loud speakers that the canteen was giving away 100 free Drumstick ice creams to celebrate, scattering a large portion of the 2,144-strong crowd.His highest score against SA came off 199 balls, including 13 fours and four sixes, and was a welcome return to form after disappointing scores of seven and 12 in the first Ashes Test.He put on a solid 85-run stand in an hour for the ninth wicket with Nathan Bracken before he sent a top edge off paceman Paul Rofe to David Fitzgerald who ran from first slip to third man to take the catch, leaving Bracken not out 27.”I’ve been reading that a few people think I’m past my best and I’m certainly not past my best,” Waugh said.”I think I can get better. People want to read into a lot of things.”When you’re not scoring well, all of a sudden you’ve lost and you can’t play well anymore. It would be good for some people to show a bit of faith.”John Davison rewarded the Redbacks for his recruitment from Victoria in the off season with a career-best 5-81 to help contain the home side.The Canadian-born spinner, who helped the country of his birth qualify for next year’s World Cup, added to his one wicket from one over yesterday when Mark Waugh (one) scooped him straight to Ben Higgins at short leg for the easiest of catches.Three overs later, Nathan Pilon swept Davison to Mark Harrity at deep backward square leg to be dismissed for six and, two balls after that, Davison bowled Lee for no score.When Don Nash (10) was caught by Higgins, again at short leg, Davison had his first bag of five wickets.Lee, who took 10 wickets in last week’s win over Tasmania, again unleashed his firepower, bettering the feat by adding four wickets to his seven from SA’s first innings.Lee shared the spoils with legspinner Stuart MacGill, who took 3-4 in eight balls, including two in his first over, before finishing with 3-51.Quick Bracken also chipped in with 3-45, including the important wicket of former NSW representative Mark Higgs, who looked dangerous with 70 before he was bowled.Paul Rofe trapped Matthew Phelps (four) lbw in the first over of the Blues’ second dig and Ryan Harris dismissed night watchman Bracken in the same fashion for three with the last ball of the day.

Nobody expects a result in a three-day match involving a touring team on a benign pitch, so unsurprisingly the first-innings issue was far from settled at the end of the second day of the match between Zimbabwe and the Pakistanis

John Ward05-Nov-2002Nobody expects a result in a three-day match involving a touring team on a benign pitch, so unsurprisingly the first-innings issue was far from settled at the end of the second day of the match between Zimbabwe and the Pakistanis. The tourists declared at 456 for six, while Zimbabwe A finished the day on 200 for five. The tourists have already said they do not intend to enforce the follow-on if given the chance, as they want to give Yousuf Youhana time in the middle.The day began with the tourists, 352 for five overnight, hammering a further 104 runs off 12 overs before declaring. Shahid Afridi as expected was part of the mayhem before being caught off Campbell Macmillan for 49 (the bowler’s six overs of the morning yielding 58 runs), while Hasan Raza more calmly made his way to 64 not out and reserve wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal enjoyed an unbeaten innings of 43. Apart from Youhana, all of the other seven Pakistani batsmen to reach the crease passed 40.Shoaib Akhtar never really attempted full pace on this pitch in a warm-up match, so the home batsmen did not have too many problems handling him and his two accomplices, the Mohammads Zahid and Sami, although Sami was to finish the day with three wickets. Dion Ebrahim made 14 of an opening stand of 54 with the more aggressive Mark Vermeulen (43); he has struggled for runs since his 182 in the opening Logan Cup match a month ago. Gavin Rennie (48) and Guy Whittall (67 not out at the close) shared a stand of 99, with Whittall, recently back after a leg injury, beginning in a flurry of fine strokes before settling down to bat more solidly.Stuart Matsikenyeri was bowled first ball by Sami, giving ammunition to those who query his temperament, while Tatenda Taibu scored only six before being caught at the wicket off the same bowler. Play finished early due to bad light on a muggy and overcast afternoon, not the best public relations exercise in front of an enthusiastic crowd of perhaps 200 or more. But had the Pakistanis been reasonably eager to play, they would have used their spinners at this time rather than their fastest bowlers. Shahid Afridi had bowled well, taking the wicket of Ebrahim, despite giving away a few expensive overs.The sightscreens on this ground are an egg-shell blue instead of the usual white. Whittall said the glare was less in the sun, but it was harder to sight the ball when the light was poor.

