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New Zealand 96 for 6 (Anderson 6-42) trail England 364 (Pietersen 115, Ambrose 67, Broad 64) by 268 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

James Anderson produced his best Test figures with both bat and ball, and Stuart Broad recorded his maiden Test half-century, as England seized control of the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge with a day of unstinting dominance. By the time bad light had brought a premature end to the day, the Kiwis were floundering on 96 for 6 in reply to England’s 364, and their deficit of 268 seemed insurmountable in the face of Anderson’s hostile and high quality swing-bowling assault.Throughout his international career, Anderson has been like the girl with the curl from the children’s nursery rhyme – at times in this series, his performances have been horrid, but today, he was back to being very, very good indeed. He located a full, fast and outswinging length from the very first over of his spell, and in claiming all six of the New Zealand wickets to fall, he finished the day with half an eye on history. Only two players – Jim Laker and Anil Kumble – have managed ten in an innings, but if Anderson can replicate the same form he showed today, his opponents – and team-mates – may not have much say in the matter.Ultimately, Anderson is a mood bowler, and there’s nothing quite like an early wicket to set his juices pumping. With his third ball of the day, he turned Aaron Redmond inside out with a wickedly jagging outswinger that detonated his off stump, and New Zealand’s foreboding was tangible. Out strode their kingpin, Brendon McCullum – relieved of the gloves and promoted to No. 3 – but his talents were wasted in such hostile conditions. He had made only 9 when Anderson flattened his stumps with a carbon copy of the Redmond delivery, and at 14 for 2, the innings was in freefall.Ross Taylor counterattacked with the sort of confident recklessness that befits a man with two 150s to his name on this tour, and together with the low-key Jamie How, he guided New Zealand to tea at 57 for 2. But after the break, and armed with a changed and fractionally shinier ball, Anderson picked up where he had left off. Taylor squirted a fat edge to gully and departed for 21, and three balls later the hapless Daniel Flynn – whom Anderson maimed with that tooth-shattering bouncer at Old Trafford – was pinned on the crease and sent on his way for a duck.At 62 for 4, How was New Zealand’s last obdurate presence, but he was the next to go, and in a disappointing fashion. He hung a limp bat outside off stump, and Anderson’s natural outswing curved perfectly off the edge and carried through low to Tim Ambrose behind the stumps. Then, only five balls before the umpires offered the light, Jacob Oram followed in similar fashion for 7. At 96 for 6, with only Daniel Vettori of the recognised batsmen remaining, the hopes of New Zealand snatching a share of the series had receded over the horizon.It was quite a contrast to the Kiwis’ mood on the first day, when England slumped to 86 for 5 after lunch, but since then they have been subjugated by a succession of impressive performances. And though Anderson stole the limelight with his bowling, his first role of the day came with the bat, as he and Broad compiled an improbable and important eighth-wicket stand of 76. When New Zealand took the field under slate-grey skies, with England evenly poised on their overnight 273 for 7, they doubtless envisaged a swift denouement. Instead they were made to toil lucklessly and with mounting frustration.For Broad, it was yet another demonstration of his rich promise as an allrounder. Since his batting breakthrough in partnership with Kevin Pietersen at Napier in March, he has reached at least 25 in each of his last five innings, and his shot selection and patience has borne all the hallmarks of a pedigree cricketer. It was especially appropriate that his best innings to date should come at his new county home of Trent Bridge, where his father Chris made his name as a batsman in the mid-1980s.His poise and balance at the crease was exemplary, and any international cricketer would be proud of his back-foot driving, which earned him three more boundaries in the morning session. He did require one massive, and tone-setting, moment of good fortune in the third over of the day when, on 21, he edged Chris Martin firmly to second slip, only for McCullum – unaccustomed to the angles at second slip – to fumble the opportunity.After that, Broad’s performance was plain-sailing, until he reached the threshold of his half-century. On 49, he was made to sweat as Vettori and Oram pinned him down for 25 balls either side of lunch. But crucially, Broad refused to succumb to a rash slog, and sure enough the loose delivery eventually arrived. Vettori strayed onto his pads, and Broad flicked him away through midwicket for a hugely cathartic boundary.Anderson’s own career-best was scarcely less impressive, and his disappointment was clear when he finally feathered a nick to the keeper off Oram to give New Zealand their only breakthrough of the morning session. Up until that point he had produced some shots that belied his lowly reputation, including a crunching cover-drive and a confident slog sweep in consecutive overs from Iain O’Brien and Vettori. But his true role was still to come, and by the time his day’s work was done, New Zealand’s stout resistance in this series had been all but broken.

Pakistan team manager Yawar Saeed has left Sri Lanka amidst unconfirmedrumours that he has been sacked.The 72-year-old manager checked out of the team hotel on Tuesday afterreportedly being summoned back to Lahore.The PCB refused to confirm the sacking on Tuesday. Khalid Butt, the PCB’smedia manager, was quoted by the Dawn newspaper as saying: “I have noknowledge about Yawar Saeed’s removal as Pakistan team manager. As far as Iknow, there is no official announcement forthcoming from the cricket board.”Saeed, who had been appointed up until the 2003 World Cup, appears to be thesecond casualty following Pakistan’s recent poor form. Coach Mudassar Nazarwas released earlier this month.Former manager Brigadier Khawaja Muhammad Nasir is tipped to replace Saeed.Nazir has filled the post on a number of occasions after being firstappointed in 1984.Pakistan are due to play three Test matches against Australia after theongoing ICC Champions Trophy, the first of which will be played at Colombo.The final two games will be played at Sharjah.They will be anxious to reverse a poor run that has seen them struggle intri-series at Tangiers and Nairobi in August. They also failed during theICC Champions Trophy, losing to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the tournamentcurtain raiser.However, the chances of Pakistan defeating the powerful Australians lookslim after injuries to key batsmen Yousuf Youhana and Inzamam-ul-Haq. WasimAkram and Saeed Anwar have both made themselves unavailable for the series.South Africa-based Englishman Richard Pybus, Mudassar’s successor as coach,left for Colombo via Dubai Tuesday night along with six players named in theTest squad Saturday.

