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It was tense right to the end, but Surrey emerged as winners at The Oval to preserve their one hundred per cent record for the championship season and, as a result, ended Lancashire’s winning run. Mark Ramprakash might have been discarded by England, but he joined forces with recalled Alec Stewart in what proved to be the decisive partnership.Surrey began the day requiring another 105 to win with six wickets in hand. All the time Ramprakash and Stewart were together, it appeared to be a formality. However, when Stewart was out for 46 and it was 248 for 5, there was still time for some drama to unfold.Azhar Mahmood kept Ramprakash company until the total reached 281 when he was out. Alex Tudor celebrated his recall to the Test team by hitting a brace of fours from the first two balls he faced, but was then out to the third with fifteen still required. Martin Bicknell has been around for a while and he used his experience to end Lancashire’s hopes, with Ramprakash still there at the end, 119 not out, as Surrey won by 3 wickets.Warwickshire’s batsmen made life difficult for Leicestershire at Grace Road by taking their second innings on to 439, setting a target of 94 to win. Nick Knight and Jim Troughton extended their third wicket partnership to 139 before Troughton fell for 66. Knight was fifth out for 130, and Shaun Pollock also contributed 66.While the target was not vast, Leicestershire had only 16 overs in which to force the win, and they set off at a rare pace. Iain Sutcliffe was run out in the eighth over, by which time he and Michael Bevan had taken 47 off the target, but Darren Stevens took up the challenge with Bevan before he too was run out. Neil Burns was bowled, but Bevan remained to guide Leicestershire home with seven wickets and nine balls in hand.In the one remaining Division Two match left unfinished, Worcestershire began the day on 25 without loss requiring 337 to beat Glamorgan. Australian Mike Kasprowicz has been finding wickets hard to come by since joining the Welsh county, but he came good when it mattered by taking five for 77 as Worcestershire were bowled out for 226 to give Glamorgan victory by 110 runs. Ben Smith was top scorer for Worcestershire with 61.

Vikram Rathour with an unbeaten 149 helped North Zone to 250/3 at close of play against East Zone in the Duleep Trophy league match being played at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, on Tuesday.After electing to bat first, North Zone got off to a wonderful start; Rathour and Akash Chopra added 140 runs for the first wicket. The two opening batsman played sensibly to raise the 100 runs partnership in 37.5 overs, soon after the lunch break. Left-arm spinner Sourasish Lahiri struck the first blow by removing Chopra, caught by Sanjay Raul. Chopra made 58 runs and was at the crease for 185 minutes, facing 161 balls. He struck eight strokes past the ropes before missing out on a track that looks full of runs.Pankaj Dharmani joined Rathour in the middle and there was no joy for the East Zone bowlers. The second wicket partnership yielded 68 runs and it was once again Lahiri who picked the crucial wicket, Dharmani (29) was caught by Debang Gandhi. In the meanwhile Rathour had raced past his hundred off 182 balls.North Zone skipper Mithun Manhas was the next man in and struggled for a while. After scratching around for 56 minutes and facing 34 balls, Manhas was caught by Subhomoy Das off the bowling of Laxmi Ratan Shukla, just before the close of play. At stumps on day-one North Zone are in a commanding position with Rathour going great guns. He has so far decorated his innings with 23 strokes past the ropes. Giving him company at the crease is Safi Khan (0*)Sourasish Lahiri (29-3-89-2) found some success on a day when the bowlers clearly struggled.

Nigel Bennett, who captained Surrey in 1946, has died at the age of 95.Bennett’s one summer in first-class cricket is shrouded in confusion and his appointment for the first post-war season was generally assumed to have been a case of mistaken identity. Legend goes that the intention had been to offer the position to Major Leo Bennett, a well-known amateur, but Nigel Bennett, whose only regular cricket was some club games before the war, accepted before the error came to light. Given that his appointment was announced in February, giving the committee almost three months to realise their mistake, this seems unlikely.The outcome was sadly inevitable. Wisden reflected that “want of knowledge on the field presented an unconquerable hindrance to the satisfactory accomplishment of the Major’s arduous duties… which prejudiced the general work of the side.” Surrey slumped to 11th, their worst finish ever, and at the end of the season Bennett departed back the anonymity from where he came.Bennett had spent two years in the Stowe XI and topped the averages in 1930, but otherwise he was almost unknown when picked.

