Northamptonshire 238 (Afzaal 75, Richardson 3-46, Betts 3-46) beat Middlesex 219 (Weekes 105, Wright 4-38) by 19 runs
Scorecard

Northamptonshire made their way into the last eight of the C&G Trophy with a 19-run win over Middlesex at a cold and sunny Lord’s. It was Middlesex’s second home one-day defeat in three days, and whereas on Sunday they had been batted out of the game, today they were undone by tight bowling and enthusiastic fielding from Northamptonshire.Chasing what had appeared to be a below-par total of 238, Middlesex’s innings never really built any momentum, only briefly sparking into life when Paul Weekes and Andrew Strauss found their touch with 42 runs off six overs. The turning point came when Strauss, who had shown only glimpses of form, was well caught low down at second slip by Martin Love off Ben Phillips. Middlesex at that stage were 48 for 1 in the 13th over, but that was as good as it got.Weekes never found any rhythm despite being the penultimate man out in the last over for 105. Had he found support for his anchor innings, once Ed Smith had departed for 42, then Middlesex would probably have won and he would have been a shoe-in for the Man of the Match. As it was, he was unable to accelerate when the pressure was on – he hit just six fours in all, and all but one of those came early on. With the in-form Owais Shah and Ed Joyce both falling trying to make up for lost time, the pressure mounted.But Northamptonshire kept a stranglehold as the asking rate crept towards double figures. Scott Styris, who smacked 26 off 17 balls, briefly caused a few butterflies with two sixes over cow corner, but when he perished attempting a third to a catch a yard inside the long-on boundary, the game was up. Damien Wright picked up four late wickets by virtue of keeping the ball up in the blockhole, and Johann Louw gave him excellent support as Middlesex lost their last six wickets for eight runs.Northamptonshire had earlier suffered a collapse of their own after reaching 175 for 2, largely thanks to Usman Afzaal’s 75. With Sales (40), Afzaal added 80 for the third wicket, but when he departed aiming an ambitious swipe at Melvyn Betts it started a slide in which seven wickets fell for 40 runs in 56 balls. But Rob White, who looked to be batting too low down the order, cracked 36 from 22 balls, including a straight six off Richardson into the pavilion, as the last two overs yielded 18 runs.As the innings ended a Northants supporter muttered that their total was so poor that the team “might as well get on the bus now.” In the event, White’s late flurry proved decisive.

Scorecard

Pakistan A continued their dominance over Zimbabwe A, as they won the first of the three-match one-day series by six wickets at the Mutare Sports club. Chasing a target of 256, Faisal Iqbal, who has played 10 Tests for Pakistan, struck an unbeaten 85 off 83 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes, to take his team to a 1-0 lead. Pakistan A was given a good start from their openers – Kamran Sajid (47) and Ashar Zaidi (37) – before Anthony Ireland, the medium pacer, reduced Pakistan to 95 for 4. Iqbal along with Misbah-ul-Haq, the captain, stitched a 164-run partnership to end Zimbabwe’s hopes of a win. Misbah’s 63 included two fours and two sixes. Ireland ended with figures of 3 for 47.Earlier, after winning the toss, Zimbabwe posted a decent total on the board, with Stuart Carlisle, the captain, top scoring with 92. The 18-year-old left-hander, Sean Williams, was the other top-scorer with 39. Mansoor Amjad, the performer of the two-match four-day Tests which Pakistan won 2-0, and Ashar Zaidi scalped three wickets apiece.The second one-dayer is scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue.

