Jacques Kallis backed his years of experience to guide South Africa through a tough run chase on the third day at Cape Town. He and Ashwell Prince added 117 to carry their side to a five-wicket win, which secured the series 2-1.”Sometimes you get more pleasure out of knocks like this than getting a hundred,” he said, “because it played a big role in winning the game for South Africa which to me is more important than getting a hundred.”They put us under a lot of pressure and we just had to absorb it. But there is no way you can carry on doing it all day and there had to come a period where they would crack and perhaps start trying a few things. It happened after lunch and once we got the momentum things became a lot easier.”There was some vociferous appealing, particularly early in the day, and at one stage umpires Peter Parker and Steve Bucknor spoke to Pakistan’s acting captain Younis Khan, warning the players to “keep down the banter”.”It was nothing out of the ordinary,” said Kallis. “It was a hard series. It was hard cricket and there were tense moments but that’s what Test cricket is about. It’s what our guys like and it brings the best out of quite a few of our players.”Graeme Smith was grateful to Kallis after he was one of Mohammad Asif’s two early wickets, which left South Africa 39 for 4 chasing 161. “On a wicket like this it is where your big pressure players come to the party and make the impact that’s needed.”He was also quick to credit Pakistan for their part a highly competitive series: “They [Pakistan] performed very well. On all their trips to South Africa these wickets probably were the closest to what they’ve got back home. They made life difficult for us.”

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Jimmy Maher emphatically bounced back from his form slump and Ryan Broad made his first substantial Pura Cup contribution as Queensland closed in on first-innings points at Brisbane. The Bulls, who reached 4 for 325, could have already taken the lead had they not let South Australia’s last pair, Shane Deitz and Shaun Tait, build a frustrating 89-run partnership in the morning session.In reply to the visitors’ 377, Maher and Broad put Queensland in command with a 263-run opening stand before the Redbacks claimed 3 for 13 to halt the home team’s momentum. Maher’s 169 was easily his best score this season – his previous highest was 52 – and he cracked 25 boundaries before Jason Gillespie finally broke the partnership and trapped him lbw.Broad, playing only his fifth first-class match, passed fifty for the first time but fell agonisingly short of a maiden century when Gillespie had him caught behind for 95. Greg Moller, the Queensland debutant, fell victim to Tait’s pace for 0 and at the close Clinton Perren (26 not out) and Chris Hartley (6 not out) were in charge of overhauling the Redbacks’ total.The Bulls wanted to wrap up South Australia’s innings early but Tait and Deitz added 54 to their overnight score. Their stand was the Redbacks’ finest tenth-wicket partnership – the previous was a measly 32 by Tim May and Chris Owen in 1991-92 – and ended when Ashley Noffke removed Deitz for 98. Noffke was the star in a mixed Queensland bowling effort, finishing with 6 for 87.

Allan Border said it was “totally inappropriate” and “plain wrong” for Sunil Gavaskar to link the death of David Hookes to the conduct of Australian cricketers on the field. Border said Gavaskar had missed the point and did not seem to appreciate that different behaviour was acceptable in different cultures.”I consider Sunny a friend, but what he said about David Hookes and the behaviour of Australian cricketers was totally uncalled for,” Border told . “What Sunny said on television was totally inappropriate.”Gavaskar suggested on the Australian players might get physically attacked if they used similar language in a bar as they use on the field. “There’s the example of the late David Hookes,” Gavaskar said. “Would they get away with it? Would they have a fist coming at their face or not?”Border said there was no need to mention Hookes, who died after an altercation outside a Melbourne nightclub in 2004. “For [Gavaskar] to link David’s death to players allegedly misbehaving on a cricket field is plain wrong,” Border said. He argued that Gavaskar was misinterpreting Australia’s aggressive brand of play.”Where Australia may be seen to be playing the game hard and tough could be misconstrued on the subcontinent,” Border said. “Similarly, the way India plays the game at times may not be to the liking of every Australian. Cricket is a global sport in which different cultures lock horns out in the middle. Only the nuances of the game may vary from country to country.”While a cricketer on the subcontinent or the West Indies may find an Australian bowler’s remark to a particular batsman of ‘you lucky b——‘ offensive, to players in other teams it’s not. Sunny has missed the point here badly. He’s clearly overlooked the fact there are different cultures at work.Darren Lehmann, a close friend of Hookes, backed Border’s reaction. “I’m pretty disappointed with Gavaskar,” Lehmann said. “His remarks only hurt David Hookes’ family and friends, and tarnish Hookesy’s memory. A man of Gavaskar’s stature in the game of cricket should know better.”Lehamnn said Gavaskar’s outburst was “in bad taste” and he had ignored the fact that umpires and match referees had the power to take action if players’ behaviour on the field was inappropriate. “I came into the international arena a few years after he had retired,” Lehmann said. “He was a player I admired. Not any more.”

