Cricket Kenya is expected to offer Roger Harper, the national coach, an extension to his contract which expires at the end of June.Harper took over in January 2006, inheriting a side short on confidence and match practice. But he quickly instilled much-needed discipline and confidence, and although the Kenyans failed to make it past the first round of the World Cup, other results have been encouraging. Last month, the side won the World Cricket League, securing themselves a place in the Twenty20 Championships in South Africa in September.Samir Inamdar, the board chairman, said extension for Harper, who is on vacation in his native Guyana, would be discussed. “The coach has done very well and we are very grateful to him for having created a unified team,” he told AFP. “The team would have done better in the West Indies if it were not for some minor mistakes including giving away easy wickets. But we were not humiliated. We will ask Harper about his views before we make the final decision.”As well as the coach, the national team players are expected to be put under formal contracts for the first time in four years.

John Buchanan believes Australia will all but eliminate England from the World Cup if they win Sunday’s Super Eights clash. Australia are unbeaten in their five matches and top the second round standings as they bid for an unprecedented third straight title.England have yet to beat a Test nation after losing to New Zealand and suffering an agonising two-run defeat against Sri Lanka in Antigua on Wednesday. However, they did beat the world champions 2-0 during the finals of the CB series in February.”We’re keen to make amends for that,” Buchanan said. “But that’s past history. Now we’re in the West Indies and we’ve got a very important game for us. If we manage to come out on top of that well, we virtually eliminate another side out of the tournament and that’s pretty important for us.”Buchanan said Australia’s win over England in a 13-a-side warm-up match in St Vincent had in part atoned for their shock reverse on home soil. “I still viewed St Vincent as a proper one-day game, although you could play a couple of extra players,” he said. “I thought we played pretty well there. I think both teams have progressed since the CB Series.”He said England’s desperation for victory could work in their favour. “England at this stage are playing knockout cricket,” he said. “Every game for them is a knockout game and that puts them on the razor’s edge.”It will be an exceptional contest. Any side that’s playing for its life in the tournament, it understands fairly well what it has to do.”Buchanan said England had a long batting order and identified Ian Bell as a key figure. “Bell’s come in at No. 3 and played a really pivotal role,” he said. “He plays well with Kevin Pietersen and they’ve put some good partnerships together.”Australia must decide before Sunday’s match whether to play an extra batsman or bowler following a left calf injury sustained by the allrounder Shane Watson during the ten-wicket win against Bangladesh. Queensland’s James Hopes is on standby back in Australia but, in the short term, either Brad Hodge or Mitchell Johnson could come in on Sunday.”We’re still undecided,” Buchanan said of the choice between a batsman or a bowler. “Both combinations present some strengths and some weaknesses. The upside of all of that is that it is making us re-think, although the preference would be to have a fit Shane Watson.”He said it was probably too early to ask Andrew Symonds, who is recovering from an arm injury, to bowl more than his offspin. “Andrew is Andrew and once he takes the field if he feels he needs to bowl medium-pace, he’ll be talking strongly to the captain to say ‘give me the opportunity to do it’.”

In the Super Eights at the World Cup, Bangladesh were expected to win one match – against Ireland. They didn’t. On the eve of the series against India, living up to expectations remains the biggest challenge for them. Now that they have been allowed the company of big teams – mainly after wins over India and South Africa at the World Cup – it’s up to them to stay there. They are somewhere at a set and a break up in the course of making an upset in a tennis match. Winning a series against India will give them the second set.Saqibul Hasan, one of Bangladesh’s left-arm-spinner trio and more than a handy batsman, admitted today that there was a lot of expectation from their side, and playing in front of home crowds added to the pressure. “We won against India at World Cup; that’s past. And this is home ground. There is big pressure, because there’s lot of expectation.”The joke that they didn’t get enough time to practise has become a serious question from the Bangladeshi press. But Saqib said it was not a major concern for them. “The last tour, the World Cup was good for us, so we do not need much time to practice.”The team, according to Saqib, are trying to not think about the expectations. Their practice session at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium was one of a team at peace with themselves. The first ones to walk out of the dressing room shouted in glee as they saw a game of football being set up. The bowlers played against the batsmen for 20 minutes. Mashrafe Moratza scored for the bowlers, and Aftab Ahmed equalised and then scored the winner for the batsmen. This was followed by fielding drills; one mini-stump was hit regularly by Bangladeshi fieldsmen throwing on the run. Fielding, as it should be, was enjoyed as much as batting or . The nets focused at big-hitting too – they are not big power-hitters, most of the Bangladeshi batsmen.The looks of the team do no suggest they have put too much pressure on themselves, but to prove – in front of home crowds – that their exploits at the World Cup were not a fluke has to be at the back of their minds.This series is also the last series for Dav Whatmore as their coach. Bangladesh have spent a memorable time with Whatmore at the helm, so they would also want to give him a suitable farewell.When Saqib said they would be under pressure, and looking at the way Bangladesh played against Ireland, one can’t help but feel that they themselves are their first competition. India will feature later – after an inner battle is won.The ground where they practised today so joyously will undergo a metamorphosis on May 10. Around 35,000 pairs of eyes will be watching them. They will be playing an Indian team which the people now believe they can beat. This will be an entirely new pressure for them. On paper, man for man, India are still a stronger team and Bangladesh will have to bring more than their A game. Welcome to the big league.

