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Scorecard

Chris Cairns’ 26-ball 70 ended any hopes of a win for the Mumbai Champs © Cricinfo Ltd

Coming into this match, the Mumbai Champs had lost their previous three games, and when Chris Cairns hit Avinash Yadav for three consecutive sixes, their hopes of a first win started evaporating.Cairns, the Lions captain, opted to bat first and his top order responded with a brisk start, the run-rate at exactly ten an over after nine overs had been bowled.Imran Farhat powered that start with five fours in his 34, with No. 3 Tejindra Pal Singh making 27. Cairns then joined Manish Sharma at the crease in the 13th over, and dazzled the Sunday crowd with a show of brute big-hitting. After Shridhar Iyer conceded 13 in the 14th over, 20 apiece were added to the bowling figures of Yadav and Rakesh Patel.With seven sixes, Cairns was the destroyer-in-chief, and having scored 70 with almost three overs to go, he looked on course to get a hundred. However, he fell to compatriot Nathan Astle while attempting to clear the boundary once more.Manish Sharma’s unbeaten 37 off 22 deliveries was overshadowed by Cairns’ 70 off 26, as the Lions finished on 219, by far the highest total in the tournament thus far.The Champs showed their intent by sending out their two most accomplished batsmen – Brian Lara and Nathan Astle – to deal grapple with the target of 220. Astle fell in the fifth over to Love Ablish, while Lara’s series of single-digit scores continued as he was dismissed for 9.Vikram Solanki didn’t last long either and it was left to Dheeraj Jadhav and Kiran Powar to try their luck. The duo responded with fifties, but Cairns’ belligerence had left with a little too much than what they could manage. The Champs finished 38 runs short of the Lions total, on a day of high-scoring matches in Panchkula.

Younis Khan pulled this one safely © AFP

To pull or not to pull? It is one of the more intriguing questions batsmen face. By choosing to take on the short ball, the intent is admirably purposeful. Never the shy, retiring type, Viv Richards said of the hook, a first cousin of the pull, “The fast bowler is testing your courage and your speed of reaction and you are trying to hit him either to, or over the boundary. You are telling the bully with the ball that you are not scared of anything he can send down at you.”It’s a fair point, for batsmen would much rather be accused of being compulsive hookers or pullers than being known for shuffling away to square leg when confronted by a short ball. Richards also likened hooking to riding a “roller coaster of risk,” and it is that risk which was rammed home to Pakistan today.Pakistan weren’t blown away by a short-ball barrage, as many had feared they might be. But they were hustled out by a judicious use of it. Three batsmen fell playing poor pulls, two of whom had been at the crease long enough to know better.Yasir Hameed and Younis Khan are not the two Y’s who normally put on big third-wicket partnerships for Pakistan but they had batted serenely enough to disentangle their side from a tricky position. As always, Younis let everyone know he was there; he clapped his own partner, nodded at bowlers who beat him, cheerily acknowledged fielders who athletically cut off his strokes and acknowledged his own shots, too.Hameed it was who appeared changed. It’s been 18 months since he last played a Test for Pakistan and longer since he was a regular. Not all of it was his own fault, for he was once dropped the match after scoring two fifties as opener in a Sydney Test. He had faults sure, chasing outside off with a relentlessness not seen since Smokey followed the Bandit. Gone was the urgency, the of his early years, replaced instead by an unsmiling grimness. If his shots weren’t so pretty, you’d be tempted to call him a grinder. But the timing remains, evidenced in a drive or two and a ridiculously good flicked six over square leg.Both knocks ended badly, as did Faisal Iqbal’s short stay immediately after, the three taking Richards advice gleefully, though not perhaps balancing it with that element of risk the great man pointed out as an afterthought.Mind you, the wickets weren’t pure freebies; they were just reward for the hosts. South Africa lacked a little fizz, perhaps understandably hungover from the monumental effort required to beat India. Nobody could blame them for that Test ended less than a week ago and by the time this one ends, it will be their fourth in a month.Bob Woolmer rightly complained about ‘nonsensical’ schedules which allow sides little time to acclimatize but South Africa might also back up the grievance in a different context: there just isn’t enough time for fast bowlers to rest. Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini bowled over a hundred overs each in the series against India and Andre Nel would have done comfortably had he played the last Test. Allan Donald advocating resting one or two key bowlers at some stage is increasingly sounding like sound, sagely advice.Yet, as you would expect of bowlers as wholehearted as this trio, they collectively muscled through the day, bowling 56 overs between them. Ntini hustled, Nel bristled and Pollock plotted, to lesser degrees than you might expect admittedly, but they eventually turned what could have been a long, flat day into a surprisingly profitable one. Run-rates never got out of hand, even during the afternoon session when no wickets fell, the fielding rarely lagged and the day ended just about in even balance.Pakistan, though, might rue not finding a balance between the bravado Viv Richards trumpeted and what another decent bat once suggested. Swaying out of the way, David Gower once wrote, avoiding the short ball can often “be more disconcerting to the bowler than attacking him…you commit the bowler to a growing sense of frustration, a loss of temper or control, or a change of tactics, which must work to your advantage.”