Bruce Aanensen, the former manager of Trinidad and Tobago’s football team, has been appointed CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).Aanensen, who spent eight years as HR director of the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, effectively replaces Roger Braithwaite who resigned in March 2006. The WICB had found, and appointed, a replacement for Braithwaite – Roland Toppin – but he pulled out of the role just two weeks before he was due to start.”This is a challenge but one which I welcome,” Aanensen said. “I am dedicated to the region and to all the sports that we play. However, cricket remains my first love and I have always wanted to help the West Indies regain its place at the pinnacle of world cricket.”I believe that I can add value to the plans and policies of the present board to have the kind of organisation in place which could achieve and maintain this objective. I look forward to, and would welcome, the views of all stakeholders on this and all other issues affecting West Indies Cricket.”Aanensen starts his new role on April 16.

Scorecard
A third polished bowling effort, and an effortless batting performance, enabled Sri Lanka A to complete a clean sweep of the series against Bangladesh A in Colombo. Having dismissed the tourists for 222, the hosts were set a Duckworth-Lewis reduced target of 157 from 34 overs, and cruised home with 58 balls to spare with Mahela Udawatte scoring an unbeaten 87.Tushar Imran, the Bangladesh captain, won his third toss in a row and made the same decision as he had all series – bat. However, in the face of a disciplined attack, Bangladesh could only muster 222 for 9, Nazimuddin’s 57 from 76 balls being the top score. Imran himself got a start, but failed to capitalise, falling to a run-out from Chamara Kapugedera on 44. Mahmudullah came back from his duck in the last game to remain unbeaten on 44, but received little support from the tail.From 156 for 4, Bangladesh lost their next five wicket for 42 runs. Dilruwan Perera, the offspinner, collected 2 for 26, Upul Chandana, apart from a run-out, finished with 1 for 43 from his quota, and Kaushal Lokuarachchi continued his good form with 2 for 48.In reply, Sri Lanka were given a good start from Udawatte, who opened got in place of the in-form Malinda Warnapura, and Dilruwan Perera (23) who added 83. After Perera fell to Farhad Reza, Udawatte and Warnapura knocked off the required runs with little fuss. Udawatte needed just 70 balls for his knock, which included 15 fours and a six, while Warnapure finished on a 40-ball 37.

After days of scathing criticism and ceaseless innuendo, the penny finallydropped. “I gave extensive consideration to this,” said Brian Lara. “Iwant everybody to know that on Saturday I’ll be playing my lastinternational match. I’ve already spoken to the board and the playersabout this.” It was a fairly routine press conference at the end of ainsignificant game, but the answer to the last question caused even themost tired journalist to look up from his notepad.And with that, it was over. He stopped to sign a few autographs – jadedhacks too aren’t immune from the spell cast by his batting – and thenwalked away through the side door. Though there will be nothing at stakeon Saturday when two frankly mediocre teams play for nothing more thanpride, the stands could be packed as fans flock in to pay their owntributes to the prince among modern-day batsmen.Ever since West Indies were ruled out of semi-final contention earlier inthe week, speculation has been rife that Lara wouldn’t be part of the Testsquad to England. For a man who has carried the team piggyback for so muchof his career, it would have been an unkind cut, one that he was clearlyin no mood to take.When asked to rake over the pieces of yet another ill-fated World Cupcampaign, Lara refused to dwell on “spilt milk”. “We’ve got to move on andfocus on the future,” he said.His one-day career will end at 299 games, and he won’t now add to the 131Tests and 11,953 runs he scored in Test cricket. “I was very confidentthat I’d play my 300th game at the World Cup,” he said. “It wasn’t to be.So be it.”Though he will be remembered for two glorious centuries against SouthAfrica (1996 and 2003), Lara has little else to cherish as far as theWorld Cup is concerned. Winning the ICC Champions Trophy in the gloom atThe Oval in 2004 was a highlight, and he’ll hope for a reprise against theEnglish team that was beaten that day.”West Indies cricket is something I hold dearly to my own heart,” he saidwhen asked what his feelings would be as he donned the maroon colours forthe last time. “I’ve had a very good run, 299 one-day matches and 130-oddTests under my belt. That’s testimony to the fact that I’ve been out theretoiling for West Indies cricket. I’ve enjoyed every single day.”He leaves behind quite a legacy as a batsman. “I’ve come out there andtried to entertain,” he said, when asked how he’d like to be remembered.”You have to remember that people pay to come through the turnstiles.”Another thing that I’m proud of is that I’ve been knocked down so manytimes, both as a player and a person, and come back. I need to thank myparents for that, for being able to go out there in the face of adversityand perform. It’s a family trait.”

