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India on the verge of defeat

India are on the verge of going 1-0 down in their Test Series against South Africa in Nagpur, after skipper MS Dhoni was dismissed for 25 just before Tea on day 4.

South Africa made 558-6 in their 1st innings, and they then managed to bowl out the hosts for 233 this was largely thanks to an inspired spell of bowling from the world number 1 bowler Dale Steyn who picked up a career best 7-51.

Following on India then lost their openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag just before the closeon Day 3 to leave them reeling on 66-2.

Sachin Tendulkar did manage to score the 46th Test Century of his career today to give the hosts some hope of being able to pull of a miracle, but he was dismissed immediately after reaching 3 figures, bowled by Paul Harris, and once again South Africa found themselves in firm control of the contest.

Australia on top against the West Indies

Australia appear to be in pole position to take a 2-0 lead in the 5 match ODI series against the West Indies at Adelaide.

West Indies batted 1st but were bowled out for 170, it could have been even worse for the West Indies who were 16-4 at one stage, but an enterprising 43 from the big hitting Dwayne Smith saw the West Indies attain something close to a respectable total.

Captain Chris Gayle was out 1st ball, LBW to Doug Bollinger, the left arm pacer finished with 4-28. Australia have been in good form in One Day Cricket in recent times having beaten Pakistan 5-0 in a ODI series just last week.

Ricky Ponting's men also won a ODI series in England 6-1 last summer, and they defended their Champions Trophy title in South Africa beating the Kiwis in the final.

After their succesful campaign in South Africa, Australia went to India and managed to beat MS Dhoni's men 4-2, that result saw Australia hold on to the number 1 ranking in ODI Cricket.

India in trouble against South Africa

India are facing the prospect of a heavy defeat in the 1st Test Match against South Africa at Nagpur after pace sensation Dale Steyn took a career best 7-51.

South Africa made 568-8 in their 1st innings middle order batsman Hashin Amla made a career best 253 not out.

Virender Sehwag did make a hundred for India but apart from his 109 and a 59 for the debutant Subramaniam Badrinath, there was little to write home about for the home side as they were bowled out for 233.

Following On India were 66-2 at the close of Day 3 having lost Sehwag and Gambhir. India are currently ranked number 1 in the world in Test Cricket having beaten Sri Lanka 2-0 in a Test Series at the end of last year, however a victory for South Africa in this series would seem them leapfrog MS Dhoni's men. South Africa recently drew a Test Series against England 1-1.

Australia crush Windies to take a 1-0 lead

Australia have crushed the West Indies to take a 1-0 lead in the 5 match ODI series against the men from the Caribbean.

Ricky Ponting's men batted 1st and struggled to what appeared to be a below par total of 256. However this proved to be more than enough as the hosts routes out the West Indies for just 143.

Australia have bene in great form in ODI Cricket, they beat England in a ODI Series 6-1 in England last summer.

They then went to South Africa and managed to defend their Champions Trophy title beating New Zealand in the final.

This year has also started very well for Australia, they managed to beat Pakistan 5-0 in a ODI series which concluded just last week.

Ponting's men will now be confident that they can also inflict a series whitewash on the West Indies. Australia beat the West Indies 2-0 in a Test Series in December.

Bravo ruled out for the West Indies

West Indies star all rounder Dwayne Bravo has been ruled out of the One Day series with an injury, the series starts on Sunday.

Bravo has been one of the West Indies most inspirational players and his absence will really hurt the West Indies.

Bravo played a key role in the IPL for the Mumbai Indians last year his franchise however failed to qualify for the Semi Finals.

The Trinidadian also helped his island win the Stanford Twenty20 tournament in 2008 as a result of that victory Trinidad qualified for the ICC Champions League which was held in India last year.

Trinidad and Tobago managed to pull off a number of upsets and reached the final of the tournament but ultimately fell short in the final against the tournament favourites New South Wales.

West Indies are already missing star players, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and Fidel Edwards for the one Day Series.

