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Sri Lanka A 134 for 4 (Nawaz 46*, Polonowita 38*) trail India A 172 (Badani 47, Herath 4-34) by 38 runs
ScorecardSri Lanka A took the upper hand on the first day’s play at Mumbai as they bowled out India A for 172, and then erased a large part of that score by stumps. Rangana Herath, who took 4 for 34, polished off the lower order with a fine spell of left-arm spin and was instrumental in his side’s dominance of the opening day.Three of the first four batsmen for India A made starts, but none of them could go on. Hemang Badani, coming in at No. 4, top-scored with 47 fluent runs, made off only 65 balls with eight fours. Shiv Sunder Das and Mohammad Kaif made scores in the thirties, but Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers, Lasith Malinga and Tharanga Lakshitha, took two wickets apiece and pegged the Indians back early.India never really recovered from those setbacks. Badani fell with the score on 148, and a middle order of Rohan Gavaskar, Ambati Rayudu and Ajay Ratra mustered up only 28 runs between them. Thereafter Herath worked his magic on the tailenders, as the last four all went for nought.Sri Lanka began their innings even more disastrously, reeling at 69 for 4 thanks to an early introduction of Murali Kartik, who took 3 for 48. But Naveed Nawaz (46*) and Anushka Polonowita (38*) stabilised the innings with an unbeaten stand of 65 for the fifth wicket.

Heavy rain at the Punjab C.A. Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh has effectively washed away all hopes Orissa might have had of winning their Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Punjab. With ten wickets in hand, the visitors now have to chase down a mammoth victory target of 442 runs on the last day in order to book a place in the semi-finals.Punjab had earlier posted 460 runs in their second innings. Ankur Kakkar, who began the day on 50 not out, went on to make 78 while fast bowler Vineet Sharma contributed his mite making 47. The two were mainly responsible in ensuring that Punjab added a valuable 103 runs to their overnight score of 357 for six. Medium-pacer Debashish Mohanty, who claimed four wickets, was the most successful bowler for the visitors.Orissa openers Shiv Sunder Das and Biswa Bijayee Mohapatra set off in hot pursuit of the almost-impossible-to-achieve target rattling 26 runs in 3.2 overs before rain had the final say.

Somerset gained a measure of revenge for their recent run of defeats at thehands of their local rivals with a tense eight-run victory. Recovering from20-4, the Sabres battled to record a morale-boosting eight-run victory infront of a Bank Holiday crowd approaching 3,000 at the County Ground.The intense rivalry between the two sides was never far from boiling point,with Jack Russell’s excellent contribution behind the stumps proving thecatalyst for much of the heightened tension. Two late order stumpingsrestricted the home side after the middle order rally led by Keith Parsons(66), Rob Turner and Ian Blackwell.Roundly booed to the wicket by the Somerset faithful, it was Russell’sdeparture to a miscued sweep that exposed the Gloucestershire tail to aninspired spell from Steffan Jones. The Welshman, benefiting from a winter spent in the Somerset gym, eclipsed all other bowlers on show in terms of pace, ensuring the visitors lost vital wickets as their required run-rate rose.The holiday crowd was slow to find its voice, only coming to life in the latter stages as an unlikely hero entered the fray. A greylag goose arrived to patrol the outfield with some aggression as the game was slipping away – but Somerset await his return with great anticipation – as soon as the bird appeared, the wickets began to fall. The bird even saved a couple of vital runs – being hit on the wing during its spell at short fine leg.Despite the odd four-ball, Somerset seem to have made a very canny acquisition in Ian Blackwell. In addition to his batting, the former Derbyshire all-rounder bowled around the wicket from the start of his spell, and gave Somerset a measure of control. He captured the vital wicket of Jack Russell, who, until that moment, in partnership with Alleyne seemed to be timing the run-chase to perfection.As wickets fell, Alleyne still looked capable of winning the game by himself, effortlessly clipping Steffan Jones’ last ball, an off stump half-volley, to the backward square leg boundary. But Caddick was still to bowl the final over with 11 needed for victory. The England fast bowler had earlier chipped in with the bat and pounced for the vital run-out of Matthew Windows, who batted fluently for his 38.Another run-out to the second ball of the final over left Alleyne stranded,as Holloway swooped to run out Mike Smith as he attempted to give his captain the strike with 8 still needed from 5 balls.Earlier, electing to bat first, Somerset recovered from an inspired spell byIan Harvey to post a 181, a total that was no more than adequate on a dryingpitch. Keith Parsons batted responsibly to edge the Sabres towards adefendable total. Gloucestershire bowled and fielded with great discipline -Mike Smith bowling unchanged for figures of 2-11 from his nine overs.The West Country – and the goose – awaits the next instalment of this ongoing battle with baited breath.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan defender and Antonio Conte target Stefan de Vrij.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes de Vrij move…

It is believed that Tottenham’s head coach has personally earmarked the possible signing of his former centre-back this summer.