BRISBANE, Nov 2 AAP – Fast bowler Andy Caddick claimed two wickets against Queensland as England began its final hitout before the Ashes cricket series at Allan Border Field today.At lunch on the first day of the three-day tour match, Queensland was 2-92 with Martin Love on 15 and Stuart Law 12.Caddick (2-26) took the only wickets, claiming Bulls skipper Jimmy Maher (41) to a catch at slip and Brendan Nash (18) to a sharp diving catch by Marcus Trescothick in the gully.Maher had won the toss on a sticky Brisbane morning and maintained a solid tempo against the English attack.The tourists named their likely line-up for Thursday’s first Test at the Gabba, with opening batsman Michael Vaughan (knee) and all-rounder Andrew Flintoff (hernia operation) convincing selectors they were ready to play.John Crawley was preferred to Robert Key for the final spot in the middle order, giving England an ideal dress rehearsal for the Tests.Caddick went through a searching workout in the humidity, bowling through the first hour before he claimed Nash and Maher.Law and Love then added an unbeaten 27 for the third wicket before lunch, with Law surviving a chance on seven when he edged Flintoff to captain Nasser Hussain.The ball appeared to bounce inches in front of Hussain at first slip.

The Western Australian Cricket Association congratulates Damien Martyn on his 100th first-class game for Western Australia.Martyn will be the 10th player to make 100 first-class appearances for Western Australia, when he plays against Victoria at the WACA Ground this weekend.The recently turned 31-year-old made his first-class debut, ironically against Victoria, in the 1990-91 season as a 19-year-old. He made 24 and 27 in that match.As well as his 99 first-class outings for Western Australia, Damien has also made 29 Test appearances. His resurrection as an international player of outstanding quality in recent seasons has been well documented as one of world cricket’s fairy tales.He is the incumbent Australian Test team number four batsman.For Western Australia he has scored 7062 runs at an average of 45.56, with 20 centuries and 35 scores of 50 or more. He has also claimed 32 wickets with his nagging right-arm seamers.Martyn joins a distinguished and decorated band of past West Australian greats in the elite `100 Club’.

Player                    Career             GamesTM Moody             1985-86 – 2000-01         145MRJ Veletta          1983-84 – 1994-95         127GM Wood              1976-77 – 1991-92         125RJ Inverarity        1962-63 – 1978-79         119TJ Zoehrer           1980-81 – 1993-94         117GR Marsh             1977-78 – 1993-94         112TM Alderman          1974-75 – 1992-93         111IJ Brayshaw          1960-61 – 1977-78         101KH MacLeay           1981-82 – 1991-92         100

Kenya has agreed to replace New Zealand in the tri-nation one-day series scheduled in Nairobi between Aug 29 and Sept 7. The director of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chisty Mujahid said Monday that Australian Cricket Board (ACB) has been conveyed about the latest development.”The fresh or revised itinerary will be dispatched later this week. The only thing to be done in the itinerary is to replace New Zealand with Kenya,” Chisty said.New Zealand Cricket (NZC) spoiled Pakistan’s golden jubilee celebration tournament by withdrawing last week, citing excuses of players burn-out. Ironically, New Zealand had agreed to participate in the competition when the idea was floated earlier this year.Martin Snedden, NZC chief executive, said he had withdrawn the team also because he was interested in playing in sub-continent rather than in Africa.Chisy said Kenya Cricket Association (KCA) was approached Monday morning and received their confirmmation immediately.Kenya, who has been awarded one-day international status, will be one of the teams in September’s ICC Champions Trophy and would serve an excellent opportunity to prepare for the event.Chisty, who leaves for Sri Lanka Tuesday on a three-day private visit, said the PCB would be conveying its “disappointment” to NZC in a letter. “Naturally, we will convey our disappointment to them. But we will not write to the ICC,” Chisty confirmed.He said Snedden has only informed Pakistan about skipping the triangular series. “He has not rejected the proposal of playing the remaining Test after their tour to India next year,” he said.The Black Caps cancelled the second Test and returned from Karachi when a bomb exploded outside their hotel. Pakistan won the first Test by 324 runs at Lahore.

