Pathan brothers demolished Sri Lanka in T20

miracle with bat, hurricane hits displayed all around the fence by Pathan brothers stole the show and showed team India, brand India, the T 20 world champions. Yusuf Pathan blasted 22 runs in 10 balls declared man of the match,brother Irfan Pathan 33 in 16 balls scored 59 runs in 26 balls remained unbeaten gave India a win with three wickets,in the only T20 International Cricket Match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tonight, played day and night . Pathan brothers made their family proud,their team proud and India proud with their scintillating batting in tintalising match evenly poised till the last ball.

Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina scored sixty seven runs, third wicket partnership in 48 balls with thier brilliant swashbuckling knock which gave scoring momentum, after India lost both their openers for paltry 14 runs on the board. Duo batted with ease and played wonderful cricket with their style,a treat to watch, gifted Yuvraj punishing the Sri Lankan bowlers with massive six

and fourkept the Sri Lankan crowd in tenterhooks.Yuvraj was decalred the glamourous cricketer of the series.

Sri Lanka fought the match with good batting display TM dilshan scoring 61 runs in 47 balls gave boost to their Inning,taking control of the game from the first ball.
Jaysuriya with support of 33 runs in 17 balls put first wicket partnership to 59 runs in just 35 balls thus scoring ten runs per over.

Sri Lankan played both with bats and ball balance game and the match was evenly poised but Pathan brothers made the difference with their marvellous hits to the ropes.A thriller at last favouring India showed India is The best in T20.

India beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets with four balls to spare in the 20-20 International Cricket Match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tonight. Earlier, Srilanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Sri Lanka set a target of 172 runs for India to win the match. Yusuf Pathan was declared Man of the Match.

India played Sri Lanka for the first time in a 20-20 format. Surprisingly, this was the first time that a 20-20 game played at this ground as well.

Pathan brothers demolished Sri Lanka in T20

miracle with bat, hurricane hits displayed all around the fence by Pathan brothers stole the show and showed team India, brand India, the T 20 world champions. Yusuf Pathan blasted 22 runs in 10 balls declared man of the match,brother Irfan Pathan 33 in 16 balls scored 59 runs in 26 balls remained unbeaten gave India a win with three wickets,in the only T20 International Cricket Match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tonight, played day and night . Pathan brothers made their family proud,their team proud and India proud with their scintillating batting in tintalising match evenly poised till the last ball.

Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina scored sixty seven runs, third wicket partnership in 48 balls with thier brilliant swashbuckling knock which gave scoring momentum, after India lost both their openers for paltry 14 runs on the board. Duo batted with ease and played wonderful cricket with their style,a treat to watch, gifted Yuvraj punishing the Sri Lankan bowlers with massive six

and fourkept the Sri Lankan crowd in tenterhooks.Yuvraj was decalred the glamourous cricketer of the series.

Sri Lanka fought the match with good batting display TM dilshan scoring 61 runs in 47 balls gave boost to their Inning,taking control of the game from the first ball.
Jaysuriya with support of 33 runs in 17 balls put first wicket partnership to 59 runs in just 35 balls thus scoring ten runs per over.

Sri Lankan played both with bats and ball balance game and the match was evenly poised but Pathan brothers made the difference with their marvellous hits to the ropes.A thriller at last favouring India showed India is The best in T20.

India beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets with four balls to spare in the 20-20 International Cricket Match at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo tonight. Earlier, Srilanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Sri Lanka set a target of 172 runs for India to win the match. Yusuf Pathan was declared Man of the Match.

India played Sri Lanka for the first time in a 20-20 format. Surprisingly, this was the first time that a 20-20 game played at this ground as well.

Sri Lanka stopped Indian cricket team winning marathon

Sri Lanka cricket team players played very well and clinched a consolation 68-run victory against India in the fifth and final one-day international (5th ODI) on Sunday to avoid a series whitewash. India won the series 4-1. India team record-breaking sequence of nine consecutive ODI victories was brought to an end.

Sri Lanka’s formidable total of 320-8 in 50 overs. The home team’s best batting effort in the series. Host set India a formidable target of 321.

Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan made 97 runs and Kumar Sangakkara’s hit 84 while spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan regained form just in time.

Indian side Yuvraj Singh hit 11 boundaries and a six and made 73 runs. Half centuries from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja followed, but Indian cricket team players were eventually all out for 252.