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Indeed, reports out of Italy in this last week suggest that Conte has requested de Vrij as a target with Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy willing to offer him a four-year deal (InterLive.it).

The Nerrazzuri allegedly value their star defender at around €25-30m (£20.7m-£24.8m) with his San Siro deal set to expire in 2023.

The Latest: O’Rourke makes claim….

Speaking to GMS, reporter O’Rourke now suggests that Tottenham, and by extension Levy, are willing to pay ‘whatever the price’ for de Vrij and will be interested regardless of the fee needed.

When asked if Spurs would be keen on a move for the Netherlands international, he explained:

“Definitely. They would be interested in De Vrij whatever the price tag is.”

The Verdict: Ideal man…

Given his obvious quality, potentially bargain price tag and vast experience at the top level – signing the 30-year-old should almost definitely be considered.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

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Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider recently, explained how de Vrij is the ‘perfect fit’ for Conte and the Lilywhites – going on to rave over the ‘world class’ defender.

Taking into account plaudits like this, the central defender could be what Tottenham’s boss is crying out for as he seeks to upgrade his N17 roster.

In other news: Conte green-lights Spurs move for ‘world-beater’ as price tag plummets by nearly 50%, find out more here.

	Simon Katich enjoyed a memorable Pura Cup season that could yet earn him a recall to the national side © Getty Images

Pura Cup XI
Michael Di Venuto
One of the most in-form retirees in recent memory. Scored 947 runs, only 14 fewer than his best Pura Cup season ever, which was last summer. Averaged 52.61 and left a big gap in Tasmania’s top order when he announced he was departing.Chris Rogers
Less remarkable than his prolific 2006-07, but still one of the best openers in the country with 744 at 43.76. Narrowly beats his newly-retired Western Australia team-mate Justin Langer for this position, and was recognised with his first Test call-up this season.Simon Katich (capt)
Simply outstanding. Scored 1328 at 94.85 and is a chance in the final, which starts on Saturday, of breaking the all-time Pura Cup record for most runs in a season. Struck five centuries including a career-best 306 against Queensland, an innings that unbelievably included 184 in a 150-minute session.David Hussey
Continued to be a domestic run-machine with 955 at 59.68. Was disappointed not to strike a higher score than 104 – his best came on the first day of Victoria’s campaign – but it also highlighted how consistent he was to maintain such an average.Daniel Marsh (vc)
After a couple of modest summers with the bat, last season’s Pura Cup-winning captain fought back with 758 at 54.14. Made three centuries and played his part in trying to help Tasmania defend their title, but had too little support.Luke Pomersbach
Had an eventful year: was given a month-long state ban for ignoring a team curfew, earned a car-park call-up for his Twenty20 international debut, won the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award, and was axed from the Warriors’ one-day team due to lack of form. Importantly, just kept making runs in the Pura Cup, with 743 at 61.91.Brad Haddin (wk)
National ODI duties meant he was only available for six games, but was still the most dangerous wicketkeeper-batsman in the competition. Scored 422 runs at 60.28 and secured 30 dismissals to confirm himself as Australia’s best option in the post-Gilchrist era.Ashley Noffke
Incredibly, finished ninth on the run tally with 686 at 45.73 and second on the wicket list with 43 at 21.25. Made his second first-class century, earned his initial international call-ups, and on occasions made the dismal Queensland at least vaguely competitive.Ryan Harris
Was one of very few bright spots for South Australia. Grabbed 37 wickets at 29.86 and averaged 24.20 with the bat, rescuing the Redbacks from embarrassment several times after top-order failures.Bryce McGain
Went from IT specialist to full-time cricketer at the age of 35 and was the biggest surprise packet of the summer. Spun his way to 35 wickets at 32.77 and was suddenly being talked about as a potential Test bowler.Doug Bollinger
Missed the last two-and-a-half games of the season with a broken foot and still finished on top of the wicket tally. Needed only seven matches to grab 45 victims at 15.44, enjoyed two ten-wicket games and was to 2007-08 what Ben Hilfenhaus was to 2006-07.Mathew Inness (12th man)
Enjoyed an amazing turnaround after playing no games last season, finishing behind only Bollinger and Noffke with 40 wickets at 20.12. Given his form and age – he is only 30 – surprised with his decision to retire at the end of the campaign.

