Bouncers shouldn't be banned: Allan Donald

South African pace legend, Allan Donald, has approached cricket supervisors not to consider banning bouncers, as they return to wellbeing in the game in the wake of the shocking passing of Australian cricketer, Philip Hughes.

Donald, who is presently the Proteas knocking down some pins mentor, told The Star that the episode was "outlandish" and ought not prompt cricket powers making extreme move.

"I trust it doesn't take this horrific occurrence to make the sport's supervisors surmise that the best way to make the game safe is to criminal the bouncer," Donald said.

"It would make for no challenge, if bouncers were precluded of the diversion."

Hughes passed on in the clinic two days in the wake of being struck by a bouncer conveyed via Sean Abbott in a Sheffield Shield match in Australia.

"As an issue bowler, you utilize your bouncer to threaten, to make an impression on the batsman, to make him reconsider and to test different aptitudes," Donald included.

"I comprehend that numerous individuals outside of cricket will take a gander at this and inquiries concerning security will be asked, yet we should not go overboard."

Donald himself has been at both finishes of bouncers amid his time at the pleat.

In 2001, he was hit by two bouncers from Andre Nel in a match in Benoni which place him in clinic for a weekend. On the other hand, he recuperated to turn into one of South Africa's best quick bowlers ever. Amid the 1996 World Cup, Donald bowled a bouncer that struck United Arab Emirates skipper, Sultan Zarawani, on his head, while he had no cap on.

"When I struck him, I thought I had murdered him. [the ball] made simply the most horrendous crash when it hit him," Donald said. "I was simply so stunned by his reaction - he simply put his floppy [hat] once again on and kept batting."

Donald likewise accepted that there couldn't be substantially more headway on the insurance offered by head protectors.

"The protective caps they have nowadays are sublime, I'm not by any means beyond any doubt how they can bring about a significant improvement," he said.

Hughes funeral on December 3; Gabba Test delayed

Phillip Hughes will be farewelled in the place where he grew up of Macksville in northern New South Wales on Wednesday, December 3, and the first Test between Australia and India deferred keeping in mind the end goal to give his previous buddies time to lament and reflect upon his life.

Cricket Australia reported on Saturday evening that Hughes' memorial service will occur at 2pm on Wednesday in the games corridor of Macksville High School, with flood zones to be set-up for visitors to watch the administration on the school's two ovals.

The memorial service will be show live on TV and radio, and extra flights in the middle of Sydney and Coffs Harbor - around 45 minutes' head out from Macksville, have been set up. Adelaide Oval and the SCG will both show the administration on their scoreboard screens. CA's CEO James Sutherland said the reactions to Hughes' passing at the SCG on Tuesday had been overpowering.

Austrlaia's players met at the SCG on Friday and were consistent in their view that Hughes required to be farewelled and time left for lamenting before the cricket could go on. The Australian Cricketers Association Alistair Nicholson reverberated this perspective.

"In the wake of counseling with the players, we have conveyed to Cricket Australia that the chance to goodbye their buddy is the need, and the possibility of them playing the accompanying day is essentially too huge an ask," he said. "The players are experiencing a lamenting methodology and they must be managed the chance to do so.

"As anybody can admire, this methodology doesn't run as indicated by a clock or a datebook. This is an exceptional circumstance and an one of a kind reaction is needed. We will keep on talking about alternatives with the players and Cricket Australia over the advancing days."

The lion's share of Australia's Test players came back to home ports and their families on Friday and Saturday, and won't be touching base in Brisbane on Sunday as beforehand booked. Courses of action for the Sheffield Shield round because of begin on December 5 are yet to be settled.

Sean Abbott broken due to Phil Hughes

A "broken" Sean Abbott confronted the possibility of reconstructing his life on Friday in the wake of conveying the ball that killed Australian batsman Phillip Hughes, in spite of the fact that Cricket Australia (CA) said the adolescent bowler was holding up well given the circumstances.

The 22-year-old was doing what he generally accomplishes for his state New South Wales, playing quick, when Hughes misconstrued a draw shot at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Tuesday and given way to the ground oblivious in the wake of being hit on the base of the skull. He never recuperated and passed on Thursday after monstrous draining to the mind.

Test veteran, Jason Gillespie, said Abbott's close to home and proficient life had been flipped around by the extraordinary catastrophe.

"That chap is totally shaken and broken right now," he told Fox Sports, while previous Australian captain, Mark Taylor, said that he would be spooky by the episode.

"He's got no inquiries to answer yet I'm certain he'll be feeling some blame today and most likely will be for quite a while. I truly trust Sean can get over it and we one day see Sean back playing for NSW and possibly Australia," he said.

Exceptional bowler Abbott, who made his one-day and Twenty20 introduction for Australia in October, was seen supporting the harmed player promptly after the occurrence.

CA CEO Sutherland talked with him on Thursday evening and said he was awed with the way he was taking care of the circumstances, including "this is a lamenting process that will influence individuals in diverse ways."

"I think its been incredible the route in which individuals have demonstrated sympathy toward Sean," he said.

"What we will do and the significant specialists will do will be to give Sean the majority of the help he needs to work through this. In any case, at this moment I can say that he is holding up exceptionally well and I'm amazingly inspired with him."

Regardless of this, Pakistan incredible Waqar Younis addressed whether Abbott, who has made no remark, would have the capacity to proceed in cricket.

"By what method will he proceed with?" Waqar, one of the exceptional quick bowlers of his era and now Pakistan's mentor, told AFP.

"He needs guiding, which I am certain must have begun, and needs to stay cool."

Abbott went to Hughes in Sydney's St. Vincent's Hospital and has been getting backing from cricketing authorities and his buddies. Reports said that Australian commander Michael Clarke and Hughes' sister Megan pulled out all the stops to invest a lot of time with him this week.

While the overflowing of sadness and sensitivity on social networking has been for Hughes, there have additionally been a lot of empowering words for Abbott.

"Save a thought for Sean Abbott," tweeted England incredible Ian Botham, while West Indies legend Viv Richards likewise sent his all the best: "Deepest sensitivity for Phillip's family, companions and partners. Sean Abbott in our considerations and petitions to God additionally."

Previous Australian Test bowler, Stuart Clark, invested time with Abbott, who has a regularly calm personality, on Thursday night and said he seemed alright with no less than three supporters dependably around him, yet it was early days.

"I think it will be the hardest for him when its peaceful and there's nothing occurrence," he told Sky Sports radio.

"When he's sitting at home around evening time before he goes to couch - that's, I think, when the musings will begin repeating in his brain."

Phil Hughes hospitalised after being hit on head

Australian opener, Phil Hughes, was hospitalized and is said to be in critical condition in the wake of being hit on his head by a Sean Abbott bouncer. The occurrence happened in a Sheffield Shield game played between New South Wales and South Australia. Hughes felt the full compel of Abbott's bouncer after he missed an endeavored snare shot, and drooped to the ground confront first even as players hurried to look in on him. He must be stretchered off the field and was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital by emergency vehicle.

Play at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was relinquished for the day as three ambulances and a medvac helicopter were hurried to go to Hughes. Therapeutic staff likewise performed a CPR the Australian. At the time of occurrence, Hughes was batting on 63.

"The patient endured a discriminating harm and was transported to St Vincent's Hospital in a basic condition," an Ambulance NSW official told AFP.

Cricket Australia said in a live match blog on its site that Hughes had "been leaving the short balls, had a go at this one, misconceived it and hit in the head. He passed out and fell gravely."

Restorative staff chipped away at the 25-year-old, supposedly including mouth-to-mouth revival, for more than 30 prior minutes he was taken from the field in front of a helicopter arriving on the pitch.

"Plainly the need is Phil's wellbeing and we need to keep his family completely educated. We don't have any redesigns on Phil's wellbeing right now," a Cricket NSW representative said.

It has been accounted for that Hughes would experience a surgery at St. Vincent's in the wake of being put in an affected trance like state by the specialists.

Sri Lanka's ODI squad for England Series

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have named a 15-member squad for the initial three One Day Internationals against England, planned to start on Friday, 26th of November.

Jeevan Mendis, Thilina Kandamby and Dilruwan Perera make their rebound into the national team while Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chathuranga de Silva and Ashan Priyanjan, who were all piece of the Indian stay, end up out owning to poor exhibitions. Wicket-guardian batsman, Kusal Perera, holds his spot notwithstanding humble trips in India.

