Andrew Ellis will captain the Canterbury XI named today to play Mid Canterbury on Sunday in Ashburton. The full team is: Andrew Ellis (captain), James Hantz, Tim Papps, David Kelly, Iain Robertson, Grant Elliott, Carl Solomons, Steve Cunis, Michael Davidson, Dean Comyns, Adam Chamvers, Leighton Burtt.

Make ’em snappy
What does it take for a batsman to succeed against Australia? Apart from a reasonable technique and the ability to cop some chatter in the middle, it’s the ability to score the runs quickly which separates the batsmen who have done well from those who have not. As the list below shows, the six most successful batsmen against Australia since the 1999-2000 season have all scored their runs at a rate of more than 55 per 100 balls. Jacques Kallis, at seventh spot, is the highest name in the list with a sub-50 strike rate.On the other hand, the three batsmen at the bottom of the list all have a scoring rate of below 46. Among the failures is Sourav Ganguly, who, in six matches against Australia, has scored 283 runs from 631 balls.

* * * *Left is right
Sadagoppan Ramesh did manage to find a place in the squad, and if Australia’s past record is anything to go by, the Indian think-tank would do well to include him in the Tests. Over the last four seasons, a left-right combination at the top of the order has achieved far greater success against Australia on their home turf than an opening pair consisting of two right-handed batsmen.As the table below indicates, the average opening partnership between two right-handers is a paltry 17.03, with the 61-run stand between Trevor Gripper and Dion Ebrahim for Zimbabwe at Perth earlier this year the highest partnership in 26 tries. Throw in a left-hander, though, and the average almost doubles to 32.95, with a highest of 147 between Wavell Hinds and Sherwin Campbell in 2000-01.It can be argued that the right-left combinations who played during this period were more accomplished players (Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan, Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten), but this trend continues down the order as well, though the contrast isn’t quite as stark. Among partnerships for the first four wickets, right-left pairs have performed better in three of them – only for the fourth wicket have right-handed pairs done marginally better. In fact, of the 33 century stands against Australia since October 1999, 18 have been made by right-left combinations, and just 12 by right-handed pairs. Interestingly, all-left partnerships have posed a few problems for Australia. Have India missed a trick by leaving out both Yuvraj Singh and Hemang Badani from their squad?

* * * *The southpaw factor
Plenty has been written about why Murali Kartik should have been in the Indian squad to Australia. Here’s another reason: over the last couple of years, left-arm spinners have had more than reasonable success in Australia. As the table below shows, left-arm spinners have taken more than 30 percent of the team’s wickets in matches they have played. The list includes Daniel Vettori and Ray Price, but also the less likely Ashley Giles, who took six of the 15 wickets in the only Test he played in Australia.

* * * *India down under
A quick reality check on how the Indians have performed in Australia: Sachin Tendulkar is the only batsman who has consistently scored runs there, while Ajit Agarkar shone as a bowler on the 1999-2000 tour (though he is remembered – rather unfairly – for his horrendous run with the bat). Especially glaring is the lack of success of Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble: Dravid averaged a meagre 15.50 last time around, while Kumble’s five wickets came at an exorbitant 90.

Wisden Asia Cricket.

The provisional squad for the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in Feburary is as follows.

• Umar Bhatti
• Durand Soraine
• Trevin Bastiampillai
• Gavin Bastiampillai
• Muhammad Qazi
• Ryan Lall
• Kenneth Carto
• Soham Anjaria
• Karun Jethi
• Shaheed Keshvani
• Adam Baksh
• Simon Upton
• Hensen Fernandes
• Krunal Patel
• Kasun Perera
• Sumanta Paitya
• Aabid Keshvani
• Andrew Chatterpaul
• Jasjit Mangat
• Umer Nawaz

The final 14 will be named on or about January 6th 2004.