	Matthew Elliott farewelled state cricket with his second consecutive prize as FR Cup Player of the Year © Getty Images

FR Cup XI
Matthew Elliott
Player of the Series for the second FR Cup in a row but won’t make it a hat-trick after retiring this season. Scored 521 runs at 74.42 and blasted two centuries, including 133 in a memorable stand with Darren Lehmann in the latter’s farewell match.Michael Dighton
The tournament’s leading run scorer with 549 at 54.90. He was an integral part of Tasmania’s FR Cup triumph and his 146 at North Sydney Oval even overshadowed Ricky Ponting’s hundred that day.Brad Hodge (vc)
Came home with a bang thanks to two consecutive centuries that helped Victoria into the final, and finished with 352 at 50.28.David Hussey
Belted the second-fastest century in Australia’s domestic one-day history with a 60-ball effort against New South Wales. Completed the season with 484 at 44.Daniel Marsh (capt)
Guided his team to the one-day title and was a solid contributor with 330 runs at 41.25.Rob Quiney
Regular compiler anywhere in Victoria’s order and finished with 380 at 47.50. Did not manage a century but four scores of 50-plus are testament to his consistent summer.Brad Haddin (wk)
His 314 at 62.80 showed why he was given games as a specialist batsman for Australia. The Blues’ disappointing campaign might have been saved had he been available for more than six matches.Xavier Doherty
Finished equal top of the wicket tally with 15 victims at 25.53. Was a key man in Tasmania’s final triumph, claiming 4 for 18 as Victoria collapsed.Brett Geeves
The standout fast bowler in Tasmania’s successful line-up, he too collected 15 wickets at 25.20. Grabbed 3 for 28 in the decider and helped his team over the line with the bat to be named Man of the Match.Steve Magoffin
Continued to anchor the Western Australia attack with 14 victims at 27.21, a strong effort from nine appearances.Shaun Tait
His decision to quit cricket indefinitely left him with only five games but he still managed a remarkable 12 wickets at 18.91 that would surely have earned him more ODIs had he been available.Bryce McGain (12th man)
Surprised even himself with his one-day prowess. Equal leading wicket-taker with 15 at 24.40, and nearly won the final for Victoria with a brilliant spell in the dying overs.

Graeme Smith: ‘With the wickets not being tested … the team that adapts best will be able to get the most of it’ © Getty Images

A very confident South African team arrived at Piarco International Airport in Trinidad on Thursday morning, ready to take on all-comers, as their preparations for the World Cup enter the final phases.South Africa were the first squad in Trinidad for the biggest event in the region, flying in at around 12:40 a.m. when they were greeted by members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), including CEO Anand Daniel, and a handful of media representatives.Mickey Arthur, South Africa’s coach, expressed satisfaction with his team’s readiness for the tournament, saying: “It is all about peaking at the right time and I think, for us, things have been going nicely this season. We have shown an upward curve so hopefully our planning is coming to fruition.”South Africa overtook defending two-time World Cup champions Australia in the official ICC One Day International championship table, after a string of good performances in the past 12 months.One of the highlights last year was a 3-2 series win over Australia, sealed by scoring a world-record 438 for nine, as well as seven victories from their last eight completed matches. The main thing on the South African’s minds right now is acclimatisation. The last time they visited the Caribbean was in 2003 and their objective in the warm-up games, according to Graeme Smith, is “finding our feet before the tournament starts”.Smith expressed confidence in his team’s ability to do well in the Caribbean. “We have a good bowling attack…we have got a lot of variation so I think we back ourselves pretty well and I think this will be the key with the wickets not being tested and the team that adapts best will be able to get the most of it.”We are trying to get as much information about what we are up against and hopefully adapt to what we are going to face,” Smith added.Speaking about the West Indies team, Smith was adamant that the World Cup hosts played fantastic cricket in the ICC Champions Trophy last year, when they beat South Africa on the way to the final against Australia.Smith singled out hard-hitting West Indies opener Chris Gayle as a key figure in the home side’s success in the Champions Trophy. But he hinted the South Africans have been working on some plans to counteract the “terrific” players on the West Indies side.