There are no other significant changes to the side as they start their series for the promising new 2015 Cricket World Cup, to be mutually facilitated by Australia and New Zealand. Rangana Herath, who was rested for the Indian series is back. Lahiru Thirimanne, who awed in the wake of being rung as an issue for Kumar Sangakkara, mid-route through the India series, holds his spot.

Pro pacer, Lasith Malinga, wasn't considered as he keeps on recoverring in the wake of experiencing an Arthroscopy surgery on his troublesome left lower leg.

A SLC media discharge expressed that all the determinations have been endorsed by Sri Lanka's games priest. The frist match of the series will be played at the Premadasa stadium in Colombo on the 26th of November.

Squad for initial three Odis: Angelo Mathews (c), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thilina Kandamby, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad, Thisara Perera, Lahiru Gamage.

The big test for Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is by every measuring stick an awesome player. Notwithstanding the makeshift misfortune in structure in England, there's little uncertainty he will go down as one of the games's greats in years to come. Anyhow would he be able to take himself one score higher, achieve that platform saved for the extremely exceptional in cricket? His exhibitions in Australia will to a substantial degree focus the response to this inquiry. With the included obligation of captaincy his shoulders, this visit down under is plainly Virat's tryst with conceivable significance.

Virat has all the ability on the planet to be fruitful. He is sure, decided, eager and gifted. On the other hand, he additionally has chinks in his reinforcement, which were exploited by Anderson and company in England. Submitting himself outside the off stump and playing far from his body, his releases in England had begun to take after an example. It will be frightfully vital for India's stand in captain to stay far from scratching balls outside off and subsequently make the Australians take his wicket as opposed to him getting out.

Having taken after Virat nearly, it can be said that a begin is maybe the most imperative thing he needs right now. In 2003-04 it was the Brisbane hundred from Sourav Ganguly that set the tone for the whole game. In the event that Virat has the capacity do a reprise at the Gabba, there's undoubtedly he will have given his whole team a gigantic lift. Likewise, it is paramount to recall that most, if not all, batsmen who have played the diversion had a couple of issues in procedure to figure with. Steve Waugh was constantly uncomfortable against the short ball, Ricky Ponting had a tendency to fall over while attempting to play the on drive and Sachin Tendulkar got played to in nearing balls various times. Yet none of it ceased them from turning into the absolute best the world. Enormity dropped by conquering these issues and there's truly no motivation behind why Virat can't do something comparable.

There will be words out in the center. The Australians will inescapably come hard at Virat knowing he is the best batsman in the Indian team and has gone down under at the once more of a poor away series in England. They will attempt each bit to help him to remember what happened in England and take him over to a negative mentality. It is on him and maybe Ravi Shastri to counter this. Perhaps he can take a leaf out of Sachin's book and watch a feature of the Sydney 241 not out in January 2004. Possibly the time it now, time for Virat to stay far from playing far from his body. Yes, it will be hard to abandon a couple of his most loved shots. In the meantime it will minimize his shots of getting out.

Australia, more than whatever other cricketing end of the line, is a test in the psyche. The weight is tenacious and in a four-Test series with little crevice between test matches, there is almost no chance to amend a defect. Virat has witnessed this in England. His five-Test games went from terrible to more regrettable and he found himself unable to recoup in the one-day series either. The scarring was profound and that implied India's best batsman lacked the capacity play to potential for a decent three to four months. This is the thing that he needs to prepare for in Australia. He can't let a few disappointments get to him and needs to be in his zone from the very begin of the series. He has done so previously, the hundred in Adelaide in 2011-2012 is affirmation.

In 2011-12, Virat was nearly being dropped after disappointments in Melbourne and Sydney. By his affirmation he was at a low and chose to quiets himself down in a zone and concentrate on the current task at the WACA. Yet despite the fact that the Indians gave in less than three days, Virat played well for his fifty or more score in the third test. He caught up the WACA execution with a hundred in Adelaide in the fourth and last Test of the series, which set him up for a splendid one day series to take after. It was from multiple points of view the transitioning of Virat Kohli. May be 2014 will make him one stride further. In any event a million or more Indian cricket fans feel thusly.

Bangladesh Beat Zimbabway in 2nd ODI

Bangladesh overwhelmed Zimbabwe in the second ODI that saw the fortunes of both teams seesawing and combined their lead in the five-match series. Mashrafe Mortaza's three early wickets were trailed by a crushing fight which proceeded till the 42nd over when the home side made the completing move.

Zimbabwe weren't relinquishing the pursuit until that point, especially with Elton Chigumbura beginning to open up with a whirlwind of limits. By then, Sabbir Rahman's immediate hit got the Zimbabwe skipper short of the fold, successfully finishing their possibilities of a last ambush at the 252-run target. They were inevitably knocked down some pins out for 183 runs in 44.5 overs, the match finishing with Arafat Sunny taking three wickets in one over.

Bangladesh had all the earmarks of being in dangerous territory at the innings break after a breakdown from 158 for no misfortune to 204 for 6 in the space of 10.2 overs. Each fall of wicket was promptly trailed by an alternate. Tamim Iqbals' was the first wicket to fall in the 34th over, closure Bangladesh's second-most elevated opening association in Odis and it was trailed by the wicket of Shakib Al Hasan off the following conveyance. Shakib missed a straight one from Vusi Sibanda to gather his fourth brilliant duck in Odis.

Anamul Haque was the third batsman to fall, eminently gotten by Sibanda at point, after he had made 80 off 110 balls. Two conveyances later, Sabbir Rahman was out for a brief moment ball duck in the wake of being gotten at fine-leg off a top-edged draw. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim included 31 runs rapidly before tumbling off continuous conveyances to Tafadzwa Kamungozi.

Mahmudullah chipped the ball to long-off, while Mushfiqur neglected to interface a converse range and was out lbw. Bangladesh inevitably made 251, because of Mominul Haque giving a late thrive.

The Zimbabwe openers couldn't duplicate their inverse numbers, in any case. Hamilton Masakadza inside edged Mashrafe's slower offcutter before Vusi Sibanda, in a hurry to play shots, was comparably castled by a speedier offcutter. Sikandar Raza was his third scalp, top edging a shortish conveyance with Mahmudullah running back from spread to finish the get.

Zimbabwe slipped to 50 for 4 in the fourteenth over when Brendan Taylor's endeavored opposite range took his glove, on to Mushfiqur's shoulder before Mahmudullah took an alternate decent get, this time at slip. Further slide was anticipated by Regis Chakabva, who made 32 off 53 balls, and newcomer Solomon Mire. The pair included 65 runs for the fifth wicket in 14.2 overs, keeping them in the region of the obliged run-rate at the stage. Sludge arrived at his lady ODI fifty before long, off 78 balls with two limits, yet he fell next ball - got well by Arafat Sunny at point off Shakib.

A round of feline and mouse began with Shakib playing a lady and doling out one run in the Powerplay however Chigumbura pounding 18 off a Mashrafe over in the middle. Zimbabwe required 77 off the last ten overs, yet Sunny returned and doled out simply a solitary and soon, Chigumbura tumbled to a run-out as the run-rate weight mounted. The innings finished before long, with the following three wickets just including six runs.

Bangladesh's six-wicket crumple barely did equity to Tamim and Anamul, who had given a solid stage - Bangladesh's third 150 or more opening stand and the second-most noteworthy after the 170-run association between Shahriar Hossain and Mehrab Hossain in 1999, additionally against Zimbabwe.

The pair arrived at 50 runs in 13.1 overs to raise Bangladesh's initial 50 or more opening stand since March not long from now. Twelve overs later, they included Bangladesh's ninth century opening stand. They included 77 in the initial 20 overs yet settled down and pushed up the scoring rate, and the following 10 overs delivered 57 runs. Bangladesh took the Powerplay in the 29th over and completed the five-over period with 42 runs for one wicket.

Tamim played some superb shots in his 76 off 98 balls, between times of play when he stalled and held up for the awful balls. There were several edged limits however he peppered the spread and point limits and raised his fifty with a straight six over long-on.

Anamul took as much time as required to settle down. He miscued a couple to the limit yet soon discovered his direction and guaranteed Tamim had the main part of the strike. He drove through spread to raise his 50 off 83 balls and after that lobbed the ball through the same territory for a six. His half-century likewise made it the ninth event when both Bangladesh openers had scored fifties.

The home side eventually predominated, notwithstanding the batting breakdown and Zimbabwe undermining give a true go at the pursuit.

Australia are No.1 in ODIs again

Australia will enter the World Cup year positioned as the game's top ODI team and with any semblance of Steve Smith, Aaron Finch and Shane Watson all running into dismal structure, after a fourth triumph in five matches over a messy South Africa at the SCG.