Sri Lanka stopped Indian cricket team winning marathon

Sri Lanka cricket team players played very well and clinched a consolation 68-run victory against India in the fifth and final one-day international (5th ODI) on Sunday to avoid a series whitewash. India won the series 4-1. India team record-breaking sequence of nine consecutive ODI victories was brought to an end.

Sri Lanka’s formidable total of 320-8 in 50 overs. The home team’s best batting effort in the series. Host set India a formidable target of 321.

Sri Lankan opener Tillakaratne Dilshan made 97 runs and Kumar Sangakkara’s hit 84 while spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan regained form just in time.

Indian side Yuvraj Singh hit 11 boundaries and a six and made 73 runs. Half centuries from Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja followed, but Indian cricket team players were eventually all out for 252.

Record-smashing Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan reveals secret of his success

History-maker Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan says mental toughness and hard work are the keys to success in international cricket.

"It's not all that sweet. It's not easy to go on for such a long time because you have your ups and downs," said Muralitharan, 36, after becoming the highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals with 503.

"The main point is how strong you are and how you make a comeback."

The Sri Lankan spinner completed a record bowling double here on Thursday when he dismissed Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir in his 10th and last over in the fourth match here, surpassing former Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram's one-day mark of 502.

He also holds the record in Test cricket with 769 wickets.

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar is the only other player to hold two major world records -- highest scorer in Tests (12,429) and one-dayers (16,440).

"It (the record double) is a great achievement because the only other person to have achieved the feat is Tendulkar, so playing for Sri Lanka and achieving this feat is great for me and the country," said Muralitharan late Thursday.

"Everybody wants to perform well in both forms of the game, so holding records in both forms of the game means I've done really well for a long period. You have to be physically and mentally fit."

Muralitharan, who made his Test debut in 1992 and played his first one-dayer the following year, said there was more competition for the Test bowling mark.

"Three bowlers were in contention for Test record -- Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and myself. They were a little bit older than me. I thought they would retire before me and then I would have a chance of overcoming them," he said.

"That's what happened. I didn't think much about the one-day record as no-one was closer to it. The nearest among playing cricketers was (compatriot) Chaminda Vaas (400 wickets), so I thought it could be achieved easily."

When asked why the celebrations in the middle were muted after he had reached the landmark, the spinner said winning was always more important than records.

"It's not all about breaking records. It's all about winning matches and series. Unfortunately, it (the record) happened in a lost series and we also lost the match," said Muralitharan.

India had already gained a winning a 3-0 lead in the five-match series before Muralitharan's record and then won the fourth match by 67 runs.

The Sri Lankan said he planned to play international cricket until the 2011 World Cup, to be held in the sub-continent.

"It (cricket) is the only thing I know, so I want to play as much as I can. I am thinking about playing till the next World Cup. There will be nothing more to achieve after that," he said.

Muralitharan admitted Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India had played better cricket in the ongoing series, saying confidence was the key to their success.

"Their confidence was high after beating England 5-0 (at home last year) and their batsmen played well here also," said Muralitharan, who could grab just three wickets in four matches against the tourists.

"There is a period when all the batsmen are set and getting runs. Then they are not scared of getting out. The batsmen struggle only when the confidence is low. At the moment their confidence is very high.

"It's all about confidence in this game."

Record-smashing Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan reveals secret of his success

History-maker Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan says mental toughness and hard work are the keys to success in international cricket.

"It's not all that sweet. It's not easy to go on for such a long time because you have your ups and downs," said Muralitharan, 36, after becoming the highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals with 503.

"The main point is how strong you are and how you make a comeback."

The Sri Lankan spinner completed a record bowling double here on Thursday when he dismissed Indian batsman Gautam Gambhir in his 10th and last over in the fourth match here, surpassing former Pakistan paceman Wasim Akram's one-day mark of 502.

He also holds the record in Test cricket with 769 wickets.

Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar is the only other player to hold two major world records -- highest scorer in Tests (12,429) and one-dayers (16,440).

"It (the record double) is a great achievement because the only other person to have achieved the feat is Tendulkar, so playing for Sri Lanka and achieving this feat is great for me and the country," said Muralitharan late Thursday.

"Everybody wants to perform well in both forms of the game, so holding records in both forms of the game means I've done really well for a long period. You have to be physically and mentally fit."

Muralitharan, who made his Test debut in 1992 and played his first one-dayer the following year, said there was more competition for the Test bowling mark.