THE INAUGURAL TEST
’56-57 in Pakistan

Australia arrived in Pakistan for the first time in the autumn of 1956 to play the first-ever Test match at the National Stadium, Karachi in October. A world record was created which stands to this day. Only 95 runs were scored during the first day’s play, which is the lowest number of runs scored in a full day’s play in any Test match to date.Ian Johnson, the Australian captain, won the toss and elected to bat on a matting wicket. Fazal Mahmood and Khan Mohammad forced the Aussies into their shell. The visitors struggled throughout their innings on opening day and were all out for 80. Fazal and Khan bowled unchanged to capture six and four wickets respectively.Australia staged a comeback by restricting the home side to 70 for five by the second afternoon. Wazir Mohammad and captain Abdul Hafeez Kardar shared a sixth wicket stand of 104 which anchored the innings. A first innings lead of 119 on the unpredictable track was likely to prove decisive which is exactly what happened. Australia faced a humiliating defeat when their cream was polished off with only 47 runs on the board in the second innings. All-rounders Richie Benaud and Alan Davidson revived the tourists’ hopes but another mini collapse near the end simply delayed the inevitable.Pakistan won the inaugural Test against Australia by nine wickets. Pakistan were given a target of 69 runs, which they achieved for the loss of just one wicket. Pakistan took 48.4 overs to reach the target. It was a great achievement by the Pakistan team against stalwarts like Neil Harvey, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Alan Davidson and Ray Lindwall—all world class cricketers.BENAUD’S INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP
’59-60 in Pakistan

The Australians triumphed in style when they visited for the second time in the 1959-60 season. They won the 3-Test series by a 2-0 margin. Pakistan was outgunned at Dhaka and Lahore while they survived in Karachi. Australia registered easy victories in the first two Tests, thanks to a superior all-round display. Richie Benaud’s inspirational leadership played a major role in Australia’s handsome victories. This was, incidentally, Pakistan’s first series defeat at home. Pakistan was captained by Fazal Mahmood.In the first Test played in Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh), Australia emerged victorious by eight wickets. Pakistan were skittled out for just 200 runs. Only Hanif Mohammad (66) and debutant Duncan Sharpe (56) offered any resistance. Benaud and Davidson were the pick of the bowlers. They returned figures of 4-69 and 4-42, respectively. Pakistani bowlers hit back but Australia still managed to get a lead of 25 runs. Neil Harvey (96) and ‘keeper Wally Grout (66) coming in at No. 9, did the bulk of the scoring. For Pakistan, Fazal took five for 71 off 35.5 overs. Pakistan in their second turn with the bat, however, failed again. Home batsmen were unable to cope with the bowling of Richie Benaud and Ken Mackay and were shot out for 134 runs. Mackay took 6-42 in the innings while Benaud returned match figures of 8-111. Out of the 100.3 overs the Australians bowlers delivered in the second innings, this pair bowled 84.3 overs. Australia chasing a target of 109 runs, reached it for the loss of just two wickets.The second Test in Lahore also marked the inauguration of Gaddafi Stadium (then known as Lahore Stadium), Australia again triumphed by seven wickets. Fazal was indisposed, so Imtiaz Ahmed took over the reins of captaincy. Imtiaz elected to bat first, but Pakistan paid dearly for the decision. They crashed for a mere 146 runs, with Hanif (49) getting a noteworthy score. Australia in reply took full advantage of Fazal’s absence. Norman O’Neil (134) helped Australia reach a healthy 391 for nine before Benaud declared. Pakistan, 245 runs behind, made a valiant attempt to fight back in the second innings. With Saeed Ahmed (166) leading the way, Pakistan reached 366. Kline took 7-75, the best bowling by an Australian in Pakistan, todate. Australia were thus given a target of 121 runs, which they achieved with no fuss at all.Pakistan thus entered the last Test, played in Karachi, with the knowledge that they had lost their first rubber at home. Fazal was back to lead the side. The Test ended rather tamely. Apart from superb knocks by Hanif Mohammad in both the innings (51 and 101 not out) and the usual deadly swing bowling by Fazal in the first innings (5-74) from Pakistan side and a marathon spell of leg-spin bowling by Richie Benaud 49.5-17-93-5 for the Australian side, the Test offered nothing else to write about.TAME DRAW
’64-65 in Pakistan

Australia arrived in Pakistan for the third time in the 1964-65 season to play a one-off Test match. The dearth of Test matches in those days can be understood by the fact that it was over two years since Pakistan were involved in a Test match. Debutants Khalid Ibadullah and Abdul Kadir frustrated the Aussies who didn’t get the initial breakthrough until the scoreboard showed 249. Kadir was unlucky to miss a hundred on Test debut by just five runs as he was tragically run out for 95. Khalid Ibadullah scored 166 runs in his maiden innings in Test cricket. From a monumental 249 for no loss, Pakistan tumbled to 414 all out, thanks to a splendid spell by Graham Mckenzie who finished with highly respectable figures of 6 for 69 from 30 overs.Skipper Bobby Simpson held the Australian innings together with a colossal century. Despite Simpson’s brave 153, the visitors conceded a first innings lead of 62. Pakistan declared their second innings at 279 for 8 leaving Australia 342 to win. Simpson opted for batting practice instead of risking wickets in pursuit of the big target, and completed his second century of the match, which ended in a tame draw.NARROW ESCAPE
’64-65 in Australia