The hosts had more to play for in this fixture than the guests, and it demonstrated amid their pursuit of 275, lessened from 281 by the second of two concise showers for the day. Finch, Watson and Smith all struck the ball neatly, however the recent's brilliant run of scores was kept up part of the way by some standard work in the field by a South African side missing AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn.

Morne Morkel's certainty ebbed away, as exemplified by a shocking misfield to surrender a limit to Smith, who was additionally played off a Kyle Abbott no-ball and edged Morkel behind however the South Africans did not stoop to advance. Finch and Watson gave less risks, both working their path into fair touch after moderate begins to the late spring.
Quinton de Kock had played with balance and timing to guide the guests' innings, getting good backing from Rilee Rossouw, who had been incorporated in de Villiers' spot. Farhaan Behardien ringed in with a freewheeling 63 toward the completion, a back to front roll over spread for six from Mitchell Starc the shot of the innings.

Having won the series in Melbourne, Australia's bowlers lacked a little in the way of penetration,, however Pat Cummins again played conveniently through the center of the innings and merited his three wickets.

Injured Maqsood out of NZ ODIs, T20s

Pakistan batsman Sohaib Maqsood has been ruled out of contention for the restricted overs arrangement against New Zealand because of a wrist crack he languished while playing for Pakistan A last month. The PCB said Maqsood had endured a wrist bone crack and a little tear in one of the ligaments of the wrist and has been educated three weeks concerning rest.

"Sohaib Maqsood has been advised three weeks with respect to relative rest after iagnostic investigations affirmed the starting suspicion of wrist bone crack and a little tear in one of the ligaments of wrist," the PCB said in a press discharge. "Sohaib harmed his wrist while playing for Pakistan "A" against UAE a month ago. This harm will put him out of contention for selection in the T20i and ODI arrangement against New Zealand."

Ajmal targets World Cup return

Saeed Ajmal is satisfied with the advancement he has made with the healing chip away at his rocking the bowling actoion activity, and has said he is focusing on the 2015 World Cup for his worldwide rebound.

Ajmal as of late experienced informal tests on his playing activity at the ICC-authorize testing focus in Loughborough, where biomechanist Dr Mark King noted "considerable change" in his action, despite the fact that the straightening of his elbow still surpassed the allowed 15-degree mark.

"I'm exceptionally satisfied with the appraisal of Dr. Ruler," Ajmal said, in a meeting with Pakpassion.net. "It was exceptionally delighting to hear what he needed to say. I was anticipating that a lessening will around 30 degrees however to see that a few conveyances are down to 20 degrees is fabulous and positive news for me.

"Likewise, what is truly empowering is that the vast majority of my deliveries are presently inside the 15 degree limit. The ICC's guidelines obviously stipulate that all conveyances must be under 15 degrees and I'm extremely sure that I will attain that focus with the assistance of [former Pakistan offspinner] Saqlain Mushtaq and the various people who are helping me and managing me."

Ajmal said his elbow augmentation surpassed 15 degrees just for the doosra, and that all his different conveyances were presently falling inside as far as possible. "I'm buckling down on changing the doosra to guarantee that it is likewise under 15 degrees and I'm sure that I will figure out how to do that."

The ICC banned Ajmal from rocking the bowling alley in universal cricket in September. He had been accounted for after the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, and testing of his activity in Brisbane uncovered his normal elbow expansion to be more than double as far as possible. It was the second time Ajmal had been accounted for, however the first run through - in 2009 - he had effectively cleared tests on his activity. Ajmal said he was baffled by the absence of consistency in the test outcomes.

India's star cricketer Virat Kohli launched the three-D animated superhero series

New Delhi: India's star cricketer Virat Kohli  launched the three-D animated superhero series for kids. He said the world will see my avatar fighting against demon like other  superhero avatars  . I do not think I can do it in real but  in the cartoon series i can, but I was glad to do it , he said the series very interesting experience for me, certainly influenced by events in my life baby I'm will.

Smith ton Gives Australia a series win

Steven Smith began this series in structure yet out of the side. Matthew Wade began it out of structure yet in the side. Together, they set up an series triumph by plotting one of Australia's most exceptional one-day universal pursues, before one of the MCG's most astoundingly little global swarms. Smith's 104 was reminiscent of Michael Bevan's heroics at the SCG on New Year's Day 1996, conveying victory from a position where thrashing appeared certain.

Smith and Wade met up with Australia's score at 5 for 98 in quest for 268. Successfully, they were 6 for 98, for Nathan Coulter-Nile's hamstring harm implied he was unrealistic to bat. However as opposed to panicking, the pair summed up the circumstances sensibly. There was a lot of time and nothing senseless was needed. Tick the score along at a run a ball, don't get out, and impact it home toward the end. Smith was sufficiently talented to get it going.

Very nearly. With two runs obliged, he was bowled attempting to work clear Robin Peterson, however there were still seven balls remaining, and the triumph touched base with a solitary next ball from Pat Cummins when his shot to mid-on was gotten on the bob by David Miller; the third umpire checked for a clean get and discovered it had skiped. Australia had pulled off triumph by three wickets with six balls to extra.

James Faulkner had assumed a key part after Wade succumbed to 52 late in the pursuit. Faulkner struck six limits in his unbeaten 34 from 19 balls and verified the weight did not construct once the 121-run Smith-Wade association was broken. That happened when Wade - who entered the arrangement having scored just 101 runs at 16.83 in the late Matador Cup - guided a get into the profound off Wayne Parnell.

He had struck four limits and one six, likewise off Parnell, and gave profitable support to Smith. After the past diversion in Canberra, AB de Villiers portrayed Smith as an issue for restricting chiefs. It was not a bad dream de Villiers could shake. Smith knocked the ball around and stayed at the pleat, raising his 50 from 63 balls. He played a couple of his courageous Smith-style strokes, eminently a tennis crush over mid-off for four off Kyle Abbott, yet he went for broke.

Smith scored his runs all around the wicket and his hundred originated from 109 conveyances to show why he is seen with such energy as an issue future pioneer of this side. Before 14,177 Melbourne observers, Smith conveyed an arrangement win as well as guaranteed he will be a changeless part of this ODI furnish in the wake of beginning the arrangement out of the side.

He went to the fold with right on time wickets having damage. South Africa had definitely modified their assault from the past diversion and the progressions at first paid off. Abbott struck ahead of schedule by having David Warner lbw for 4 and his first spell was splendidly parsimonious - four overs for five runs. Ryan Mclaren, down on certainty in the wake of battling in Perth, livened up in the wake of having Shane Watson found behind blazing at a wide ball for 19.

At that point came the huge blow - Aaron Finch, who had made a century in that comparable pursue against England recently, pulled a get to profound square leg off Parnell for 22 off 37 balls. At the point when commander George Bailey fought to turn the strike and was discovered behind attempting to crush one outside off from Dale Steyn for 16 off 29, things searched bleak for Australia. An alternate blaze without footwork finished in Glenn Maxwell edging to slip off Steyn for 2.

Not until Smith settled in did Australia enter de Villiers-style batting mode. Having elevated himself to No.4, de Villiers drained runs and struck just six limits amid the course of his 91 from 88 balls. Just once did he confront three successive spots and by guaranteeing the weight did not assemble, he permitted Miller to fabricate an innings without feeling he needed to go hard.

They joined for a 122-run stand that finished when Miller's tolerance did truth be told desert him, and amid the batting Powerplay he attempted to clean conceal Faulkner however was gotten in the profound for 45. Faulkner, who was yet to play in the arrangement, was one of Australia's better bowlers and completed with 2 for 45 after he rocked the bowling alley Robin Peterson amid the diminishing stages.

At the same time the huge wicket was that of de Villiers, who now has 271 runs in the arrangement at 67.75 and appeared bound for his initial hundred of the visit. Then again, he was found slapping a slower ball from Cummins to profound midwicket with seven overs remaining, and the loss of their settled batsman truly hurt South Africa's energy. Just 51 runs originated from the last 10 overs for the loss of four wickets; their 8 for 267 ought to have been much more.

Still, it was something for their bowlers to guard after the main three batsmen all fell inside the initial 17 overs. Hashim Amla snared Coulter-Nile to square leg and was splendidly gotten low to the ground by Cummins for 18; Quinton de Kock was gotten and knocked down some pins by Maxwell off a main edge for 17; and Faf du Plessis was gotten behind off Cummins for 28, his first ODI wicket since June 2012.