"Three bowlers were in contention for Test record -- Shane Warne, Anil Kumble and myself. They were a little bit older than me. I thought they would retire before me and then I would have a chance of overcoming them," he said.

"That's what happened. I didn't think much about the one-day record as no-one was closer to it. The nearest among playing cricketers was (compatriot) Chaminda Vaas (400 wickets), so I thought it could be achieved easily."

When asked why the celebrations in the middle were muted after he had reached the landmark, the spinner said winning was always more important than records.

"It's not all about breaking records. It's all about winning matches and series. Unfortunately, it (the record) happened in a lost series and we also lost the match," said Muralitharan.

India had already gained a winning a 3-0 lead in the five-match series before Muralitharan's record and then won the fourth match by 67 runs.

The Sri Lankan said he planned to play international cricket until the 2011 World Cup, to be held in the sub-continent.

"It (cricket) is the only thing I know, so I want to play as much as I can. I am thinking about playing till the next World Cup. There will be nothing more to achieve after that," he said.

Muralitharan admitted Mahendra Singh Dhoni's India had played better cricket in the ongoing series, saying confidence was the key to their success.

"Their confidence was high after beating England 5-0 (at home last year) and their batsmen played well here also," said Muralitharan, who could grab just three wickets in four matches against the tourists.

"There is a period when all the batsmen are set and getting runs. Then they are not scared of getting out. The batsmen struggle only when the confidence is low. At the moment their confidence is very high.

"It's all about confidence in this game."

Cricket Australia rule Symonds out of South Africa tour

Troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds will need to undergo further rehabilitation and counselling before again being eligible for Australian selection, ruling him out of the upcoming series in South Africa.

The Cricket Australia board met in Melbourne on Tuesday to make a ruling on Symonds, who courted further controversy last week when he labelled New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum "a lump of s" in a radio interview.

He was fined $4000 for the McCullum incident.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said Symonds would have to satisfy formal rehab criteria before again being available for international selection.

Captain Ricky Ponting was known to be very keen to have Symonds back in his side after Test and one-day series losses to South Africa on home soil this summer.

Sutherland said the CA board took into account a recommendation from management that Symonds be ruled out of the South African tour.

"In arriving at that decision, the board has taken on advice received from a number of people who are working very closely with Andrew," he said.

"We see that this period back in Australia will provide him with an opportunity to have some more intense counselling and to work through some of his issues and ensure he has the right platform to come back to international cricket in a manner that we wants to.

"We acknowledge there have been some setbacks in recent times, but overall the advice that we are getting from those working with Andrew is that he is making good progress."

Sutherland spoke to Symonds, Ponting and Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke before making the decision public.

"It's a tough stance, but it's an appropriate stance in the circumstances," said Sutherland.

"It can be looked at as a sanction, but I would prefer to look at this as a decision in the best interests of Andrew Symonds as well.

Cricket Australia rule Symonds out of South Africa tour

Troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds will need to undergo further rehabilitation and counselling before again being eligible for Australian selection, ruling him out of the upcoming series in South Africa.

The Cricket Australia board met in Melbourne on Tuesday to make a ruling on Symonds, who courted further controversy last week when he labelled New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum "a lump of s" in a radio interview.

He was fined $4000 for the McCullum incident.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said Symonds would have to satisfy formal rehab criteria before again being available for international selection.

Captain Ricky Ponting was known to be very keen to have Symonds back in his side after Test and one-day series losses to South Africa on home soil this summer.

Sutherland said the CA board took into account a recommendation from management that Symonds be ruled out of the South African tour.

"In arriving at that decision, the board has taken on advice received from a number of people who are working very closely with Andrew," he said.

"We see that this period back in Australia will provide him with an opportunity to have some more intense counselling and to work through some of his issues and ensure he has the right platform to come back to international cricket in a manner that we wants to.

"We acknowledge there have been some setbacks in recent times, but overall the advice that we are getting from those working with Andrew is that he is making good progress."

Sutherland spoke to Symonds, Ponting and Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke before making the decision public.

"It's a tough stance, but it's an appropriate stance in the circumstances," said Sutherland.

"It can be looked at as a sanction, but I would prefer to look at this as a decision in the best interests of Andrew Symonds as well.

Rovers Cricket Club celebrate 50 years

The Rovers Cricket Club is celebrating its 50th year in 2009 and, in typical Rovers’ style, the club committee is planning a reunion for the Easter long weekend.