Immediately after the conclusion of the one-off Test in Pakistan, both teams headed to Australia to play a return one-off Test after a gap of 40 days. Skipper Hanif Mohammad dominated the Melbourne Test by scoring 104 and 93. Hanif playing his third game after a long break due to a knee injury and twice retrieved his side from poor starts. The news of opener Abdul Kadir’s right thumb being crushed off the third ball of the match from ‘Garth’ Mckenzie meant the ‘Little Master’ also had to perform wicketkeeping duties. He responded by accepting five catches in the match. The Australian fast bowler captured his 100th Test wicket in a then record time of three and a half years.Medium pacer, Arif Butt enjoyed the bounce of the MCG wicket and was rewarded with figures of 6-89 in the first innings. After finishing 161 behind on the first innings, the tourists did well to escape, with Intikhab Alam (61) at number nine, providing much-needed support to his captain. The home side’s attempt of scoring 161 in 127 minutes was hampered by both rain and tourists’ slow over rate. The match was finally called off when a bad light appeal by the fielding side was upheld by the home umpire.UNLUCKY VISITORS
’72-73 in Australia

At the end of the 1972-73 Test series between Australia and Pakistan Ian Chappell, the Australian captain, said ‘Pakistan could have shattered us into pieces’. In that series Australia defeated Pakistan by a comprehensive 3-0 margin.In the first Test at Adelaide, Australia won by an innings and 114 runs. Australia’ first win against Pakistan in a home Test was gained off the 14th ball of the fifth morning. Ian Chappell’s highest Test innings was then the record for this series, as was Australia’s total of 585 which is still their highest against Pakistan in Australia. Rodney Marsh, became the first Australian wicket-keeper to score a Test hundred. Talat Ali, his right thumb fractured by a ball from Lillee, batted one-handed in the second innings to take the match into the last day.In the second Test at Melbourne, Pakistan lost the match by 92 runs. Majid’s first Test hundred, scored in his 20th innings and eight years after his debut, remains Pakistan’s highest score in a Test in Australia. John Benaud’s, Richie’s younger brother, hundred in his second Test included 93 before lunch on the fourth day after being told that he had not been selected for the next Test.At Sydney, Australia gained a remarkable victory to win the rubber 3-0. Pakistan needed to score only 159 runs in their second innings, despite a record ninth wicket partnership of 83 in 150 minutes between Watkins and Massie. Walker, who took five wickets for three runs with his last 30 balls, and Lillee, restricted by a vertebral injury, bowled unchanged throughout the 138 minutes of play on the final day to dismiss Pakistan.IMRAN’S MEMORABLE FEAT
’76-77 in Australia

The 1976-77 season was wonderful for Pakistan cricket. Pakistan toured Australia under inspirational leader Mushtaq Mohammad.The first Test ended in a draw. Australia’ seventh-wicket pair needed to score 56 runs to win the match when the first of the mandatory last 15 overs began. They were content with a draw and finished 24 runs short of their target. Thomson, attempting to catch Zaheer off his own bowling, collided with Turner (short leg) and dislocated his collar bone. He took no further part in the rubber. The partnership of Asif Iqbal and Iqbal Qasim (whose contribution was 4) remains the highest for the tenth wicket in this series.Australia won the second Test at Melbourne by 348 runs. This remains Pakistan’s heaviest defeat by a runs margin.In the Sydney Test, Australia batted first. Sarfraz made the initial breakthrough. Now the scene was set for Imran who broke the back of Australia’s ‘invincible’ batting line-up. He restricted them to a meagre 211, getting a lion’s share of 6-102. Pakistan scored 360 with Asif’s graceful 120. Imran demolished the Australian batting twice in succession. His match haul of 12-165 was indeed a memorable feat. Pakistan required only 32 runs for victory. When Majid Khan hit the winning stroke, Pakistani supporters invaded the ground.ASTONISINHING SPELL BY SARFRAZ
’78-79 in Australia

Pakistan toured Australia in March 1979.
The opening Test at Melbourne, Pakistan’s 100th, will be long remembered for Sarfraz’s astonishing spell of seven wickets for one run in 33 balls with the second new ball, as he triggered a collapse that saw Australia melting from a winning position of 305 for 3 to be all out for 310. Sarfraz became the first Pakistani to take nine wickets in an innings.The second and final Test at Perth saw Pakistan failing twice in putting up formidable totals, despite Miandad’s unbeaten 129 in the first innings and Asif Iqbal’s unconquered 134 in the second. Three of the players Majid Khan, Wasim Bari and Sikander Bakhat bagged pairs, which resulted in Australia requiring 236 in 210 minutes plus 15 overs. The home side, which had lost six of the seven Test matches in the season, achieved the target with the loss of only three wickets to level the series.TAUSEEF’S SENSATIONAL DEBUT
’79-80 in Pakistan

Australia returned to Pakistan after fifteen seasons. During that period Pakistan had visited Australia four times. Greg Chappell led the Australian side in the 1979-80 season.They were spun out in the Karachi Test while the second and third Tests were high-scoring draws. Off-spinner Tauseef Ahmed made a sensational debut at Karachi and in collaboration with Iqbal Qasim, baffled the Australian on a pitch tailor-made for spinners. On a turning pitch, Australia were bundled out for 225. Pakistan, due to an uncharacteristic 89 from Majid, were able to gain a lead of 67 runs on the first innings. Not surprisingly Ray Bright did the bulk of the bowling and had the lion’s share in the wickets (7-87 in 46.5 overs). Australia could only manage 140 in the second innings. Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed shared 18 of the Australian wickets. They had match analysis of 11-118 and 7-126, respectively. Pakistan reached the target of 73 for the loss of three wickets. All second innings wickets fell to Bright, who finished with match figures of 10-111.Dennis Lillee went wicketless in the first two Tests, which emerged a startling feature and at the same time it highlighted the slow pitches prepared for the series. Greg Chappell and Taslim Arif posted double centuries in the Faisalabad Test while Allan Border distinguished himself by hitting two fighting 150-plus hundreds in the drawn Lahore Test.MIANDAD VS LILLEE
’81-82 in Australia