Doubts about Graham Thorpe’s fitness to return to international cricket after his lengthy absence from the game were dispelled at the Rose Bowl as he helped himself to 143 off the Hampshire attack. Surrey already enjoyed a lead of 91 on the first innings, but acting captain Ian Ward extended that with an innings of 156 – his second hundred in the match. When he was joined by Thorpe, they added 239 for the third wicket. At the close, Surrey had lost eight wickets and led by 513.Something of a flourish from the tail was not enough for Lancashire to avoid the follow-on against Kent. They were bowled out for 197, but Mark Chilton and Stuart Law made sure there would be a much better performance second time around. They shared a third wicket partnership of 164 before Law was out for 90. Chilton is still there with 89 and Lancashire lead by 16 with seven wickets remaining.Warwickshire, like Kent, have designs on second place in the table behind Surrey, and they had a good day against Yorkshire. Dominic Ostler converted his overnight century into a double and Warwickshire reached 601 for nine before declaring. With Matthew Elliott hitting 74 and Craig White 53, Yorkshire were on 261 for six at the close, still 340 behind.Somerset were second last season, but after defeat at the hands of Leicestershire by an innings and 18 runs, they consigned themselves to the second division next season. Leicestershire’s innings came to an end with the total on 310, but Somerset simply melted away in their second innings. Their first seven batsmen could only muster 33 off the bat as Javagal Srinath reaped figures of five for 25 and Somerset were badly beaten inside two days.In Division Two, Middlesex extended their lead by beating Derbyshire by 73 runs, although there was some fight from the home batsmen despite the fact that they were stripped of eight points for a sub-standard pitch. Phil Tufnell would not have seen too much wrong with it as he took five for 35 including the wicket of Michael Di Venuto for 71. In fact, at one point, it appeared that Derbyshire might have been able to pull off an astounding victory, but it was not to be and Middlesex are now assured of promotion.Essex went a long way towards joining the promotion party by forcing Durham to follow on at the Riverside. Michael Gough carried his bat for 75 as Durham were dismissed for 187. When Essex had Durham 81 for three in their second innings, they would have been justified in thinking of an early finish, but Brad Hodge (56) and Ashley Thorpe (95) added 136 for the fourth wicket. At the close, Durham were still 12 runs behind with only three wickets standing.Steve Rhodes (124) and David Leatherdale (120) could not extend their seventh wicket stand significantly, and Worcestershire were all out for 397 with Andrew Harris taking five wickets. Bilal Shafayat was a lone figure of defiance in Nottinghamshire’s second innings with 104, but the story of the day involved deputy wicket-keeper Jamie Pipe. Rhodes was injured while batting and could not take his place behind the stumps, so Pipe stepped in and took catches to dismiss the first four Nottinghamshire batsmen. Set 249 to win, Worcestershire lost both openers with only seven on the board and then two more wickets with the total on 35. With Graeme Hick still at the crease, they require another 208 on the final day.Despite a hundred from Craig Spearman and 89 from Matt Windows in sharing a third wicket partnership of 185, Gloucestershire were forced to follow on by Northamptonshire. Spearman and Windows got fifties second time around, as did Alex Gidman, but they were not enough to deny Northamptonshire who won by an innings and 59 runs.