It’s been a colourful history for Rovers. Success didn’t take long for the club, with the first minor and major premierships won in the 1966-67 season.

The first team members included John Graham, Rex Everson, Dallas Watts, Ted Richards, Allan Walker, Les Withers, John Partridge, Bill Killmore, Doug Watts, Trevor Parkes and Oatel Abood.

In the 1970s the social headquarters was the Tattersalls Hotel (later named the Pearl Pearch), where great times were had by members and their families.

During this period the club won 10 premierships between the three teams fielded.

The early 90s saw a change in the social watering hole with a move to the West Kempsey Hotel, where the club remains today. The club has won more than 20 premierships since. There are currently 14 life members all of whom have given tireless years of support to the club.

Current club president Matt Brennan is very excited about the reunion and is urging interested persons or any family members from the Macleay who have been associated with Rovers to contact him.

“It’s an honour to be the president of this club. To last 50 years is a great achievement and to be a part of its history for the past 25 years is a huge privilege,” Mr Brennan said. The committee is working hard to contact players past and present.

Mr Brennan said the club has sent out expressions of interest letters to more than 400 people.

“If anyone in the community has an affiliation with a Rovers’ player and they have not received a letter, I urge them to contact me,” he said.

The club has a monster weekend planned with a meet and greet of past and present players at the West Kempsey Hotel on Good Friday from 2pm.

Over 300 guests are expected to pack the the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club on Saturday, with a surprise guest speaker.

A three-course meal, presentation, music, Rovers Reunion Booklet, memorabilia and merchandise sales are all highlights of the night.

Sunday will see past and present players take to the field in a social Twenty20 match, with the likes of Robert Walker, Oatel Abood, Darrell Wickham and Garry Munday taking on Danny Powick, Troy McKiernan, Carlos Peters and Matt Killmore.

Rovers Cricket Club celebrate 50 years

The Rovers Cricket Club is celebrating its 50th year in 2009 and, in typical Rovers’ style, the club committee is planning a reunion for the Easter long weekend.

It’s been a colourful history for Rovers. Success didn’t take long for the club, with the first minor and major premierships won in the 1966-67 season.

The first team members included John Graham, Rex Everson, Dallas Watts, Ted Richards, Allan Walker, Les Withers, John Partridge, Bill Killmore, Doug Watts, Trevor Parkes and Oatel Abood.

In the 1970s the social headquarters was the Tattersalls Hotel (later named the Pearl Pearch), where great times were had by members and their families.

During this period the club won 10 premierships between the three teams fielded.

The early 90s saw a change in the social watering hole with a move to the West Kempsey Hotel, where the club remains today. The club has won more than 20 premierships since. There are currently 14 life members all of whom have given tireless years of support to the club.

Current club president Matt Brennan is very excited about the reunion and is urging interested persons or any family members from the Macleay who have been associated with Rovers to contact him.

“It’s an honour to be the president of this club. To last 50 years is a great achievement and to be a part of its history for the past 25 years is a huge privilege,” Mr Brennan said. The committee is working hard to contact players past and present.

Mr Brennan said the club has sent out expressions of interest letters to more than 400 people.

“If anyone in the community has an affiliation with a Rovers’ player and they have not received a letter, I urge them to contact me,” he said.

The club has a monster weekend planned with a meet and greet of past and present players at the West Kempsey Hotel on Good Friday from 2pm.

Over 300 guests are expected to pack the the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club on Saturday, with a surprise guest speaker.

A three-course meal, presentation, music, Rovers Reunion Booklet, memorabilia and merchandise sales are all highlights of the night.

Sunday will see past and present players take to the field in a social Twenty20 match, with the likes of Robert Walker, Oatel Abood, Darrell Wickham and Garry Munday taking on Danny Powick, Troy McKiernan, Carlos Peters and Matt Killmore.

Senior Country Cricket Championships

In a history-making week at the 84th annual Country Cricket Championships, for the first time due to the extreme heat, two matches reverted to Twenty/20 contests. “Because it is an elite competition, this was a sensible decision which both looked after the players and also ensured the carnival continued,” YP’s team manager, Ian Ravenscroft, said.

“All three games last week were good contests.

“Ryan (Darling) had been batting responsibly and showing leadership when at the crease, particularly with the young lads.

“Teenagers Todd McPharlin and Matthew Birchmore both performed commendably, as well.”

