The Indian innings at Kingsmead resembled a pre-climax scene from abad B-movie, where the villain has a noose around the neck of theheroine standing on an ice block. Most of the Indian batsmen appearedto having nooses around their necks, and they only succeeded inpulling it tighter, resulting in their dismissals. The only differencewas that they could not conjure up a hero to save the team from adebacle. South African captain Shaun Pollock was clearly intent onplaying on the psyche of the Indian batsmen by inserting the touristson the day when it mattered most.

The Indians somehow got into all sorts of tangles by adopting somestrange tactics. The skipper perished in trying to up the run-rate byplaying, against his opposite number, a shot that had worked well forhim in the series. His dismissal meant that the Indians were peggeddown in the first fifteen overs, from which they never reallyrecovered. The only positive aspect of the Indian innings was the wayin which Virender Sehwag batted, though his mode of exit wasdisappointing.The move to make Rahul Dravid keep wickets opened up a slot for anadditional bowler, but the Indians stuck to their regular formula offour bowlers. Dravid shouldered the additional responsibility withoutany fuss, but it is not a long-term solution. He tried his best totake the Indian score to respectability; in the end, though, it wasnot worth the effort, as the South Africans overhauled the Indiantotal without any problems. But for the mini-partnerships that Dravidbuilt with Sehwag and Reetinder Singh Sodhi, the final would have beenan embarrassment for the visitors.What really made a telling impact was the inability of the Indianmiddle-order to play shots off the back foot. The pitch at Kingsmeaddoes have a lot of carry and bounce, but the shot selection ondisplay was poor by any standards. Nantie Hayward worked up good paceconsistently, and he will be a force to reckon with in the Testseries. A team that had seven batsmen in its ranks was unable to putup a total to even make a contest out of it. The Indians, in fact,gave the impression that they got things wrong in terms of the totalthey planned to set; a total of 220-230 would have been verycompetitive, given the conditions, but it seemed that the visitorswere looking at 250-plus , which might have caused the top order toplay rash shots.Yet another final was lost simply because the Indians as a collectiveunit do not believe in their ability; Sachin Tendulkar and SouravGanguly always have to click with the bat if the Indians are to evennurture hopes of winning. Even they, however, can succumb underpressure when it matters most, in spite of all their achievements ininternational cricket over the years. The Indian victories againstKenya notwithstanding, the limitations of the make-up of the team werealways under the microscope.Looking at a broader perspective, any side that struggles for the 10crucial overs, in both departments of the game, is bound to strugglein a pressure-cooker situation. That is the problem with the Indians,since they are a bowler short and the middle-order batsmen do not makethe most of the last 10 overs, the most vital phase of the innings.The idea of completing a fifth bowler’s quota with Yuvraj Singh andTendulkar is just wishful thinking, and it will be difficult onpitches where the bounce is even and true.It is all history now, however, and one can only hope that the Indiansget their thinking sorted out during the forthcoming Test series. Itgoes without saying that the Tests will be much more demanding, andonly the tougher side will eventually prevail.

The International Cricket Council has criticised South Africa and India forgoing ahead with their match in Centurion without official ICC match refereeMike Denness.The former England captain upset India’s cricketing public when he penalised six players, including Sachin Tendulkar, for various offences during the second Test at Port Elizabeth.As India threatened to pull out of the third and final Test should Denness officiate, the United Cricket Board of South Africa sided with the tourists, appointing a new referee in Denis Lindsay.The ICC has refused to sanction the match as a Test, and awarded the series toSouth Africa.”The ultimate response by the Indians would appear to be an over-reaction, while South Africa for their part did not act correctly,” said ICC spokesman Jonathan Hemus.”Our focus is on protecting the power of the referee and umpire – otherwise there would be anarchy in cricket.”The ICC is deeply concerned with the integrity of the officials – they mustbe protected and if not it sets a very bad precedent.”Hemus refused to rule out the possibility that South Africa and India wouldface further punishment. But he said there was a possibility that the game might regain Test status in the future.”This is a dynamic situation … it is not a closed book. But while saying that, the ICC is determined to be resolute in its decision,” said Hemus.”Our chief purpose is to protect the rights of referees and umpires. In other sporting codes – for example soccer – the referee’s decision is final and teams have to abide with his decision regardless of circumstances.”In cricket the referee has hindsight and time for consideration increasing his perspective on the incident.”