Enver Baig, member of Senate’s Standing Committee on Sports, has requested the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to order an audit into the accounts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).Baig, who recently had a lawsuit filed against him by Nasim Ashraf, chairman PCB, for using indecent remarks against him, sent a letter to the PAC chairman detailing his request. “There are numerous voices accusing the PCB of misusing funds to the detriment of the improvement of cricket in Pakistan,” Baig wrote in the letter.”If the present trend continues, the PCB coffers will be depleted to nil. It is therefore requested that the accounts of the PCB since July 1999 to date be scrutinised and audited by the Auditor General of Pakistan,” he added.In an interview earlier, Baig had announced plans to go on a hunger-strike to protest against ‘false promises’ made by the chairman with regards to the implementation of the constitution. He also termed Ashraf “the most incompetent official in the PCB”.”Seeing an incompetent and dishonest man like Nasim Ashraf running cricket, which is our national passion, makes my heart weep,” Baig had told .It was in response to Baig’s comments that the PCB decided to file a lawsuit which, in turn, prompted Baig to file a privilege motion against Ashraf for labeling him a ‘sick mind’.Baig has in the past grilled the previous board administration, under Shaharyar Khan, over similar issues in the Senate, including the continual non-implementation of the constitution.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former Pakistan captain, has backed Dav Whatmore to be appointed as coach of the Pakistan team. “He has a lot of experience and a strong coaching background like Bob [Woolmer] did,”Inzamam told Reuters. “He appears most likely to be selected as coach.”The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has interviewed three Australians – Whatmore, Geoff Lawson and Richard Done – for the coaching position which fell vacant after the death of Woolmer during the World Cup in March.Inzamam, who retired from ODIs and stepped down as captain after Pakistan’s early exit from the World Cup, said Whatmore had a lot of experience working in the cricket set-up in the region.”He has coached Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and produced good results. So I think he is the one the board will eventually select.”The Pakistani players need an experienced and strong coach like Woolmer to guide them and get the best performances out of them. I have always said our team needs a qualified coach.”Inzamam had earlier also stated his intention of wanting to continue playing Test cricket.

After being the dominant team for three-quarters of the tournament, New Zealand A were unable to maintain their peak at the business end and were easily over-run by South Africa Emerging Players in the final at Allan Border Field. South Africa, who inflicted the only group defeat of James Marshall’s team on Wednesday, were again in control after a strong batting performance and a restrictive bowling display.South Africa’s 9 for 254 was set up by half-centuries from JP Duminy and Vernon Philander, who provided a late flurry of 59 off 50 with two sixes. Philander also made an important impact with the ball, taking 3 for 30 as New Zealand folded for a disappointing 172.New Zealand were in a comfortable position at 1 for 71, but Philander quickly collected his victims and five wickets, including Marshall to Johan Botha, fell for 15 runs. Nathan McCullum tried his best with 43 before the team which performed so well in the early stages finished with an 82-run loss.
The hosts sneaked home with a ball to spare to avoid the wooden spoon and end a difficult week on a high. Karnataka beat the Academy on Wednesday and they were on track for a repeat after posting 264, with V Cheluvaraj’s 69 and KD Pawan’s 57 leading the way before Aaron Heal stepped in with four wickets.Luke Ronchi provided a start that is becoming typical – he smashed two sixes and nine fours in his 45-ball 56 – and Michael Hill produced a mature 66 to steer the Academy chase before Phillip Hughes (38) and Ben Cutting (7) combined for the final 20 runs. The win sealed third place for the Academy, which was without the suspended Mark Cosgrove, Aaron Finch and David Warner.

Andrew Flintoff’s return to action after his ankle surgery has been delayed by England’s inclement summer. The first day of Lancashire’s 2nd XI match against Derbyshire, at Blackpool, was abandoned due to a waterlogged outfield and puddles on the pitch.Play was due to start at 11am, but a brief inspection by the umpires made it clear that play wouldn’t be possible and officials are not hopeful of any action over the remaining two days.Flintoff is confident of returning to England colours for the one-day series against India next month. He hasn’t played international cricket since the World Cup after feeling discomfort in his ankle while bowling against Hampshire, before the first Test against West Indies, in May and underwent his third operation.David Graveney, the chairman of selectors, is pleased by Flintoff’s progress. “Andrew Flintoff’s rehab is on course and there are not the same deadlines we have had in the past,” he told . “The original plan was for him to be fit for the one-day series and I haven’t seen or heard anything to the contrary.”

