England in New Zealand

New Zealander Nathan Astle played an hero's innings in a losing cause on Saturday with the fastest double century on record during the fourth day of the first test against England.

Astle blazed his way to 200 in just 153 balls, an extraordinary 59 balls fewer than Australian Adam Gilchrist took against South Africa in Johannesburg on February 23.

He was finally out for 222 with 28 fours and 11 sixes , including three in a row off Andrew Caddick, as New Zealand, set 550 to win, eventually succumbed for 451 to give England victory by 98 runs.

Astle's counter-attack inspired the lame Chris Cairns to come to the crease at number 11 with the total 333 for nine.

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Chris Cairns' knee injury did not prevent him playing in the near-miracle stand with Nathan Astle, but that was his last contribution to the series.

Physio Dayle Shackel had reported that he had damaged a patella tendon while fielding, and the verdict was that he will need an operation. After his superb return in recent months from a year-long lay-off, it is a massive blow to both player and team.

Australia in South Africa

South Africa lost Gary Kirsten before stumps on day one of the third Test against Australia in Durban but overall it was a good day for the Proteas who dismissed the visitors for 315 in the first innings in Durban.

The home side were lifted after Herschelle Gibbs hit the stumps to run out Ricky Ponting shortly after lunch and although Adam Gilchrist knocked a brisk 91 there was little support for him as the Proteas bowlers shared the wickets amongst themselves. Match report | Images

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Ricky Ponting has shown more leadership qualities with the bat by helping cover for another mixed return from the Waugh brothers in the third Test against South Africa here.

Ponting has scored 189 runs in two crucial Test innings inside four days as he prepares to lead the Australian one-day team for the first time next week.

His 89 at Kingsmead preceded a commanding 91 from his one-day deputy Adam Gilchrist, who has been a run-scoring revelation on this tour with 457 Test runs for just two dismissals.

Miscellaneous

Indian cricket chief Jagmohan Dalmiya met on Thursday night with Malcolm Gray, president of the sport's ruling body, to defuse an argument that at one point looked set to split the sport. Gray said the talks were "helpful."

The talks came on the eve of a two-day meeting of the International Cricket Council's executive board.

Dalmiya, a former ICC president, has been at odds with Gray and ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed since a referee censured six Indians during a match in November.

"I suggested they meet and that they be lenient on each other," Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Tauqir Zia said. "If things get confrontational in the board meeting, Dalmiya would probably win a vote but none of us wants a split. We need to stay together."

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