The greater part of Australia's cutting edge bowlers made commitments - Mitchell Starc took 1 for 40 from 10 overs in the wake of guaranteeing the late wicket of Mclaren - and between them they guaranteed South Africa faltered. Australia's batsmen stammered as well, however Smith didn't. He built Australia's first ever ODI triumph over South Africa at the MCG, which could be a vital mental hindrance overcome in the event that they meet there for the World Cup last in March. Until further notice, they guaranteed Sunday's SCG match is a dead elastic.

Australia's Test hopefuls denied one last audition

Cricket Australia has demanded the reasons are logistical, not determined by promoting, yet whatever the terminology, Australia's Test hopefuls will be denied one final opportunity to inspire the selectors in front of the first match against India. The squad is liable to be named on November 24, notwithstanding a full round of Sheffield Shield recreations beginning on Tuesday, ten prior days the Gabba Test.

On the off chance that the squad was to be named on Friday, after the finishing of the Shield diversions, it would give the players five days to meet in Brisbane and get ready for the first Test, which begins on December 4. Selector Mark Waugh said on Fox Sports on Thursday night that he would have wanted to see the following round of Shield matches before settling on a squad.

"We're taking a seat on Saturday to pick the first Test group," Waugh said. "It doesn't really permit us to take a gander at the second [next] round of Shield matches ... Conceivably you might want to see the second round of Sheffield Shield matches, however that is not a choice the selectors have made. Cricket Australia have made that. It's for showcasing purposes."

Notwithstanding, on Friday, CA issued a press discharge that said Waugh had identified with Pat Howard, the general director of group execution, and surrendered that he utilized the wrong phrasing by saying the early choice was for advertising when he ought to have said "logistics". CA likewise noted the same procedure had been utilized in front of a year ago's 5-0 Ashes clean-clear.

"In the event that the selectors feel they require more of an opportunity to choose the squad that choice is dependably there," Howard said. On the other hand, he likewise said the selectors searched for reliable exhibitions over a time of time and did not pick players focused around their deliberations in a solitary match.

Whatever the reasons, the timing means Australia's cricketers have now done everything they can to inspire the selectors in front of the naming of the Test squad. For a percentage of the men who battled in the late Test arrangement against Pakistan in the UAE, that is a short of what perfect situation.

Sarfraz Ahmed getiing rewards for his good bating

Dubai: Sarfraz Ahmed getiing rewards for his good bating, records have been collapsed into his swing, most Test centuries in a year to become the world's second wicket keeper. He pushed back the other Pakistani keeper Kamran Akmal in the record book, He is now just behind  Andy Flower, AB de Villiers and Adam Gilchrist . According to the details in the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand Sarfraz Ahmed scored 112, his third Test century this year, more than 4 centuries in a calendar year by  wicketkeepers AB de Villiers who did that last year .
Sarfraz played 8 tests this year scored 667 runs at an average of 74.11 , by any Pakistani keeper these are  most runs in a calendar year,

Australia look to wrap up the series at MCG

After their capital execution in Canberra, Australia have the opportunity to wrap up an arrangement win on Friday. They ought to relish the opportunity to do so at the MCG, where the World Cup final will be held in a little more than four months. Both Australia and South Africa will long for being a piece of that decider on March 29 and it is not impossible that they could meet one another there. That makes this amusement a little dress-practice; Australia can secure a trophy with triumph on Friday, South Africa must evade annihilation to keep the challenge alive.

It has been outstanding that in every one of the three matches in this way, Australia have batted first. Twice that brought about 300 or more aggregates that brought down the South Africans, and once in a Perth fall that cost them the amusement. Should AB de Villiers win the throw in Melbourne, he may be slanted to bat and put Australia under the weight of pursuing. One and only of the previous five Odis at the MCG has been won by the group batting second.

Both sides are additionally working out a few wrinkles in their line-ups. South Africa's equalization has looked topsy-turvey without the harmed JP Duminy, and they must choose whether they can stand to depend on part-clocks Farhaan Behardien and de Villiers for 10 overs once more, or reinforce their assault. Australia abbreviated their batting line-up by hacking out Glenn Maxwell in Canberra and it didn't cost them, however their defenselessness to incidental batting breakdown implies it is constantly hard to anticipate what number of they will make.

In the spotlight

There has been a lot of discussion Mitchell Johnson over the previous year, yet his namesake Mitchell Starc may very well be approaching as one of the key men for Australia at the World Cup. He gathered four wickets in Australia's win in Canberra and eminently was making history the ball to turn around swing. Starc's ODI record is solid yet at home it is particularly so - in 14 amusements in Australia he has taken 27 wickets at 17.03, including two four-fors and two five-wicket pulls. His previous four Odis at home have presented to him 15 wickets for 134.

Rameez Raja opposed Aamir's Return

Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja opposed opening the door's for Aamir again. He said Misbah  and colleagues hardly restored the credibility of the team and should not spoil it again. Rameez said people who argue in favor of Amir they say he was not aware of the implications of these things, and he belonged to a poor family sitting for a mistake, I want to ask those people since he refused to become a part of the county, it appears that the amount at issue was not so innocent. I will report everything but it did not happen, and then came the Justice Qayyum report. He should ask Misbah and his corrupt team player willing to put in the dressing room once again or not.

PCB writes latter to ICC about Amir's ban

The PCB has composed a letter to the ICC asking for that the overseeing body survey the states of Mohammad Amir's spot-settling boycott. The letter, sent to the ICC on Wednesday, asked for that 22-year-old Amir be permitted to come back to local cricket before his five-year boycott closes in September 2015.

A PCB representative told Espncricinfo: "The PCB has formally sent a letter to ICC, requesting that it survey the boycott on Mohammad Amir in light of the amendment in the [icc's] hostile to defilement code."

According to the reconsidered against defilement code, banned players could be permitted to come back to local cricket before the end of their punishment on the off chance that they meet certain criteria.

The letter was regulated to the ICC's against defilement unit executive, Ronnie Flanagan, who can endorse the early reintegration of banned players focused around various variables, including the level of regret demonstrated by the player, their collaboration with the ACSU's instruction program, and how accommodating the player has been as far as uncovering applicable data.

As indicated by the PCB, Amir, who was banned for his part in the spot-altering outrage of the 2010 Lord's Test, has met all the conditions along these lines meets all requirements for reintegration.

While the PCB has been in dialogs with the ICC over Amir's case for some time now, it is hesitant to amplify the same treatment to Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, who were likewise banned - for more periods - after the spot-settling embarrassment. Not at all like Amir, who conceded amid the criminal examination in London, Butt and Asif kept on demanding they were blameless, even despite confirmation against them, admitting just after they had lost all alternative of engaging against their bans.

Mohammad Hafeez suspicious bowling action

Lahore: Star all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez suspicious bowling action to be tested on November 23,He will leave for England on November 24 for bio-mechanics test in Cardiff, after which he will leave the UAE where they will take part in the third Test against New Zealand.After the first Test against New Zealand his bowling action was declared suspicious by match referee .

Team performance is satisfactory: Mohammad Amir

Lahore: The ICC in the spot-fixing convicted young fast bowler Mohammad Amir national team squad for the performances of others, rather than focus on. worked. will come forward, everyone gets the team to their performances, which will play nice place to get it. Mohammad Amir said hard time with many players and not too many players, but I thank everyone because everyone has good and bad times. Fitness is the key to success and is very important for a player to be fit and I know what to do for fitness. When 600 runs against the same pressure on the opposing team comes and make the bowlers bowling without any pressure. Is clear from the ICC Anti-Corruption Code Fast bowler Mohammad Amir after editing return to international cricket are being paved paths.

Hanif Mohammad said

Karachi: Former Test captain Hanif Mohammad said consistently performed well to come watch batting line test. Lost early wickets on the third day of the second Test, Pakistan could follow online, New Zealand 403 runs in the first innings was folded positions. Representative '' Express '' Talking He first innings of 19 overs 34 runs 2 wickets hosts minor pressure faces, Shan Masood himself wicket compatible could not give life long later had the opportunity to play Test cricket, but he failed. A missed opportunity Ahmed Shehzad, Younis Khan and Misbah now heavy responsibility is to maintain the continuity of the previous performance needed to score, lest heroes become zero, a Hanif Mohammad said the question of New Zealand's bowlers, especially spinners previous performance is not unusual, it is less likely to benefit from his wicket, but our batsmen at the wicket have the potential to stop runs.

