WEST INDIES COACH PUTTING EMPHASIS ON BATTING

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – West Indies head coach Bennett King says that in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy, his focus has been on the batting of the team which flopped in two games and buckled in others during the recent DLF Cup in Malaysia.



“At the camp we’ve obviously been concentrating a lot on our batting,” King said as the West Indies team remained in Malaysia for a one week preparatory camp before they travel to India for the ICC Champions Trophy.



“Because of the tournament here in Malaysia we need to spend more time on the part of the game that we were weakest and that’s the batting,” King told WindiesCricket.com prior to the final training session at the Kinrara Academy Oval on Friday.



“Today’s (Friday’s) session is about game simulation and putting the players under different match conditions,” King said.



The Windies, the reigning ICC Champions Trophy title holders are scheduled to travel to India on Saturday to commence their qualifying round against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.



King was particularly pleased with the fitness level of the players.



“Our fitness is very good at the moment, the physical side of the boys is quite strong going into the tournament,” King said



This is highlighted by the fact that all the players either met or surpassed their individual goals for the beep test with fast bowler Jerome Taylor being particularly impressive.



While fast bowler Corey Collymore, who only played one game in the DLF Cup due to a muscle injury in his right thigh, is not yet back to full fitness King was pleased that he is making steady progress.



“Corey is improving everyday and we have no doubt that he will be firing on all cylinders,” King said.

CHRIS HUSBANDS TALKS ABOUT TRINIDAD DERBY

CHRIS HUSBANDS, who rode his first classic winner when he brilliantly won on Sara's Music in the Trinidad and Tobago Royal Oak Derby at Santa Rosa Park on Monday, was given a "hero's" welcome when he returned to Barbados Wednesday evening.

A small welcoming party including Anne Deane and her son, trainer Richard Deane, veterinarian Dr Trevor King, all of whom had a hand in Chris's early development as a jockey, Mohammed Mohamad of the Barbados Turf Club, trainer Andrew Nunes, along with family and friends, were on hand at Grantley Adams International Airport to meet and congratulate the young jockey.

Husbands created a number of firsts in winning Trinidad's Royal Oak Derby. In addition to it being his first derby win, it was the first time an apprentice was winning the prestigious event since the Trinidad and Tobago Derby was shifted from the Queen's Park Savannah to Santa Rosa Park in 1994; and it was also the first derby success for trainer Maniram "Boboy" Maharaj as a breeder.

He also became the first Barbadian jockey to win the race since Simon Husbands did so on Mr Lover Lover in 1997.

In commenting on his victory immediately after the race, Husbands said: "It is a dream come true for any jockey. I knew I won the race from the three-furlong pole, my horse was travelling best. I told you this was a derby winner when he won the Santa Rosa Classic."

Former South Caribbean champion jockey Chally Jones was the most successful Barbadian jockey winning the Trinidad derby six times, and he is followed by Venice Richards with three.

Commenting on Husbands' success yesterday, Jones termed it "a great achievement for someone so early in his career".

"I am happy for Chris. I gave him his first break as a young apprentice and I have never had a problem with him. He listens to advice and is willing to learn. He has always been mannerly and well behaved and no doubt his parents have played their role in this respect. If he remains this way he should go far."

Richards, who also played his part in developing Chris's skills, said:

"I am elated at Chris' success in the Trinidad derby. I am not surprised because I've known all along that he has the ability, and what he has going for him is that he wants to learn and in this regard he listens.

"I gave him some suggestions as to how to adjust to riding on the sand track at Santa Rosa, since it is completely different from riding at the Garrison. His successes there show that he listens and learns."

Chris Armond, Barbados Turf Club's operations manager, was also high in praise of Husbands' success.

"I thought he rode an exceptional race, especially since his mount had pulled itself into the lead shortly after the start and was actually in front when they passed the stands for the first time. He did well to get him settled afterwards and kept him just off the front runners.

"His prolonged duel down the home-stretch with more experienced jockeys like Jonathan Jones (Bling Bling) and Rajpaul Rajkumar (Greek Princess) and to come out on top was exceptional and a tribute to all those Barbadian riders who are doing so well overseas

BEWARE OF BOGUS WORLD CUP 2007 CRICKET TICKETS

Tickets for next year's World Cup that are bought on internet auction sites or from unauthorised outlets will not be honoured and people risk being turned away from matches.

Some tickets are already appearing on sites such as eBay and have been receiving bids of more than twice their face value. A package of four tickets for matches in Barbados, with a face value of $US900, had attracted bids higher than $US1900 with a day left in the auction.

