A sensational spell of savagery from Sanath Jayasuriya was followed by a metronomic spell of fast bowling from Dilhara Fernando as Sri Lanka moved to the brink of a big win in the first Test at Faisalabad. Jayasuriya tore the bowling apart on his way to his third double-hundred, a wonderful 243, and almost single-handedly boosted the lead to a daunting 418. Fernando then prised out Pakistan’s top four with subtle cutters and Sri Lanka’s fightback, after playing catch-up for one-and-a-half days, was all but complete.Of the 154 runs that Sri Lanka added this morning, Jayasuriya made 123. But unlike yesterday, when he was uncharacteristically subdued, he was back to his devastating best. He lost partners at regular intervals, as a middle-order collapse reduced them to 337 for 8, but his whirlwind 101-run partnership with Fernando – of which Fernando made just 1 – left the bowlers bruised and Pakistan’s morale dented.In 11.2 overs of the new ball, Jayasuriya saw red in a big way, clattering a further 79 runs, including four fours in one over off Shoaib Akhtar, the last of which was intentionally carved over the slips. Not content with that damage, Jayasuriya then accidentally stepped on Shoaib’s foot while both were ball-watching – a classic case of adding injury to insult.Jayasuriya farmed the strike without any problems, leaving Fernando with just one or two balls to face per over. He turned down several singles, but quickly made amends by belting the ball with beastly fury. He brought up his double-hundred with a stunning six off Shoaib, swivelling in a flash and pulling with amazing bat-speed, and then raced along even faster once the landmark was passed.Shoaib’s mind probably went back to that fateful no-ball which he bowled yesterday, as Jayasuriya edged one to Moin Khan when he had made just 9. But eventually, after adding 244 more to his total, Jayasuriya was the last man to fall, trapped lbw by Danish Kaneria for 253, the fourth-highest score by a Sri Lankan in Tests.
Faced with an uphill task, the Pakistan openers launched their reply with a flurry of boundaries, as Imran Farhat hooked at the slightest opportunity. The 50 came up in just nine overs and neither of the openers were in any trouble. But a nine-over spell after tea from Fernando left Pakistan reeling. He consistently delivered an arrow-straight line with the ball cutting and swinging just enough. Yasir Hameed misjudged one that nipped back sharply and rapped him on the pads. Despite Hameed showing his disappointment with a baffled look at the umpire, the ball appeared to be going on to hit the stumps (59 for 1).The next two wickets were to identical deliveries as Asim Kamal and Farhat were undone by balls that pitched on middle and straightened a shade. Kamal was comprehensively bowled after attempting an expansive straight-drive, while Farhat was stone-dead lbw when he failed to get bat onto ball (86 for 3). Fernando landed one more blow soon after as Inzamam-ul-Haq, who was extremely scratchy in his 30-ball innings, lost his off stump after completely misreading the line (91 for 4).Yousuf Youhana was nearly dismissed by Rangana Herath a few overs before the close but Steve Bucknor didn’t spot the ball popping off his bat onto boot straight to the short-leg fielder. Youhana was unbeaten on 23 when stumps were drawn, but Pakistan would need a minor miracle to save this one.
Trevor Chappell, Bangladesh’s former coach, believes they are capable of becoming one of the world’s leading cricket nations, but in the meantime they must overcome several problems.Chappell coached the team for a year until late 2002, and rated their prospects highly despite their lowly start to international cricket. “From the point of view of talent and numbers playing the game, they could be the next Pakistan,” he said. “Kids are playing [cricket] in any vacant land they can find. They have natural flair.””But the struggle for land is significant. Half the country is under water most of the time, then when its monsoon time that probably goes to 80 percent. There is not a lot of spare ground for building cricket grounds.”The weather, unfortunately, is not Bangladesh’s only stumbling block. “Their administrators talk a good game," added Chappell, "but nothing much happens. Every wicket is low and slow. It is hard to learn good cricket on those sorts of wickets. And their domestic competition is not non-existent, but close to it."Chappell reported that when the team arrived at Allan Border Field in Brisbane, they practiced for four hours because they had never seen facilities like that before in their lives. “You have these sorts of thing in Australia where volunteers and teachers bring lunches and umpire and score," said Chappell. "In Bangladesh most people are more worried about where their next feed is coming from than anything else.”
