Cricket
Kandy's green top could be sweet for England
Published: 30 November 2007
It took Europeans more than 300 years to conquer the kingdom of Kandy, but there is nowhere in Sri Lanka where the hosts' cricketers are more vulnerable. The cooler climate of the hill country and the more seamer-friendly pitch make the venue the most comfortable and accommodating for touring teams, and tomorrow's first Test here offers England a wonderful opportunity to grab the initiative in the three-Test series.
Countdown to the first Test: The magic of Murali
Published: 30 November 2007
Too many 'what ifs' over cause of Woolmer's death, says jury foreman
Published: 30 November 2007
The foreman of the jury that returned an open verdict into the death of the former Pakistan coach, Bob Woolmer, said there were "too many 'what ifs'" to come to a definite conclusion. Woolmer was found dead after Pakistan were knocked out of this year's World Cup in the West Indies, raising suspicions that disgruntled fans or an illegal betting cartel may have been involved.
Countdown to the first Test: The sweeping solution
Published: 29 November 2007
Essex boy's self-confidence puts Bopara in Test frame
Published: 29 November 2007
Essex cricketers rarely lack self-belief. An hour in the company of Derek Pringle, England all-rounder and former member of this parish, more than verifies the theory. It is why Darren Gough, the former England fast bowler, fitted in so well during his three seasons there.
President's XI 298-9d & 81 England 134 & 247-5 (Eng. win by 5 wkts): Pietersen's touch of class fires England
Published: 28 November 2007
Kevin Pietersen made a welcome return to form yesterday when he guided England to an encouraging and at one stage unexpected victory over the Sri Lanka Board President's XI. The five-wicket win, completed when Matthew Prior clubbed the off-spin of Jehan Mubarak through mid-wicket for four, ensured that England were in an upbeat mood when they travelled from Colombo to Kandy, the venue for Saturday's first Test, this morning.
President's XI 298-9d & 77-8 England 134: Hoggard's heroics highlight frailties
Published: 27 November 2007
An inspired spell of new-ball bowling from Matthew Hoggard, who claimed 5 for 25 in nine high-quality overs here in Colombo yesterday, has given England the unexpected chance of a morale-boosting win in their final warm-up match before Saturday's first Test. Hoggard's heroics helped to reduce the Sri Lanka Board President's XI to 77 for 8 in their second innings, a total that gives the hosts a lead of 241.
Pakistan 231 & 247 India 276 & 203-4: Kumble in control as India ease to victory
Published: 27 November 2007
Sachin Tendulkar completed a robust half-century as India coasted to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening cricket test yesterday.
President's XI 298-9 England: England sent back to drawing board after Harmison injury
Published: 26 November 2007
One of England's tough decisions before Saturday's first Test all but disappeared in Colombo yesterday when Stephen Harmison limped from the field with a lower back injury.
Pakistan 231 & 247 India 276 & 171-3: Tendulkar passes Border
Published: 26 November 2007
India moved to the brink of victory in the opening test against Pakistan yesterday after an assertive performance by its top-order batsmen on day four.
Harmison given last chance to stake Test claim
Published: 25 November 2007
England have given Stephen Harmison one final chance to prove that he is ready for Test cricket by naming him in their side for this morning's match against the Sri Lankan Board President's XI
Ian Bell's Tour Diary: We're out to win war of attrition
Published: 25 November 2007
Countdown to the First Test: East meets West
Published: 24 November 2007
Harmison looks to have failed first test
Published: 24 November 2007
Each evening the wooden benches on the promenade opposite England's team hotel are filled by cuddling, giggling, courting couples who whisper sweet nothings in each other's ears. Peter Moores, the England coach, is unlikely to use such an approach when he informs five members of his 16-man squad that they are not playing in Sunday's final warm-up game before the first Test, but, on hearing of their rejection, there are sure to be at least a couple of disappointed young men.
President's XI 500-5, England 315-6 (match drawn): England batsmen locate comfort zone in first trial on Sri Lankan pitches
Published: 23 November 2007
It was retirements and runs, not dismissals and defeat, that dominated the final day of England's opening warm-up game in Sri Lanka. With the exception of Kevin Pietersen, who spliced a short ball to gully on four, each of England's batsmen spent valuable time acclimatising at the crease. Michael Vaughan, the England captain, was the only other player to be dismissed on a day when four of the tourists' batsmen retired once they had gained the practice they required.
Sri Lanka old guard patched up for one glorious last stand
Published: 23 November 2007
President's XI 500-5dec v England: Harmison fails to impress on England return
Published: 22 November 2007
England found out that Sri Lanka's administrators are far more accommodating than their players following a second successive hot, sweaty and ultimately fruitless day in the field against the President's XI. After permitting England to play all 16 members of their squad in the opening game of the tour, it was widely expected that the President's XI would declare sometime around lunch, a gesture that would allow Michael Vaughan's side the same amount of batting time as the hosts.
President's XI 218-3 v England: Panesar and Swann lack venom as cobras upstage rusty attack
Published: 21 November 2007
England endured the full cultural experience on their first day of competitive cricket in Sri Lanka yesterday. A hot, humid morning and a benign pitch ensured that Michael Vaughan's bowlers toiled after the captain had lost the toss, and by the time a violent thunderstorm had deposited its load, leaving the outfield resembling a paddyfield, the Sri Lankan Board President's XI had moved effortlessly to 218 for 3.
Australia 542-5d & 210-2d Sri Lanka 246 & 410 (Aus win by 96 runs): Sangakkara looks sublime despite defeat to Australia
Published: 21 November 2007
Not even an abject decision from Rudi Koertzen could erase the memory of the wonderful innings played by Kumar Sangakkara on the last day of the Test here in Hobart yesterday. Certainly the left-hander's effort deserved a better ending that that provided by the errant umpire.
Harmison out to impress after joining Test squad
Published: 20 November 2007
England's touring squad reached full strength this morning with the arrival of Stephen Harmison.
Australia 542-5d & 210-2d Sri Lanka 246 & 247-3: Sri Lanka see hope of victory
Published: 20 November 2007
A superb innings from Kumar Sangakkara and a stunning delivery from Brett Lee were the highlights of a fourth day of the second Test, played in sunny, windy conditions and on a pitch ageing as well as Dame Joan Sutherland. Challenged to score 507 to square the series, the Sri Lankans advanced serenely to 158 for 1 here in Hobart yesterday, lost two wickets in two balls and regrouped to reach 247 for 3 at stumps. They were sustained by Sangakkara, who finished on 109 not out.
Anderson's ills cloud net gains for England
Published: 19 November 2007
The first Test against Sri Lanka is still 11 days away but England's bowling is beginning to take shape.
Australia 542-5dec & 111-1 Sri Lanka 246: Jayawardene stands alone
Published: 19 November 2007
At the Gabba they did 'em quickly and here in Hobart they are going to cook 'em slowly. Not even an outstanding innings spanning 271 minutes from Mahela Jayawardene could change the course of this match. Among the tourists, only the captain and Kumar Sangakkara had the fortitude to resist the Australian onslaught.
New Zealand 1888 & 136 South Africa 383: Steyn seals series win by skittling the Kiwis
Published: 19 November 2007
Dale Steyn took a career-best six wickets yesterday to lead South Africa over New Zealand by an innings and 59 runs and clinch the two-test series 2-0.
Sri Lanka tour: Vaughan relishes tough test
Published: 18 November 2007
England's greatest modern Test series victory – apart from you know what – occurred on a steamy, screamingly hot March afternoon. Perhaps nothing can compare to the Ashes 2005, perhaps nothing ever will, but Colombo 2001 runs it close.