Stephen Price, the World Cup commercial manager, said officials are working with eBay and internet monitoring services to work out who is selling tickets. "We're telling people before they make a bid on eBay that those tickets won't be valid," he said. "We're trying to protect people from price gouging."

Price added that the problem had first been noticed last month and that the number of tickets being offered online is in the hundreds rather than thousands.

People who have bought any of the 800,000 tickets that are available through official channels won't have received them yet as mailing only starts in January

Controversial umpire Darrell Hair will not officiate in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in India

A spokesman for the International Cricket Council said the decision was down to safety and security concerns.

But confirming he would continue his career, Hair said: "I umpire matches in good faith and take the decisions I feel necessary on the field."

An outcry followed his decision to punish Pakistan for ball-tampering at the Test at The Oval in August.

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq was found not guilty of the charge on Wednesday.

But afterwards, Hair freely answered questions at a news conference arranged after the hearing, and was in largely jovial mood.

The 53-year-old Australian, who was relaxed throughout, said he wished to continue his umpiring career.




He said he accepted the ICC's decision not to have him umpire in the Champions Trophy but added: "Of course I wish to keep on being an umpire.

"My umpiring performance or career is on public record and if other people consider I am still good enough to umpire I will continue."

"My contract with the ICC states I must umpire to the best of my ability and apply the laws of cricket, honestly and fairly.

"I'm out there doing my best."

Asked about allegations that his actions were motivated by racism, Hair added: "I don't wish to enter into any debate about racism, people can make their accusations (but) of course I deny them."

Hair, a veteran of 76 Tests, said he would happily officiate at any level anywhere in the world.

He said: "I don't have any problems umpiring in any part of the world. I've umpired Malta, Italy, lots of places.

"If we can't take the criticism we shouldn't be out there. I've handled it for 21 years and can still handle it when it's justified and when it's not justified."

CLIVE LLOYD has no difficulties with Michael Holding

In the aftermath of Holding's resignation from the Lloyd-chaired West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Cricket Committee and a subsequent disagreement between the two West Indies cricket greats, Lloyd said yesterday he believed there was still a role for Holding to play.

"Contrary to what some people seem to think, I have no problems with Michael Holding," Lloyd said in a statement.

"We have been teammates, friends and colleagues for over 30 years and we have never mistrusted each other."

The former West Indies captain does not wish to be embroiled in confrontation or to be dragged into a debate that does not help but only hinders the progress of West Indies cricket.

The controversy stemmed from Holding and WICB president Ken Gordon seemingly disagreeing on their interpretation of events that eventually led to the cancellation of the US$5 million match between a Stanford Super Star squad and South Africa because of a clash of dates.

"I know that Mr Gordon is anxious to put this matter to rest as it is an unwarranted distraction from his efforts to place West Indies cricket on a financially stable and sustainable basis," Lloyd said.

"At this point, I see nothing to be gained by continuing this matter. I believe we should now focus on what each of us can do individually to take West Indies cricket forward.

"I believe, also, that Michael still has a role to play in our cricket. In fact, when we are seen by international audiences in our roles as commentators, analysts and match referees, we add a dimension of credibility to our undoubted talent."

INZAMAM SET TO NO FATE ON THURSDAY

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is set to learn his fate on Thursday after day one of his disciplinary hearing took place at The Oval in South London.

All the evidence has been heard and closing submissions will be made when the case resumes on Thursday morning.

Chief ICC referee Ranjan Madugalle, who is chairing the two-day hearing, is then expected to announce his verdict.

Inzamam faces ball-tampering and disrepute charges after last month's forfeited Test against England.

He refused to lead his side out on to the field after being penalised for ball-tampering on day four of the fourth Test, also at The Oval.

If found guilty of ball-tampering, Inzamam faces a fine of between 50 and 100% of his match fee. He could also be banned for one Test or two one-day internationals.

On the second charge, deemed more serious by the ICC, a ban of between two and four Tests or four to eight ODIs is possible.

Umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove were the officials out in the middle, with Peter Hartley and Trevor Jesty providing off the field back-up.

Match referee Mike Procter and ICC umpires and referees manager Doug Cowie, who was at the match on the day in question, have also provided testimony.

Madugalle will also consider written statements from the England players involved - Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Ian Bell.

Wednesday's session at The Oval heard evidence from 11 different witnesses including both on-field umpires, fourth umpire Jesty and Mike Procter before lunch.