The first Test of the 1981-82 series at Perth was also the venue of the infamous Miandad-Lillee incident that sadly overshadowed Pakistan’s shabby performance. The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) suspended Lillee for two One-Day games and fined him A$200. Pakistan were dismissed in 108 minutes for their lowest total (62) against all countries (previously 87 against England in 1954).In the second Test at Brisbane, captain Greg Chappell treated the home crowd to a majestic 201 (417 minutes, 296 balls, 22 4s) that earned his side an easy 10-wicket victory.In the final Test of the series on a much-debated Melbourne wicket, Pakistan achieved an innings win to avoid a whitewash. Pakistan gained their first victory against Australia after compiling the second-highest Test total without a century. Imran Khan became Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker when he dismissed Rodney Marsh. Allan Border became the 13th Australian to be run out in both innings of a Test and the sixth to suffer this misfortune at Melbourne. Majid Khan, partnered by Mudassar Nazar, scored an all-run 7 when he drove Lillee almost to the long-off boundary and completed four runs before Yardley, having fielded Wellham’s return, overthrew the wicket.THE WHITEWASH
’82-83 in Pakistan

Australia shared the 1982-83 Pakistan season with India. Greg Chappell and Denis Lillee, after their bitter experiences of 1979-80, decided to make themselves unavailable for the tour. Imran Khan’s team mercilessly whipped Kim Hughes’ team 3-0. The poor Australian had no answer to the combination of Imran’s blinding speed and Qadir’s bewildering spin magic. Their bowlers also succumbed to Pakistan’s batting powerhouse of Mohsin, Mudassar, Miandad, Zaheer and Mansoor. Qadir took 22 wickets in the series, which cost him 25.54 runs apiece. This wicket haul is still a record in a Pakistan-Australia series.Australia collapsed to 284 in the first Test allowed Pakistan a first innings lead of 135 runs. They dropped innumerable catches, probably the heat contributing to the extremely poor fielding. Pakistan won the Karachi Test by nine wickets.Australia were outplayed in all departments of the game at Faisalabad where Pakistan emerged victorious by a margin of an innings and three runs.The third Test at Lahore ended in another comfortable victory for Pakistan. The Test saw Imran in his true element for the first time in the rubber. He carried his form of that Test to the subsequent series against India. His match figures of 8-80 off 44.2 overs clearly reflects his dominance and how cleverly he utilised his skill in the Test. Australia succeeded in compiling a good first innings total at Lahore in the third Test. But their bowlers failed to take advantage of a lively strip and Pakistan got a handsome first innings lead. Imran and his men completed the destruction on the final day with Australia losing by nine wickets. Not once were the Aussies bowlers able to dismiss the entire Pakistan batting line-up.WITHOUT A LEADER
’83-84 in Australia

In the eagerly awaited five Test series against Australia in 1983-84, Pakistan seemed to be without a definite leader. Zaheer led the side in the first two Test matches while Imran, the original captain who failed to appear in the initial Test matches due to shin injury, returned to lead the team in the last three Tests. Due to this uncertainty about the leadership, Pakistan team failed to perform to its potential and lost the series 2-0. The Sydney Test also marked the farewell appearance of Australia’s three greatest cricket champions, who all contributed significantly in their farewell match, Greg Chappell (182 runs), Dennis Lillee (eight wickets) and Rodney Marsh (six catches).CONTROVERSIES GALORE
’88-89 in Pakistan

In 1988-89, Javed Miandad’s team mercilessly whipped Allan Border’s team 1-0. That series was beset with controversy and acrimony over umpiring decisions and the quality of the wickets, culminating in threats by the visitors to abandon the tour.The Australian captain Allan Border together with manager Colin Eager and coach Bobby Simpson threatened to call off the tour after the first Test, which the visitors lost. Pakistan achieved its largest margin of victory in the Karachi Test. Australia in the controversy marred Test lost by an innings and 188 runs, in a period of under five days. Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad batted ten minutes short of ten hours for 211, his fifth double century and survived chances on 126 and 186. Pakistan’s 469 was its highest score against Australia and also featured Shoaib Mohammad’s 94 in a partnership of 196 with Miandad. In Australia’s first innings of just 165, only Peter Taylor was able to read the mysteries of recalled veteran left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim. He bowled 39 overs and took 5/35. The second innings was a repeat of the first except that the tail failed to wag.The next two Test were badly hit by rain and petered out as tame draws.A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT
’89-90 in Australia