Donald keen on coaching role

Former South Africa pace bowler has said that he would be interested in becoming England's new head bowling coach.

There is a vacancy after it was announced earlier this week that Ottis Gibson who has held that role is to become the new head coach of the West Indies.

Donald has previously worked with England's bowlers on a short term basis back in 2007 and he could be tempted to go back on a full time basis.

Donald was one of South Africa's most sucessful pace bowlers of all time and he would be an asset to England's team.

England have been in good form in Test Cricket over the last 12 months, they regained the Ashes in England 2-1 last summer, and they backed this up by during a Test Series in South Africa 1-1 over the winter.

England play a Two Test Match series in Bangladesh which starts later this month, the return Ashes series will be in Australia at the end of the year.

Sharma named in India squad

Rohit Sharma has been named in India's Test Squad ahead of the 1st Test Match against South Africa starting at the weekend.

India are currently ranked number 1 in the world in Test Match Cricket following their 2-0 Test Series victory against Sri Lanka in December.

The home side however go into the match with some injury problems, both Yuvraj Singh and former captain Rahul Dravid have been ruled out of the game as a result of injury.

Sharma is widely regarded as one of India's most promising players, he scored 50 in his 1st T20 International innings against South Africa in the World Twenty20 tournament in 2007.

Sharma also scored a triple hundred in the ranji trophy a few months ago and it was that knock that brought the youngster into contention for India's Test squad.

Last year Sharma's IPL team the Deccan Chargers won the title in South Africa and he played an instrumental part in that victory.

New Zealand hammer Bangladesh in Twenty20

New Zealand cruised to a 10 wicket victory over Bangladesh in a Twenty20 International, in Hamiltion, the tourists were bowled out for a below par 78, skipper Daniel Vettori was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand claiming 3-6 from his one over.

New Zealand then needed just 8.2 overs to chase down the target and they got their without losing a wicket, Brendon McCullum smashed 56 from just 27 balls which included 2 6's.

On his day McCullum can be on of the most dangerous batsmen in World Cricket, 2 years ago he smashed 158 for the Kolkatta Knight Riders in the inaugural IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

New Zealand reached the Semi Finals of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in South Africa back in 2007.

This year's World Twenty20 tournament will be in the Caribbean and Vettori's men will be hoping that they can go one better and win the title.

Gibson named as new West Indies Coach

It has been confirmed that Ottis Gibson has been named as the new West Indies Coach, Gibson had been working as the England bowling coach and helped them to victory in the Ashes last summer as well as a 1-1 series draw in South Africa last month.

Gibson played 2 Test Matches and 15 ODIS for the West Indies and he will be relishing the chance to coach the country of his birth.

Gibson will coach the West Indies at every level and not just their senior team. Last year the West Indies managed to win a Test series in the caribbean against England 1-0, only for the England  hit back in the summer and get revenge 2-0 in England.

Gibson will start his job at the end of the month as the West Indies take on Zimbabwe in an ODI series.

Gibson set to take over as West Indies coach

Ottis Gibson is set to become the new West Indies head coach, according to reports coming out of the Caribbean.

Gibson has done an excellent jon as the bowling coach for England, having helped them regain the Ashes in England last summer and draw a Test Series in South Africa 1-1.

Gibson was also the England bowling coach when the West Indies and England met in 2 Test Series last year, The West Indies winning 1-0 at home, before England managed to get their revenge, winning a Test Series 2-0 in England.

It is understood that Gibson would be the coach of the West Indies at every level, and not just the senior team.

England's next International series will be a 2 Test series against Bangladesh they then return to England to play the same opposition at home.

Pakistan will play England at the back end of the English summer, while at the end of the year England will go to Australia in a bid to retain the Ashes.

Malik to step in as captain

Shoaib Malik will step in and captain Pakistan for their next two Twenty20 Internationals, against Australia on Friday, and then against England in Dubai, following the annoucement that skipper Shahid Afridi has been banned for 2 Twenty20 Internationals.