Cowie, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan, Inzamam, Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer and three expert witnesses called by the defence - Geoffrey Boycott, Simon Hughes and John Hampshire - all gave evidence in the afternoon before the hearing ended around 1700 BST.

INDIA PULL THEIR WEIGHT IN CRICKET

Cricket powerhouse India are refusing to sign an International Cricket Council agreement which would bind it to global ICC events until 2015.

The cricket board would not say what it was objecting to but said it had written to the ICC.

The ICC is aiming to raise hundreds of millions of pounds through the sale of media and sponsorship rights.

"We can't accept the ICC's particpating nations agreement in its current form," said India treasurer N Srinivasan.

"We've got certain reservations about its terms. We'll not sign it until our objections are resolved."

The ICC, whose existing seven-year media deal expires at the end of the 2007 World Cup, began meetings with broadcasters and media agencies on Tuesday for the sale of rights from late 2007 to 2015.

It is expects to double its existing $550m (£291.5m) deal when the new contract is finalised to cover 18 tournaments, including two World Cups, three Champions Trophies and the first two Twenty20 world championships.

The Board for Control of Cricket in India caused a major row ahead of the last World Cup in South Africa in 2003 when it declined to sign the participating nations' agreement over the controversial ambush marketing laws enforced by the ICC.

The BCCI objected to the clause which prevented its players from advertising products of companies that were rivals of the ICC's official sponsors for a month on either side of the World Cup.

India later relented and sent a team for the tournament but the media company which had the rights, the Global Cricket Corporation, withheld almost $47m in payment to the ICC.

India are due to host the 2011 World Cup - which forms part of the new agreement - jointly with its South Asian neighbours Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter says future World Cup finals should not be decided by penalty shoot-outs

Italy beat France in the 2006 final on penalties and Blatter hinted changes may be made in South Africa in 2010.

He said: "When it comes to the World Cup final it is passion, and when it goes to extra time it is a drama.

"But when it comes to penalty kicks it is a tragedy. Football is a team sport and penalties is not a team, it is the individual."

He said a replay or gradually deducting players in extra time would be a better solution.




"We have four years or so, so I think we have time," Blatter told a Swiss Chamber of Commerce event in Zurich.

"Maybe to replay the match if it's the final, you can't do that through the tournament because of lack of time. Maybe to take players away and play golden goal," Blatter said, adding that discussions would start soon.

The Trinidad Derby was a success

The Trinidad Derby was a success on Monday 25th September and one has to say congratulations to the Arima Race Club and their management team headed by President , Gerard Ferreira , for a job well done . There was a tremendous holiday crowd and the racing was both competitive and attractive . It was also driven home , that the current stands are not adequate and the turning of the sod for a new facility has to be refreshing news for everyone who loves the sport.

The Minister of Trade and Industry , Kenneth Valley was on hand and if he absorped my racing selections (tips) , he would have been a happy man , particularly after the Trinidad Derby , where the superfecta paid a whopping $3,022.00TT.

So all listeners to this station i95.5fm should have their pockets filled today.



The Local horse racing industry is set for further financial support from the Ministry of Trade and Industry based on two proposals currently under review by this Ministry.

All of those who love the sport must be hoping that it will progress to further and higher heights. To assist in this process, I am outlining below some of the thoughts of a number of the average turfites, who I have been speaking to over the last few months. First a disclaimer, let me state that although the views expressed are those of the many, I will not be revealing any names since the views were expressed in casual conversation and were not meant to be interpreted as political affiliation of any sort. Some of these have in fact been implemented but there is still room for loads of improvement.

The suggestions put forward can be classified into two main categories due to space limitations:



1) Improving the competitive nature of each day's racing

2) Increasing the public confidence in the local racing industry



Improving the competitive nature of local horse racing

To improve competitiveness, the answer is not to revert to the old classification system, nor is it to remain with the current claiming/allowance race system. The best system in the view of the group of turfites is along the lines of the UK system of handicap ratings combined with claiming and selling races. A group of experienced handicappers should be formed and this group made responsible for handicapping every horse in training in Trinidad and Tobago. Retention of claiming races will allow owners/trainers to handicap their own horses while selling races will provide those with lower quality animals an opportunity to pick a pepper, so to speak.



A second aspect of improving competitiveness is the quality of our raceday jocks. The majority of them are average at best, and since the closure of the jockey school, race riding skills have gone steadily downhill. Prior to the introduction of the jockey school, apprentices had to be attached to the bigger stables and met certain minimum criteria in terms of experience, if these criteria are still in place; it is not evident from what is actually transpiring. Re-introduction and enforcement of these criteria is essential. We also need to re-introduce the mandatory random drug testing of jockeys. Each jockey should be drug tested at least once a year.