The final of the inaugural Twenty20 competition between New South Wales and Victoria will be played at the North Sydney Oval on Saturday January 21. Tickets for the clash, which are expected to be snapped up fairly quickly, go on sale today.”More than 115,000 people have attended domestic and international Twenty20 matches in the past week, and we expect the final of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash to be just as popular,” James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s CEO, told reporters. “Australians have responded incredibly to the Twenty20 Big Bash and the excitement that comes with this new format of the sport.”Matthew Nicholson, the NSW captain, welcomed the announcement. “The atmosphere at our last game at North Sydney Oval was awesome. The players are really enjoying playing this form of cricket and that comes back to the atmosphere at the game and the noise and interaction between the players and the crowd. That has got the players pretty pumped.”Cameron White, his opposite number, was equally bullish. “The players enjoy Twenty20 cricket just as much as the fans and we can’t wait to put on a great show.”Tickets available through ticketek on 132 849 or via www.tickettek.com.au

Western Province 228 and 192 for 2 (Daniel 94*, Tharanga 40) trail North Central Province 607 for 9 dec (Gunawardene 209, Kalavitigoda 59, Jayawardene 51, Dilshan 134, Vaas 5-98) by 187 runs
Scorecard

Tillakaratne Dilshan: 134 for North Central Province© Getty Images

Tillakaratne Dilshan added a cultured 134 to Avishka Gunawardene’s double-century yesterday as North Central Province piled up a huge total on the third day at the Sinhalese Sports Club. Mahela Jayawardene called a halt when Dilshan was finally out, after stroking 18 fours and two sixes, with the score at 607 – a lead of 379. Chaminda Vaas was again the only bowler to exert any control, and finished with 5 for 98, excellent figures in the circumstances. Ian Daniel and Michael Vandort reduced the arrears by 95 before Vandort was trapped in front by Chanaka Welegedara for 29. Daniel then added 86 with Upul Tharanga, whose 40 included seven fours. Daniel was unbeaten at the close, in sight of his eighth first-class century – but Western Province are still 187 behind going into the final day.Southern Province 336 and 264 for 2 (Vithana 103, Polonowita 124*) lead Central Province 265 (Fernando 64, Kandamby 144) by 335 runs
ScorecardSouthern Province took command on the third day of their match at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy, building a lead of 335 by the close, mainly thanks to a second-wicket partnership of 223 between Harsha Vithana, who made 103, and Anushka Polonowita, who added an unbeaten 134 to his first-innings 65. They came together after the early loss of Marvan Atapattu for his second single-figure score of the match. Earlier Thilina Kandamby took his overnight score to a career-best 144 as Central stretched their first innings to 265.