After their astronomical success in the recent past, Gloucestershire werebrought down to earth with a resounding thump in 2001, and realise that animprovement is necessary this year. Rising from obscurity to win two one-daytrophies in 1999, they bettered the feat in 2001, taking all three competitions.Despite making the Benson and Hedges final last season, they were relegatedfrom the top flight of the Norwich Union League and agonisingly missed promotion in the CricInfo Championship for the second year running.But any rival players eagerly marking their fixture lists for easy runs and wickets against Gloucestershire should be cautious. The county still has an innovative coach, New Zealander John Bracewell, who has long outstayed his original tenure. Mark Alleyne brings inspirational leadership, while Ian Harvey must rank amongst the most valuable of overseas players. Indeed, the core of the squad has not changed since Gloucestershire started clearing space in the trophy cabinet in 1999.Why then, were they so disappointing in 2001? Firstly, it would have beenimpossible to continue such a phenomenal run for ever; even the wonder teamWarwickshire possessed in the mid 1990s was only particularly potent for two years. Another argument suggests that Gloucestershire – a perenniallyunfashionable county – did not particularly under-achieve. After all, theymade one final, and were edged out of promotion and relegation races by thenarrowest of margins. They hit their two highest Norwich Union League scores inconsecutive weeks, and could finally rely on several batsmen to score runs in the longer form of the game. Whatever the case, it will keep members andaccountants alike happy if the club is playing first division cricket again in 2003.Certainly, Mark Alleyne will hope his players spend less time with the physio this year. Jack Russell started last year’s injury train with a slipped disc, while new ball pairing Mike Smith (who barely played a game) and Jon Lewis, as well as vice-captain Tim Hancock missed chunks of the season. Harvey was also absent on international duty, and at times the bowling attack was all but unrecognisable.Chris Taylor and Jeremy Snape were the season’s success stories. Taylor, whomade a century on his first-class debut at Lord’s in 2000, became a key member of the top order and should settle in at three or four. He hit three further first-class centuries last season, showing the ability to bat for long periods. He will also look to confirm his spot in the one-day team, having been left out at various times last season with Bracewell thinking the shorter form of the game was damaging his technique.The England selectors took heed of the calls from the West Country thatGloucester were under-represented, and Snape stepped serenely into international cricket as though he was playing with friends in the park. Martyn Ball also won a place in the Test squad to India, and impressed in a warm-up match.As is usual for cash-strapped counties, several players left the club at theend of the season. Reggie Williams, the superb wicket-keeper who was unfortunate enough to play understudy to one of the greats, was released tofurther his career elsewhere. Stephen Pope, who represented England Under-19s in the winter, and has been moulded to replace Jack Russell when the need arises, steps in. Northants snapped up medium-pacer Mike Cawdron, where he should find regular first team opportunities. Rob Cunliffe, whose prestigious talent all too often lapsed into mediocrity, was also released, and joins Leicestershire.Looking to improve their batting, the county signed former Kiwi international Craig Spearman. A British passport, and the fact that he has not represented New Zealand for some time, mean that he does not count as an overseas signing. An exciting player, he should add some solidity in the first-class game whilst he is capable of explosive innings in one-day cricket.Hancock and Matt Windows must carry through their potential. They are bothnow amongst the senior players and capable of big seasons.Slow left-armer Ian Fisher moves south from Yorkshire. He may struggle to earn a regular place on Bristol’s slow, low tracks, particularly considering the pedigree of the other two spinners on the books. Nevertheless, he should prove a useful back-up.Several young players also benefit from one year contracts. Alex Gidman, a 20-year-old seamer; 18-year-old batsman James Pearson and seamer Roger Sillence, who picked up five wickets on his debut last year, all join the squad. Gidman, as well as Alistair Bressington and Mark Hardinges, spent time in Australia last winter, playing club cricket in Western Australia.While the youngsters give interesting alternatives, the core of the bowlingattack remains strong. The club possesses a formidable new ball partnership, with Lewis and Smith as successful as most. Harvey is an ideal back-up, with his bowling in one-day cricket legendary. None will terrify opponents, butSmith’s accuracy and movement, Lewis’ continual production of wicket-balls and Harvey’s chocolate-box variety makes for a powerful line-up.The irrepressible old-guard is still strong. Alleyne – who now fits into thecategory – is capable of turning a game with bat or ball. Kim Barnett, now into his fifth decade, still torments bowlers with his stance and an unnerving ability to pierce the cover field. The equally dogged Russell remains the best keeper in the country. His glove-work is a joy, and his batting should be as pugnacious as ever.Barring another injury-plagued year, the season is shaping up well forGloucestershire. They begin their campaign with two tricky away Frizzell CountyChampionship matches, which will begin to show what impact they are likely to have this year.Targets are difficult things to set, and even harder to keep. Still, Alleyne’s men must first look for promotion in both competitions. Cup success would be nice, but first division cricket is becoming the be all and end all. Bracewell and Alleyne should guide the young, and not so young, to at least some success this year.