A third aspect of improving the competitive nature is the introduction of Speed Figures for horse performances in their previous starts. We have had eight years of racing on the all-weather surface, sufficient time for the development of standard times for each distance. These should be used along with the traditional factors of weight/going allowance and distance from winner to derive a speed figure for each horse in a race. Making this information available to the punter will significantly improve the punter's information base on local horse racing and put it closer to its overseas rivals. Development of these speed figures do not require a brain surgeon, and often turfites will develop their own system, if necessary a competition could be held among turfites to derive the best system to be used by the authorities. This would be a great way to encourage a lot of interest..





Increasing public confidence

The second step in keeping the fires burning is to increase confidence. The key ingredients here are:

- Transparency in decision making

- Consistency in rule interpretation

There seems to be no reverting to the days of Alex Selman, but that is not to say that we cannot develop our own cadre of independent, knowledgeable and disciplined stewards. Our stewards must not only be independent, they must be seen to be independent. Some form of certification for local stewards must be designed, and in this regard, we should look at examples of say Australia and the US to identify possible approaches. Overseas training for stewards is also a pre-requisite.

Decisions of the stewards must be immediately explained to the public and replays of the race shown explaining/illustrating the rationale for decisions. Stewards need to take a tougher stance with jockeys and too often the only penalty seems to be relatively light fines. Jockeys should be stood down for one of two race days depending on the severity/frequency of their offenses.



Racing is poised for a take-off; the economy is on the upswing and now is the time to take advantage of these positive signs. Hopefully, the infighting is now behind us and we can get on with the business at hand, restoring horse racing to its position as the "King of Sports" in Trinidad and Tobago.

INZAMAM HEARING COMING UP

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq will face ball-tampering and disrepute charges at The Oval, the ground where the controversy first arose.

The ICC's chief referee, Ranjan Madugalle, will preside over a two-day hearing starting on Wednesday.

But the Sri Lankan is not expected to reveal his findings until Friday.

The International Cricket Council has confirmed that all four umpires on duty for the game between England and Pakistan will attend the hearing.

Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove were the officials out in the middle, with Peter Hartley and Trevor Jesty providing off the field back-up.

The fourth Test in August ended in an unprecedented forfeiture by the tourists following Hair and Doctrove's decision to penalise them for ball-tampering.

Madugalle will consider testimony and written statements from witnesses, many directly involved with events which culminated in the abandonment of the Test after Pakistan were deemed to have refused to play on after tea on the fourth day.



Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is expected to give evidence

If Inzamam is found guilty of the ball-tampering he faces a fine of between 50 and 100% of his match fee. He could also be banned for one Test or two one-day internationals.

On the second charge, deemed more serious by the ICC, a ban of between two and four Tests or four to eight ODIs is a possibility.

Also present at the hearing will be Oval match referee Mike Procter and ICC umpires and referees manager Doug Cowie, who was at the match on the day in question.

Cowie was also the recipient of a subsequent e-mail from Hair, in which he offered to resign in exchange for $500,000.

Pakistan's representatives are expected to include coach Bob Woolmer and board chairman Shaharyar Khan as well as Inzamam. Their legal team will be headed by London-based Mark Gay.

MAHARAJ TALKS ABOUT CHRIS HUSBANDS

Maniram Maharaj showers all praises on Barbaian apprentice Chris Husbands



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Arima, Santa Rosa Park, CMC Sports , 25th September :

Sara’s Music dramatic shot head victory in the 2006 Trinidad Derby , left breeder/trainer 75 year old Maniram Maharaj in tearful joy and he heaped a lot of praise on young Barbadian apprentice – Christopher Husbands - for his ride on the gelding.

“It was a wonderful piece of riding by young Husbands , he is a very good jockey , he listens to instructions and avoids trouble , he has a very bright future in front of him. He also seems to have a good head on him and does not panic ,” Maharaj stated.

Maharaj who was winning his second Trinidad Derby , after victory in 1988 with – Song N ‘Dance – said ,” There is no other feeling , like winning the Derby , it is just out of this world , I don’t have enough words to say , I am happy for everyone closely connected to us. It really feels good.”