At least six more players have signed with the Indian Cricket League (ICL), according to sources in the cricket fraternity. Alfred Absolem became the eighth Hyderabad player to join, while Sridharan Sriram became the first former Indian player to sign on. V Devendran, the Twenty20 specialist from Tamil Nadu, and his team-mate Dakshinamoorthy Kumaran, have also reportedly joined the ICL.Meanwhile the reported that Shalabh Srivastava, Ali Murtaza and Avinash Yadav of Uttar Pradesh have also signed up with the ICL. It was learned that the ICL are in talks with several more of the UP players while those who have already signed have been asked to report in Mumbai, where Zee Telefilms will hold its first major press conference regarding the ICL on Thursday, August 23.Absolem, the promising young fast bowler, was part of the Hyderabad Cricket Association XI team that is taking part in the Buchi Babu Memorial tournament in Chennai, but withdrew on Thursday night, having agreed terms with the ICL. This happened a day after seven of his team-mates signed up with the ICL. Absolem has played just one full season for Hyderabad but had an instant impact. He picked up 30 wickets from six matches at under 20.Sriram, who played his early cricket for Tamil Nadu, and then won eight India ODI caps, albeit playing without much distinction, averaging just 13.50 with one half-century, recently moved to Maharashtra and was playing for them as a professional. Devendran, a medium-pacer who hits the ball a long way, was used effectively by Tamil Nadu in the inaugural domestic Twenty20 championships and was unlucky to not figure even in the long-list of 30 India probables. Devendran is considered a Twenty20 specialist, and has not played first-class cricket.Interestingly the three cricketers from UP to have signed up are all youngsters. Srivastava, the left-arm seamer, had a bright showing for India Under-19 several seasons ago, but failed to break into the bigger leagues. At 25 he is the oldest of the UP players to join the ICL. Ali Murtaza, the all-rounder, is only 17, and has played just three first-class matches. Avinash Yadav, the left-arm spinner, is 20 and also has played three first-class matches.UP were in a crisis of sorts as it is, with five of their cricketers, Srivastava among them, having applied to move to Railways at the start of this domestic season.

The ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year award will have a new name on it after Karen Rolton did not make the shortlist. Rolton, Australia’s captain, was the first winner of the award which was introduced last October.Her team-mates Lisa Sthalekar and Shelley Nitschke are Australia’s nominations. With each full member country allowed to put forward two names, England have selected Claire Taylor and Holly Colvin, while Jhulan Goswami and Rumeli Dhar are India’s representatives.Maria Fahey and Rebecca Rolls have been chosen by New Zealand. Ashlyn Kilowan and Johmari Logtenberg are South Africa’s choices. Urooj Mumtaz Khan and Sajida Shah are in the running for Pakistan. Ireland will be represented by Caitriona Beggs.The list has been voted upon by an academy of 17 leading former players and influential figures in the women’s game, including the media. The shortlist will be announced in due course ahead of the awards ceremony which takes place in South Africa in September.

Ryan Hinds, former West Indies international, is contemplating taking a break from the game in the aftermath of his sacking as Barbados captain. Hinds, while refusing to accept the reasoning provided by the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), failed to turn up for a national trial match at Kensington Oval on Thursday.”Sometimes in life you get disappointments. I don’t like to get into politics, but I felt it [his sacking] was a slap in the face to me,” Hinds said. “I am still waiting on the reasons why I was rejected as Barbados captain. I’m just exhausted. I hope that people don’t take it the wrong way. I want an opportunity to get my thoughts together.”Hinds was summoned to a BCA meeting on Wednesday and informed of the association’s decision which led to him expressing his dissatisfaction and missing the trial match. According to reports, discussion surrounding his leadership skills formed part of the meeting after which he was advised to attend a seminar.”I am supposed to be attending some sort of counselling which I am really shocked about. Once I come through these successfully, I’ll be eligible to be the captain again,” he said.”To be quite fair, if they had to ask me to be captain again, I wouldn’t take it. Within the last two years, I don’t like the way I have been treated. When I first took over as captain from Courtney [Browne], there were a lot of discussions whether I would be captain or not the next year.”A lot of it was personal. It was not cricket ability or my leadership skills. It was just personal. I don’t think that was fair.”A veteran of 86 first-class matches since making his debut for Barbados as a 17-year-old, Hinds was unhappy with the support he received during his tenure as captain. “Words can’t really explain how I feel now. My last four years since I took over as captain, my form has been good. I enjoyed captaining Barbados. I just want to say whoever the board selects as the captain would have my support.”Hinds, however, assured fans that being sacked as captain will not change his attitude and commitment towards the team. “I don’t want the public to get the wrong idea, saying that just because he is not captain he is not turning up and he doesn’t care about the cricket. That is not the case,” he said.It was announced later by Conde Riley, acting Barbados Cricket Association president, that Corey Collymore, the West Indies fast bowler, has been appointed Barbados captain.Collymore, with 85 first-class matches in his career including 30 Tests, is looking forward to the assignment and has promised to give it his best shot. “It was never a dream of mine of captain Barbados. My dream was always to play for Barbados and by extension West Indies. To captain your nation or your country is always an honour and I will try to do it to the best of my ability.”