Good news at last for Canada – they have announced their search for a chief executive to lead their push towards professional cricket. The full-time role will be funded by ICC and the Canada Cricket Association (CCA).Whoever is appointed will report to the CCA president Ben Sennik, with responsibilities for financial reporting, marketing and helping to implement a high-performance program alongside the new coach.The ad states that the ideal candidate will be “preferably fluent in English and French”. But while the CCA is required to have a bilingual policy, in line with Federal Government policy, finding someone who speaks both languages who also has in-depth knowledge of the game both globally and within Canada, and has an excellent business brain may be a task of needle and haystack – though not impossible.Nevertheless, the news couldn’t come at a better time for Canada: putting it mildly, it’s been a bad week. Their preparations for the Intercontinental Cup final were shoddy at best – though not entirely of their own making – and the outcome laid bare what’s wrong within the game. They didn’t look like a unit; their body language was poor, and they hadn’t had enough practice.It’s hardly their fault – they had played little cricket, and some play on artificial wickets when they do – but John Davison’s tag of “village and embarrassing” for one of their World Cup displays was equally relevant on the first day. In retrospect, however, it was a very big ask. Not one member of the CCA, nor any of the selectors, was there to witness the display – a funding issue – but all of which was sorrily contrasted by a smiling, enthusiastic Ireland side and board.And now Canada are without a coach, following Andy Pick’s return to England Under-19 duties. So what better time than to announce that now they are looking for someone who can redress this situation, and inject some much-needed professionalism? Furthermore, the chief executive will be required to offer a clear marketing program which is vital, as funding continues to be a massive issue.The CCA themselves recognise that for the players to become professional is a long process, but this role is exciting news for the country, the new coach and the new chief exec. Now they just have to find them.

The West Indies Players’ Association has said its players will not undertake an A-team tour of Zimbabwe next month as a result of concerns over safety and the continuing unstable political situation in the country.A statement issued by WIPA said that the West Indies board had been advised that it had reached the decision “following intensive discussions with various stakeholders and likely selectees who have unanimously expressed deep concern about players’ safety and the continuing volatile situation existing in that country”.”While we at WIPA acknowledge the importance of the development of cricket, we are, nevertheless, firmly of the view that the safety of players in an unsettled environment is of paramount importance.””We have consulted with CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market) and we have received assurances from the Zimbabwe board regarding player safety,” Tony Deyal, the WICB’s corporate secretary, told Cricinfo. “We also believe that we will be getting a guarantee from the Zimbabwe government.”We have shared the information we have with WIPA and we would hope they share theirs with us. If they have information we don’t have then we are prepared to review it.” A meeting between the board and WIPA is likely in the next few days to try to resolve the situation.Dinanath Ramnarine, WIPA’s chief executive, said that he was sympathetic to the disappointment of those selected at the cancellation but that “we want to assure the board that we will give every consideration to a similar tour in more favourable circumstances”. He added that many sources both inside and outside Zimbabwe had been consulted before the decision was reached.There was more confusion when Bruce Aanensen, the WICB’s chief executive officer, told the Trinidad & Tobago Express that the trip was on. “That is still the plan [for] the team to leave on June 30. We did not get the response from the Caribbean heads of government until Wednesday afternoon of last week.”On receipt of that when we agreed that we could go ahead with the tour in so far as the heads of government were concerned, we sent out a proposal to WIPA, the terms and conditions of the tour and I am waiting on a response from WIPA at the moment to proceed with announcing the team for the tour.”Cricinfo understands that those likely to tour have been contacted by WIPA in advance of this decision, although WIPA has yet to be informed of the exact squad members even though the board seems to have been in touch with them individually.The news will be a serious blow to Zimbabwe Cricket. It comes hot on the heels of the decision by the Australian government to ban their side from touring Zimbabwe, and less than a fortnight before the ICC meets to consider the restoration of Zimbabwe’s Test status.