New Zealand's hopes of victory

Dubai: New Zealand's hopes of victory to vandalizing the pitch have folded, wicketkeeper batsman Bradley uatlng second day of the Test batting was not easy at the beginning, despite wickets falling tail quickly create a valuable collection contributed to. Wednesday's effort to increase pressure on Pakistan. According to the Dubai Test 403 more runs after New Zealand Pakistan struggles to hunt for the hopeful look, talking to the media wicketkeeper batsman Bradley uatlng the second day of play at the beginning 2 wickets were struggling to lose, but the tail of the innings total of 403 gain the strength to help. He said the conditions of Dubai and rival team measured before bowling to score so it was not exactly easy, runs against spinners had been difficult to achieve, good combinations to advance to patiently wait for the balls had finally Mark Craig kiwi batsmen including full resistance to pressure us the opportunity to competitors, said Ash roast uatlng match pitches are useful for the team to win a good thing that I have been successful is the pitch of the tail when viewed from the 125 runs scored could play a decisive role in the end. I will be able to limit our right, we finally UAE traditionally difficult conditions all will try to put pressure on the opponents.

Callum Ferguson must be picked if Michael Clarke misses India Tests: Mike Hussey

Former Australian legend, Michael Hussey , has called upon the selectors to bite the bullet and offer South Australia's Callum Ferguson,a Test debut, if regular skipper, Michael Clarke, fails to pass fit in time for the Brisbane Test against India.

Clarke re-aggravated his hamstring injury during the first ODI against South Africa in Perth on Friday and is said to be a doubtful starter for the India series. As Australia searches for his likely batting replacement, Hussey, has called upon the selectors to offer Callum Ferguson, who is currently the leading run-scorer in the Sheffield Shield, an opportunity to prove his credentials at Test level.

"Personally I feel someone like Callum Ferguson is ripe for the picking," he said. "He's leading the Sheffield Shield scoring and has been very consistent the last three years," he added.

The 30-year-old Ferguson, who last featured for Australia in a ODI match in 2011, has displayed excellent form in the ongoing Australian domestic season and made a superb 140 against Victoria in the latest round of Sheffield Shield matches. "Thirty is still young these days, he could play for another eight years and play over 80 Tests if he plays well," Hussey, who himself made his Test debut at that age, noted.

Australia crashed to a humiliating 2-0 series defeat against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Hussey felt Shane Watson, who missed the series with an injury, must be back at his familiar number three batting position. Alex Doolan batted in that position in the first Test, but was dumped after scores of 5 and 0. His replacement for the second Test, Glenn Maxwell, fared marginally better, making 37 and 4.

Hussey said he was impressed with what he saw of Doolan and urged the selectors to give the Tasmanian a better run. "I'm a big fan of Doolan though, I must admit, and I'd love for selectors to give him an extended run at it," he said.

The former Australian batsman also backed Chris Rogers to come back into decent form. Rogers spent time in the middle during the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai, but failed to convert his starts into bigger knocks. "I'd also hang onto [Chris] Rogers, he complements Dave Warner very well. If they're looking ahead to England and the Ashes, he's the guy who's played more cricket in England than anyone," Hussey said.

Despite his persistent injuries, Hussey backed Clarke to continue as Australia's Test captain, but pinned hopes on Haddin in Clarke's absence. "I still think Clarke is a chance, despite what everyone else is saying out there," Hussey said. "If not Haddin's the vice-captain, he's got the experience and the know-how," he added.

Glenn McGrath, one of Australia's fast bowling greats, also chipped in saying that Clarke had done enough to retain Test captaincy. He however opined that Clarke should take a call on his ODI future, considering the spate of recent injuries. "Australians have always valued Tests higher than anything else," McGrath said.

"The World Cup is very important, there's no doubt about that, but I think with Michael Clarke it's about getting fully fit again. He's had problems with his back and his hamstrings, they're both connected, so they're not positive signs for the future," he added.

Speaking about captaincy in Clarke's absence, the legendary pacer admitted that Haddin would be the first choice, if completely fit, but also spoke highly about Steve Smith. "If Brad Haddin's back fully fit, he'll slot straight back in there. If not, they've always earmarked Steve Smith as a future Australian captain.

"He captained NSW, I think he's done a great job. I like the way he goes about it, his attitude and if given the opportunity I think he'll do very well,"McGrath concluded.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar named India's international cricketer of the year by BCCI

India's bowling all-rounder, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who enjoyed a terrific 2013-14 season, has been rewarded with the Polly Umrigar award for being the country's best international cricketer, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed a fruitful season, scoring 263 runs and picking up 22 wickets in seven Tests. He also grabbed 17 wickets from 22 ODIs besides 7 wickets from an equal number of T20Is.

The award comprises of a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 5 lakhs. The award has been won in previous years by Sachin Tendulkar (2006-07 and 2009-10), Virender Sehwag (2007-08), Gautam Gambhir (2008-09), Rahul Dravid (2010-11) , Virat Kohli (2011-12) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2012-13).

The BCCI has also conferred former middle-order batsman, Dilip Vengsarkar, with the Colonel CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. He was nominated for the award by a committee comprising of Mr. Shekhar Gupta, Senior Media personality, Mr. Shivlal Yadav, Interim President, BCCI and Mr. Sanjay Patel, Hony. Secretary, BCCI, according to a BCCI media release.

Vengsarkar becomes the 22nd Indian to be conferred with the lifetime achievement award, which was first constituted in 1994.

Reacting to BCCI's decision, Vengsarkar said he was honoured to be receiving the biggest cricketing award. "I feel honoured that I have been chosen for the C K Nayudu award which I guess, is the highest award for cricket in India. I am grateful to the BCCI," Vengsarkar told PTI.

Vengsarkar is the only non-English batsman to score three Test hundreds at Lord's. The third of those hundreds an unbeaten 126 in 1986 set up India's first Test win at the venue. He also became only the second Indian player to feature in 100 Tests. The middle-order batsman was a part of the team that won the 1983 Cricket World Cup, The World Championship of Cricket held in Australia in 1985, and also led India in 10 Tests as captain.

The award consists of a trophy, a citation as well as a cheque for Rs. 25 lakhs and will be presented during the Annual BCCI awards, scheduled to be held on November 21st.

Jammu and Kashmir's captain, Parvez Rasool, has been conferred with the Lala Amarnath award for being the best all-rounder during the 2013-14 Ranji trophy. He scored 663 runs and picked up 27 wickets from 9 matches. The award includes a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

Karnataka's captain, R V Kumar, who led the team to a grand treble during the 2013-14 season, has been rewarded with the Lala Amarnath award for being the best all-rounder, during the 2013-14 ODI domestic season. Vinay scored 113 runs and grabbed a stunning 40 wickets from just 12 matches. His award includes a trophy and a cheque for Rs. 2.5 lakhs.

Maharashtra's middle-order batsman, Kedar Jadhav, who emerged as the top-scorer during the 2013-14 season of the Ranji Trophy will receive the Madhav Rao Scindia award for the best batsman in the 2013-14 Ranji season. Jadhav, who made his ODI debut during the fifth ODI against Sri Lanka, scored 1223 runs in 11 matches at a superb average of 87.35. It included 6 hundreds and 2 fifties. Jadhav will receive a trophy as well as a cash award of Rs 2.5 lakhs.

Himachal Pradesh's pacer, Rishi Dhawan, received the corresponding Madhav Rao Scindia award for being the best bowler during the 2013-14 Ranji season. He finished with 49 wickets from 8 matches at an impressive average of 20.83.

Anil Choudhary has been named as the best umpire for the 2013-14 season. He will receive a trophy as well as a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-

England in South Africa 2015-16

South Africa will play their first four-Test series in six years when they host England in 2015-16. The tour is scheduled to include four Tests, five ODIs and two T20s and will run from December 11 to February 21.

England will play two three-day warm-up games before kicking off with the Boxing Day Test, which returns to Durban after being moved to Port Elizabeth for this season against West Indies. St George's Park does not get a Test at all in the 2015-16 period, with Newlands retaining the New Year's Test, Johannesburg's Wanderers back on the Test calendar after missing out this summer, and SuperSport Park in Centurion the other Test hosts.

The five ODIs take cricket to Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth as well as Centurion, Johannesburg and Cape Town, with the latter two cities also staging the T20s.

The Test venues are exactly the same as they were the last time England where in South Africa in 2009-10. That series, memorable for England hanging on nine wickets down in Centurion and Cape Town, was drawn 1-1 and was also the last time South Africa last played in a four-Test series.


