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Scorecard

After two washouts on the opening days, and 37.1 overs on the third, the deluge returned to Bulawayo to wipe out the fourth day’s play at the Queens Sports Club. Bangladesh, however, will not be complaining, after slumping to 88 for 5 in what little time has been available.Bangladesh had started brightly enough on Saturday, with Hannan Sarkar and Shahriar Hossain adding 64 for the first wicket. But then five wickets tumbled for 23 runs, including the captain, Habibul Bashar, who at least scored his first four runs in his new role, after collecting a pair at Harare last week.With one day remaining, there is no doubt that this match will finish as a draw – only the second time in 28 matches that Bangladesh will have avoided defeat. As was the case against Zimbabwe at Dhaka in November 2001, rain will have had the major say.Zimbabwe 1 Dion Ebrahim, 2 Trevor Gripper, 3 Stuart Carlisle 4 Grant Flower, 5 Sean Ervine, 6 Tatenda Taibu (wk), 7 Travis Friend, 8 Heath Streak (capt), 9 Raymond Price, 10 Douglas Hondo, 11 Blessing Mahwire.Bangladesh 1 Hannan Sarker, 2 Shahriar Hossain, 3 Habibul Bashar (capt), 4 Rajin Saleh, 5 Mohammad Ashraful, 6 Mushfiqur Rahman, 7 Manjarul Islam Rana, 8 Khaled Mashud (wk), 9 Mohammad Rafique, 10 Tapash Baisya, 11 Alamgir Kabir.

South Africa’s unexpected defeat in the first Test in Port Elizabeth against West Indies has prompted the selectors to call up Neil McKenzie to strengthen the batting. McKenzie, who hasn’t played a Test for over three years, will join the existing 12-man squad for the second Test starting in Cape Town on Wednesday.The South African batsmen struggled in both innings in Port Elizabeth, bundled out for 195 and 260 as they lost by 128 runs. Their biggest concern would be opener Herschelle Gibbs, who made a pair. Coach Mickey Arthur admitted those concerns but didn’t feel the need for a major overhaul.”There is no panic but we have decided to strengthen our top order batting,” Arthur said. McKenzie, a middle-order batsman, is most likely to replace Gibbs and Arthur was confident he had the technique to open the batting.McKenzie has been on the fringes of a recall after a fine domestic season, scoring 501 runs for the Lions in seven SuperSport Series matches. He also made 182 and 34 for South Africa A against the New Zealanders and 54 against the West Indians before the first Test, a match in which he captained the side to a 10-wicket win.He was called up as cover for the injured AB de Villiers for the second Test against New Zealand at Centurion but eventually missed out as de Villiers was later declared fit.

Twist and shout
Andrew Symonds’ innings started in a hurry despite a slip on the damp surface. Opening with a cut from his second ball, he followed it with a cover-driven boundary and turned his ankle running on the grass next to the pitch. He grimaced and limped but continued to bat and when he planted Muttiah Muralitharan for a straight six he had 14 from five balls. After making an unbeaten 50, his injury prevented him from fielding.Flattened again
The squash ball has returned to haunt Sri Lanka. Adam Gilchrist chopped one up to strengthen his grip during the World Cup final against them and struck 149, which created claims in Sri Lanka that it was against the rules. The appliance was back in his glove today when he hit his 100th six in Tests.Overloaded
Sri Lanka’s struggling fast bowlers were placed under more pressure with the absence of Farveez Maharoof due to a stress fracture in his ankle. Muralitharan took the load at one end and Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando carried most of the duties from the other. Once this series is over, the Sri Lankan attack may put in for group stress leave.Lights out
Bad light has caused regular disruptions during the first two Tests and the reduction in play has upset some spectators. However, Adam Gilchrist was in no doubt about the decision to call play off early. “It was difficult to see out there,” he said. “It’s more cut and dried here, where there are no artificial lights [like in Brisbane]. That’s where it gets confusing and uncertainty comes in for everyone. Here it’s a pretty clean-cut decision.”Rugged up
The sweaters Sri Lanka have lugged around were not wasted as the weather turned cold, misty and windy at Bellerive. It was good for the sailors wanting to use their spinnakers, but it made things even more uncomfortable for the hand-rubbing visitors.

Gary Kirsten has signed a two-year deal to coach the Indian national team. He will start work on March 1, 2008, almost a year after his predecessor, Greg Chappell, resigned from the post.Kirsten signed the contract after clarifying a few last-minute details pertaining to his young family and also to the feelings of senior players in the team who had been anonymously quoted as saying that the appointment of a coach was “unnecessary.”Sharad Pawar, the Indian board president, told Kirsten on Tuesday afternoon that all the senior players were looking forward to having him on board and agreed with Kirsten’s suggestion that he meets up with the team before they depart for Australia.”I will go back to India soon to meet up with the squad before they fly to Australia on December 17 and then I will join them again in a transition phase for the third and fourth Tests against Australia in the New Year,” Kirsten said. The Indian board, in a press release, has confirmed that Kirsten would interact with the squad during the third Test against Pakistan in Bangalore.”It is a huge honour and I’m looking forward to the challenge with as much enthusiasm as any challenge I’ve ever faced. I’m not naive – I know how big the job is and I know it won’t be easy, but it’s also something I really want to do, and do well,” Kirsten said.When Kirsten takes over full-time, his first assignment will be a three-Test series against South Africa. “That’s exciting. I really don’t think it will feel strange or odd. I will be doing everything I can to help India win. But Australia comes first and everybody’s energy must be focussed on producing success on what is the hardest tour in cricket,” Kirsten said.