Star West Indian batsman, Brian Lara, has been given the all-clear to playin the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka according to a BBC Online reportMonday, but doubts still linger over his fitness.Doubts over Lara’s participation in the tour had surfaced during the teamstraining camp in Jamaica this week when the 32-year-old left-hander revealedhe was still suffering from a long-standing hamstring injury.Lara went for a MRI scan on Wednesday and a fitness report was then handedover to the team management later in the week.They had been speculation during the weekend that the report showed thatthere had been “no improvement” in the injury and the Trinadad Guardian evenquoted “reliable sources” who said the team management was divided overwhether Lara should tour if not fully fit.However, team manager, Ricky Skerritt, said Sunday: “Having looked at theresults, the doctors are satisfied. The last three days Brian has beentraining rather actively without any side effects.”But, according to Trinadad Guardian sources: “When the report came back fromthe doctor, it showed that there was no improvement on Lara’s hamstringinjury.”The newspaper then reports that an emergency meeting was then held onThursday night, that included all team officials – manager, coach, captain,physiotherapist, the doctor in Jamaica and a West Indies Cricket Boardrepresentative – Lara’s participation was apparently put to the vote and onhealth reasons, it was voted 4 -2 to leave him home.This tough stance mellowed over the weekend when chairman of the selectors,Michael Findlay, said: “In the end though it will come down to how Brianfeels about his own fitness and whether or not he can handle such a tour aslies ahead.”Lara has played before with the injury, which he first strained when WestIndies toured England. He then played against Australia and South Africawith the injury before finally withdrawing from the recent tour to Zimbabweand Kenya.The West Indies are scheduled to play three Tests against Sri Lanka followedby a triangular series involving Zimbabwe in the eight week tour
The BCB’s anti-corruption unit has cleared the 2014-15 National Cricket League match between Rangpur Division and Dhaka Metropolis of match-fixing allegations, according to the tournament committee chairman Akram Khan. Khulna Division had laid these allegations in March.”BCB’s anti-corruption unit couldn’t ascertain match-fixing in the Dhaka Metro-Rangpur match,” Akram said. “I have been told this verbally. We will issue letters to this effect in a day or two.”Khulna, Rangpur and Dhaka Division were all tied on 96 points ahead of the NCL’s final round of matches. On the third day, Khulna completed an innings-and-24-run win over Chittagong Division which helped them move to 120 points.Rangpur then needed 25 points to move ahead of Khulna and to achieve that, Rangpur had to bowl out Dhaka Metropolis on the fourth and final day after setting them a 361-run target with a minimum of 80 overs left in the day. Dhaka Metropolis were bowled out in the 80th over for 258.While this match was still going on, Khulna captain Abdur Razzak posted a status on Facebook alleging match-fixing in the NCL but didn’t specify any team or player. He later deleted the post.The BCB formed a committee to probe the matter in May, with the board’s new anti-corruption head Abu Mohammad Humayun Morshed doing the investigation. It followed a complaint on March 19 by Khulna officials to the BCB tournament committee. A recorded conversation between a Khulna official and a Dhaka Metropolis coach was also submitted. But Akram said that the contents of the audio clip couldn’t be connected to the match in question, and hoped to move past the issue quickly, now that the allegations were found unproven.”The audio clip couldn’t really prove anything linked to the match. The match referee’s report also didn’t mention anything suspicious,” he said. “I shouldn’t make a comment about the investigation’s outcome. I am pleased that we can put this issue to bed now that another National Cricket League is ahead of us.”
United picked up a point against their great rivals in a game where Fergie’s men were far from their best. Hernandez came off the bench to grab them a late point and keeps them within touching distance of the top of the table. Tomorrow sees the opportunity for Fergie’s men to claim top spot, as City arrives at Old Trafford.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes a reason to love Phil Jones; proof that Sir Alex makes mistakes, while the world is Welbeck’s Oyster.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this
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Caption Competition – Fergie and Kenny can’t believe their eyes
Why Manchester Derby will have little bearing
Footie fans get shirty with Carlos at Manchester clash
Does Fergie’s transfer interest suggest an answer to the Giggs conundrum?