For an hour yesterday afternoon, there would have been fears that today’s opening Cable & Wireless One-Day International between West Indies and New Zealand was in serious doubt.With rolling thunder, heavy black clouds and light showers, Sabina Park was beginning to take on the gloomy look of two weekends ago when not a single ball was bowled in any of the two One-Days involving India.Four men on top the George Headley Stand continued in their efforts to put up the big Scotiabank balloon, but when the rains became heavier, they abandoned the task.The two men painting the Cable & Wireless logos on the ground stopped as soon as the showers started at 1:30 p.m.The clouds in the distance were especially ugly and sometimes it was impossible to see the famous Blue Mountains to the north of the ground.By 4:30 p.m., things were not so bleak. The groundstaff removed the covers on the square, but did not touch those on the practice pitches in front of the Eastern Stand. From a distance, huge puddles could be seen on those pieces of tarpaulins.Sunshine never returned until about 5:30 p.m. and thunder was occasionally heard during the evening, but at least there was no more rain. It was in contrast to the start of the day when it was a typical day in the tropics.Against the background of the double washout on May 25 and 26, everyone concerned would have paid attention to today’s forecast. The Met. Office in the capital city here said it should be partly cloudy with a chance of showers, which should not be long, heavy or continuous.If there is another washout, it will strengthen the West Indies Cricket Board’s argument to the International Cricket Council that matches should not be staged in the Caribbean during the hurricane season, which started on June 1.West Indies last night named a squad of 12 which omitted Gareth Breese and they are expected to go in with the same 11 that played against India in back-to-back matches at Queen’s Park Oval last weekend, with Ryan Hinds likely to sit out.Match DetailsThe teams (from):West Indies: Carl Hooper (captain), Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ridley Jacobs, Mervyn Dillon, Pedro Collins, Corey Collymore, Cameron Cuffy, Ryan Hinds.Reserve: Gareth Breese.New Zealand: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Shane Bond, Ian Butler, Chris Harris, Matthew Hart, Paul Hitchcock, Matt Horne, Craig McMillan, Chris Nevin, Jacob Oram, Scott Styris, Daryl Tuffey, Daniel Vettori, Lou Vincent.Umpires: Asoka deSilva (Sri Lanka), Billy Doctrove (Dominica). TV replays: Eddie Nicholls (Guyana). Reserve official: Rudi Koetzen (South Africa).Match referee: Wasim Raja (Pakistan).Playing times (East Caribbean)10:35 a.m. 1:05 p.m. (may be extended until full allotment of overs is completed); 2:45 p.m. to close.

Veteran English fast bowler Frank Tyson will be conducting a coaching camp organised jointly by the Mumbai Cricket Association and the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) for promising players in Pune, from May 21 to June 5.The joint secretaries of the MCA, AH Mate and Avinash Ghatpande told reporters in Pune on Sunday that the camp would be held at two levels. The first, consisting of 25 players, who have represented Maharashtra in the under-19 and under-22 teams, will commence on May 21 and will end on May 27. The second camp will commence on May 28 and will go on till June 3. This will be for players, who have represented Maharashtra in the under-14 and under-19 teams.The second set of players will be selected by former Test player Balwinder Sandhu. The coaching camp named MCA-Frank Tyson Clinic will be held at Shirke ground at Mundhwa in Pune.Former Indian bowler Paras Mhambrey will assist Tyson, and the coaching will consist of video analysis, explanations of biomechanics and correction of faults. There will be a separate seminar for coaches between June 3 and 5 which is open for all prominent cricket coaches in the state, MCA sources added.