The BCCP (now PCB) had rejected an original offer of a five-Test series in Australia and instead made themselves available for three Tests following Christmas in 1989-90. The tour proved to be a major disappointment with very little success achieved in any form of cricket. The only player who did justice to his talent was Wasim Akram.In a marvellous exhibition of Test cricket, Pakistan lost to Australia in the first Test by 92 runs. There were only 22 minutes remaining in the match when Australia clinched victory. It might have finished much earlier, but for a heroic second innings stand by Ijaz Ahmed, who held firm against the Aussies pace attack for 450 minutes. Ijaz scored 121, including 11 fours, before losing his wicket to an extraordinary left-handed catch from Geoff Marsh. Ijaz had just hit a beautiful square cut to point, when Marsh dived to take the ball fully stretched. Wasim Akram ended with match figures of 11-160. Wasim’s dismissal of Terry Alderman (0) was his 100th wicket in Test cricket. The match was full of tension. Six batsmen were given out leg-before wicket and both Wasim and Imran each took two Australian wickets with successive deliveries. Pakistan deserve great credit for overcoming a deplorable first innings (107) to almost save the match. Dean Jones scored centuries in both innings of the second Test, but did not earn the man-of-the-match award. He scored 116 and 121. He showed great style with his full-blooded drives, confidence and athleticism highlighted by some superb running between the wickets. Jones is the tenth Australian to achieve centuries in both innings of a Test. The honour went to Wasim Akram, who not only had figures of 5-100 in the first innings, but also scored 52 and 123 in two brilliant innings. Akram’s second innings stand of 191 with skipper Imran salvaged a draw for Pakistan.The third Test at Sydney was washed out due to heavy rain.KARACHI THRILLER
’94-95 in Pakistan

The first Test at Karachi turned out to be the most absorbing and exciting match ever played in Pakistan. On the final day, the home team achieved a remarkable win, with Inzamam-ul-Haq (58*) and Mushtaq Ahmed (20*), adding 57 runs off 49 balls for the last wicket amid unbearable tension. It was only the third time that Pakistan had achieved a fourth innings target in access of 200. The win also preserved Pakistan’s unique record of never having been defeated at National Stadium, Karachi in a Test match.The second Test at Rawalpindi, was again a scene of missed opportunities for Mark Taylor’s side after being in the driving seat for the best part of the four days. Michael Slater (110) and Steve Waugh (98) launched Australia to a first innings score of 521 for 9 declared. and a winning position. But Pakistan captain Saleem Malik ended Australia’s hopes with a career best 237 in a marathon innings of 443 minutes, after his team had followed-on.The draw was repeated in Lahore, with Pakistan making 373 (Warne distinguishing himself with 6/136) and Australia 455 (Bevan 91, Mark Waugh 71). Pakistan captain Saleem Malik (143) and Aamer Sohail (105) added 196 for the sixth wicket to save their team from another certain defeat for the second time in a row.COMFORT ZONE
’95-96 in Australia

The Australian cricket team stamped itself as Test Championship of the world after dispatching Pakistan in the 1995-96 three Test series with a comfortable 2-1 victory.Australia won the first Test at Brisbane by an innings and 126 runs. Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne captured seven wickets for just 23 runs. Pakistan’s Aamer Sohail hit fifteen fours in his second innings 99, but without a doubt, Shane Warne’s match aggregate of 11/77 was the highlight of the first Test.Defeat at Hobart was Pakistan fourth loss in a row following two home defeats at the hands of Sri Lanka.After convincing wins in the Tests at Brisbane and Hobart, everyone was expecting that the Sydney Test to be a walkover for Australia, but the Pakistani leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed put an end to that. Pakistan emerged victorious by 74 runs, a face-saving win. Mushtaq captured nine wickets for the match, 5/95 in Australia’s first innings and 4-91 in the second. The ball he called his ‘wrong one’ generally proved to be the right one, but it was unsuccessful against Australia’s Mark Waugh, who notched up a fine century. Ijaz Ahmed, who was flown out to Australia as a replacement, scored a magnificent 137, which set his team up for a win. Wasim Akram returned his best bowling of the series (4-50).PROFESSIONAL DISPLAY
’98-99 in Pakistan

The three Test series and the three match one-day series Australia played in Pakistan were notable for the tourists’ first series victory on Pakistan soil after 39 years. The Australians wrapped up the Test series 1-0, winning the first Test by an innings and 99 runs drawing the next two. They claimed the one-day series with a clean 3-0 sweep.Before Mark Taylor’s 1-0 Test series victory in Pakistan, only Richie Benaud had succeeded in beating Pakistan in Pakistan in the 1959-60 season with the Australians recording a 2-0 win in a three-match series.The Test series was also notable for some big knocks by the tourists. They amassed 513 in the only innings in the first Test at Rawalpindi, 599 for four declared and 289 for five in the second Test at Peshawar; and 280 and 390 in the final Test at Karachi. But more than these high totals, it was the batting of skipper Mark Taylor in the second Test that left a lasting impression on those who had the fortune to watch his marathon innings. Although, the left-handed Australian opener decided not to make the highest individual score in cricket history, which still stands in the name of another left-hander, West Indian skipper Brian Lara, yet history was still made.In the fourth over of the fifth morning, Australia gained their first success in Pakistan since November 1959 and the first innings-win by any visiting country there since 1986-87. Colin Miller dismissed Saleem Malik with his fifth ball in Test cricket. Saeed Anwar was ninth out in the first innings after sharing a series record ninth-wicket partnership of 120 with Mushtaq Ahmed. Michael Slater and Steve Waugh retrieved a poor start with a fourth-wicket stand of 198. In his 104th Test Ian Healy overhauled Rodney Marsh’s world record of 355 dismissals from 96 matches when he caught Wasim Akram on the fourth day.In the second Test at Peshawar, Mark Taylor batted throughout the first two days to score the first triple hundred by a visiting batsman on the sub-continent. Only Sanath Jayasuriya (340) had scored more. His undefeated 334, then the seventh-highest Test score, is statistically superior to the Australian record of 334 (out) set by Don Bradman at Leeds in 1930. Dropped on 18 and 27, he became the fourth to score 7,000 Test runs for Australia and was within reach of Brian Lara’s world record 375 when he declared in pursuit of victory. His second-wicket stand of 279 was with Langer. He subsequently became the second batsman after Graham Gooch to score 400 runs in a Test. In reply Pakistan’s Saeed Anwar and Ijaz Ahmed shared a match-saving second-wicket partnership of 211.In the third Test at Karachi, Shahid Afridi set a bizarre record by making his debut after appearing in 67 Limited Overs Internationals. Aamer Sohail, Mark Waugh and Ijaz Ahmed registered their fifth, 15th and tenth hundreds respectively. Australia won their first rubber in Pakistan after 39 years but were unable to threaten the hosts’ unbeaten 33-match record at National Stadium.White-Wash
’99-00 in Australia