Another reason to love Phil Jones
Proof that Fergie can make mistakes?
United to activate £3m release clause to secure summer move
The world is Welbeck’s oyster
£10m gamble that Sir Alex shouldn’t contemplate
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Best of WEB
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Have United Lost The ‘X factor’? – Red Flag Flying High
Refs and racism in focus amid muddle of tactics – United Rant
VIDEO: What is your favourite derby moment? – The Busby Way
Why This Would Be A Huge Mistake By Sir Alex Ferguson – The United Religion
Women are football educated too, y’know – 7Cantonas
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Click on Roger Johnson’s misses below to unveil our current Premier League Wag XI
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Following Manchester United’s defeat at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Tuesday night, the Premier League title race is now a much closer affair and Arsenal will really fancy their chances of closing the gap at the top.
The Gunners are currently the closest challengers to Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, sitting four points behind the Red Devils with a game in hand. Further adrift are Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, who are all currently at least 10 points off the pace.
Whether or not Chelsea are still in the title race, the Blues did do other teams a favour on Tuesday night. Now bet365 think the 2010/11 Premier League title race will be decided by 1 – 3 points, and given that Man United still have to travel to Anfield and The Emirates Stadium as well as playing Carlo Ancelotti’s Chelsea once more, it is likely to come right down to the wire.
bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth said that “Three points would have put daylight between Man Utd and the chasing pack, but the defeat at Stamford Bridge means the title race is far from over.”
Man United are still favourites, but the odds on Arsenal have shortened considerably, while Chelsea, City and Spurs remain long shots. Here are the latest odds from bet365, but who do you think will win the 2010/11 Premier League title? Make your bets now!
Man United – 4/6
Arsenal – 6/4
Chelsea – 14/1
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West Brom winger Jerome Thomas has thanked the club for offering him a one-year extension to his current contract, which will keep him at The Hawthorns for the next two seasons.
The 27-year-old joined Albion last summer and played a key role in the club's promotion from the Championship, scoring eight goals in 29 appearances for Roberto di Matteo's team.
The former Charlton Athletic star, who moved to The Hawthorns as a Bosman signing following an injury-hit season with Portsmouth, told the Baggies official website:"I'm really happy. I had a good season last year and I've been rewarded for that.
"When I injured my back and missed a season at Portsmouth it was a reality check on how quickly it can all go. So, I worked extra hard last season, doing all my extra work and it paid off.
"I feel I put a lot of good performances in last season and the club know my injury isn't an issue now.
"I've come back in early for pre-season training to do my strengthening work and I feel good. My job is to set up goals and score goals. If I'm not doing that I'm not doing my job.
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"I think I was consistently a threat last season and I'm glad the club have recognised that and rewarded me with a new deal."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
England may have qualified for the Euro 2012 finals, but it was a game of mixed emotions as all the headlines will be focussed on Wayne Rooney’s sending off.
What has been an uncomfortable few days following the arrest of his father, the 25-year-old talisman took 73 minutes to really express his emotions. After being questioned about Rooney’s state of mind, Capello responded “calm” and “relaxed”. Think again Mr Capello.
UEFA have told the FA that Rooney will receive a minimum of a 1 match ban, therefore missing the opening game of the Euro 2012 group stage. Not the best preparation to start a tournament when your best player is banned and could possibly miss all three games of the group stage depending on what UEFA decide. England always have to do things the hard way, don’t they?
Rooney will be again questioned about his temperament, as we all thought he was past his reckless behaviour. Up to now he had been playing with a smile on his face and looking like a player who was really enjoying his football. Yet we find the red mist once again appearing on his face when things turn sour. Like they say what goes up, must come down.
So with Rooney’s dismissal capping what has been a terrible and unforgettable few days for the Rooney household, this will not have helped their situation by any means? Once again the Rooney name will be hitting the headlines for the worse.