Denis St Eval Atkinson the former West Indies cricket team captain died from cancer at the age of 75 on 9th November in southern Barbados. He was born on 9th August 1925 in Barbados, Trinidad.The World Record:
Denis Atkinson whose cricket career spanned 1948 to 1958 playing in 22 Test matches is more remembered for his part in a world record stand in 1955. In fact his 347 runs seventh wicket partnership with CC Depeiza is still a world record. Leading the Caribbean team in that Test he scored 219 to save his team from a certain defeat. The West Indies were tottering at 156 for 6 and were facing a huge Aussie total of 668 when he associated with Depeiza (122) to produce the record stand which ultimately lifted the West Indies total to 510. Atkinson continued to fight back and returned to claim five Australian wickets for 56 runs in the second innings. This brilliant all round performance of scoring a century and claiming five wickets in a match until then was the fifth such instance in test cricket history.Successful home series against England, 1953-54:
Earlier, in the home series against England in 1953-54 he scored 53 in the second test at Bridgetown which the West Indies won by 181 runs and later went on to score 74 and 53 not pot in the fourth drawn test at Part of Spain.Led from the front in New Zealand, 1955-56:
Again his contribution was significant when he led the West Indies team in New Zealand in 1955-56. During the series he scored 85 at Christchurch, clamed 5 wickets for 56 and scored 60 at Wellington and then returned his best bowling figures in an innings, 7 for 53 in the fourth and final test at Auckland. Incidentally this valiant bowling effort went in vain as the Kiwis recorded their first victory in test cricket.Hanif-His most prized wicket:
Brothers Denis and Eric Atkinson became the first West Indian pair to play in the same test (against Pakistan) at Bridge Town, Barbados in 1958. It was during this match that Denis claimed the most prized wicket of his entire career when he dislodged Hanif Mohammad after the ‘Little Master’ had played a monumental and marathon knock of 337 runs consuming 970 minutes. It was a historical moment as Hanif was just 27 runs away from the then world record when he edged an out-swinger and was caught behind the wicket by FCS Alexander to the utter disbelief of the West Indians. His figures of 62-35-61-1 in Pakistan’s second innings total of 657 for 8 declared compared to other bowlers, including Roy Gilchrist, Eric Atkinson, OG Smith, Alf Valentine and Gary Sobers, were very respectable. This was his last test match.Test Career Record

Auckland begin their quest for a third consecutive State League women’s cricket title when they open their campaign with four home games at North Harbour Stadium and Melville Park this weekend.The State Auckland Hearts play the State Canterbury Magicians at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday and Sunday followed by the State Otago Sparks at Melville Park on Monday and Tuesday. It will be the first time a provincial women’s cricket match is played at North Harbour Stadium.The State League will be played over four rounds with the final taking place on February 3.Auckland captain, Kathryn Ramel says the team are greatly looking forward to the challenge of defending their title against the best of New Zealand’s provincial women’s cricket teams. The team are also the current holders of the Sport Auckland WestpacTrust Team of the Year Award for their efforts in winning the title in 2001.”Winning our third consecutive State League title is the primary goal, however, we will also be striving to achieve the high standards we set ourselves in batting, bowling and fielding during matches,” Ramel said.”We will be fielding a team with a mix of youth and experience. Some of the players will have their first experience of playing cricket at this level. In combination with the more senior players we have created a really committed and supportive team environment to work with,” she said.While top order batting is a strength for Auckland, a new and untested bowling attack is one of the areas being targeted for specific focus by Ramel and the team.CLEAR White Ferns Emily Drumm, Ramel, Rebecca Rolls and Helen Watson will all be in action for Auckland in the January/February competition.The Auckland team to play Canterbury in the first match at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday is: Kathryn Ramel (captain), Ingrid Cronin-Knight, Emily Drumm, Shelley Fruin, Paula Gruber, Kelly Hill, Michelle Lynch, Deb Ramsey, Rebecca Rolls, Natalee Scripps, Megan Tyler, Helen Watson.The full Auckland programme is:Saturday: Auckland v Canterbury, North Harbour Stadium 12 noon. Sunday: Auckland v Canterbury, North Harbour Stadium, 10.30am. Monday: Auckland v Otago, Melville Park, 10.30am. Tuesday: Auckland v Otago, Melville Park 10.30am.

Somerset all rounder Mike Burns is back in full training after undergoing an operation to rectify an ankle injury earlier in the New Year.The thirty two year old who joined Somerset from Warwickshire in 1997 enjoyed his best ever year in 2001, and played a major part in the county’s most successful season.At the indoor nets in the week Mike was showing that he has lost none of his batting ability and was striking the ball in the same way that earned him nearly nine hundred championship runs last season including a double century at Bath, which is still being talked about by those who were present.Head of injury prevention Darren Veness, who has been working closely with the player told me: “Burns is back with the bat in the nets for the first time since his ankle injury. He looked comfortable and next week he will be able to bowl flat out as well.”Mike Burns told me: “The ankle feels pretty good, and next week I’ll be back to bowling at full pace. I was batting with a new Gunn and Moore bat and it is a real belter.I’ve used their bats for nine years and now they’re available from Boundary Sports at the County Ground. Several of the others use Gunn and Moore as well.”The following morning Mike Burns was back at the County Ground, and after a session at the Indoor School was being put through his paces on the new weights that have been set up in a separate area , away from the Academy Fitness Centre.Daren Veness told me, “Mike is a natural athlete and incredibly fit.He’s a great example for the youngsters to follow. It’s good for them to see someone who is a number of years older than them working as hard as he does at training.”