On Tuesday, January 27, at Prospect Oval, YP dismissed Upper North for 154, with Paskeville trundler Glen Mulders producing an impressive spell and finishing with 4/16. He was helped out by Tom Smith and vice-captain Ryan Darling with a couple of scalps each.

YP never really looked in trouble chasing this total down, getting home by six wickets.

Darling was the backbone of the innings with a fluent and unbeaten 62, while youngster McPharlin and Matthew Birchmore made 39 and 20, respectively.

The first of the back-to-back Twenty/20 fixtures at Henley Oval on Wednesday, January 28, was an absorbing encounter against South East. Bowling first, YP kept its opponent down to a modest 7/115 from their full allotment.

Sunbury teenager Ashley Barton was effective with the leather, finishing with 3/30, while Mulders again had an impact with the ball, as did all-round sporting talent Ryan Darling, both snaring two wickets.

At the 10-over drinks break during the YP innings, the match was evenly poised at 3/52, with the batting side requiring a run a ball to win the contest.

Agonisingly, with wickets falling at regular intervals, YP fell 10 runs short of victory against what proved to be one of the two unbeaten teams at the end of week one.

Alex Brackstone made a team high 26 while Darling collected a cavalier 23.

In easily the highest scoring Twenty/20 match of the tournament, on day three at Price Memorial Oval, YP made a handsome 2/181.

Eighteen-year-old McPharlin led the way with a brilliant unconquered 74, Birchmore collected a half century, and Darling continued his sparkling form with a clean hitting 41 not out.

In a second successive close finish, the Fleurieu and Districts Red side got home by five runs in the final over.

Quick Willy Serle, who will play his football with Kadina this year, finished with 2/19, while captain and 2008 SA Outbacks player Evan Kakoschke was expensive, going for 51 runs, including 12 from the final over, but he did claim three wickets.

YP has four more matches this week to complete the titles.

Senior Country Cricket Championships

In a history-making week at the 84th annual Country Cricket Championships, for the first time due to the extreme heat, two matches reverted to Twenty/20 contests. “Because it is an elite competition, this was a sensible decision which both looked after the players and also ensured the carnival continued,” YP’s team manager, Ian Ravenscroft, said.

“All three games last week were good contests.

“Ryan (Darling) had been batting responsibly and showing leadership when at the crease, particularly with the young lads.

“Teenagers Todd McPharlin and Matthew Birchmore both performed commendably, as well.”

On Tuesday, January 27, at Prospect Oval, YP dismissed Upper North for 154, with Paskeville trundler Glen Mulders producing an impressive spell and finishing with 4/16. He was helped out by Tom Smith and vice-captain Ryan Darling with a couple of scalps each.

YP never really looked in trouble chasing this total down, getting home by six wickets.

Darling was the backbone of the innings with a fluent and unbeaten 62, while youngster McPharlin and Matthew Birchmore made 39 and 20, respectively.

The first of the back-to-back Twenty/20 fixtures at Henley Oval on Wednesday, January 28, was an absorbing encounter against South East. Bowling first, YP kept its opponent down to a modest 7/115 from their full allotment.

Sunbury teenager Ashley Barton was effective with the leather, finishing with 3/30, while Mulders again had an impact with the ball, as did all-round sporting talent Ryan Darling, both snaring two wickets.

At the 10-over drinks break during the YP innings, the match was evenly poised at 3/52, with the batting side requiring a run a ball to win the contest.

Agonisingly, with wickets falling at regular intervals, YP fell 10 runs short of victory against what proved to be one of the two unbeaten teams at the end of week one.

Alex Brackstone made a team high 26 while Darling collected a cavalier 23.

In easily the highest scoring Twenty/20 match of the tournament, on day three at Price Memorial Oval, YP made a handsome 2/181.

Eighteen-year-old McPharlin led the way with a brilliant unconquered 74, Birchmore collected a half century, and Darling continued his sparkling form with a clean hitting 41 not out.

In a second successive close finish, the Fleurieu and Districts Red side got home by five runs in the final over.

Quick Willy Serle, who will play his football with Kadina this year, finished with 2/19, while captain and 2008 SA Outbacks player Evan Kakoschke was expensive, going for 51 runs, including 12 from the final over, but he did claim three wickets.

YP has four more matches this week to complete the titles.

England boosted by Flintoff fitness status

Andrew Flintoff's recovery from a side strain has been faster than expected, increasing the likelihood that the England allrounder will start the first cricket test against the West Indies on Wednesday.