India’s tour of Pakistan appears increasingly likely to be postponed until after the national elections. On a day dominated rumour and speculation, the odds shifted towards a postponement as India’s politicians appeared to grow more uneasy about the risk of the tour taking place in the run-up to April’s elections.The day began with Indian newspapers quoting unidentified sources in the Home Ministry who suggested that players might not be safe in Pakistan because of increased militant activity. The underlying reason, most pundits seemed to agree, was nervousness that the matches might affect voting.The confusion inside the government was then highlighted when an official of the External Affairs Ministry told reporters that it was not for politicians to make the final decision but was “for each sporting association or Board to take.”Then Swamy Chinmayanand, a junior government minister, told the BBC in London that the government was rethinking the tour. “We want relations with Pakistan to improve but cannot endanger players’ lives,” he said. “Our players’ security is more important than cricket.”The remarks hit home, and Sourav Ganguly, who had publicly expressed concerns over the past week, reacted. “We are not worried about the Pakistan tour, but we are worried about the security in Pakistan,” he told the Press Trust of India. “We are concerned because we have families at home and it is not going to be easy. We have to go back and talk to our board and then get a clearer picture.”Ganguly and his players would hardly have been calmed by comments from Raj Thackeray, leader of the Hindu radical Shiv Sena party. “Terrorism has torn Pakistan asunder,” he said. “Their president is not safe. Our cricketers will have to play under unprecedented duress. They all have families and fabulous fan followings. I am given to understand that some of our cricketers face grave security threat from Pakistani/Talibani terrorists.”The Indian cricket board (BCCI), meanwhile, continued to maintain an official stance of not making any firm comment until the return of its delegation from Pakistan over the weekend.But yet another unnamed government source told NDTV that Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI’s president, was already moving behind the scenes with possible alternative plans to try and salvage the tour. One deal would be to hold the Tests in March – with all three Tests completed before the end of the month – and the delaying the ODIs until after the election. The other option would be for a shortened trip, but financially this would seem to be a virtual non-starter.The only certainty at the moment is that this affair has a long way to go – and that even more unnamed government sources are likely to be quoted in the coming days.

Until the end of the Indian tour of Pakistan, we will be running a daily Paper Round of what newspapers in India and Pakistan, and from around the world, are saying about this series. This is what the media had to say today:

Kapil Dev has announced that the upcoming tour will be a matter of life and death for the players, The Times of India reports. “It may be a goodwill series for some, but for the boys, it’s life and death,” Kapil said. “It’s about their careers. The players need to win for the team as well as for themselves.”He had a few words of advice to counter the pressure. “The boys must learn to enjoy the game and savour the opportunity. They have to just concentrate and work hard for the results to show up.” Kapil spoke about his role during the tree-day camp. Saying “there is no chance of making big changes in three days,” he added, “I just wanted to get them more confident before the series. Of course, there were some technical aspects as well, but I wouldn’t like to talk about them now.”* * *Shoaib Akhtar played down his impending duel with Sachin Tendulkar, saying cricket was not about individuals. “Cricket is a team game. The Indians now have more than one Tendulkar, and we have to get five Tendulkars out to win matches, but we are up to it.”Shoaib spoke to PTI about the additional responsibility of leading Pakistan’s attack, and the country’s expectations of the team. His personal goals, however, hadn’t changed from the start of his career. “I want to be the best against the best. That has been my endeavour since I started my career. So I am gearing up.”* * *Ten Sports and India’s cable operators have been involved in a confrontation that could affect viewers when the first Indo-Pak one-dayer is underway on March 13, PTI reports. The channel had been blacked out because of a dispute over a 400-500% rise in subscription payments. “Not only Ten Sports, most pay channel broadcasters have asked for four-five times the present subscription payments and they want this agreement for the next one year,” a cable operator said. “We cannot sustain such payments.” However, Ten Sports was confident that the matter would be settled soon.* * *Irfan Pathan is waiting eagerly for the day he opens the bowling with Zaheer Khan, according to a report by Press Trust of India (PTI). “I am enjoying the prospect of bowling alongside Zaheer Khan. He is a great help and always gives me tips. We vibe pretty well … it will be fun bowling with him.” While training on the last day of the three-day camp in Kolkata, Pathan said he was working on getting his basics right, which was essential for the tour to Pakistan. “Sharing the new ball has thrust greater responsibility on me. I am aware of the demands that come along with it. I am working on the basics and trying to perfect the line and length to get the little things in order … It is these things which will help in Pakistan.”* * *Romesh Powar came in for praise from John Wright, The Indian Express reported. On the verge of representing India for the first time, Powar’s all-round ability and hard work was commended by Wright. “Apart from being an offspinner, he is a good fielder and can also bat. It’s an advantage to have a player like him in the team,” Wright said. “He has a lot of energy and let’s see how he shapes up for the tour.”* * *The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken steps to ensure spectators are given every chance to watch matches without untoward incidents taking place.According to The Indian Express, the PCB has put up huge TV screens at various points in Lahore to lessen the pressure on Gaddafi stadium. Bar-coded tickets were issued to avoid forgery, the custom of giving away complimentary tickets was done away with, and tickets were issued for the warm-up game in Lahore on March 11.* * *Yuvraj Singh’s father, Yograj, wants his son to marry “someone of the calibre of Steffi Graf.” Why? Genetic preparation’s the answer, according to The Indian Express. “I have read some books on genetic preparations and I want to ensure that Yuvraj, whenever he decides to marry, ties the knot with a strong, athletic woman irrespective of where she comes from.” Yograj also had the country in mind when he said, “Look how he’s [Andre Agassi] planned his generations. He is already talking about careers for his children. It’s an approach everyone should have, only then India can boast about being a sporting powerhouse.”