The Carib Beer Cricket series match between Windward and Leeward Islands has been abandoned due to rain without a ball being bowled at the Mindoo Phillip Park on Monday. The rain, which left the pitch and outfield under water, prevented play on all four scheduled days.Both teams have collected four points as a result. In the next round of matches Leeward Islands host Barbados in St. Thomas, the US Virgin Islands; Trinidad & Tobago entertain the Windward Islands at Shaw Park in Tobago and Jamaica face Guyana at Chedwin Park, Jamaica.

John Buchanan: admits to ugly cricket© Getty Images

John Buchanan, the Australian coach, has said that Australia played “ugly” cricket to win the VB Series recently, and that one-day cricket needs to be be spruced up. Speaking to AAP, he said: “I think it’s a tired old format, but that’s what the rules are and that’s what we play to. Until somebody changes the game then really it’s our duty to work out ways in which we can play better cricket within the existing format.”Buchanan admitted that Australia’s performance in the recent triangular was less than appetising. “I think one thing we did do through the whole series was learn to play some ugly one-day cricket,” he said. “Everybody’s quite used to Australia dominating with the bat and then backing it up in the field with our defence, but I think this time it did show that while we didn’t dominate with the bat our defence was [of a] pretty high standard right throughout the tournament. Overall I would have thought our batting is an area that can do with some improvement.”Buchanan said that the Australian selectors will take a long-term view when they meet to select the squad for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand. “We are looking to develop a broad squad so we might have 20-plus players that selectors can pick from come World Cup 2007, which means we cover all our bases and positions,” he said. “The other principle will be trying to understand how we want to better play the game, balance of sides, makeups of sides, the types of players we need to do that and the strategies we want.”He refused to comment on Darren Lehmann, who, at 35, is in danger of having his career ended by the selectors. He was also non-committal about whether Matthew Hayden would play both Tests and one-dayers in the upcoming series. “[Hayden] wants to be part of that Australian one-day side,” he revealed. “I think basically his foundations are good … he’s basically trying to deal with the mental side of his game.”On a broader issue, Buchanan was all for Twenty-20 cricket, but did not believe that it could replace one-day cricket. “It’s part of the overall package that encourages people to enjoy cricket, to understand the game a little bit,” he said. “It’s a good part of the mix if used correctly. I think it provides some fun and excitement. It is a game that is condensed to a shorter period of time so I think that offers parents, families and clubs a real opportunity to encourage more people into the game.”

Safety and security concerns over England’s tour of Sri Lanka have eased despite a state of emergency following advice from the British Foreign Office and the Sri Lanka government.Chandrika Kumaratunga, the Sri Lankan president, suspended parliament and sacked three powerful ministers on Tuesday. She also ordered troops to guard key installations, including the state television station, and declared a state of emergency on Wednesday.However, a spokesman for the Foreign Office said: “We have now advised the ECB there is no reason to change their plans for Sri Lanka. The north and the east of the country are heavily mined and UK nationals should exercise caution when travelling to that part of the country. The rest of the country is trouble free.Earlier, Sri Lanka cricket board officials had insisted that the tour would not be affected by the political situation: “There is nothing to get alarmed about and there is no danger to the tour,” said board secretary Mohan de Silva.”What has happened is just a swapping of ministries. Cricket has been played in much worse situations.”The Sri Lanka government and the President’s Office also gave assurances about safety. Lakshman Kadirgamar, a presidential aide, told a media conference: “Everything that is humanly possible will be done to ensure that the tour goes on without any disturbances.”England are due to arrive in Sri Lanka on Nov 13 for a series of three one-day internationals and three test matches.

The South African international wicketkeeper-batsman Nic Pothas has joined Hampshire on a two-year contract.

Nic Pothas

Pothas, 28 from Johannesburg, qualifies as an EC player as he holds a Greek passport. He represented South Africa in three one-day internationals in Singapore in August 2000.Pothas, who had been chased by four other English counties, was classified only recently as an EC player and now plays for Gauteng, formerly Transvaal, as their overseas player. He made his Transvaal debut eight years ago and has a batting average of 36 with a top score of 165.”He is a quality player,” says Hampshire’s Director of Cricket Tim Tremlett, “and comes highly recommended by our South African coach Jimmy Cook.”