"We are cautiously optimistic at the moment," England captain Andrew Strauss said Monday. Flintoff "is ahead of where the medical staff wanted him, so that is really encouraging. But you can never be 100 percent sure on these things until the day before the game."

The 31-year-old Flintoff had an extended bowling practice on Monday and planned to go through another rigorous session on the eve of the series-opening match.

"It is a bowling injury which probably no one wants," Flintoff said. "The one main concern with it is that, although on the scan it is fine, there is a risk of aggravating it.

"I have g

England, No. 5 in the International Cricket Council's test rankings, had a 3-0 win in the four-match series on its last tour to the Caribbean five years ago.

Flintoff, one of only two English survivors from that tour, was expecting a closer competition this time.

"One thing we know playing out here is that you have to play well to beat them," Flintoff said. "They're a decent team and if you are complacent in any way you can get found out with the likes of Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan in their team.

"We are confident of beating them but it is important for us to start well, and play the kind of cricket we know we can."

Chanderpaul, the ICC's top-ranked batsman and one of five West Indians who faced England in 2004, is determined to avenge a lopsided loss at Sabina Park on the last tour.

"Starting ahead and staying ahead would be the main focus for us," Chanderpaul said. "If we play well enough, we can get ahead and stay ahead, not forgetting that England has a very good all-round team."

The West Indies were bowled out for a record low total of 47 at Sabina Park in the last series, with English paceman Steve Harmison claiming seven for 12.

"I'm also not forgetting what happened here the last time," the left-hander said. "In the back of my head, I still think about those things and hope that I can go out there and perform this time."

ot to prove tomorrow that there is no danger of doing that."

England boosted by Flintoff fitness status

Andrew Flintoff's recovery from a side strain has been faster than expected, increasing the likelihood that the England allrounder will start the first cricket test against the West Indies on Wednesday.

"We are cautiously optimistic at the moment," England captain Andrew Strauss said Monday. Flintoff "is ahead of where the medical staff wanted him, so that is really encouraging. But you can never be 100 percent sure on these things until the day before the game."

The 31-year-old Flintoff had an extended bowling practice on Monday and planned to go through another rigorous session on the eve of the series-opening match.

"It is a bowling injury which probably no one wants," Flintoff said. "The one main concern with it is that, although on the scan it is fine, there is a risk of aggravating it.

"I have g

England, No. 5 in the International Cricket Council's test rankings, had a 3-0 win in the four-match series on its last tour to the Caribbean five years ago.

Flintoff, one of only two English survivors from that tour, was expecting a closer competition this time.

"One thing we know playing out here is that you have to play well to beat them," Flintoff said. "They're a decent team and if you are complacent in any way you can get found out with the likes of Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan in their team.

"We are confident of beating them but it is important for us to start well, and play the kind of cricket we know we can."

Chanderpaul, the ICC's top-ranked batsman and one of five West Indians who faced England in 2004, is determined to avenge a lopsided loss at Sabina Park on the last tour.

"Starting ahead and staying ahead would be the main focus for us," Chanderpaul said. "If we play well enough, we can get ahead and stay ahead, not forgetting that England has a very good all-round team."

The West Indies were bowled out for a record low total of 47 at Sabina Park in the last series, with English paceman Steve Harmison claiming seven for 12.

"I'm also not forgetting what happened here the last time," the left-hander said. "In the back of my head, I still think about those things and hope that I can go out there and perform this time."

ot to prove tomorrow that there is no danger of doing that."

Symonds hangs by a thread after Cricket Association meeting

The directors met and discussed the all-rounders most recent fall from grace.

Cricket Australia refused to reveal what decision had been made but it is understood that there are phone calls being made around the country this afternoon.

It appears Symonds will not be allowed to tour South Africa and that it will be termed a “player welfare” issue.

The announcement should be made in the next hour.

Symonds is at a funeral in Queensland today and must be contacted, along with captain Ricky Ponting and a number of other people before the decision is made public.

The same “player welfare” reasoning was used when he was sent home from the squad for repeated indiscretions last year.

Symonds was ordered by his employer then to seek counselling and has been seeing two separate counsellors to assist him with anger and alcohol issues.

He was allowed back into the side for this summer’s Test series but again ran into trouble when he appeared on radio slurring his words.

He was fined under the players code of behaviour agreement, but CA has been consulting behind the scenes to establish if he is fit to tour with side again.