South Africa kick off a hectic period of international cricket with a series of ODIs against Ireland and India and Mickey Arthur, their coach, highlighting the importance of Dale Steyn and a varied attack to future plans.South Africa, who arrive Thursday and play Ireland on Sunday before three ODIs against India, left Steyn out of their World Cup squad, a move that in hindsight was exposed by the lack of variety in their one-paced attack. “Dale Steyn’s return is huge for us. We saw how important pace is at the World Cup and Shaun Tait and Lasith Malinga were probably the two most destructive bowlers there. Dale has the ability to do what they did and his return has added greater depth and variety to our attack,” Arthur said.Arthur also said the role of Thandi Tshabalala, the off-spinner, will be important. South Africa have struggled to produce a quality spinner of any kind since their return to international cricket in 1991 and Tshabalala’s absence from the Caribbean also irked some. “We need a spin bowler who can play a crucial role in the attack and bowl 10 overs a game,” Arthur said. Johan Botha and Robin Peterson, he added, were still in options.But Arthur is looking beyond even this season and to the next, when South Africa take on England in England and play home and away against Australia. Ireland and this season is merely the beginning. “We’re playing England in England and then two series against Australia and, as a team, we’ve assessed that those are series we can leave our mark on, leave as our legacy. But we don’t want guys making their debuts in series like that, so there needs to be succession planning in key areas.”We need a pool of players who can play at that level and the only way to get that is by giving guys opportunities.”Shaun Pollock has given us yeoman service, but he needs to be managed, and Vernon Philander has been identified as one of his back-ups, along with Albie Morkel, who played in the Afro-Asia Cup and Ryan McLaren and Johan van der Wath, who I’ve been keeping an eye on in county cricket,” Arthur said.”Albie has had a chance in the series between Africa and Asia and Vernon will now have his in Ireland.”

The International Cricket Council has warned that a proposal from the Texan billionaire, Allen Stanford, who hopes to host a $23 million Twenty20 tournament in the West Indies next year, will only be given the go-ahead if all parties are satisfied with the arrangements.”Our members have raised genuine concerns about the concept and have asked ICC to act as an intermediary and help manage discussions between Mr Stanford and the potential host of the matches, the West Indies Cricket Board,” said the ICC chief executive, Malcolm Speed.”The members recognise the potential benefits of the tournament for the development of cricket in the West Indies. At the same time they wish to ensure that their participation in any event such as this will benefit as many of the game’s stakeholders as possible to help facilitate its continuing strong growth.”On Saturday, newspaper reported that Stanford had approached Australia for a week-long Twenty20 knockout also involving India, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The winners would then take on the Stanford Super Stars, a West Indian XI consisting of the best players in the inter-island domestic Twenty20 tournament.Cricket Australia has said it would consider the proposal subject to ICC approval, although today’s statement from the governing body suggests that there remain some reservations. The West Indies board met the ICC last week to discuss the event and the issues of payment and the countries involved.According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Australia need to complete a Test and ODI series in the Caribbean by June 30, 2008. And under the current provisions, as laid out in the recent ICC executive meeting at Lord’s, each nation may play a maximum of seven Twenty20 fixtures per year, and two in any one series.”[The ICC] are keen to ensure any tournament is, wherever possible, consistent with the aims of the current Future Tours Program in terms of both player workload and the existing cap on Twenty20 internationals,” Speed said. “Our members also wish to ensure any arrangement is consistent with the ICC’s ongoing broadcasting agreement with ESPN STAR Sports governing multi-team events.”Stanford’s original inter-island tournament in 2006 was a massive success, raising cricket’s profile in the West Indies to a level that the recent World Cup didn’t come close to matching. “The key is to achieve a result that is in the best interests of thegame as a whole and,” Speed said. “To that end, discussions will continue ahead of theICC board’s next meeting, set to take place in Dubai in late October.”