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The game had started very brightly for England with the team oozing in confidence. It took 10 minutes for Ashley Young to score the opener, with Bent adding the second. Montenegro were able to bring one back before the break and in the dying seconds of the match Andrija Delibasic headed home the equaliser. Ultimately a point was still good enough to take England through, but will that make the back pages of the newspapers tomorrow? I wouldn’t bet on it.
The Asian Champions League campaign is expected to be Robbie Kruse’s farewell to Melbourne Victory, with the striker set to move to Germany.German newspaper Bild has said a deal for Kruse’s services is as good as done with a move to Bundesliga II club Fortuna Dusseldorf in the European summer set to be finalised.Kruse’s manager John Grimaud has strong contacts in Germany and secured a dream deal for another promising Victory youngster, goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak, to current Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund 12 months ago.Kruse’s contract with the A-League club expires after the Asian Champions League group stages – which begin for Victory on March 1 against Japanese club Gamba Osaka – upon which time the club appear resigned to his departure.Kruse impressed with 11 goals in 19 matches in the Victory’s recently completed A-League campaign, strengthening his credentials for a European move when given his chance for the Socceroos in January’s Asian Cup.While Kruse’s departure from Victory appears a fate accomplit, the club will fight hard to try and retain Marvin Angulo after the Costa Rican’s impressive finish to the season.Angulo’s loan deal runs out in June, with Melbourne needing to have to either convince home club CS Herediano to continue the loan or buy out his contract, as happened with Carlos Hernandez.At Australia’s other ACL entrant Sydney FC, North Queensland Fury loan striker David Williams is hoping his stint at his new club will put him in the shop window for a ‘dream’ move back overseas.Williams had his first training session with the Sky Blues on Tuesday since signing a six-month deal with Sydney which takes in the group stage of their ACL campaign, beginning on March 2 against South Korean club Suwon.While Williams, who is the only player contracted to the Fury for next season as doubts over the their future continue, remains committed to the long-term future of the club. But he admitted he had a strong desire to move to a big overseas club – especially if North Queensland fold.”For me it’s all up in the air at the moment and I’ve got to weigh it all up,” Williams – who tasted life abroad with Danish club Brondby from 2006 to 2009 – said on Tuesday.”But hopefully (the ACL) opens some doors for me. It will be a good experience for me and maybe create something I hope.”Meanwhile, Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka will have to finalise his final squad for the ACL later on Tuesday, with one unlucky visa player needing to be left out.ACL rules only allow each club to have three foreign players and one Asian player in their final 30-man squad’s for the tournament, with out-of-contract Korean defender Sung Hwan Byun already left out after Japanese midfielder Hiro Moriyasu was given the nod for the Asian spot.Lavicka will have to cut one of Brazilian Bruno Cazarine, Finn Juho Makela, Northern Ireland’s Terry McFlynn and Swiss Stephan Keller, with Wellington defender Andrew Durante signed and Perth’s Jamie Coyne being chased. In other news at the club, former Socceroo Hayden Foxe has announced his retirement.Foxe, who had a decorated career in leagues in Japan (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Holland (Ajax), and England (West Ham, Portsmouth and Leeds), informed his team-mates at training on Monday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Mick McCarthy has set his sights on a number of further signings, having already drafted in Anderlecht defender Jelle Van Damme and Burnley striker Steven Fletcher.
McCarthy is happy with his first two pieces of summer business, while he is also preparing to allow some fringe players to move on, with striker Chris Iwelumo having already swapped clubs with Fletcher.
“There is a bit of business still to be done and there will have to be a few move on as well,” McCarthy told the Birmingham Mail.
“There are players who have helped us, but it comes to a natural progression that they will move on – you can’t just keep them here for back-up.
“We’d been trying to do Jelle Van Damme for quite a while and now Steven Fletcher. It makes us a better squad already with two very good players.
“I’m really pleased to have got two done as early as we have done, like we did last year. But we’re still looking for more and still looking to improve.
“It’s something that myself, Jez Moxey and Steve Morgan sat down and spoke about and said we were going to spend in the best way that we could to improve the team.
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“We’ve already done that with Jelle and Steven and we’ll continue to look.”
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