Ponting has repeatedly called for Symonds to be in the side and there is no doubt his experience is invaluable when so many senior players have been lost, but team mates who were with Symonds last year in the West Indies believe he should not rejoin them until he fixes his problems.

Symonds hangs by a thread after Cricket Association meeting

The directors met and discussed the all-rounders most recent fall from grace.

Cricket Australia refused to reveal what decision had been made but it is understood that there are phone calls being made around the country this afternoon.

It appears Symonds will not be allowed to tour South Africa and that it will be termed a “player welfare” issue.

The announcement should be made in the next hour.

Symonds is at a funeral in Queensland today and must be contacted, along with captain Ricky Ponting and a number of other people before the decision is made public.

The same “player welfare” reasoning was used when he was sent home from the squad for repeated indiscretions last year.

Symonds was ordered by his employer then to seek counselling and has been seeing two separate counsellors to assist him with anger and alcohol issues.

He was allowed back into the side for this summer’s Test series but again ran into trouble when he appeared on radio slurring his words.

He was fined under the players code of behaviour agreement, but CA has been consulting behind the scenes to establish if he is fit to tour with side again.

Ponting has repeatedly called for Symonds to be in the side and there is no doubt his experience is invaluable when so many senior players have been lost, but team mates who were with Symonds last year in the West Indies believe he should not rejoin them until he fixes his problems.

AUSTRALIAN selectors would be taking a "gamble" if they heeded the wishes of Ricky Ponting and rushed out-of-form all-rounder Andrew Symonds back into the national team, according to Steve Waugh.

Waugh, Ponting's predecessor as captain of Australia, said the Queenslander "certainly hasn't played his best cricket" since returning from recent knee surgery, failing in both a club game and the weekend Sheffield Shield match, in which he scored five and three.

"He's obviously grappling with a few issues," said Waugh, who tonight will become the 30th inductee for the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal count.

"All of Australia wants to see him do well, particularly Ricky, (who) loves having him in the side because he gives the side that X-factor and that's something special that can win a match," Waugh said. "But he's got to be very clear in his head and he's got to be concise in his thinking, and right now he doesn't seem to be playing his best cricket."

Symonds overshadowed his return to competitive cricket by calling New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum a "lump of s---" in a radio interview, which resulted in him being stung with a $4000 fine for breaching Cricket Australia's player behaviour guidelines.

While Ponting insists the 33-year-old is still a "vital" member of the Australian team, the captain's endorsement does not guarantee Symonds' promotion, with his conduct likely to be discussed at a CA board meeting today.

With a first-class average of 17 and a high score of 57 not out this season, the Australian team hierarchy could not afford to include Symonds in the squad to tour South Africa without serious consideration, according to Waugh.

"If he was selected for South Africa I think that would be a gamble — whether's that's a gamble worth the selectors and Ricky taking, that's up to them right now," he said,

AUSTRALIAN selectors would be taking a "gamble" if they heeded the wishes of Ricky Ponting and rushed out-of-form all-rounder Andrew Symonds back into the national team, according to Steve Waugh.

Waugh, Ponting's predecessor as captain of Australia, said the Queenslander "certainly hasn't played his best cricket" since returning from recent knee surgery, failing in both a club game and the weekend Sheffield Shield match, in which he scored five and three.

"He's obviously grappling with a few issues," said Waugh, who tonight will become the 30th inductee for the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame at the Allan Border Medal count.

"All of Australia wants to see him do well, particularly Ricky, (who) loves having him in the side because he gives the side that X-factor and that's something special that can win a match," Waugh said. "But he's got to be very clear in his head and he's got to be concise in his thinking, and right now he doesn't seem to be playing his best cricket."

Symonds overshadowed his return to competitive cricket by calling New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum a "lump of s---" in a radio interview, which resulted in him being stung with a $4000 fine for breaching Cricket Australia's player behaviour guidelines.

While Ponting insists the 33-year-old is still a "vital" member of the Australian team, the captain's endorsement does not guarantee Symonds' promotion, with his conduct likely to be discussed at a CA board meeting today.

With a first-class average of 17 and a high score of 57 not out this season, the Australian team hierarchy could not afford to include Symonds in the squad to tour South Africa without serious consideration, according to Waugh.

"If he was selected for South Africa I think that would be a gamble — whether's that's a gamble worth the selectors and Ricky taking, that's up to them right now," he said,

Pakistan bars players from the IPL

Pakistan on Monday barred its cricketers from playing in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), fearing that it would be unsafe for the players to travel to India in view of the tense relations between the two countries.