Since then, the teams have only met in one other Test rubber, in 2012, when South Africa took the Test mace off England. Their last Test series defeat to England came at home in 2004-05.

"England are the best supported team away from home and once more we look forward to welcoming their legion of fans together with their players and team management. The well-known 'Barmy Army' always adds charm to the on-field competition," Haroon Lorgat, CSA CEO said. "The tour has already drawn huge interest and promises to be the highlight of our summer with four Test matches being played."

While South Africa are currently clear at the top of the Test rankings, despite briefly being overtaken by Australia, England are down in fourth after losing 5-0 in Australia and 1-0 at home to Sri Lanka before beating India. They have a concentrated period of one-day cricket before the World Cup but will then play 17 Tests in nine months up to the end of the South Africa tour.

England's managing director, Paul Downton, said: "Any tour of South Africa is special and as the Proteas currently set the benchmark in Test and ODI cricket it will be a real challenge which our emerging team will relish. We can be assured of fantastic support in South Africa from the thousands of loyal supporters who always follow us around the country - particularly at the Boxing Day Test in Durban and the New Year Test at Newlands in Cape Town"

This will be a very interesting series. A year from now the young England side should be improved, while the aging South Africans will be looking to hold on to their number one spot.
Great to see that a decent program of contests in all formats will be played, especially 4 tests.
Frankly, for me this England off-season is a bit of a wash-out, with only an ODI series against Sri Lanka, the ODI tri-series with Australia and India and the WC to come in the next 4 months. Not enough cricket and no tests. After that it looks a lot better, with series against the WI (politics permitting), the Ashes and SA to come.

Srinivasan ignored player's code of conduct violation - Mudgal report

The Mudgal report has found ICC chairman and sidelined BCCI president N Srinivasan not guilty of either betting or fixing, or of having tried to prevent the investigation into the IPL 2013 corruption scandal. However, the report does state that Srinivasan, along with four other BCCI officials, knew about an IPL player violating the code of conduct, but took no action. The name of the player and the details of the IPL code of conduct violation are not yet specified.

The Mudgal committee report on the IPL 2013 corruption scandal, which was presented to the Supreme Court of India earlier this month, lays out the misdemeanours of the "non-playing individuals" who were issued notices on Friday. The report says that IPL chief operating officer Sundar Raman knew a contact of a bookie and had contacted him eight times in a season. Of the other two individuals served Supreme Court notices, it has been established that Gurunath Meiyappan, who is Srinivasan's son-in-law, was an official of the Chennai Super Kings franchise - and not just "an enthusiast", as he was made out to be - and had indulged in illegal betting.

The report also says: "The 4th individual Raj Kundra, a co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, has been accused and charged with being in touch with bookies about betting. By not reporting contact with the bookie he had violated BCCI/IPL anti-corruption code and, according to information available, he had also been placing bets."

Interim BCCI president Shivlal Yadav said "action will be taken". "In the case of Meiyappan and Raj Kundra, action will be taken against them," he told Times Now. "If there is evidence against Mr Sundar Raman, [about speaking] to a bookie then action will be taken. The BCCI will not spare anybody."

Along with presenting an interim report in May, the committee had handed over a sealed envelope containing allegations against 13 individuals which called for further investigations. The Mudgal committee was then greater investigative powers by the court to look into the allegations against the 13, and submitted its report after four months. The court was also handed over a detailed report of the investigation as an annexure, along with a "summary" of the findings over 25 pages, which was made available to the media. According to the Supreme Court's order dated November 14, "Certain findings recorded by the Mudgal Committee apparently indict some of the individuals [on] whom the Committee was asked to conduct a probe."

The index of the report, 25 pages long, refers to four individuals in which Gurunath is individual No. 1, Raj Kundra No. 11, Sundar Raman No. 12 and N Srinivasan No.13.

The report says Individual 13, that is, Srinivasan, is "not involved with match fixing activity" and "not found to be involved in scuttling the investigations into match fixing". It goes on to specify "the individual along with four other BCCI officials was aware of the violation of the Players Code of Conduct by Individual 3, but no action was taken against Individual 3 by any of the aforesaid officials who were aware of this infraction". Individual 3 refers to a player whose name is contained in the Mudgal committee report on the role of players in the IPL 2013 corruption scandal, but whose name has been omitted in the report on the officials.

Individual 12, that is, Sundar Raman, the report says, "knew a contact of a bookie and had contacted him eight times in one season". When questioned Raman "admitted" that "knew" a contact of the bookie, but claimed to be "unaware of his connection with betting activities". The report says Raman "also accepted" that he had received information about "individual 1 and individual 11 [that is, Gurunath and Kundra] taking part in betting." He said he was "informed" by the ICC-ACSU chief that this was not actionable information. Raman "accepted" that this information that he received about two team officials being reportedly involved in betting "was not conveyed to any other individual" by him. Incidentally, Raman is a member of the ICC's Integrity Working Party, which is reviewing cricket's collective approach to the threat of corruption, the functioning of the ICC's and member-boards' domestic anti-corruption units, and their inter-relationships.

In referring to Individual No. 1, that is, Gurunath, the report said that a forensic voice sample confirmed that Gurunath was in conversation with an individual "acting as a go-between" with bookies. The investigators were also "unanimous about the betting activity of the individual". It goes on to say that "no individual is available on record to show that this individual is involved in match fixing". Due to the matching of voice samples and "testimony of security personnel recorded by the investigating team, the finding about the betting activities of Individual 1 and the finding that he was a team official stand confirmed.

The earlier Mudgal committee report, dated February 2014, said, "When Mr Raj Kundra appeared before us, he was questioned as to whether he had indulged in any betting activity in the IPL, to which he categorically answered in the negative." Following more detailed investigations, it has been found that, Individual 11, that is, Kundra, "was in touch with the bookies" and that "the investigation against this individual was abruptly and without reason stopped by the Rajasthan Police upon receiving case papers from Delhi Police".