“I was always quietly confident , I knew we had setbacks , but this horse is a good horse and by the time the race was ready to run, I was very confident ,”he added

As to the margin of victory , Maharaj remarked ,” I am not surprised by the performance of Bling Bling ( runner up) , because I have been watching him for a while and he has been improving with every race,”

“So I told my jockey to look out for Bling Bling , he will be coming at you and also to watch (Rajpaul) Rajkumar ( who rode third place Greek Princess) , because you will be pasting him,” the wily trainer noted.

Next race for –Sara’s Music – will be the Betting Levy Board Turf Classic in October , but Maharaj confessed ,” We will wait and see what happens after this race , because at this time , I do not believe that Sara’s Music is ready for the older horses , like Uram ( Jamaica bred five year old) , Chief Commander , Privelege or Crown Point …I think he is about two seconds two slow for them…maybe next year .”

Chief Exceutive Officer of the Barbados Turf Club , Chris Armond , who is a close friend of Maharaj said of Christopher Husbands victorious ride in the Derby ,” It was a brilliant ride , absolutely brilliant, but while I must stress he is no relation to Patrick Husbands , he has the last name that suggests he is heading for super stardom.”

Husbands rode three winners on the 12 race card to be the leading jockey.

He won the opening race with – Stravinskys Secret - , then followed in Race 8 with – Feelikemakinluv- , before winning the feature 11th event , The Trinidad Derby with – Sara’s Music - .

Racing Review - derby day from ANDRE E. BAPTISTE

September 25, 2006



Sweet Music plays for Barbadian Chris Husbands

In 2006 Royal Oak Trinidad Derby



CMC SPORTS: ARIMA - Maniram Maharaj, an apprentice jockey and a Barbadian connection turned back the hands of time to win the Trinidad Derby in front of a packed Santa Rosa Park on Monday afternoon. In 1988, it was the Barbadian owned filly Song N Dance ridden by apprentice Carlos John that gave Maharaj his first Derby winner and he doubled the feat when Barbadian apprentice Chris Husbands, on Robert Maharaj’s Sara’s Music, became only the second apprentice jockey to win the most prestigious race on the Trinidad racing calendar.



At the off, Barbadian challenger Bachelor Boy, who went off at 25/1, was hustled up to take the early lead but was quickly joined by Sara’s Music, 8/1 shot Bling Bling, 8/5 favourite Greek Princess and 99/1 outsider Adios Amigos. At the other end of the field was the slow starting Jamaican gelding, Harbour Master, PhantomoftheOpera and Mr. Shankar. The top Barbadian challenger, Top Lady, was held up in the middle of the field along with Windjammer and Fresh Prospect. As they went around the first corner, Bachelor Boy quickly backpeddled leaving Greek Princess and Bling Bling to dispute the early lead closely tracked by Adios Amigos and Sara’s Music. The order remained unchanged for most of the race although All For Java and then longshot Sing the Blues began to make headway. At the 600 metres marker, the favourite Greek Princess was joined by Sara’s Music on the outside with Bling Bling in between also throwing down a challenge. Further back the only horse making headway was another longshot, the 80/1, PhantomoftheOpera. At the top of the straight, Sara’s Music took a slight lead over Greek Princess with Bling Bling and PhantomoftheOpera, in particular, storming through on the rail. PhantomoftheOpera appeared at one stage to take a slight lead but the four horses battled side by side down the entire straight before Sara’s Music at 2/1 under an inspired Chris Husbands stuck his nose out for a shorthead win over Bling Bling. Greek Princess was a head behind in third with another head back to PhantomoftheOpera. Top Lady was very disappointing and she never threatened, while Bachelor Boy was nearer last than first and seemed not to handle to dirt surface. Fans are sure to remember the thrilling finish for many a year. The winner completed the 2000 metres event in the fairly slow time of 2.10



The day’s other feature, the Nursery Stakes was won by the 3/1 shot Luca’s Gold ridden by Brian Harding on a short riding stint from Jamaica. Harding had the colt in the slipstream of 4/5 favourite Madonna de Luna for most of the 1200 metres event before quickening clear in the homestraight. Great Memories stayed on to be a non-threatening third with Mistaken Identity fourth.