Pakistan team under Wasim Akram arrived in Australia with high hopes of winning their first-ever series in Australia. The end result, however, was a very disappointing 0-3 defeat as the visitors suffered yet another whitewash in Australia.In the first Test of 1999-2000 series played at Brisbane, although Pakistan compiled a respectable first innings total, they were overwhelmed by an outstanding batting display by Australia and lost with 51.4 overs remaining. Slater and Blewett shared an opening partnership of 269. Australia’s (575) highest against Pakistan, before Mark Waugh added his 17th hundred and Warne contributed his highest score to a series record last-wicket stand of 86. Saeed Anwar added 177 with Yousuf Youhana in Pakistan’s highest fourth-wicket partnership against Australia. Adam Gilchrist at last made his debut after appearing in a record 76 limted-overs internationals.In the second Test at Hobart, an outstanding series record sixth wicket partnership enabled Australia to compile the third highest fourth innings total to win a Test match. Langer and Gilchrist joined forces at 126 for 5 and added 238 to take the hosts to within five runs of their memorable victory. Earlier Saqlain Mushtaq had take his 100th wicket in 23 Tests, Moin had claimed his 100th dismissal in 49 Tests to become the third Pakistani after Wasim Bari and Saleem Yousuf to complete the wicketkeepers’ double, and Inzamam had notches his 8th hundred.In the third and final Test at Perth, for the fifth time in 27 Tests in Perth, the result was achieved within three days, Australia achieving their second three-nil series won against Pakistan. Langer shared a series record fifth-wicket stand of 327, the highest for any wicket at the WACA ground, with Ponting. Ponting following three successive ducks with his highest score, Ijaz compiled his 12th hundred in 57 Tests.

Season Teams Tests Series’ Result1956-57 Australia in Pakistan 1 Pakistan 1-01959-60 Australia in Pakistan 3 Australia 2-01964-65 Australia in Pakistan 1 Draw 0-01964-65 Pakistan in Australia 1 Draw 0-01972-73 Pakistan in Australia 3 Australia 3-01976-77 Pakistan in Australia 3 Draw 1-11978-79 Pakistan in Australia 2 Draw 1-11979-80 Australia in Pakistan 3 Pakistan 1-01981-82 Pakistan in Australia 3 Australia 2-11982-83 Australia in Pakistan 3 Pakistan 3-01983-84 Pakistan in Australia 5 Australia 2-01988-89 Australia in Pakistan 3 Pakistan 1-01989-90 Pakistan in Australia 3 Australia 1-01994-95 Australia in Pakistan 3 Pakistan 1-01995-96 Pakistan in Australia 3 Australia 2-11998-99 Australia in Pakistan 3 Australia 1-01999-00 Pakistan in Australia 3 Australia 3-0

Following his impressive performance against Hampshire at Bath, fast bowler Richard Johnson has been named as the new Somerset Hero of the Week.In making his choice Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson said: "For his patience and resolve to make a complete recovery from his injury, and not rush back before being fully fit he was rewarded with a seven wicket haul and ten wickets in the match against Hampshire. Duncan Fletcher please note!"Richard Johnson moved west to join Somerset during the winter of 2000 after playing for Middlesex for nine seasons. In 1994 he became the first player for thirty years to take all ten wickets in an innings when he captured 10 for 45 against Derbyshire at Derby, whilst Kevin Shine was bowling at the other end!`Johnno’ was capped by Middlesex in 1995, and selected to play for England on their tour to South Africa in 1995-6. However he had to pull out after a persistent back injury.Since joining the Cidermen for 2001 he has enjoyed considerable success, and last season was the leading wicket taker in the county championship with 62 victims. He was awarded his Somerset cap during the season.During last winter Richard was called up for the England test tour to India to replace Andrew Caddick.When I caught up with Richard between training sessions at the County Ground he gave me the following answers to the `hero’ questions.Q1 What sports do you enjoy, apart from cricket?
A. I enjoy football, especially watching Tottenham who are my favourite team. I also enjoy watching rugby and most sports, and playing golf. I play off a handicap of sixteen, but people say that I am a bit of a bandit!Q2 Who was your idol when you were young?
A. There was only one hero for me and that was Ian Botham, who I watched many many times on the television. He has always been my hero.Q3 Who is your favourite pop star or band?
A. I don’t really have any particular favourites at the moment, but I do like any dance music.Q4 What do you do in your spare time?
A. Anything to relax, including taking my dog for a walk and playing golf with my friends.Q5 Where did you go to school, and when did you start to play cricket?
A. I went to Sunbury School and then onto Spelthorne College. I started to play cricket at the age of nine and from the age of eleven represented Middlesex through the age groups.Q6 What is your favourite food?
A. I enjoy eating a really hot curry.Q7 How much training do you do every week, are there any special exercises?
A. During the season I don’t do much, but in the winter I train five days of the week.Q8 What has been your most memorable match for Somerset?
A. My most memorable match of Somerset has to be winning the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Lord’s last September.Q9 Apart from the County Ground at Taunton, which is your favourite cricket ground and why?
A. It has to be Lord’s where I played so many times over the years for Middlesex. The facilities there are just like a five star luxury hotel.Q10 What are your cricketing ambitions?
A.My cricketing ambitions are to win as many trophies as I can for Somerset and of course to play for England.Many thanks to Richard for answering the questions for us, and we all hope that you fulfil your ambitions. Thanks also to Thomas and George who provided the questions