Afridi was caught on camera biting the ball in the 5th One Day International against Australia, which was in an attempt to alter the condition of the ball.

Malik has been the captain of Pakistan in all 3 forms of the game and he will relish the chance to lead his country once more.

In 2007 Malik led Pakistan to the final of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament however they fell short in the final against India.

Pakistan did however go one better last summer winning the ICC World Twenty20 in England, under the leadership of Younis Khan.

Khan however retired from International Twenty20 Cricket immediately after the tournament. Khan however still plays ODI and Test Cricket for Pakistan.

Afridi handed two game ban

Pakistan's talented all rounder Shahid Afridi has been handed a 2 match Twenty20 International ban for his behaviour in the 5th and final One Day International against Australia.

Afridi was caught in camera biting the ball in a bid to alter the condition of the ball in what was a very tense period of the contest.

It is not the 1st time that Afridi has been involved in this type of controversy. In 2005 he was caught on camera doing a dance on the pitch in a Test Match when the players were off the field, by getting his spikes stuck into the pitch Afridi was trying to scuff up the surface, he was also handed a ban for these actions.

Pakistan won the Twenty20 World Cup in England last summer and Afridi played a huge role in that triumph, so they will bitterly dissapointed to be without his service for their next two Twenty20 Internationals, against Australian Friday, and then the 1st of a 2 match series against England in Dubai.

Australia seal whitewash

Australia sealed a 5-0 series whitewash against Pakistan to with an epic 2 wicket victory against the tourists.

Chasing a modest 213 for victory, Australia kept losing wickets at regular intervals and appeared to be in real danger of crashing to a shock defeat.

However a brave knock of 40 not out saw Australia home to a 2 wicket victory and gave them the series by an astonishing margin of 5-0.

The two teams will now face each other in a Twenty20 International on Friday, Pakistan are the reigning Twenty20 World Cup Champions and they will be hoping to gain some revenge in that encounter.

Australia have been in superb form in One Day Cricket over the past 12 months, over the last 12 months, last summer they managed to beat England 6-1 in England, they then went to South Africa and defended their Champions Trophy title beating New Zealand in the final.

Brilliant Harris Inspires Australia to another victory

Ryan Harris took his 2nd 5 wicket haul in as many games as Australia inflicted a crushing 135 run victory over Pakistan.

Australia set up the victory by batting 1st and scoring a handy total of 277 from their 50 overs, Mike Hussey top scored for the hosts with 67.

Harris then took 5-19 as Pakistan were routed out for just 142 and Australia completed the victory to take a 4-0 lead in the series.

Australia have been playing some good ODI Cricket in recent times, they beat England in the Natwest One Day Series in England last summer 6-1.

Ricky Ponting's men backed up that result by going to South Africa and defending their Champions Trophy title.

Australia then defeated India in a ODI series by the margin of 4-2, had India won that series they would have moved to number 1 in the world in ODI Cricket.

Australia will now be aimimg to complete a series whitewash over the weekend.

Australia on top against Pakistan

Australia have given themselves a good chance of taking a 4-0 lead in their ODI series against Pakistan. The hosts managed to score 277 from their 50 overs Michael Hussey top scored with 67.

Australia have already won the series having won the 1st 3 games comfortably.

Ricky Ponting's men have been in good form in ODI Cricket over the last 12 months having beaten England 6-1 in a ODI series in England last summer, they then went to South Africa and managed to defend their Champions Trophy title, beating New Zealand in the final.

Australia then went to India and won a ODI series against MS Dhoni's men 4-2. India would have moved to number 1 in the ODI rankings had they won the series.

The ICC World Cup is next year in the Sub-continent and Australia will have high hopes of winning the title for a 4th time in succcession.

Arthurs quits as South Africa Coach

Mickey Arthurs has resigned as South African coach on the eve of his countries tour of India. Arthurs took charge of South Africa back in 2005, and he enjoyed a successful time.