Glamorgan remain on top of Division One of the Norwich UnionLeague after this week`s latest round of games

Andrew Hignell19-Aug-2002Glamorgan remain on top of Division One of the Norwich UnionLeague after this week`s latest round of games.The Welsh county`s thrilling three wicket win last Wednesday under thefloodlights at Chester-le-Street saw them go to top of the table, andalso improve their net run rate. Then on Sunday, Yorkshire`s 5 wicketdefeat by Leicestershire has also dented their challenge for the title.With five games to play, Glamorgan have an all-important 2 point lead overWorcestershire, and an 8 point lead over Kent, Warwickshire, Yorkshireand Leicestershire.”Every game from now is going to be a massive one, “said coach John Derrick,”but all of the other sides in contention also have to play each other and thiscould work in our favour.”Glamorgan captain Steve James also believes that it`s too early to talk aboutwinning the title. “There are still five games to go and that’s quitea long way really. It’s an old cliche, but we are going to take it onegame at a time. But we are a confident side, and are playing pretty well at themoment. The big thing is that we are winning games.”Glamorgan`s next match in the League is against Nottinghamshire at Colwyn Bay,starting at 1.00pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th August. Glamorgan Memberswill be admitted free of charge, while the admission price fornon-members is : £12 for adults and £6 for juniors (16 or under) and seniorcitizens. Tickets can be purchased on the gate on the day, and with a large crowdis expected. There will also be a complete ban on alcohol being brought intothe ground.

KINGSTON – In the face of conflicting stories over the status of a recurring knee injury, Dale Richards revealed here yesterday that he was keen on playing in Barbados’ Red Stripe Bowl semifinal against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday

Haydn Gill26-Aug-2002KINGSTON – In the face of conflicting stories over the status of a recurring knee injury, Dale Richards revealed here yesterday that he was keen on playing in Barbados’ Red Stripe Bowl semifinal against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.A determination of his fitness, however, will be made today after Barbados’ team management receives a final report from Dr Aksai Mansingh, a Jamaica-based doctor who has often been retained by the West Indies Cricket Board.Richards, converted to an opening batsman for this tournament, was unable to take his place in the Barbados team for the weekend’s back-to-back matches and it was suspected from as early as Friday that he would be returning home and would take no further part in the competition.Amidst all the uncertainty, the 26-year-old old NATIONSPORT yesterday that if it were left to him, he would walk out to the middle at Kaiser Sports Club come Friday."I am feeling alright and, most likely, I think I will be able to play," he said."The knee is feeling a little better than it was in the last two days. I am a bit stiff, otherwise I am feeling a bit better. Maybe the body wanted some rest."Richards first suffered a recurrence of the injury while batting against the Leewards XI at the Melbourne Club ground last week Sunday when he was run out for 81. It followed an unbeaten 121 in the opening match against the University of the West Indies at Chedwin Park two days earlier.He believes the knee is responding well to treatment from team physiotherapist Phyllis Burnett. The treatment includes daily icing and the use of an ultra-sound machine.This latest injury to Richards is on the same right knee that bothered him two years ago when he was forced to have an operation.There was some speculation here over the last few days that he might need surgery again, but it was too early to determine."I do not feel it is going to stop me, but we have to wait and see. It won’t be 100 per cent, but I will try," Richards added.Barbados manager Tony Howard was also upbeat that Richards would be available for this weekend’s matches."Initially, the idea was that if Dale couldn’t make it, we would send him home but we will get a final report from Dr Mansingh tomorrow [today] and see where we will go," Howard said."Dale is the kind of man that you would like to keep. He has to decide if he can make it. By Friday, it will be almost two weeks that he hasn’t played. The injury may be at a stage, in my personal opinion, where he might be able to say I can make this."

Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez believes that Everton and David Moyes are a match made in heaven.

Moyes made the Toffees top-six regulars during his first spell, leading the club into the Champions League for the first time ever, although they failed to qualify before he left to become the manager of Manchester United in 2012.

He’s managed Sunderland and Real Sociedad since then, and the 58-year-old is now being strongly linked with a sensational return to Goodison Park following Carlo Ancelotti’s recent departure.

The Scot’s contract at West Ham expires later this month but he’s widely expected to pen a new long-term contract at the London Stadium, which would likely end any speculation of him going back to Everton.

Ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez and Nuno Espirito Santo have both been mentioned as possible replacements for Ancelotti, but Sanchez exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that none are better suited than Moyes:

“I think having seen what he’s done at West Ham this year, it’s a match made in heaven. His record at Everton was second to none and on the back of that, got the Old Trafford job.

“That would be a good fit for him. He knows the club inside out and now I think he will have a wage bill, and the launch of a new stadium, for him, I see that as an ideal match, and he hasn’t signed for West Ham yet.”

With West Ham set to embark on a Europa League campaign, David Moyes will be wanting to strengthen his squad depth and someone that would prove to be a handy signing is Gleison Bremer who is suited for the Premier League, according to Forza Italian Football editor in chief Conor Clancy.