Somerset’s England star Marcus Trescothick was back at the County Ground this afternoon catching up on some of the mountain of letters that are sent to the ground for him.One letter in particular that brought a smile to the England man’s face was from eight year old Henry Lewis who had written from his home at Gilwern near Abergavenny.Henry had written in his best handwriting: “Well done at Edgbaston. I saw you practicing at Lord’s at the indoor nets. One day I would like to come to Somerset and hope you make a good score.”He continued: “I play for the Under 11’s side at Llanarth Cricket Club and I am very keen to become as good as you.”But it was the next part of the letter that brought the biggest smile from Marcus.The young man from Gilwern went on: “My nickname is ‘Dipper’ because I love chicken dippers. I know your nickname is ‘Banger’ because you like sausages!" before concluding :"Good luck in your next match.”Before returning to his mail bag ‘Banger’ told me: “I really enjoy getting letters like this and if ‘Dipper’ ever comes to Taunton on a day when I am around then I would be very happy to meet him.”

Southern Electric Premier League Division Three side Paultons are seeking a wicket-keeper to play for their 1st XI for the forthcoming season.If you are interested in joining this well-appointed New Forest club, please contact Paul Wilde on 01794 517577 or e-mail: [email protected]

Somerset suffered a frustrating day at The Oval as the third day of their championship match against table toppers Surrey was abandoned without a ball being bowled.After several attempts to get things started the day’s play was eventually called off by umpires Graham Burgess and John Holder in the mid afternoon, to leave the Cidermen kicking their heels with disappointment.Following yesterday’s very positive performance and the late breakthrough by Ian Blackwell to remove Graham Thorpe, Somerset were hoping to get early wickets this morning and set themselves a target to chase.As it was they will just have to wait until tomorrow and hope that the weather will be kinder to them in their attempts to get the result they feel that they have earned from this match.

The rapidity with which cricket has shifted toward professional status in Australia was underscored today when the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) foreshadowed the imminent emergence of the sport’s first millionaire player.ACB Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Speed revealed in Melbourne today that, under the terms of a new four-year deal his Board had negotiated with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), the nation’s top players are set to receive a significant boost in overall income.The Board’s new Memorandum of Understanding with the ACA – the body established in 1995 to act as the collective voice of Australia’s first-class cricketers – ensures that players will receive the increases in line with the sharp rise in overall Australian cricket revenue during recent summers.Speed announced that the total of that revenue had increased by fifty per cent over the past four years and that it will reach a level of $A85 million for 2001-02. That figure is projected to rise again to around $109 million in 2003-04.The underlying principle of the agreement, which replaces the first MoU signed between the two parties in September 1998, remains that Australia’s cricketers will be paid a set percentage of the total revenue produced by the ACB and state associations. Relative to the previous deal, that percentage has also risen.Three years ago, national and state players were guaranteed an entitlement to 20 per cent of the first $60 million of revenue accrued annually, and to 25 per cent of the remainder. That figure now reverts to a flat rate of 25 per cent for all revenue derived. This money is then divided between all contracted state players and the twenty-five ACB-contracted players, with fifty-five per cent allocated to the latter group.An additional feature of the new compact is the introduction of specialised rookie contracts, which will provide the six state teams with the opportunity to offer retainers of $10,000 to five previously unsigned players under the age of 23.The ACB confirmed that, on current figures, the changes would result in an indexed increase of three per cent – or $3 million – in the general size of the player pool.Under the revised arrangements, it is anticipated that the highest paid Australian player will be receiving an annual wage of more than $1 million within the space of three years.Over the course of the last year, the nation’s most lucrative individual contract was worth $625,000 and that amount is expected to hit $832,000 in 2001-02.Speed declined to comment on the identity of the player holding that contract or to speculate on who might be in line to become the first Australian to receive a seven figure sum.In making the announcement with ACA president Tim May, Speed stated that the new pay deal offered the game’s administrators the opportunity to make cricket a viable career for current and aspiring players.”One of the important messages here is that the game can afford to pay this money to put in place thoseinfrastructures,” he said.”The finances that underpin the game have grown considerably and this will continue through the long term commercial agreements, particularly in the area of overseas media rights and sponsorship that the ACB has been able to negotiate.”What we’ve sought to do in this agreement is to put together a very healthy career path for young athletes coming into the game of cricket.”Among the state players, the highest amount paid to an individual last summer was $89,000 and that is expected to rise to the level of $140,000 within a further four years.In overall terms, it’s the sort of outcome that did not look remotely possible only three years ago when negotiations between the two bodies broke down repeatedly. Back then, the threat of formal strike action by the national team loomed as a genuine possibility and talks remained deadlocked for several months.