On how hard it was to break out from his bad run
It was difficult. But I knew I had the ability to come back, and it was only a matter of one big innings. I was determined that if I cross 50, I’ll convert it into a century. I was playing well at Bangalore when I made 39 in the first innings, but I failed to convert that. Here, though, I converted my start into the hundred that my team needed.Did he, or India, have a specific game plan?
Our game plan in this match was the same as in the last one. We knew the first spell from the bowlers was the most dangerous, and we planned to play carefully, take no risks, and see that through. And so we did.On the role of Sunil Gavaskar, India’s batting consultant, in the gameplan
Strategies and so on are decided at team meetings, but he [Sunil] has been a help to us, by sharing his experience of international cricket. If anyone has a problem, he helps out with that, and motivates us all.On the pitch
It’s a good track to bat on. Yes, the ball kept low at times, but that [only]happened when the ball was really old, after 75 overs had been bowled. After the new ball was taken there was no uneven bounce. It was good to bat on today, and I expect the same tomorrow. Perhaps in the fourth and fifth days it will take even more spin than it already is, and get slower.On missing his double-century
[Somewhat bemused] I still had 45 runs to go for my double-century. Had I got out in my 190s you could have said that I missed making 200, but I was far away from it.On why he became more aggressive and played some reckless strokes after reaching his century
I thought the team would benefit if I went for my strokes and got some quick runs. But I guess my shot selection wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t picking the right balls to hit. But I realised at one point that it was more important for me to bat through another session rather than score quick runs. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that.Was he affected by all the wickets that fell at the other end?
No. My plan was the same throughout, to punish the loose ball but to minimise risk otherwise. The number of wickets that had fallen at the other had had no impact on the way I was playing.How did he react to the criticism of him, and the calls for his being dropped, during this recent bad phase?
When you don’t perform, everybody puts pressure on you. When you do, those same people acclaim you. I wasn’t worried, and besides, I had got some confidence from my innings of 146 in the warm-up game before the first Test. I knew that if I spend time at the wicket, the runs would come. And that’s just what happened.On his making around two-thirds of the runs scored while he was at the crease
Look, some of our batsmen were unlucky. Rahul [Dravid] got an inside edge, [VVS] Laxman got a ball that kept really low: had these strokes of luck not gone against us, we would perhaps have been just three or four wickets down at close of play today. We could have set them a bigger target for tomorrow.On how many runs he thinks India can make on the third day
I think 100 more is possible, that’ll give us a lead of 150, and we’ll be well on top.On which of the Australian bowlers he was most impressed with today
[Jason] Gillespie bowled really well.… And Warne?
Well, he took wickets, but I don’t think he bowled quite that well.

Key figures in India’s emergence as a force to reckon with in one-day cricket, skipper Sourav Ganguly, deputy Rahul Dravid and coach John Wright were honoured yesterday at Mumbai when they were all presented with honorary life memberships to the Cricket Club of India (CCI).The CCI is one of India’s oldest clubs, steeped in the best traditions that the British brought to India. Raj Singh Dungarpur, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), presented the trio with the membership at the CK Nayudu Hall in the club. The CCI remains an exclusive club to this day, giving out a few memberships each year to promising young cricketers as playing members. Recently, the club has also taken to giving honorary memberships to deserving people who have made a serious contribution to Indian cricket.Dungarpur, never short of words, said at the occasion, “I am said to be very critical about Ganguly, but I must say he has improved since. He is an outstanding batsman and captain. He has proved it. He has earned the membership the hard way. Rahul is a superlative batsman and was responsible for recommending John Wright’s name as India’s coach. I also played a small part in bringing John. They deserve the membership,” according to the Hindu newspaper.Also present was Polly Umrigar, former captain of India and Mumbai great. He singled out Dravid’s performance in England for special praise. “He was superb and outstanding. I wish I could have been half as good as he was in England. Most willing he was to keep wicket, and he worked for the team, which is laudable. He was adequately rewarded.”In typical fashion, a humble Dravid said, “I cannot believe it’s happening to me. I am right amidst so many cricketers in this hall. I feel proud and blessed. It was always a dream to become a member of the CCI. It’s here that I scored my first international hundred playing for the India under-19 team. The membership is like a dream come true for me.”Apart from numerous former first-class and India cricketers, former Aussie great Bob Simpson was also present at the gathering. Widely respected as one of the best coaches in the world, Simpson spoke a few words about Wright. “There were times when I felt he was an Australian. I still remember the days he spent in the Australian dressing room, picking my brains. He is a quiet, kind, strong, and a man of great integrity. He has a lot of common sense, but above all he has the respect of the Indian team.”Never one for dramatic shows of affection, Wright responded, “There are special moments in life, and Monday is one for being at the CCI. I don’t know if I have been a good coach. Only time will tell. But I must say that the Indian team is wonderfully talented and great ambassadors for their country. The fielding and running between the wickets can improve. It helps being fit. India is a great nation, and the people celebrate an Indian victory.”While the BCCI has often failed to recognise the contributions of various people to Indian cricket, the CCI continues to make sure that they do not make the same mistake.