The Hammers made a smart signing at centre back last season when they brought in Craig Dawson and Moyes could go one better by bringing in Bremer who has stood out in a very poor Torino side.

If Moyes is wanting to play with three centre backs next season then he must add more depth and he has been tipped to do so by splashing out on the 24-year old who is capable of playing as a centre back and potentially a holding midfielder given his ability on the ball.

Torino finished just three points above the relegation zone and that highlights how highly regarded Bremer is that he is still standing out and he appears ready for the Premier League, according to Clancy who spoke exclusively to Football FanCast:

“If we’re going to tick the boxes of all the old stereotypes where you’ve got to be a little bit strong and powerful and able to go the distance in a physical battle, then absolutely he’d suit it.

“He could probably play in a deeper midfield role as well as at the back so I think he could do quite well in England, but he’s not had an easy time in a terrible Torino team.”

Moyes often favoured a back three consisting of Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Dawson and the introduction of Bremer could see that defensive unit who faltered at the back end of the season really shore up.

If Bremer came into the Premier League and continued with his excellent ball-playing ability then the Hammers may allow themselves to play 10 yards higher up the pitch and impose themselves on a lot more matches next season.

Gates open at 9.30am and the game starts at 10.45am

Sussex CC Media Release02-May-2002Gates open at 9.30am and the game starts at 10.45am. There’ll be plenty to see off the field as well with entertainment for all the family including our favourites, the bouncy castle and coaching for juniors. And for an extra pound you can obtain a Pavilion pass and enjoy the Members’ facilities and the Pavilion. We will also be staging a cricket for the visually impaired demonstration.So if you want to come down and see the likes of Chris Adams, Richard Montgomerie, Murray Goodwin, James Kirtley, Alec Stewart, Mark Butcher, Ali Brown, put a pound in your pocket and get down to the County Ground this Monday.This Bank Holiday lounge back in a deck chair and watch some of the finest cricketers in the country battle it out in the last Benson & Hedges Trophy.And all for a pound? You’ve never had it so good!

They may have lost more than a day’s play at Chelmsford, but Essex and Derbyshire look to be heading for an exciting finish tomorrow after a further clatter of wickets

Stephen Lamb28-May-2002They may have lost more than a day’s play, but Essex and Derbyshire look to be heading for an exciting finish tomorrow after a further clatter of wickets. Essex, 93 for three overnight, soon lost Darren Robinson for 43 this morning and he turned out to be their top scorer.Mohammed Ali (three for 58) and Kevin Dean (three for 48) were the main beneficiaries as Essex at one point looked likely to fall short of Derbyshire’s meagre total. However an eighth wicket stand of 48 between James Middlebrook and Ashley Cowan helped lift the home side to 168, a lead of just ten runs.Derbyshire were soon in trouble again, with their acting captain, Michael Di Venuto watching helplessly as four top wickets fell before the close. Stephen Stubbings, Andrew Gait, Dominic Hewson and Chris Bassano all failed to reach double figures.Di Venuto himself was out shortly before the close to give his opposite number, Ronnie Irani, his third wicket of the session as Derbyshire closed on 73 for five, just 63 runs ahead.

The Pakistan team management, in a belated effort to cover up its earlier folly, Thursday agreed to release the players attending the training camp

Staff Reporter29-Mar-2002The Pakistan team management, in a belated effort to cover up its earlier folly, Thursday agreed to release the players attending the training camp.The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in an announcement, said: “The PCB has released the players in the Pakistan training camp for one day (March 29) to enable them to play for their respective departments in the National One-day tournament.”Yawar Saeed, manager Pakistan team and incharge of the camp, has accordingly advised the players to report back in the camp on the evening of March 29. The training camp will continue till April 1.”The Pakistan team management had earlier rejected PCB’s proposal to allow the players to represent their departments. The PCB had tried to convince the team management considering that the players had a moral obligation to their departments, particularly in a premier one-day competition.PIA raised most of the hue and cry, and rightly so, as the team management’s arrogance have left them on the verge of being ousted from the current tournament. PIA’s seven players – Wasim Akram, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood, Yousuf Youhana and Faisal Iqbal – are in the 16-man squad for Sharjah that is training at Gaddafi Stadium since March 22.The PCB has been criticized from right, left and centre for holding a training camp during the midst of domestic season. The critics have questioned how many camps have benefited the Pakistan team as fitness of the players continue to remain below par while the fielding standards is on the decline.Nevertheless, the other interesting argument that has come recently is that the PCB is giving a final free hand to the team management before it is held accountable for the recent failures.