The Madras High Court has directed Prasar Bharti, the national broadcaster, to telecast the upcoming series between India and Pakistan and has permitted them to engage any producer except Zee Telefilms and ESPN-Star.The Indian board has welcomed the order and said that it will take necessary action as per the court’s direction. “We welcome the court order,” SK Nair, the board secretary, was reported as saying on the NDTV website. “We will take necessary action as per the high court direction.” Nair added that the board will take action after obtaining the details of the court order.Ten Sports and Sony, two rival channels, have expressed their interest to produce the series. Kunal Dasgupta, the chief of Sony India, told the Press Trust of India: “We are interested to produce the series and would approach the BCCI on the matter, though finer details in the judgement are yet to be seen.” Sony got international rights for 31 cricketing days last year, and were also responsible for telecast of the World Cup in South Africa.The Indian board had earlier said that the Pakistan series, beginning next week, may be called off if the telecast issue was not resolved. KP Sivasubramanian, a judge in the Madras High Court, passed the ruling and added, “I am sure cricket fans will be happy now.” He said a final judgement would be made later in the writ petition filed by Zee Telefilms after it was denied the TV rights by the board last September.Doordarshan had also telecast the home series against Australia and South Africa earlier in the season on the advice of the Supreme Court. Ranbir Singh Mahendra, the board president, welcomed the interim order, saying all doubts about the Pakistan tour taking place had been removed. Mahendra told AFP: “We will abide by the court’s judgement and finalise the production details soon.”The Pakistan team are due to arrive here on Monday to play three Tests and six one-day internationals on their first full tour of India since 1999. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Mohali on March 8.

Essex has today confirmed that left arm fast bowler Scott Brant will bejoining the Club as its second overseas player for 2003. Brant, 20, was bornin Harare, Zimbabwe, and made his first class debut for Queensland in 2001after he and his family emigrated to Australia.Commenting on the signing, Essex Chief Executive David East said:”We are delighted that Scott will be joining us this year. Although he hasonly played a limited amount of 1st class cricket for Queensland, there isno question that he has great natural ability and will undoubtedlystrengthen the Essex bowling attack in Division I of both leaguecompetitions. He comes highly recommended by many senior figures in thegame, and we wish him every success with the Club in 2003.”On confirming his appointment with the Club, Brant commented:”I am thrilled to be joining Essex this year, and really look forward to theopportunity of playing in the intense programme of county cricket. Theprospect of working with Graham Gooch and learning from players like AndyFlower and Ronnie Irani was a huge draw, and I’m sure I can make asignificant contribution. I look forward to meeting up with the players ontheir pre-season tour in Cape Town in late March”.

Friday, February 21, 2003:::
“Sunil Gavaskar was almost shaking with anger – he went out on all the news channels that day.” Producer Jim Ribbans, after India’s debacle against Australia
Source: The Independent Online, South Africa”Once you’re playing on this stage, you’re going to be pelted if you don’t perform. I am not making excuses, I’ve been below par. In your home country at a World Cup you want to perform and take wickets. Thus far I’ve only got one stick in two games and plenty of stick to go with that. It’s so frustrating, but there’s no place to hide.” South African fast bowler Allan Donald
Source: The Star, South Africa”We don’t even have five per cent chance of winning (the World Cup. Our sight should be on the Cup, whereas we are just thinking of qualifying for the Super Six.” Bishan Singh Bedi, on the Indian team
Source: Press Trust of IndiaTuesday, February 18, 2003:::
“It was the worst Eid in my life. We did not even feel like talking to each other, let alone eat a plate of sweets. Still being a professional cricketer one must accept the criticism.” Bangladesh batsman Al Sahariar, after his side’s losses to Canada and Sri Lanka
Source: The Daily Star, Bangladesh”I know how much they wanted to win and how important the game was. They’ve really been up against it, and it was about time they had a break or two.” Pauline Fleming, Stephen Fleming’s mother, on New Zealand’s win against South Africa
Source: The Christchurch Press, New Zealand”I haven’t played against him before, but there’s still a lot you can do to prepare in the nets. However, until you get out there against him and get a good look at both him and the pitch, it’s all pretty much guess work. It’s definitely a challenge, and it’s one of the reasons why you play the game.” Canadian batsman Ian Billcliff, on playing Muttiah Muralitharan on Wednesday
Source: The Gulf News, United Arab Emirates

Kent’s director of cricket, Ian Brayshaw, has turned down the offer of an extension to his contract, and will not be returning to Canterbury next season.”I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Kent,” said Brayshaw, who is to return home to Perth after two years. "I shall take with me many happy memories and am confident that the club will continue to perform at the top of English county cricket for many years to come.”Kent finished third in the Championship last season, and put a bad start to 2003 behind them to finish mid-table in Division One, although they still face relegation in the National League unless they can beat Warwickshire on Sunday. “The playing staff contains some highly talented cricketers who offer the club a really exciting future,” said Brayshaw. "In Simon Willis and Chris Stone the club have two excellent coaches.””Ian has made a huge contribution during his two years at Kent," said their chairman of cricket Mike Denness. “He has left us with his thoughts regarding the best possible coaching structure for the future. We will be giving these full consideration over the next few weeks before making any decision regarding his successor.”