Graham Thorpe has announced his retirement from international cricket. It brings an end to a 12-year England career in which he won 100 caps, the last coming against Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street in May.Thorpe, 35, missed out on a place in England’s squad for the first Ashes Test and had already made himself unavailable for the winter tours by signing a contract with New South Wales. He will continue to play for Surrey but wants to be able to spend more time with his family.”My partner is having a baby in the next couple of weeks and I have decided that I want to concentrate on my family life,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time with England and I have wished them every success in this Ashes series. I am proud to have been part of this successful era in English cricket.”David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, paid tribute to Thorpe. He said: “Graham was one of the leading players of his generation and that is reflected by the fact that he has collected 100 caps. You can judge what a feat that is by looking at the list of other players who have reached that number of appearances. He will be remembered as a tenacious batsman who served England with great ability and great pride.”Thorpe made 6744 runs in his career at an average of 44.66 and scored a century on debut against Australia at Trent Bridge in 1993. His highest score of 200 not out came against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2002.

Disturbed about his exclusion from the one-day side after playing two games in the Indian Oil Cup in Sri Lanka, Anil Kumble has asked if different standards are used to measure different players.Aggrieved enough to refer to himself in the third person, Kumble said to the , “It’s a bit strange this happens only to a few players like Laxman, Anil. People expect me to take five wickets every time I bowl. That’s not possible. As long as there is the same scale for everyone, it’s fine, but…”While Kumble’s Test form has improved dramatically, his one-day record has not been as noteworthy. In his last 30 games, Kumble has claimed 28 wickets at 42.10. But the 30 have been scattered, with instances of hurried selections and hasty rests, followed by calls for his retirement from one-dayers. “For the last one-and-a-half years people have been asking me this question,” he said. “Do they mean to say that I should stop playing one-dayers? Isn’t it my prerogative to decide?”The secretary of the Indian board, SK Nair, explained the dropping of Kumble and VVS Laxman: “The selectors felt they would be more useful in the Tests. Their recent record in one-day matches was also considered before selecting the side.” He attributed Zaheer Khan’s exclusion to the same reason. As for Lakshmipathy Balaji, who had done little wrong, Nair said that he had been rested to give others a chance on what he hinted was an ideal tour to experiment.Sourav Ganguly, assigned the captaincy for only the tour of Zimbabwe after what was reported to be a narrow selection vote in his favour, said that the two separate teams chosen for the one-day and Test series were the board’s decision. He refused to speak about the high-profile exclusions, telling the (HT) that it “doesn’t matter who is [in] the team and who isn’t. The team has to deliver.” Asked specifically about Kumble, he replied, “That’s for the selectors to answer. I’m happy with the selection.”Meanwhile, asked about Ganguly’s return as captain, Virender Sehwag said, “I think he is the best choice. It is not easy to comment on the issue. However, I think whatever the selectors have decided is based on past performance and while taking into account what is best for the team. Ganguly has been the most successful skipper for India, this speaks for itself.”Also satisfied with the team selection was Ajit Agarkar, who made his seventh return to the Indian team. “I was always hopeful of a recall to the Indian team,” he said to and later told the that “not being picked [for the Indian Oil Cup] did hurt a lot.”

Greg Chappell, India’s coach, will not attend Friday’s selection committee meeting in Mumbai, which will choose the captain for the forthcoming tour of Zimbabwe. “Chappell would not attend the meeting tomorrow to choose the captain, but he would be present at the selectors’ meeting the next day to pick the rest of the squad members,” said SK Nair, the board secretary.Nair also said that the BCCI was awaiting an update on the fitness of Sachin Tendulkar. “We have asked team physiotherapist John Gloster to give an update on Tendulkar’s fitness and his progress,” he said. “We would be talking to Tendulkar tooon the matter before selecting the team.”Tendulkar underwent surgery in London for an elbow injury at the end of May and was ruled out of cricket for 12 to 16 weeks. Asked about the injury sustained by Irfan Pathan which has ruled him out of the forthcoming Afro-Asian one-day international series, Nair saidhis report too was awaited.Pathan apparently suffered the injury on his right shoulder when he fell while fielding the ball on the boundary during India’s tri-series final against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. BCCI sources said that Gloster had Pathan’s MRI scan report with him and would intimate the Board about the extent of the injury before the meeting.