The focus in the last round of league matches in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I National Cricket Championship will be on Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium from Monday.For both Peshawar and Sheikhupura it’s a do-or-die affair to qualify for next month’s all-important final from Group-II. With 60 points apiece under their belts, these two evenly-matched teams will be desperate to get the better of the other.Peshawar, of course, have the huge advantage of playing at home. But Sheikhupura, the only side in the 18-team competition to maintain an unblemished record, are no easy pushovers.Meanwhile, Karachi Whites, already through to the March 1-5 final from Group-I after a comprehensive win over Faisalabad Friday, are keen to gain some useful match practice against Sargodha at KCCA Stadium.At the other end of the table relegation battle rages on. Hyderabad are certain to be demoted into Grade-II next season irrespective of the result of their Group-I fixture against Rest of Sindh but the picture in Group-II is still not clear.The Pakistan Cricket Board, in their endeavour to promote the game in the remote areas of the country, will continue the experiment of fielding Rest XIs in Grade-I tournament next season.Islamabad, lying at bottom of Group-II, are the other side in danger of being relegated. They will be anxious to beat Sialkot in the match at Rawalpindi’s KRL Stadium and at the same time expect Rest of NWFP to complete an improbable double over Lahore’s other team.Lahore Whites, therefore, will be taking nothing for granted against NWFP, who caused the biggest upset when they scored a sensational one wicket victory over last season’s champions Lahore Blues last Sunday.Ninth round schedule (Feb 18-21):*Karachi Whites v Sargodha at KCCA Stadium, Karachi (Umpires: Zamir Haider and Iftikhar Malik. Match referee: Fahimuddin Alvi).*Karachi Blues v Bahawalpur at National Stadium, Karachi (Umpires: Waqar A. Mughal and Iqbal Butt. Match referee: Munawwar Agha).*Gujranwala v Faisalabad at Jinnah Stadium, Gujranwala (Umpires: Siddique Khan and Athar Zaidi. Match referee: Sultan Rana).*Hyderabad v Rest of Sindh at Niaz Stadium, Hyderabad (Umpires: Afzaal Ahmed and Islam Khan. Match referee: Taslim Arif).*Peshawar v Sheikhupura at Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar (Umpires: M. Nazir Junior and Sadiq Mohammad. Match referee: Ali Zia).*Lahore Blues v Rawalpindi at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Umpires: Ehtesham-ul-Haq and Riazuddin. Match referee: Shafiq Ahmed).*Lahore Whites v Rest of NWFP at LCCA Ground, Lahore (Umpires: Shakeel Khan and Z.I.Pasha. Match referee: Azhar Khan).*Islamabad v Sialkot at KRL Stadium, Rawalpindi (Umpires: Mian Aslam and Rasheed Bhatti. Match referee: Javed Akhtar).

Two members of New Zealand’s World Cup-winning women’s team have been dropped for the second leg of the home and away series with Australia.Helen Watson has been replaced by 18-year-old fast bowler Louise Milliken and Anna O’Leary has missed out with the squad being reduced from 13 to 12 for home matches.The home leg of the series begins at Bert Sutcliffe Oval at Lincoln on Saturday.Milliken will be making her international debut and great interest will be taken in her play as she is a bowler only a little slower than great Australian fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick, who has had bowling measured at 125kph.Identified early by New Zealand Cricket, Milliken was a member of the CLEAR White Ferns winter training squad in 2001 and in the New Zealand A team that played the Australian Youth side in Australia earlier this month.Though only 18 and in only her first year out of Waikato’s Morrinsville High School, she already has three seasons of State League cricket behind her, representing State Northern Spirit. She is about to enter the New Zealand Cricket Academy at Lincoln as one of four women selected for the 2002 residential intake.The convener of the women’s selection panel, Lesley Murdoch: “It was a difficult decision for the selectors to dispense with the experience of Watson and O’Leary, but with New Zealand 3-0 down after the Australian leg of the Rosebowl we really had no option but to put our most competitive, in-form side on the park for the crucial matches this weekend.”Murdoch added: “Louise is an exciting prospect for the future and she will undoubtedly gain from this exposure to top flight competition. From a selectors’ point of view, it’s also encouraging to know that currently we have more options to choose from than we have sometimes had in the past.”The full team is: Emily Drumm (captain), Kathryn Ramel (vice-captain), Nicola Browne, Anna Corbin, Paula Flannery, Frances King, Aimee Mason, Louise Milliken, Nicola Payne, Rachel Pullar, Rebecca Rolls, Haidee Tiffen.