All the results from the Hampshire Cricket Board Indoor Cricket Championship will appear here as soon after the event as possible …..HAMPSHIRE CRICKET BOARD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2002Sunday 7 April 2002 – at River Park Leisure Centre, Winchester5.30pm : Under-13 Semi-finals
Court A – Hook & Newnham Basics v Waterlooville
Umpires: Roy Harrison & Dave KirkCourt B – St.Cross Symondians v Havant
Umpires: Roger Forder & Nick Goode6.30pm : Under-16 Semi-finals
Court A – Sarisbury Sharks v Andover or Basingstoke & North Hants
Umpires: Roy Harrison & Dave KirkCourt B – Havant v Hursley Park Hurricanes
Umpires: Roger Forder & Nick Goode7.30pm : HCB Senior Cup quarter-finals
Court A – Harting v Easton & Martyr Worthy
Umpires: Roy Harrison & Jeff LevickCourt B – Hook & Newnham Basics v Paultons
Umpires: Roger Forder & Nick Goode8.30pm : HCB Under 16 and Under 13 Finals
Court A – Under 16s – Umpires: Roy Harrison & Jeff Levick
Court B – Under 13s – Umpires: Roger Forder & Nick GoodeALL PARTICIPANTS PLAYERS MUST WEAR WHITE TRAINERS – BLACK/BLUE ONES ARE UNACCEPTABLESunday 14 April 2002 – at Hampshire Rose Bowl, West End5.30pm : Winchester K.S. v Hook or Paultons – 1st Senior Semi-final
Umpires: Denis Emery & Ray Holyer6.30pm : Lymington (NF) v Harting or Easton – 2nd Senior Semi-Final
Umpires: Denis Emery & Ray Holyer7.45pm : NatWest Under-16 Development League play-off
Fair Oak v Havant (followed by a presentation on behalf of the Lord’s Taverners Foundation by Lawrie McMenemy)
Umpires: Denis Emery & Ray Holyer8.45pm : HCB Senior Championship final
Umpires: Denis Emery & Ray HolyerNote:Clubs participating in these Championships are reminded of the strict qualification rule, ie that players may play in only one team throughout the winter, eg a player who has turned out in a club’s B team indoors cannot play in the A side if it has qualified, as above. Similarly, players may only play in one qualifying centre. Please refer any questions re eligibility to me well inadvance of the Championships.

Match facts

September 24, 2012
Start time 1930 local (1400 GMT/1500 BST)Ireland will likely need a plan to counteract Chris Gayle if they are to reach the Super Eights•ICC/Getty

Big Picture

At last we have a shoot-out. One of the flaws of this World Twenty20 has been the group-stage scheduling, which has cushioned the eight seeded teams by keeping them apart early on. If, say, England and India had played first up in Group A, then the loser’s match against Afghanistan would have carried an extra edge, the knowledge that another slip would cause a catastrophic fall. Well, we have a situation like that now, with West Indies in no doubt that failure to beat Ireland will end their participation in the tournament.Darren Sammy’s side had been touted as one of the favourites but they were let down by their bowling and fielding in the D/L defeat against Australia. They will reflect, however, that making 191 when faced by the bowling of Shane Watson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins is about as good a start with the bat as they could have made and if Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels get going against Ireland, that should be enough.As Shane Watson alluded after Australia had eased past Ireland in the first Group B game, the Associate side come with a bright green warning tag these days. West Indies are one of the teams that already knew to take them seriously: two years ago in Guyana, they dismissed Ireland for 68, a score that is still the second-lowest total in T20 internationals and the lowest at a World Twenty20. But when that humiliating loss for the underdogs was followed by a winner-takes-all encounter against England in their next match, Ireland’s tenacity was only undermined by the rain. They’ll need to beat a Full Member in T20I cricket for only the second time in order to reach the Super Eights.

Form guide

(completed matches, most recent first) Ireland : LLLLW
West Indies: LWWLW

Watch out for

Ireland’s top order were blown away in the first match, as they lost three wickets in the Powerplay before slumping to 33 for 4. Kevin O’Brien showed his biffing qualities by top-scoring with 35 from 29 balls at No. 6 but he needs a better platform than provided against Australia if another famous win is going to come their way.With two highly talented spinners in Sunil Narine and George Dockrell likely to play, it will be interesting to see how they fare on a Premadasa surface beginning to show signs of turn. Narine is the blockbuster name but both he and Dockrell were treated dismissively by Australia’s batsmen. If the rain holds off, West Indies’ mystery spinner versus Ireland’s tall, classical left-armer could be the match-up of the day.

Team news

The Ireland squad are the latest to be struck down by illness, with several players and coaching staff, including Ed Joyce and Phil Simmons, affected. If everyone is fit, Ireland are unlikely to make too many changes, though Niall O’Brien could be moved up to open in place of the struggling William Porterfield. Bringing in allrounder Andrew White would give them an extra spin option.Ireland (probable) 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Niall O’Brien, 5 Kevin O’Brien, 6 Gary Wilson (wk), 7 Andrew White, 8 Alex Cusack, 9 Trent Johnston, 10 George Dockrell, 11 Boyd RankinRavi Rampaul suffered at the hands of David Warner and West Indies could bring in another slow bowler in the shape of legspinner Samuel Badree. Andre Russell played in both warm-up matches and provides an alternative pace option.West Indies (probable) 1 Dwayne Smith, 2 Chris Gayle, 3 Johnson Charles, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Dwayne Bravo, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Darren Sammy, 8 Dinesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Samuel Badree, 10 Sunil Narine, 11 Fidel Edwards

Pitch and conditions

After the pre-eminence of pace bowling in the first few games, there were signs that the pitch is beginning to slow down and offer more for the spinners during England’s hapless effort against India. More thunder and lightning is predicted before the game and Duckworth-Lewis could add an extra frisson to what is effectively a knockout fixture – though a complete washout will condemn Ireland to the same fate as befell them in 2010.

Stats and trivia

• West Indies’ 70-run victory over Ireland at the 2010 World Twenty remains their biggest winning margin when batting first.
• The last time these two teams met in international cricket was at the 2011 World Cup, with West Indies winning by 44 runs.
• Chris Gayle needs two sixes to move back above David Warner to third on the all-time leaders list. With 47, Gayle is still some way behind Brendon McCullum’s 65.

Quotes

“The boys have been a bit sick but it’s Twenty20 and there is a lot of adrenaline and they will overcome any illness in the camp.”
“We are not going to take the Irish for granted. We have seen how they have played over the last three years and we are definitely not going to take them for granted.”
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