A century of wins for India

This win is also India's 100th over Sri Lanka across all formats. On that note, we sign off. Many thanks for your company. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. We certainly enjoyed bringing it to you. Until next time, take care and goodbye!
Sachin Tendulkar: India 5-0, Srikant 2-0, Saina 2-0, Kerala Blasters 1-0. Could not have asked for a better day.
Bharat Seervi: Both opposing captains scoring 100s in an ODIPorterfield/Morgan, Dublin, 2013M Rahim/Kohli, Fatullah, 2014MATHEWS/KOHLI
Mohandas Menon: Only the third time in ODI history both captains have made 100s in same match. All the 3 instances coming in the last 14 months! #IndvSL
Rajneesh Gupta: .@imVkohli is first Indian captain to clean-sweep a bilateral series 5-0 both at home and abroad. Beat Zim 5-0 in Zim last year.#IndvsSL
Some views from the twitterati:
The trophy has been presented to Kohli. The Indians pose for the photographers. The Australian tour is next on their agenda, while Sri Lanka will be itching to regroup ahead of the 7-match ODI series against England.
Series summary, Sri Lanka: The hastily-arranged tour was built up as an opportunity for the fringe players. However, they never really turned up, as Sri Lanka were annihilated 5-0. Gamage and Dhammika sprayed the ball all around the shop, Chaturanga lacked control as well. The likes of Priyanjan, KJ Perera also failed miserably. Mahela and Sanga too did not hit their straps quickly. Mathews though has stood tall amid ruins, aggregating 339 runs. Bowling continues to be Sri Lanka's biggest wory, the top-order malfunction notwithstanding. Can they find somebody to fill in for the injured Malinga in the upcoming ODI series against England? As the old cliche goes, only time will tell us.
Series summary, India: It has been a series where India have ticked most boxes. With 10 wickets, Umesh Yadav has nudged ahead in the tussle for the third pacer slot. The likes of Rayudu and Axar have also been major plusses for the hosts. Rayudu's magnificent 121* saw him press his case for a permanent World Cup berth. Besides ending as the highest wicket-taker in the series, Axar showed composure with the bat, as Kohli put it. Rohit Sharma proved both his fitness and class with an epic 264 - the highlight of the series. The likes of Binny, Uthappa and Jadhav though have not done enough to vindicate the selector's faith in them.
Kohli: 'Little worried and annoyed (chuckles) as well (when enquired about running out of partners). There was communication but lack of application. Axar did what I wanted him to do. He kept his composure and listened to me. The pitch was two-paced. The ball was not quite coming on. When the ball got old, it was not easy, especially in the second innings. I kept running out of partners. The guys have to learn from it. Absolutely, it has to start from the top. It has to come from me first. If you want someone else to do something, you have to do it yourself. This has to be the over (in reference to attacking Mendis). I tried the helicopter shot and it came off. Playing in MS' home town, it was a perfect finish for us. I have loved it (captaincy). We have a young side, exciting squad and you saw the character and composure of quite a few guys in this series. It was pleasing to see, especially Rohit's knock in the last game was legendary and it will be hard to beat in the future. It has been a great series overall for us. All in all, it is very satisfying. 48 hours sounds much better than 2 days (talking about leaving for the Australian tour). I would like to thank the Sri Lankan side for putting their hands up and participating in this series.'
Virat Kohli was the Man of the Series for aggregating 329 runs, including a century and 2 fifties.
Mathews: 'Not really (when enquired if he was tired after the all-round effort). Still we lost. It would have been awesome to get a win. We did not play good cricket again. India played well. It was a tough wicket. I had to hang in there. Thirimanne batted well. I just had a go at the end and it worked. We batted pretty well, 287 was a huge score on this wicket. Once again Kohli batted well, all the best to them for Australia. We have to flush this out of our system and try to win against England. We have 14 ODIs ahead of the World Cup.'
Mathews was the Man of the Match for his all-round display. He followed up his maiden ODI ton with creditable figures of 7-1-33-2.
But, please do spare a thought for Kohli's opposite number - Angelo Mathews - who essayed an equally good knock to lift the touring party to a healthy 286/8. He was also at it with the ball. However, it was not enough to help Sri Lanka avert an embarrassing whitewash. Do stick around for the presentation and quotes from both captains.
The jitters multiplied after Mendis nipped out Robbie, Jadhav, Binny and Ashwin in quick succession. Despite that, Kohli, showing no signs of panic, guided India home with some lusty hits. Axar did well to hang around with his captain.
The hosts were off to a shaky start though as Mathews struck twice in two overs, reducing them to 14/2. Ambati Rayudu and Virat Kohli then combined well in a superb 136-run stand to perk up India. Both started off slowly before gradually shifting gears. Against the run of play though Rayudu fell run-out with Kohli guilty of ball watching.
Prior to the start of the match, Kohli said that he would improve his conversion rate once he passed 60,70. He exactly did that, staying there till the very end and sealing it with a six, ala MS Dhoni.
Kohli removes the helmet off his head and lets out a roar. Ravi Shaz seemed to have enjoyed that winning six. He is up on his feet as well - applauding the captain. Hugs exchanged between Kohli and Axar to go with it. Kohli is absolutely pumped and why not? India have been clinical throughout the series across all departments.

Ajmal's action improving but needs more work

Saeed Ajmal's bowling action has undergone "a substantial improvement" since his last official test but will need more work to bring it within the 15-degree limit, the Pakistan Cricket Board has said. The update on Ajmal's action came after an unofficial test at Loughborough, which is one of ICC's newest accredited centres for testing illegal actions.

Biomechanist Dr Mark King, who tested Ajmal in Loughborough, submitted a report to the PCB which said: "The bowler has clearly modified his bowling action substantially. There is clearly a substantial improvement from the previous official test where the average elbow extension was 40 degrees but the amount of elbow extension is still over the 15-degree limit, but it is likely that with additional work the bowler can bowl within the 15-degree limit."

Ajmal, who turned 37 last month, was banned from bowling in international cricket by the ICC in September. He was reported after the first Test of Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka in Galle this August. Subsequent testing of his action at an ICC-accredited facility in Brisbane found his average elbow extension to be more than twice the permissible limit.

Since then, the bowler has undergone a rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy under the supervision of former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq. While a speed gun and two cameras were recording his movements, assessment of the remedial work was based largely on human judgement as Ajmal was working without the aid of a biomechanical lab at the NCA.

The PCB informed that the test in Loughborough was conducted according to the standard ICC Illegal Action Testing Protocol, which is used to assess the degree of elbow extension from the point of the upper arm horizontal to ball release within the bowling action.

Ajmal will now remain in England for another work and will work with Saqlain at the latter's cricket academy in Leicestershire. The PCB intends to apply for an official retest of Ajmal's action before the 2015 World Cup.
I personally think that even if Ajmal returns, he won't be that kind of wicket taking spinner as he was before. Didn't you look at Anwar Ali? he had a different style when he was playing for under 19 team and got so much of swing? now he doesn't get that swing because NCA changed his bowling style. Style has a lot of effect on the lets say "wicket". His style change might not give him more of those spin he got, or more of those excellent doosra's and etc that he bowled. Another negative factor is that he is in his very late 30s (37) which is not a very good time to get banned due to illegal bowling. I wish he was noticed about this when he was 35 or something because that would let him have more time.

Morkel set up South Africa win

Morne Morkel wreaked havoc and together with AB de Villiers, wrecked Australia's chances of taking a 2-0 series lead in the second ODI at the WACA. Morkel's career-best 5 for 21 helped to skittle Australia for 154, a total that was barely half of what they made in the first game on Friday and showed how fortunate they were that South Africa dropped so many chances on that occasion. A brisk 48 from 41 scored by de Villiers confirmed the result.

The chase was not entirely straightforward for South Africa, who were 2 for 21 after losing both openers early, and wobbled towards the end as Josh Hazlewood completed his first five-wicket haul in ODI cricket. But Hazlewood's efforts were offset by a leaky display from Nathan Coulter-Nile, whose six overs cost 54, and South Africa reached their target with three wickets in hand and 22.2 overs remaining.

The winning runs came with a four struck down the ground by Dale Steyn off Hazlewood, who finished with 5 for 31, and was twice on a hat-trick during the South Africa innings. His bounce and pace caused some awkward moments for the South Africans, just as Morkel had done for the Australia batsmen, and it would not be surprising to find him part of Australia's Test squad to take on India this summer.

He picked up the first wicket when Quinton de Kock was done by extra bounce and cut hard to a leaping Shane Watson at slip, and Mitchell Johnson then had Hashim Amla caught behind for 10. But a quick 30 off 25 balls from Rilee Rossouw put South Africa back on track before he was taken at slip by Steven Smith off Glenn Maxwell.

But de Villiers was the rock that South Africa required, playing his shots despite the ample time left in the match. Hazlewood's bouncer accounted for Faf du Plessis, who was caught behind hooking for 19, and next ball Farhaan Behardien was taken at gully, but David Miller survived the first of the hat-trick balls. Miller and de Villiers pushed the score along and brought the target in sight.

Hazlewood again had two from two when de Villiers was caught behind last ball of an over and in the first ball of Hazlewood's next, Vernon Philander lobbed a catch up to gully. But Coulter-Nile had leaked 12 runs in the over in between, and the result by then was a formality, with Miller remaining unbeaten on 22 and Steyn on 4.

It was not the outcome captain George Bailey had envisaged when he won the toss and chose to bat, hoping for a repeat of the first game, when Australia had posted 300. In that game the Australians had been in early trouble before Bailey and Matthew Wade rebuilt; this time early wickets again tumbled but the rebuilding process was interrupted by Philander and Morkel, and Australia were dismissed in the 42nd over.

Mitchell Marsh was the last man out, caught at short fine leg for 67 having provided some lusty blows late in the innings to push the total past 150, but he was the only batsman to pass 25, and he was part of the only two vaguely decent partnerships of the innings, with Bailey and Wade. Morkel got rid of David Warner in the first over and the wickets just kept tumbling as he found the right length to challenge the Australians on the WACA surface.

Warner was caught down the leg side off the glove for a duck, and Morkel followed up with Steven Smith, who top-edged a pull to mid-on for 10. Between those wickets, Steyn had chipped in by having Aaron Finch caught by Morkel at mid-on for 8 and Farhaan Behardien had provided a major bonus by nipping a ball back in and trapping Shane Watson lbw for 11.

The loss of Smith left Australia in big trouble at 4 for 34 and it took a Bailey-Marsh partnership to begin the rebuilding. They put on 58 for the fifth wicket but Bailey did not encounter as much good fortune as he had in the first game when he was dropped four times; on this occasion, his pull was snapped up by du Plessis at mid-on off the bowling of Philander, and he was out for 25.

A 33-run stand between Marsh and Wade followed but Wade was caught down leg side off Morkel in a similar manner to Warner. Both men were initially given not out before South Africa reviewed the calls. In Wade's case, there was a Hot Spot mark on the glove but the question for third umpire Nigel Llong was whether his hand had come off the bat by the time the ball brushed the glove; he was satisfied it had not, and Wade was gone for 19.