Indians 266 for 9 dec and 116 for 2 (Chopra 55*) drew with Victoria 518 for 8 dec (Hodge 264, Harvey 71)
Scorecard

Brad Hodge showed up the lack of bite in the Indian bowling attack, hammering a superb double-hundred as the three-day match between Victoria and the Indians petered into a draw. Cameron White finally declared Victoria’s innings at 518 for 8, shortly after Hodge fell for 264. It left the Indians with almost three hours to bat out, which they did quite comfortably, with Akash Chopra (55 not out) getting some useful practice and Sadagoppan Ramesh further strengthening his case for inclusion in the Test team.The first two sessions belonged to Hodge, though, who scored 111 out of the 170 runs scored by Victoria today. His batting was punctuated by plenty of drives down the ground, as the Indian bowlers erred in length and served a generous dose of half-volleys. Zaheer Khan and L Balaji felt the heat early in the day, as Hodge repeatedly drove them in the V between mid-off and mid-on. Balaji provided the only cheer of the morning session for the Indians, trapping Ian Harvey in front for 71 to end a 161-run stand for the sixth wicket, but White joined Hodge to further prolong the Indian misery.Hodge reached his double-century off 309 balls with his 26th four, a pull to the midwicket boundary off Balaji. Harbhajan Singh had another listless day, with White tonking him for a six and Hodge driving and cutting him for fours.Sourav Ganguly had no option but to resort to the part-time bowlers, and it was Virender Sehwag who finally got the breakthrough, when Hodge edged a drive and was snapped up by Rahul Dravid at first slip (518 for 7). Hodge and White added 125 for the seventh wicket. Four balls later, White was on his way too, fishing at one outside off stump from Zaheer and nicking to Parthiv Patel, who latched on to the catch on his second attempt. The declaration came soon after, with Victoria achieving a first-innings lead of 252.The Indian innings began with Sehwag getting off to a boundary-ridden start, lofting Mathew Inness over mid-off and cutting Harrop behind point. The entertainment didn’t last long, though, as Harrop trapped him in front with one that nipped back and kept a trifle low (24 for 1).Ramesh and Chopra ensured against a collapse, adding 90 for the second wicket. Chopra, out for just 2 in the first innings, redeemed himself with a well-compiled half-century. He was cautious early in his innings, scoring most of his runs with steers to third man. The circumspect approach was shunned only when David Hussey came on to bowl his offspinners – Chopra swept and then lofted him over midwicket for fours. Ramesh holed out to deep square leg late in the day for 36, allowing Dravid to come in and score his first run of the match.

Jason Gillespie and Murali Kartik, the bowlers whoreturned the best figures on an absorbing second day’s play at theWankhede Stadium, spoke to the media shortly after the close:

Murali KartikOn what an attainable target might be
I think a target of 160-170 would be tough, batting fourth.On bowling with Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh
It was one of my wishes that the three of us play together, and it came true.Is this an ideal Test-match wicket?
When it seams around, we have a problem, and if it spins around, then also we have a problem. It was good for spinners. I can’t say what an ideal wicket is.On his game plan
I think when you’re on a turning track, all 11 members also have to be patient, because you can’t get 11 wickets in 11 balls. When I came on, it was my duty to plug one end. Thankfully, I came on at a time when things were going right for me.On his early impressions of Dinesh Karthik
I think he did a superb job because keeping to Anil and Harbhajan is really difficult.On hanging around after being dismissed
I was out. There are no two ways about that. It was a faint edge. It just took my glove, so I was waiting for the umpire to give me out.On Damien Martyn’s important innings
He was lucky to start off [with], but he hung around and just accumulated those runs. It was a good innings.On India’s dodgy fielding
It happens. People are giving it their best shot. You can’t blame anybody. Sometimes you have a bad day.Whether this was his best performance in Tests
I thought I bowled much better in Nagpur. The wicket was different, favouring the seamers. But here, I was required to adjust to a different game plan and just hold one end and wait for the wickets to come.Jason GillespieOn taking wickets on a spinners’ pitch
I was pretty satisfied. It’s always nice to take wickets on any pitch. The wicket was a little interesting today.His game plan on this pitch
As a seamer, you just try and put the ball in the right area, use the crease, and keep the seam upright and try to move the ball off the wicket as much as you can. I think the key is to bang it into the track as hard as you can and let the ball do the work.