New Zealand 297 and 128 for 5 (Styris 41*) lead South Africa 316 (Rudolph 93*, Gibbs 77, van Jaarsveld 59, Martin 5-55) by 109 runs
Scorecard

Twelve wickets fell for 207 runs in a fascinating day of Test cricket at Wellington, as South Africa first lost their grip on the match, then clawed back with a determined effort in the field. By stumps on the third day at the Basin Reserve, New Zealand, who had done superbly to restrict South Africa to 316, were themselves struggling at 128 for 5, an overall lead of just 109.Chris Martin was the star of the show in the morning session, taking three wickets in a fantastic exhibition of new-ball bowling. Swinging the ball appreciably with a perfectly upright seam, he ripped the heart out of the South African middle order, taking 5 for 55 – his third five-for in a row – as New Zealand took seven wickets for 79. The only resistance came from Jacques Rudolph, who followed his 154 not out at Auckland with a battling unbeaten 93. Instead of letting the collapse deflate them, South Africa bowled with exceptional discipline, first bottling up the runs and then knocking off New Zealand’s top order.Starting the day 60 behind New Zealand’s first-innings effort, Rudolph and Martin van Jaarsveld negotiated the first six overs without much alarm, before Stephen Fleming opted for the new ball as soon as it was due. It changed things dramatically. Martin’s first ball with it was short and just outside off, and van Jaarsveld (59) slapped it to Jacob Oram, who took a good low catch at gully (251 for 4). Jacques Kallis, who had stayed in the pavilion for much of the first two days with a side strain, came out at No. 6, and was done in by one that straightened after pitching and clipped the edge of the bat on the way to Brendon McCullum (265 for 5). Three balls later, South Africa were in more strife, as Mark Boucher perished to Martin for the third time in three innings, driving at a widish one outside off and edging to Michael Papps at third slip.With Michael Mason struggling for rhythm at the other end, Fleming quickly pressed Oram into service – with immediate success, as Shaun Pollock edged to first slip (270 for 7). Rudolph and Nicky Boje then led a mini-revival, adding 34 for the eighth wicket, before Chris Cairns joined the party, taking the last three wickets to finish with 4 for 60.

All the while, Rudolph batted with admirable composure, getting behind the line and knocking the ball into the gaps. He did have one life, though, when Mark Richardson at midwicket spilled a straightforward chance off a mistimed pull off Scott Styris. With only Andre Nel for company, Rudolph lashed a couple of boundaries, but South Africa’s limp lower-order performance meant that he ended up seven short of a well-deserved century.There were more twists to come, though, as New Zealand’s batsmen then lost their way too. Papps was trapped in front in Pollock’s first over for a duck, though replays suggested that the ball would have gone over the stumps. Fleming and Richardson eschewed all risks in a studious 41-run stand before Fleming, who was uncharacteristically subdued in his 9 from 57 balls, lost his patience and his wicket, top-edging a pull off Nel (42 for 2). It was just reward for Nel, who bowled with plenty of fire – consistently clocking speeds of over 145kph – and maintained a searching line around off.New Zealand continued to falter, with the South Africans pinching wickets just as the partnerships seemed set to assume dangerous proportions. Pollock deceived Mathew Sinclair with a well-thought-out plan, continuously bowling outswingers and then slipping in the indipper, which Sinclair left alone – he was trapped plumb in front (73 for 3).A huge reason for South Africa’s success was Boje, who did a superb job of blocking up an end, and finished with two wickets: Richardson, after many unsuccessful attempts at the sweep, finally connected with one, but hit it straight to Graeme Smith at short midwicket (107 for 4). McCullum was dismissed in more bizarre fashion, attempting to sweep one that pitched on middle. He missed, and the ball crashed into middle and off (111 for 5).Styris counterattacked boldly to remain unbeaten on 41, with Cairns, playing possibly his last Test innings, on 7. New Zealand will need plenty more from this pair, and from the others to follow, to hold on to their 1-0 series lead.

Bangladeshis 124 for 4 (Ashraful 67*) trail West Indies Cricket Board XI 320 for 5 dec (Joseph 115, Bravo 100) by 196 runs
Scorecard