Matthew Hoggard has set his sights on an England recall for the third Test against South Africa, which begins at Trent Bridge on August 14.Hoggard, who suffered a torn knee cartilage at the end of May, has missed six weeks of cricket so far this season. But he has been given the all-clear to play for Yorkshire in the next fortnight, and as he told Channel 4, he can’t wait to get back into the England frame.”I’ve been pencilled in for my first game in the next couple of weeks," said Hoggard, "and I’ve already been bowling off a shortened run in the nets. I have had to go back and realign my feet again to stop them crossing over and stop it happening again, but I’m hopeful of playing again soon and I hope to jog the selectors’ minds in the next two or three weeks.”Hoggard was England’s bowler of the season in 2002, when he took 28 wickets in seven Tests against Sri Lanka and India. But his stock fell during a difficult Ashes series, and he was a spectator throughout the subsequent World Cup. Given the start England’s bowlers have made to the current Test, however, Hoggard will fancy his chances of a recall.

Sherwin Campbell is not too worried about his recent run ofdepressing form or about whispers that his position asBarbados captain could be under threat.The former West Indies opening batsman and vice-captain hasnot made any substantial runs since returning to competitivecricket in late September after a three-month lay-offbecause of a shoulder injury.Of course if you are not scoring runs you will think aboutit, but I am trying not to think about it too much, he toldNATIONSPORT.I am just trying to remain positive all the time and alwaysthink about the next score around the corner.Campbell’s comments came after the second Busta Series trialmatch last weekend in which he was dismissed in singledigits to fast bowler Fidel Edwards in both innings.It comes down to spending some time in the nets, he said.I haven’t been batting as long as I would want in themiddle. I need to get long practices and spend a lot of timegetting my feet moving again.He has even considered other options, and engaged intapeball cricket in Black Rock last week.In recent weeks, rumours have surfaced that Campbell,Barbados’ captain for the past year, could be replaced fornext year’s Busta Series by either of former Barbadosskippers Philo Wallace or Courtney Browne or former WestIndies youth captain Ryan Hinds.You have heard talk going around about the captaincy andthis and that, Campbell said. It has not affected me.I captained in the Red Stripe Bowl this year and I thought Idid a fairly good job. I am not too worried about thecaptaincy at the moment.He said his priority is to get some runs under his belt, andhe does not believe that it is a case of trying to prove apoint to the selectors.I’ve been playing for Barbados for a number of years andI’ve played for the West Indies as well.I am not new to this game. The selectors should know myability by now.Campbell, however, acknowledged that no player’s place inany team is ever certain.If you are playing cricket, you always think about yourplace in any team, he said.You’re always looking to get a score to keep your name inthe selectors’ minds and to keep yourself in the team. Thosethings come across your mind, but you try not to focus onthose things.In spite of his modest performances during last month’s RedStripe Bowl and the latter phase of the Courts SuzukiDivision 1 championship, he does not agree with those whofeel he is past his best.I am still quite a young man and I feel I still have a lotleft in me, said Campbell, who turned 31 on November 1.I am sure that there is still a lot of cricket left in me toplay. I still reckon that I can score and score consistentlyfor a while to come.Campbell was the West Indies’ most consistent opener a fewyears ago, but lost his place after the tour of Australiathat ended last January. In 51 Tests, he has scored 2 856runs at an average of 32.82.

Liverpool are interested in signing exciting Barcelona teenager Gavi in the summer, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Gavi bursts onto the scene

The 17-year-old has emerged as arguably one of the most prodigious young players in world football, coming through Barca’s academy to become a key first-team player.

Gavi has already made 33 appearances for the La Liga giants, registering five assists and scoring twice in that time, also being hailed as ‘spectacular’ by his manager Xavi.

The Spaniard’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, so Barca are running out of time to tie him down to a new contract.

The Latest: Liverpool linked with move for Gavi

According to Mundo Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Gavi’s current contract situation is described as ‘stranded’, with Liverpool one of the clubs ‘interested in his case’.

Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also mentioned in the report, although it is stated that the midfielder ‘does not consider anything’ other than staying at Barca currently.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-23/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Barca unlikely to sell

While Gavi could be a magnificent signing for Liverpool, given his amazing potential – Demetrio Albertini has compared him to Italy legend Francesco Totti – it really is difficult to see him leaving Barca any time soon.

At 17, he will surely continue to develop at his boyhood club in the same manner as his current boss, forging a special career for himself at the Camp Nou in the process.

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In an ideal world, Gavi would be in a Liverpool shirt next season, but much like the Reds selling their own teenage star in Harvey Elliott at this point in his career, it is almost impossible to see such a transfer developing.

In other news, a key Mohamed Salah update has emerged. Read more here.

Cricket Australia doesn’t believe Andrew Symonds will be subjected to any racial taunts © Getty Images

Spectators at the Gabba will not be evicted for shouting no-ball when Muttiah Muralitharan bowls in the first Test but they will be removed immediately if they start monkey chants. Andrew Symonds was subjected to the animal taunts during the one-day tour of India last month and while Cricket Australia does not expect any reprisals it has adopted strong anti-racism measures for the series against Sri Lanka and India.Comments from Ricky Ponting about poor crowd behaviour will be shown on big screens at the Gabba and 70 closed-circuit television cameras will be used to monitor the spectators. A “dob in a yob” programme is also available for fans to report any offensive actions, but that won’t include screaming no-ball at Murali, who was called for throwing at the MCG in 1995.Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, said he was not aware of any racist behaviour directed at the Sri Lankans on his previous tours. “Crowds have been tough on certain players, but we’ve never had an incident,” he said. “Racism is something I firmly believe is not part of cricket. People should have the freedom to express themselves in the middle no matter their background or religion.”Peter Young, Cricket Australia’s anti-racism officer, said players “expect to cop an earful” from the crowds in Australia. “It’s what happens in any major sport here,” he said. “But we’re not expecting a problem with racism.”Cricket Australia has met with Sri Lankan officials and adopted the stance following discussions with the ICC. “There is no place for racism in cricket,” Young said, “and we are implementing a global policy.”

Stuart MacGill has played only for New South Wales this season © Getty Images

Stuart MacGill guessed he would retire before Shane Warne, but now his long-term rival plans to leave the Test scene he is confident of being an international performer for another three years. MacGill, who might have played 100 Tests if he wasn’t an understudy for the past decade, said Warne’s decision had not changed his outlook.”I’m going to be playing every game with the intention of preparing myself so if the opportunity arises to play for Australia, I’m the guy,” he said in . In the MacGill said initially he did not believe the news about Warne departing at the SCG.”I was always under the impression that I would be out before Shane,” MacGill told the paper. “He’s still very able to compete at whatever level he chooses, but professional sport is about achieving goals and setting goals. I guess the first thing I thought this morning when I woke up was that how lucky I am that I still think that I’ve got things I want to do.”It would be a real shame to have heard the news and then think: ‘I’ve had enough too.’ I still really think I’ve got some significant contributions to make to Australian cricket and if I play well for NSW and continue to prepare well, then I will be in good shape if Australia needs me.”MacGill, who has appeared only for New South Wales this season and retired from the one-day game, said there was “definitely” a role for him at state and international level for the next two to three years. “It’s really important to have experienced bowlers to form part of your attack because we’ve encountered difficult situations before and had to deal with them,” he said in .In 40 Tests MacGill has 198 wickets at 27.20 and he wants to finish when the “time’s appropriate”. “That’s definitely not now,” he said. “Shane retiring hasn’t changed my outlook at all.”However, MacGill was not sure whether he would get a chance to partner Warne for the final time in the SCG Test. “I’m not really sure if I will play in Sydney, to be honest,” he said in the . “It’s not supposed to be easy to play Test cricket, and in a really kind of strange way, I’m kind of happy … I’m comfortable with the way things are going and know that I still have things that I want to get done in a blue cap and that might lead to a little more.”

