England beat India by 42 runs in 3rd one dayer

Ian Bell's innings was the cornerstone of England's 42-run win against India at Edgbaston as they took a 2-1 lead in the seven-match series.




England players celebrate their win over India. England beat India by 42 runs in the third One-Day International at Edgbaston.

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) team had a 154-run win against the MRF XI

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) team has had a comfortable 154-run win against the MRF XI, in their lead-up match to the Buchi Babu Tournament, which gets underway in Chennai, India tomorrow.After winning the toss, AIS captain Craig Philipson elected to bat, which proved to be the right decision as the visitors compiled 7-318 from their 50 overs, on the back of a 120-run opening partnership.New South Welshman Ed Cowan (64) and Philip Hughes (56) combined to put on 120 for the opening wicket, which set up the innings for the middle-order to attack the bowlers in the latter overs.

Symonds tips tough tournament

Power-packed Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has conceded winning next month's inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa could be a more challenging proposition than success at the 50-over World Cup.Australia dominated the recent 50-over tournament, but the electrifying Symonds declared the shortened version of the condensed game was likely to be an even tougher affair.
Source:cricket.com.au

Zaheer Khan is the perfect example to aspiring fast bowlers

Rahul Dravid believes India match winner Zaheer Khan is the perfect example to aspiring fast bowlers.Zaheer finished as India's man of the series in the 1-0 npower Test series victory over England to cap a stunning return to international cricket.And Dravid reckons it has been a marathon season with Worcestershire in 2006 which has revitalised the 28-year-old's career.Zaheer lost form entirely in the winter of 2004-05 and was not even in the selection shake-up for series against England and West Indies last year.

Source: cricket.com.au

India won their first series in England since 1986

India won their first series in England since 1986, albeit 1-0, after England held on for a draw on the final day of the last Test at The Oval. It was a fitting denouement to a hard fought and evenly contested series as India's bowlers seldom slackened in their effort to force a win whereas England's batsmen displayed remarkable application. Kevin Pietersen helped himself to a workmanlike century and provided the backbone for England's resistance as they ended on 369 for 6. On a day when wickets fell at regular enough intervals to keep India interested till the very end, England held on, but Michael Vaughan's unbeaten home record slipped from his grasp.

England's injury troubles deepened

England's injury troubles deepened this afternoon after paceman Matthew Hoggard suffered a back spasm during practice and was sent to hospital for scans. Hoggard's injury scare comes after fellow spearhead Steve Harmison underwent hernia surgery which ruled him out of the Test series against India, beginning tomorrow at Lord's.

Should Hoggard not play, England will be forced to field an inexperienced pace attack with Chris Tremlett or James Anderson expected to replace him. Stuart Broad has been earmarked for his Test debut in the absence of Harmison.

The depth of England's bowling stocks is being sorely tested with Andrew Flintoff and Simon Jones already missing through injury. Couple their absence with that of Hoggard, Harmison and Ashley Giles, who has been ruled out for the summer, and you have the bowling attack which famously won the 2005 Ashes series against Australia.

England coach Peter Moores was full of praise for Broad, who is likely to partner the rejuvenated Ryan Sidebottom and either Hoggard or his replacement in a three-strong seam attack.