With Arthurs in charge, South Africa managed to win a Test Series in Australia for the 1st time, in their history and they then won a Test Series in England in 2008, for the 1st time since the 1960's.

However South Africa suffered disappointments in the World Twenty20 tournament which they hosted back in 2007 losing in the Super 8 stages.

South Africa also hosted last year's ICC Champions Trophy and they crashed out in the group stages after suffering defeats to both Sri Lanka and England.

South Africa as the number 2 ranked team in Test Match Cricket were expected to win their Test Series comfortably against England, but they only managed to draw the series 1-1, this was seen as a very dissapointing result.

Zaheer bowls India to victory

Pace bowler Zaheer Khan picked up 7-43 as India sealed a 10 wicket victory over Bangladesh which also gave them the series.

Tamim Iqbal scored a career best 151, but the tourists still managed to bowl out Bangladesh for 312, in their 2nd innings.

Needing just 2 runs to formalise a result, openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir were out in the middle for 2 balls before they were able to claim 2 byes which handed the tourists victory.

India defeated Sri Lanka in a Test Series at home last month, 2-0 that result saw India gain the number 1 ranking in Test Match Cricket for the 1st time in their history.

MS Dhoni's men will now go back to India and take on South Africa in a Test Series. Two years ago when South Africa and India met in a Test Series in India the series was drawn at 1-1.

Harris guides Australia to victory

Australian Pace bowler Paul Harris picked up career best figures of 5-43 to help Australia clinch the ODI series against Pakistan at Adelaide.

Harris who played for the Deccan Chargers in the IPL last year was playing just the 2nd match of his career, but he looked in very impressive form against the tourists.

Australia batted 1st and made a very useful total of 286 from their

Australian Pace bowler Paul Harris picked up career best figures of 5-43 to help Australia clinch the ODI series against Pakistan at Adelaide.

Harris who played for the Deccan Chargers in the IPL last year was playing just the 2nd match of his career, but he looked in very impressive form against the tourists.

Australia batted 1st and made a very useful total of 286 from their 50 overs, Pakistan in reply then fell 40 runs short as they were bowled out for 246.

Ricky Ponting's men have been playing some very good ODI Cricket in recent times, they beat England 6-1 in England last summer and they followed that up by defending their champions trophy title in South Africa.

They thrn went to India and beat India in a ODI series by 4 matches to 2. Australia are the defending World Cup Champions.

Australia on top against Pakistan

Australia are on top at the half way stage in the 3rd ODI against Pakistan, the hosts are currently 2-0 up in the series and looking for a series clinching victory.

Australia batted 1st and managed to make a very competitive total of 286 from their 50 overs.

Ricky Ponting's men have been playing some excellent One Day Cricket in recent times, they beat England in an ODI series in England last summer 6-1.

Following that series Australia went to South Africa and were able to defend their champions trophy title.

Australia also won a ODI series against India 4-2 in November last year. That result would have been a huge positive for the Australians after the lost to India in the finals of the Commonwealth Bank series in Australia at the start of 2008.

Pakistan will have to bat well to get anywhere near the 287 that they need for victory.

Australia crush Pakistan

Australia crushed Pakistan by 140 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the ODI series. All Rounder Shane Watson who has been in superb form all summer was named man of the match for his innings of 69.

Australia batted 1st and managed to post a competitive total of 267 to give themselves a real chance of sealing victory.

In reply Pakistan kept losing wickets at regular intervals and they were never in the run chase as they were bowled out for 127.

Australia have been playing some superb ODI Cricket over the last 12 months, last summer they defeated England in England to win the NatWest Series 6-1.

Ricky Ponting's men then went to South Africa and defended their champions trophy title beating New Zealand in the final.

Australia then defeated India in a ODI series in India by 4 matches to 2 to confirm their place as the number 1 team in the world in ODI cricket.