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

Harbhajan Singh racked the Sri Lankan top order © Getty Images

Harbhajan Singh racked the Sri Lankan top order, taking 4 for 24 asSri Lanka limped to 131 for 5 in reply to India’s 398. It was afrustrating day for them: first, their bowlers failed to skittle outthe remaining Indian batsmen, who added 151 to the overnight score of247 for 6, with VVS Laxman making 104 and Irfan Pathan making 82; andthen their batsmen handled Harbhajan’s offspin inadequately.Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara had shown signs of defiance,adding 60 after Upul Tharanga was out with the score on 14. ButHarbhajan changed all that. First, he induced a mistake from Atapattu,on 40, who top-edged a sweep to Virender Sehwag (74 for 2). The verynext ball, Mahela Jayawardene was defeated by spin and bounce, glovinga ball that turned into him to Mohammad Kaif at forward short leg. Notlong afterwards, Thilan Samaraweera, on the back foot, tapped asimilar delivery to Kaif (82 for 4.)Sangakkara was the next to go, for 41, bowled around his legs as hebent down to sweep (105 for 5). Tillakaratne Dilshan and Jehan Mubarak kept theinnings together till the close of play, but it was all so ironic:just a day after they had reduced India to 97 for 5, they were indanger of being made to follow on. The credit for that had to go asmuch to India’s batsmen as to Harbhajan.The story of India’s innings lies in these numbers: 86, 125, 37, 39,14. These are the partnerships, totalling to 301, that their batsmenput together after they lost those five early wickets. VVS Laxman andMahendra Singh Dhoni had added 86 yesterday, and Laxman and IrfanPathan extended their overnight partnership of 64 to 125 today. Andafter these men were out, Ajit Agarkar, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan allchipped in to take India close to 400. Through all this, Sri Lankabowled with fire, fielded with vigour, but were simply outbattled.They began the day with some sharp bowling, but the batsmen were up toit. Lasith Malinga was more accurate than on the first day, notoverdoing the short-pitched stuff, troubling the batsmen with a fullerlength than yesterday. He induced a couple of edges and false shotsfrom Laxman, who was otherwise unflappable. Compact and assured,Laxman played the ball late and eschewed strokeplay.Muttiah Muralitatharan, no stranger to wrapping up innings, gave theball a lot of rip and extracted prodigious turn, but the Indians wereunruffled. Pathan was watchful when the length of the ball was good,but quick to step up to the pitch of the ball when he got a chance,and unfraid to loft.It was Farveez Maharoof who eventually struck, as Laxman was beatenand bowled by an incoming ball (308 for 7). His 104 was his ninth Testcentury, in a career that has featured many exceptional innings but isinvoked for just one.At such times, seven wickets down, all their specialist batsmen out,India tend to panic. But Pathan and Agarkar, once touted as anallrounder, batted sensibly. Pathan mixed solid defence with somelusty strokeplay, seeing off testing spells from both Malinga andMuralitharan. It was Maharoof who finally trapped him lbw,as he stepped a bit too across to a ball, bowled from over the wicket,that pitched on leg and would have hit off stump (345 for 8).Agarkar and Kumble, playing his 100th Test, then had a partnershipthat spanned 73 balls, as Sri Lanka’s early advantage became just amemory. They were out in quick succession, but India’s bowlers, bythen, had plenty runs on the board to defend. And they got to work.How they were outIndiaVVS Laxman b Maharoof 104 (308 for 7)
Irfan Pathan lbw Maharoof 82 (345 for 8)
Ajit Agarkar b Malinga 26 (384 for 9)
Anil Kumble v Jayawardene b Bandara 21 (398)
Sri LankaUpul Tharanga c Dhoni b Pathan 2 (14 for 1)
Marvan Atapattu c Sehwag b Harbhajan 40 (74 for 2)
Mahela Jayawardene c Kaif b Harbhajan 0 (74 for 3)
Thilan Samaraweera c Kaif b Harbhajan 1 (82 for 3)
Kumar Sangakkara b Harbhajan 41 (105 for 5)