Sylvester Joseph and Dwayne Bravo both smashed centuries as the West Indies Cricket Board XI took charge of the three-day match against the Bangladeshis at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. Joseph made 115, and Bravo 100 as the WICB XI made 320 for 5 before declaring. In response, the Bangladeshis were 124 for 4 at stumps on day two, with Mohammad Ashraful’s 67 the focal point of their resistance after they had slumped to 4 for 3.Resuming at 82 for 2, Joseph and Bravo – who have both played one-day internationals for the West Indies – added 212 for the third wicket. Joseph belted 15 fours and a six, but was also reprieved twice, on 89 and 92.Soon after lunch, Joseph gave a return catch to Enamul Haque, while Bravo was run out for an even hundred after a misunderstanding with Dwayne Smith. Carlton Baugh then lashed 52 off 53 balls as the WICB XI called time on the innings just before tea.The Bangladeshis made a dreadful start to their reply, with Corey Collymore and Jermaine Lawson doing the damage. Javed Omar was caught down the leg side by Baugh off Collymore, and then Rajin Saleh, captaining the side, was superbly caught low to his left by Omari Banks at gully, giving Collymore two wickets without a run on the board.Lawson struck soon after, as Hannan Sarkar’s attempted cover-drive became an edge through to Baugh. But Faisal Hossain (43) helped Ashraful add 75 for the fourth wicket before he was trapped in front by the left-arm spin of Dave Mohammed.Ashraful batted with caution till the close, taking 121 balls for his 50, as the Bangladeshis strove to avoid embarrassment ahead of the first Test which starts in St. Lucia on Friday.

Sri Lanka A 249 for 4 (Jayantha 147*) beat Worcestershire 245 for 4 (Moore 91) by six wickets
ScorecardSaman Jayantha marched to a magnificent unbeaten 147, as Sri Lanka A beat Worcestershire by six wickets to record their fourth consecutive victory since arriving in England ten days ago. Jayantha, who made his senior one-day debut against Australia earlier this year, cracked 21 fours and two sixes in his 137-ball innings, as Sri Lanka romped to their victory target of 246 with more than seven overs to spare.He needed little assistance from his team-mates along the way. Ian Daniel dropped anchor for 37 and Thilina Kandamby contributed a brisk 22, but they were as overshadowed as Worcestershire’s bowlers. Kabir Ali, who this time last year was a member of England’s one-day squad, picked up two wickets, but was spanked for 70 runs in his 9.4 overs, and only Gareth Batty was able to maintain some semblance of control.Worcestershire would have harboured high hopes after racking up a competitive total of 245 for 4, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first. The mainstay of their innings was Stephen Moore, whose 91 spanned 131 deliveries and featured 10 fours. He was aided and abetted by Kadeer Ali, who was run out for 48, although Worcestershire could have done with some of that old magic from Graeme Hick. But he had been rested after his brutal century in the Twenty20 Cup.Sri Lanka now take on Glamorgan on Friday, and after that only Sussex and Kent can prevent them from completing a clean sweep on the one-day leg of their tour.

Mike Soper, the deputy chairman of the ECB, has said that the announcement by the ICC on Thursday that England had agreed to play Zimbabwe in a series of four or five one-day internationals had come "totally out of the blue", and has warned that the tour must be kept as low-key as possible.”I know we’re honour-bound to go but we haven’t even discussed it, which worries me," Soper told BBC Sport. "My own view is that we keep it as short as possible, keep it low-key and, if at all possible, have our base in Johannesburg and fly in and fly out again. We shouldn’t make a big thing of it. The last thing I want us to do is make it sound like a full tour.”I think it would be appalling if we stay in Zimbabwe for whatever length of time it is," he added. “That would be awful. To actually, carte blanche, say we are going and everything is going to be normal, I can’t agree with, because it isn’t going to be normal.”The ECB has said that England players will have the right to opt out of the tour, as Stuart MacGill did when he refused to go to Zimbabwe with the Australian team in May.

The Pakistan selectors have added 12 more players to the 23-man probables list they had made for the A team’s tour to Kenya. All 12 players were among the 30 probables for the senior team, which has already left for Sri Lanka to participate in the Asia Cup.They include Misbah-ul-Haq and Faisal Iqbal, who, according to a report in The News, are in the running for captaincy. Asim Kamal, Kamran Akmal and Mohammad Hafeez are among the other players in the list.The 35-member squad will be pruned down to 20 on Friday, after which the final squad will be selected. The tour to Kenya includes a couple of four-day games, and a triangular one-day tournament, with Kenya and India A being the other two teams participating.The probables
Taufeeq Umar, Shahid Yousaf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Faisal Iqbal, Naved Latif, Babar Naeem, Asif Zakir, Naumanullah, Usman Tariq, Naved Ashraf, Shadab Kabir, Shoaib Khan, Nasim Khan, Faisal Athar, Afaq Rahim, Salman Qadir, Qaiser Abbas, Bilal Asad, Junaid Zia, Asim Kamal, Salman Butt, Bazid Khan, Mohammad Khalil, Nasir Khan, Mohammad Irshad, Mansoor Amjad, Azam Hussain, Zulqarnain Haider, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Rao Iftikhar, Yasir Arafat, Riaz Afridi, Umar Gul, Zahid Saeed.