South Africa in Australia

Openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden shared an unbroken century stand to put Australia in a dominant position at the MCG.

Recalled pace bowler Andy Bichel had played the lead role in undermining the tourists' first innings by taking three wickets, a catch and running out Claude Henderson.

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South Africa's decision to leave Makhaya Ntini out of the team for the second Test against Australia has been queried by the country's Sports Ministry.

Ntini was left out of the side in Melbourne to make room for veteran Allan Donald, leaving batsman Herschelle Gibbs as the sole non-white player in the final eleven.

Zimbabwe in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka reached 211-3 on a rain-shortened opening day in the first Test against Zimbabwe.

Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya missed out on a ninth Test century as part-time spinner Trevor Gripper hauled Zimbabwe back into the match at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

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The first Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will include a rest day on the Sunday, because of a new government rule based on Buddhist tradition which bans sport under the full moon.

Bangladesh in New Zealand

Bangladesh slipped from 60 for three at lunch to 132 all out with only Aminul Islam offering any lengthy resistance to make 42 on the first day of the second Test in Wellington.

In reply, New Zealand had reached 72 without loss by stumps, with opener Mark Richardson on 38 and Matt Horne on 30.

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New Zealand all-rounder Dion Nash's Test return is in jeopardy after he lost his appeal against a three-match suspension for verbal abuse.

He was suspended for abusing an opposing player and an umpire in a provincial match while playing for Auckland against Otago.

Miscellaneous

Troubled England batsman Graham Thorpe is still undecided on his availability for January's one-day tour of India.

And as yet there has been no suggestion from Thorpe that he is in the right frame of mind to resume his usual number four slot in the side.

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Former Test batsman Aamir Sohail has urged the Pakistani authorities to offer protection to players to encourage them to speak out about match-fixing.

Sohail made his comments while giving evidence to Justice Karamat Bhandari's inquiry at Lahore High Court.

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Cricket in the West Indies is in a depressing downward spiral at present and coach Roger Harper is imploring cricket officials to identify young talent early.

Brief Scores

Australia v South Africa - 2nd Test (Day 2) Venue: MCG
Toss: Australia

South Africa: 277 (McKenzie 67, Boucher 43; Bichel 3-44, Lee 3-77)
Australia: 126/0 (Hayden 55, Langer 67)

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