The former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has said Pakistan could struggle against England later in the year, but still considers the home team will start favourites. England’s much-publicised tour of Pakistan – they have refused to play a five-day Test in Karachi – gets underway in late October, with three Tests and five one-day matches.Speaking to , Akram said: “England have been playing good cricket these days and they will be coming to Pakistan high on confidence after a big Ashes series.””Pakistan, I feel, still would start as firm favourites with three quality spinners, two of them – Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik being top-class all-rounders – and pacer Shoaib Akhtar coming back into the side, something which will tilt the scale in their favour.””But they will have to work very hard to challenge England. Pakistan, under coach Bob Woolmer, [are] a different side. They are much more mentally strong and that matters,” said Akram.England are in the throes of a nail-biting Ashes series, one which has drained every ounce of energy from players and supporters alike. Akram rejected the notion that England could be jaded and exhausted from their summer efforts:”I don’t think it will be the case. They will have a rest before coming to Pakistan and also players these days are very professional and have a high level of fitness.”England’s pace attack has bullied Australia’s batsmen all summer, and their mastering of reverse swing has, many believe, been the key factor to England’s success against Australia. And Akram paid tribute to England’s attack:”I don’t think their pacers will struggle in Pakistan since the weather will be cold and nice. In winters we have only 83 overs in Punjab and so that will matter. England will cope well with conditions there, and Pakistan will have to play out of their skins to do well.””The current Ashes series has shown that England are getting very close to finishing the matches. They are getting the extra edge in general.”

Once again the two captains remained tight-lipped about the composition of their respective teams when they spoke to the press ahead of the second one-day international at Mohali. Rahul Dravid, however, announced that Rudra Pratap Singh and Suresh Raina would miss out. Marvan Atapattu conceded that his team was considering making changes.The one thing the two captains agreed on was that the dew factor could play a role in the game. “That’s the talk going around,” said Atapattu. “We have to think a bit differently about the personnel we will use, and there might be a change or two. I said at the start of the series that it will be a closely battled series and India deserved the Nagpur win, we were outplayed in all departments, but are confident of getting a win here.”Dravid made it clear that India were not idly experimenting with the composition of the team or the batting order. “It’s not experimenting for the sake of it,” he said. “We carry out plans that we think will be good for a particular match, and sometimes, we have the long-term picture in mind as well. I will say we might do things differently or we might not, but our main aim is to try and win every match, and there will be no compromise in that regard.”Both sides have something to think about when it comes to the opening batting combination, and Dravid said that Virender Sehwag’s lack of form did not worry him. “He’s batting really well, looking good in the nets,” said Dravid. “I am not really concerned about his form. He is due for a big one. He made a good 70 in the one-day final in Zimbabwe not too long back and another good 70 in the Super Test. Obviously we would like him to convert his starts and he too would like to, but I strongly believe he is just one match away from a big knock.”Atapattu revealed that Sri Lanka were considering opening the batting with Kumar Sangakkara, who tackled the medium-pacers with aplomb, and used the fielding restrictions to good effect in Nagpur. “The way he batted in Nagpur, as well as in the Super Series in Australia, gives us the option of giving him the chance to open the batting.”Dravid once again had a good word for Sachin Tendulkar, who is all set to play his 350th ODI tomorrow. “It’s a phenomenal achievement and I hope he goes on to play a lot more matches,” said Dravid. “He is only 32, and I know he doesn’t place a lot of importance on numbers, but 350 games is something to be proud of.”

India have retained the same squad for the first three ODIs against South Africa after giving Sri Lanka a 6-1 hiding in the one-day series. VRV Singh, the Punjab fast bowler, has been sidelined for two-and-a-half weeks because of an ankle injury.VRV Singh was originally picked as Jai Prakash Yadav’s replacement for the last two matches against Sri Lanka but it was later discovered that he was suffering from an inversion injury to his left ankle with associated bruising. Yadav, who was then recalled as VRV Singh’s replacement, has another chance against South Africa to stake his claim to a one-day spot.Sourav Ganguly, who was initially injured for the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka and was subsequently dropped for the rest of the series, did not find a place in the squad. Ganguly was overlooked in spite of making 117 against North Zone in a Duleep Trophy match at Rajkot. However, in his next innings, he made just 14 against Zimbabwe Board President’s XI.Ganguly did his cause no favours today after Zaheer Khan bowled him for a duck in the first innings of the Duleep Trophy final against West Zone at Ahmedabad. Zaheer also did not earn a recall even after tallying 19 wickets to date in the Duleep Trophy .Squad for the first three ODIs against South Africa
Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid (capt), Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh, Murali Kartik, Irfan Pathan, Ajit Agarkar, S Sreesanth, RP Singh, JP Yadav