India have suffered a serious setback as three prominentmembers of the team have been ruled out of the first one-dayeragainst New Zealand through injury. When they take the field atAuckland on Boxing Day, India will be without the services ofbatting star Sachin Tendulkar (sprained ankle), offie HarbhajanSingh (bowling hand) and all-rounder Sanjay Bangar (knee).Tendulkar complained of pain in his ankle after sending down afew overs in the nets and and team medical staff confirmed themaster batsman would definitely miss the Auckland match. It isreported that he picked up the injury when he slipped and fellwhile bowling.”Tendulkar had to undergo ice-treatment. He has not regainedfull fitness and will sit out of the first game,” said a team official.Bangar meanwhile picked up a knee injury during catchingpractice and Harbhajan has suffered a minor problem with along-standing problem with his bowling hand.Indian team physio Andrew Leipus is most concerned aboutTendulkar, and is worried that bringing him back for the secondone-dayer could cause further damage to the ankle.”It’s quite swollen at the moment but he is able to walk around.It is a positive sign. At the moment he has just got his foot up inthe bed,” said Leipus.”It’s compressed, it’s being iced every two hours and that’s allwe can do for the next couple of days.””I will be trying to get him fit before the second game, nothing iscertain at the moment. He sprained the lateral ligament of hisankle,” added Leipus.”If necessary, we will rest him in the second game as well.”Leipus described Bangar’s knee problem as “mild” but one thatstill required the all-rounder to rest.”He went over backwards and dropped the catch and his kneesort of went underneath him,” explained Leipus.”He sprained a ligament in his left knee at that time – it’s only amild injury but he needs to rest.”Meanwhile, the team management were playing down theconcern over Harbhajan’s hand, manager NR Choudharydescribing it as just “some problem” with a “long-standing” injury.The injuries to the trio will test India’s bench strength. The teamfor the first one-day international will be selected from thefollowing:India: (from) Sourav Ganguly (captain), Ajit Agarkar, RahulDravid, Mohammad Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman,Ashish Nehra, Parthiv Patel, Rakesh Patel, Virender Sehwag,Javagal Srinath, Yuvraj Singh.

Conscious of the need to beef up its revenue streams, the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) is expected to employ a full-time marketing director by month-end.Investigations by WEEKENDSPORT revealed the island’s biggest sporting association has shortlisted three candidates for the high-profile job.They are a former Barbados Tourism Authority official, a businessman and a journalist.BCA president Stephen Alleyne confirmed yesterday the position would be filled in a matter of weeks, but was not prepared to discuss or confirm who were candidates for the job.Alleyne, however, gave some insight over the creation of the new position."The BCA wants to put its marketing operations on a more secure footing," he said."If you look at the profile of the BCA, the majority of the revenues come from marketing, be it advertising, sponsorships, gate receipts and those kind of things."What we have found is that relying on a part-time marketing committee is not consistent with our needs. We need to get someone to focus on it – not in a part-time way."WEEKENDSPORT also understands that the marketing director would benefit from an attractive compensation package and sources suggested the employee would be paid a flat salary in addition to earning commission.Among the responsibilities of the marketing director would be to pursue sponsorship opportunities, explore player and product merchandising opportunities and to initiate development and implementation of programmes to promote the BCA’s cricket development plan.The successful candidate is also expected to engineer development of successful relationships with public and private sector partners, to initiate the promotion of Kensington Oval as a commercial venue and maintain the BCA’s websiteto allow exploitation of commercial aspects.With its development plan heavily dependent on financial resources, it is hoped the creation of the new post would significantly improve the revenue streams of the BCA, whose expenditure exceeded revenue in the last two years.

Speaking after the cancellation of England’s opening World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Harare, the ECB chief executive, Tim Lamb, has insisted that the Board’s primary concern is the security and safety of the players.”The ECB stance is, was and has always been that the safety and security of its players and officials is its primary and ultimate concern,” Lamb said. “Concerns about the players and officials’ safety have manifested themselves in two ways.”Firstly, in the receipt of overt threats directed at the players and their families by the organisation known as the Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe.”Secondly, in the deterioration of public order in the country. Certain evidence given to the World Cup Technical Committee and accepted by the Appeals Commissioner has now been thrown into doubt.”The players are naturally concerned for their own safety and that of their families. The ECB and players are concerned this fixture was not moved some time ago.”There are no winners in this situation.”The ECB chairman David Morgan said: “This has not been a sordid squabble about money. We are concerned for the cricket fraternity in Zimbabwe and particularly those who would have been spectators at the match on the 13th.”Throughout this process we have been trying desperately to keep the world of cricket united and are mindful of our responsibility in this regard. Although this process been lengthy we have not dithered or been guilty of procrastination.””The safety and security of our players and their families has been a matter of paramount importance.”