The decision to deny permission came just four days before the IPL players’ auction in Goa and could further strain sporting ties between the two countries.

Saleem Altaf, the chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they had received copy of a letter from the foreign affairs ministry sent to the sports ministry which declined permission to the players to travel to India for the Twenty20 tournament.

“All the players who are already signed up with the IPL teams or those who were due to take part in the players auction have been declined permission,” Altaf said in Karachi.

Altaf said the sports ministry had said they had no objection to the cricketers going to India.

In a hurriedly convened press conference here after the PCB’s decision, Lalit Modi, chairman of the IPL, said the affected franchises would be allowed to spend the money to recruit fresh players.

Five Pakistan cricketers — Yasir Hameed, Yasir Arafat, Asim Kamal, Danish Kaneria and Mohammed Hafeez — were due to appear in the auction in Goa. Those already contracted with the franchises are — Younis Khan and Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals), Shoaib Malik (Delhi DareDevils), Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers) and Umar Gul (Kolkata Knight Riders).

“After the auction on Friday, the teams who had Pakistan players would be allowed to spend the same amount to get replacement players of their own choice,” the IPL chairman said.

“The Pakistan government took this decision along with the PCB. So we have decided to withdraw all the five players from the auction in Goa,” Modi said.

“The Pakistani players have a three-year contract with their respective franchises and the only reason of their unavailability could be injuries. But since that is not the case here, we will have to look at the legal aspect of the issue,” Modi added.

“As per the guidelines set by the governing council for the IPL, each franchisee will have a maximum purse of $2 million, less any amount spent on signing temporary replacements from last year, to select the cricketers best suited for their team’s strategies,” the BCCI vice president added.

The IPL chairman said the final schedule of matches was yet to be drawn as there could be some changes because of the forthcoming general elections but confirmed the tournament would be played from April 10 to May 24. “Last year, there were eight venues. This time it could go up to 11,” he said.

“The IPL governing body has already approved Cuttack and Ahmedabad as likely venues.”

Modi, who is the president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, said there was a party who was interested in buying stake in Rajasthan Royals.

Pakistan bars players from the IPL

Pakistan on Monday barred its cricketers from playing in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL), fearing that it would be unsafe for the players to travel to India in view of the tense relations between the two countries.

The decision to deny permission came just four days before the IPL players’ auction in Goa and could further strain sporting ties between the two countries.

Saleem Altaf, the chief operating officer of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said they had received copy of a letter from the foreign affairs ministry sent to the sports ministry which declined permission to the players to travel to India for the Twenty20 tournament.

“All the players who are already signed up with the IPL teams or those who were due to take part in the players auction have been declined permission,” Altaf said in Karachi.

Altaf said the sports ministry had said they had no objection to the cricketers going to India.

In a hurriedly convened press conference here after the PCB’s decision, Lalit Modi, chairman of the IPL, said the affected franchises would be allowed to spend the money to recruit fresh players.

Five Pakistan cricketers — Yasir Hameed, Yasir Arafat, Asim Kamal, Danish Kaneria and Mohammed Hafeez — were due to appear in the auction in Goa. Those already contracted with the franchises are — Younis Khan and Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals), Shoaib Malik (Delhi DareDevils), Shahid Afridi (Deccan Chargers) and Umar Gul (Kolkata Knight Riders).

“After the auction on Friday, the teams who had Pakistan players would be allowed to spend the same amount to get replacement players of their own choice,” the IPL chairman said.

“The Pakistan government took this decision along with the PCB. So we have decided to withdraw all the five players from the auction in Goa,” Modi said.

“The Pakistani players have a three-year contract with their respective franchises and the only reason of their unavailability could be injuries. But since that is not the case here, we will have to look at the legal aspect of the issue,” Modi added.

“As per the guidelines set by the governing council for the IPL, each franchisee will have a maximum purse of $2 million, less any amount spent on signing temporary replacements from last year, to select the cricketers best suited for their team’s strategies,” the BCCI vice president added.

The IPL chairman said the final schedule of matches was yet to be drawn as there could be some changes because of the forthcoming general elections but confirmed the tournament would be played from April 10 to May 24. “Last year, there were eight venues. This time it could go up to 11,” he said.

“The IPL governing body has already approved Cuttack and Ahmedabad as likely venues.”

Modi, who is the president of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, said there was a party who was interested in buying stake in Rajasthan Royals.