Lee targets comeback

Australian pace sensation Brett Lee has said that he aims to get back to bowling within the next month, Lee missed the whole of last summers Ashes series in England due to a rib injury which he picked up in a warm up game.

Prior to that Lee had suffered with ankle injuries, Lee after Australia successful Champions Trophy campaign in South Africa in December had to undergo elbow surgery.

Many believed that, that latest setback would be the end of the road for Lee, but the pace bowler appears determined to bounce back and fight for his place back in the Australian team.

Australia have been in good form recently they beat the West Indies 2-0 in a Test Series last month and just this week they completed a 3-0 series victory against Pakistan.

At his peak Lee was regarded by many as the fastest bowler in world cricket, along with Pakistan's Shoaib Aktar.

White seals victory for Australia

Cameron White hit a superb century to guide Australia to a 5 wicket victory over Pakistan in the 1st One Day International.

Pakistan looked to be in a decent position at the half way stage, having posted a respectable total of 274 from their 50 overs.

White however smashed 105 not out from just 88 balls as the hosts cruised to victory over the dangerous Pakistan.

White also scored a hundred against England last summer and he played an instrumental part in Australia's 6-1 victory in that series.

Australia have been playing some good One Day Cricket over the last 12 months, they are still ranked number 1 in the world and following that series against England, they went to South Africa and defended their Champions Trophy title.

Ricky Ponting's men then managed to win a One Day Series in India by 4 matches to 2. With the World Cup next year, Australia will hope that they can maintain this type of form.

Pakistan in with a chance against Australia

World Twenty20 Champions Pakistan, have given themselves a decent chance in the 1st ODI International against Australia.

Australia recently defeated Pakistan 3-0 in a Test series although the tourists did give a very good account of themselves in the 2nd Test Match in Sydney, and were unlucky not to seal victory.

Pakistan took a 1st innings lead of 206 in Sydney but Australia battled back in fine style to seal a victory by 36 runs.

Last summer Pakistan produced a fine performance to win the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in England, they beat tournament favourites South Africa in the Semi Finals, and Sri Lanka in the final.#

Pakistan and Australia met in the final of the 2003 Cricket World Cup at Lord's but Australia comfortable victors by 7 wickets on that occasion.

Australia have been one of the form teams in ODI Cricket, they beat England 6-1 last summer, and followed this up by winning the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa, and winning an ODI series in India 4-2.

Pollard to play for Mumbai

The Mumbai Indian's have signed the West Indies all rounder Kieron Pollard to play for them in the 2010 IPL tournament.

Pollard played an instrumental part in Trinidad and Tobago winning their regional Twenty20 Cup and he also took part in the Champions League at the end of last year in India, and helped Trinidad and Tobago reach the final where they lost to New South Wales.

Pollard will be the 2nd West Indian all rounder to represent the Mumbai Indian's as they already have Dwayne Bravo in their squad.

Mumbai have been competitive for the 1st two seasons of the IPL but have failed to reach the Semi Finals both times around.

Pollard also represented the Stanford all stars at the end of 2008, in the Twenty20 for 20 match , the all stars beat England in that encounter and as a result won $20 million USD that is the largest cash prize for a one of sport event in history.

Pakistan dissapointed with IPL Auction

Some members of Pakistan's Cricket team have expressed their disappointment at the outcome, of the IPL auction, which was held in Mumbai earlier this week.

Pakistan are the reigning Twenty20 World champions, having won the World Cup in England last summer, and 11 of their players were on the short-list of 66 that were up for auction.

Despite that, not one Pakistani player has been signed up by an IPL franchise for the 2010 competition. This includes Pakistan's Twenty20 Captain Shahid Afridi, Afridi on his day is a very destructive cricketer, and he said he sees this latest devlopment as an insult to his nation.

Meanwhile all rounder Abdul Razzaq said he is dissapointed to see sport and politics being merged together, the IPL CEO Lalith Modi has said that many franchises were concerned about the availabilty of the Pakistani players and as a result were reluctant so sign them this season.