From there, things quickly deteriorated for Australia. Morkel added another wicket in the same over when Maxwell played on for a duck, and he picked up his fifth wicket when Johnson edged behind for 3. Steyn had Coulter-Nile caught at mid-on for 2 and after a couple of sixes from Marsh, the final wicket fell with the score on 154.

The teams will now head to Canberra with the series tied at 1-1, and the WACA will wait for its next international, a one-day game between England and India on January 30, in a summer when it has been denied the chance to host Test cricket
ABD: 'Bit disappointed that I could not finish things off. It was just about getting partnerships and chasing it down. I let the boys down by getting out at the wrong time. It was a very impressive bowling and fielding performance. Morne was excellent with the ball, it was something new we tried (when enquired about Morkel opening the bowling). Behardien also did a decent job with the ball. Three games to follow and I think the next game is the most important one.'
Bailey: 'It was a good effort by the bowlers, but there was not enough runs to defend. It was a combination of good bowling and poor batting. I don't remember getting a full or overpitched ball. They were good in the field, didn't drop any catches like the last game. It was a good performace by Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh. Looking forward to the next game.'
Morne Morkel, Man of the Match: 'Felt a little bit rusty on Friday, but today I got the rhythm that I wanted. I always love bowling at the WACA, there is always some extra bounce for me. It feels nice to get a 5-fer against such a good team. We had the game in control, but I was padded up just in case.'

Australia look to keep momentum in Clarke's absence

Australia took a 1-0 series lead at the WACA on Friday but it may yet prove to be a pyrrhic victory, given the recurrence of captain Michael Clarke's hamstring injury. Clarke was due to have scans in Perth on Saturday to assess the extent of the problem, but it seemed unlikely he would appear again in the one-day series. So, as has often been the case over the past couple of years, it will be up to George Bailey to lead the Australians in Clarke's absence. Already Bailey has skippered Australia in 20 one-day internationals, comfortably the most of any player who was not Australia's permanent leader. Never has a vice-captain been more captain than vice.

Unfortunately for the South Africans, in a strange way the situation might actually strengthen Australia, by creating room for the in-form Steven Smith to slot into the side. South Africa, meanwhile, will have to find a way to turn around their fortunes at the same venue just two days later. Problematically, their batsmen struggled early against the speed of Mitchell Johnson, but AB de Villiers and David Miller showed that the Australians can be worn down if a partnership develops.

But perhaps the most significant area in which South Africa must improve is their fielding. They dropped Bailey four times on Friday and also missed a run-out, while the Australians held their chances and managed a direct hit to remove de Villiers. If South Africa take their chances in the field - and plenty will be created by Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir - there is every possibility the teams could leave Perth with the series locked at 1-1.

Form guide
(last five completed games most recent first)
Australia WWWWL

South Africa LWWWW

In the spotlight
Before Friday's game, commentator Mark Taylor said that Steven Smith was unlucky not to have been selected given his recent ODI form, and he would have picked him ahead of George Bailey. Despite his chances, Bailey showed in Australia's innings why he is such a valuable player, slowly rebuilding from a shaky position before launching some muscular sixes later on and reaching 70. Named in the ICC's ODI Team of the Year on Friday, Bailey is the fourth-ranked ODI batsman in the world, and will have the responsibility of captaining Australia with Clarke injured. Despite often being under-estimated, he remains one of this team's most important players.

While the focus was all on Dale Steyn in the lead-up to this series, it was Vernon Philander who caused Australia's batsmen the most problems in the first match. Philander's natural length is full enough to be effective at the WACA, where visiting fast bowlers can become over-excited by the pace and bounce and can fall into the trap of bowling too short. Philander's ability to move the ball makes him even more of a threat, as his 4 for 45 on Friday proved.

Team news
The recurrence of Michael Clarke's hamstring injury almost certainly means a straight swap for Steven Smith. The selectors have decided against adding an extra player to the squad, and Kane Richardson again seems the likely candidate to miss out. Johnson will probably be rested from the remainder of the series after the teams leave Perth, to help him prepare for the upcoming Tests against India, but he is expected to play on Sunday.

Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch, 2 David Warner, 3 Shane Watson, 4 Steven Smith, 5 George Bailey (capt), 6 Mitchell Marsh, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Matthew Wade (wk), 9 Mitchell Johnson, 10 Nathan Coulter-Nile, 11 Josh Hazlewood.

Ryan McLaren had a poor match with both bat and ball on Friday and South Africa could consider bringing in Wayne Parnell.

South Africa (possible) 1 Hashim Amla, 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 AB de Villiers (capt), 5 Farhaan Behardien, 6 David Miller, 7 Ryan McLaren/Wayne Parnell, 8 Vernon Philander, 9 Dale Steyn, 10 Morne Morkel, 11 Imran Tahir.

Pitch and conditions
The first ODI showed that there was plenty of pace and bounce in the WACA pitch, and some seam movement was also available. The forecast for Sunday is for a partly cloudy day and a top of 29C.

Stats and trivia
This match will be Hashim Amla's 100th one-day international, and he will be the 19th South African to reach that mark
On Friday, AB de Villiers became the quickest player ever to reach 7000 ODI runs, getting to the milestone in his 166th innings
Matthew Wade took five catches in Australia's win in the first ODI, the third time he has managed five in an innings; Brad Haddin has achieved it only twice
Quotes
"It's unfortunate for Michael to have this injury. But George has been captain for the Australian team in a few of the formats and has done very well in the one-day stuff. He quite enjoys it and we back him 100%."
Mitchell Johnson after Australia's win at the WACA on Friday

Srinivasan named in Mudgal report

The Supreme Court of India has named four key individuals connected with Indian cricket, including ICC chairman and sidelined BCCI president N Srinivasan, and IPL chief operating officer Sundar Raman, in connection with a report into the 2013 IPL spot-fixing case, which, the court observed, had suggested several "misdemeanours".

The court issued notices to the four who, along with Srinivasan and Raman, include Chennai Super Kings official Gurunath Meiyappan and Rajasthan Royals co-owner Raj Kundra. A special bench of the Supreme Court, comprising justice TS Thakur and FM Kalifullah, revealed the names during a hearing that lasted 20 minutes, and said that it would make the Mudgal report available to lawyers on both sides - BCCI/Srinivasan and the Cricket Association of Bihar - so that they can make their arguments when the next hearing takes place on November 24.

The court said it had received the Mudgal committee investigation report, submitted in early November, and the findings recorded by committee are understood to have "indicted" some individuals whose conduct has been investigated.

The report was presented in two parts - one of which featured players and the other which was made up of what Justice Thakur termed "non-playing actors in the drama." The names of three players was inadvertently taken by the judge before the court ordered their names be withheld.

The four non-playing "actors" were however named and the court had decided to also provide them with a redacted version of the report, with the player names blacked out, in order to ensure that the four could defend themselves. The four persons named were given four days to file objections against any of the findings in the report pertaining to themselves. While counsel were present for the BCCI and Srinivasan, court notices had been sent to Gurunath, Kundra and Raman, to ensure that they responded in time.

When asked by the BCCI lawyer about the court allowing Srinivasan to contest the BCCI election that are scheduled for November 20, Thakur said, "we cannot give clarity on whether you can contest or not until this matter is disposed of."

The fate of the BCCI AGM and annual general elections is unknown. BCCI counsel CA Sundaram told the court that they would be postponed, again, for a month.

Aditya Verma, the secretary of the Cricket Association of Bihar, urged the state associations to not defer the AGM. "Even after top officials of the BCCI have been named by the Mudgal report, why is the organisation not willing to go ahead with its AGM and name new officials? I request all state associations to not stand by this," he said in a press release.

This specific case dates back to June 2013 when Verma raised charges of a conflict of interest in the BCCI's original two-member inquiry panel for the IPL corruption issue. A Bombay High Court ruling later termed the probe panel "illegal". The BCCI and the CAB filed petitions in the Supreme Court against this order, with the CAB contending that the Bombay High Court could have suggested a fresh mechanism to look into the corruption allegations.

The Supreme Court then appointed a three-member committee, headed by former High Court judge Mukul Mudgal and comprising additional solicitor general L Nageswara Rao and Nilay Dutta to conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations of corruption against Meiyappan, India Cements, and Rajasthan Royals team owner Jaipur IPL Cricket Private Ltd, as well as with the larger mandate of allegations around betting and spot-fixing in IPL matches and the involvement of players.