India's tour of West Indies

A disciplined batting performance by all-rounder Sanjay Bangar saved the blushes for India, which took a comfortable 130-run first innings lead on the second day of their three-day game against Guyana Board President's XI at Georgetown (Guyana) on Saturday.

At the close of play, Guyana XI were teetering on 52-5 in their second innings and still needed a further 78 runs to make the tourists bat again.

Australia in South Africa

6th ODI: Australia 330-7 (49.1 overs) bt SA 326-3 (50 overs) by three wickets

Australia continued to pile on the humiliation for South Africa with a remarkable win in the sixth one-day international at Port Elizabeth.

Having already won the seven-match series, the Australians showed no let up despite chasing a new one-day international record winning total of 327.

________________

"We had nothing to lose so we just went out there, backed ourselves and played our shots," said Aussie captain Ricky Ponting.

"We had a bit of luck along the way which we were always going to need to chase that many, but the way we approached it was outstanding," he commented.

"It's probably the best game or chase I've ever been involved in. We had a similar one in Pakistan where we chased 316 and again we got off to a flying start and reeled them in.

"Today was a bit the same - to reach our 50 in the fifth over was an amazing start and the middle order guys just kept it at about six an over and didn't have to take too many risks to do it."

Miscellaneous

The Asian Cricket Council is to receive a $19.5m (£13.6m) boost to develop the game in non-Test playing countries.

The money, provided by the International Cricket Council, will be paid in two instalments, with $3m earmarked to establish three cricket academies across the region.

"A central academy will be established in Nepal, along with regional academies in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

"The central academy will be state of the art, with professional staffing for future needs," said Asian Cricket Council secretary Zakir Hussain Syed.

"The ACC believes that the UAE, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong are fast track countries, and has a view to prepare them for one-day international status in the near future."

________________

"The World Cup is one of my personal goals and I am going to try to perform in the one-day games to put my name in the hat for that,” said former England player Graeme Hick.

At 35 years of age, it is unlikely the big hitter from Worcestershire will get another opportunity to play in the tournament. He is as a result focussed on performing this season.

"I feel it is a realistic possibility. Playing in a World Cup is a huge thing to be part of.

"If I perform in the middle for Worcestershire I will have an opportunity. I think I am still good enough."

Yesterday's News .........................  News Roll archive