In addition to his win in the Derby, jockey Chris Husbands won two other events on the day’s card to be the leading rider with three wins. He teamed up with trainer Maharaj to win the opener on 7/5 favourite Stravinsky’s Secret before following up in the day’s eight race on 3/5 favourite Feelikemakinluv, which crushed her field by nine lengths. A number of foreign based riders also showed their mettle on the day’s card with top Canadian based jocks Johnno Jones and Patrick Husbands also being among the winners. Jones scored an impressive two length win on top creole Crown Point in an 1800 metres Handicap event. Patrick Husbands who suffered the misfortune of having his main ride in the Derby, Millionaire, scratched on the morning of the race scored a double on the day’s card being successful with 6/1 shot Captain Shiv and 5/2 second favourite Gems and Jewels in the two legs of an 1100 metres Optional Claiming event run off on a firm turf course. In addition to his win on Luca’s Gold, Brian Harding also scored a facile win on 7/5 favourite First Mate in the day’s tenth event, a 1200 metres Maiden event. Not to be undone, Trinidad based Gary Laban also scored a double via 2/1 shots Skippy’s Dream and Kato. Ricky Jadoo was successful aboard the impressive first time starter Divine Bull in the race for Imported Two Year Olds while apprentice Ryan Hasranah closed off the day with a win on the filly Ready Or Not at odds of 5/1 in the 1750 metres Optional Claiming event.



Among the trainers, Maniram Maharaj (Stravinsky’s Secret and Sara’s Music) and Douglas Bennett (First Mate and Ready Or Not) both scored doubles.

BRIAN LARA READY FOR SUNDAY'S CLASH WITH AUSTRALIA

Brian Lara was in a relaxed mood ahead of the final against Australia, insisting that the best team in the world would be feeling the pressure just as much as his boys. And while he admitted that West Indies would start as underdogs, he was quietly confident that he had the combination to cause a big upset on Sunday.

"The pressure will be even on both teams," he said. "Both want it very badly. Australia may have tried a lot of rotation, but I'm almost certain they are going to play their best eleven out there tomorrow. Winning any tournament is a fillip to a team going forward. You don't want to come here and lose to anyone."

He confessed that he had fancied India to sneak through to the final, especially once their bowlers kept Australia to 213. "Knowing it was a virtual semi-final, I thought India would have treated it as such and definitely crossed the line," he said. "Again, [it was] early wickets. Now, we have Australia on our hands, and it's of utmost importance for us to win it. Getting here, there weren't a lot of people that thought we would make it. I suppose we were the third favourites in the tournament, and we got there [the final] before everybody else."

According to Lara, the early phase of the West Indian innings would be critical, with Australia certain to play both Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee. "They depend a lot on the new ball with Lee and McGrath. McGrath hasn't been among the wickets, but he has been keeping it very tight and creating pressure for the other guys to take the wickets. We've got to watch that very carefully. If we can see out the first ten or fifteen overs without losing a wicket, it's going to be very important."

He backed Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle to give his team the perfect start, akin to the one that they enjoyed against Australia in the opening game of the tournament. "I think we've batted pretty well [at the top]. Shiv hasn't had a go in the last couple of games, but in the first game against Australia he batted pretty well. And 2 for 90 [against Australia, in their second encounter] was also a very good start, with [Ramnaresh] Sarwan and Gayle getting some runs.

"I think it'll be the same approach - you don't want to inhibit Chanderpaul or Gayle if they want to play their natural game. They are both very smart, very professional, and experienced enough to know exactly how to go about it."

He was also satisfied with his own form, with 87 against Australia last Monday being the highlight. "I was a bit worried after the first game, but worked on a few things very quickly," he said. "My confidence is right up. [There's] just one more game in this particular tournament, but we've got two months of cricket left. We've got October in India [Champions Trophy] and November-December in Pakistan. I'm feeling good, and getting to where I want to be. I don't want to peak too early, though it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a big one tomorrow."

His worries surrounded the form, or lack of it, shown by the middle order. And with that in mind, West Indies had plenty of match-simulation practice at the Turf Club on Saturday morning. "We're getting the guys to bat middle overs, not necessarily new ball or anything like that," he said. "We're setting targets and seeing how we approach it, and getting accustomed to it. They have to value their wickets out there. It seems to be working, but again match time tomorrow will tell."

Lara admitted that Corey Collymore's lack of fitness was a blow, and was unsure of which XI he would play, though he hinted that he might leave out Marlon Samuels. "Looking at yesterday and how Harbhajan bowled, Sehwag didn't complement him," he said. "So I'm not sure if I am going with both [Gayle and Samuels], but it's an option. The pitch has deteriorated a lot, and you saw Hogg bowl, you saw Harbhajan bowl, even Mongia. They [the spinners] are starting to play a very important part. But as you saw against India, the seamers also started putting it in the right areas."

Against a near full-strength Australian side, hitting the right areas will be mandatory. If they do, Lara and his team can nurse hopes of a big upset. But if the radar malfunctions, they could be on a hiding to nothing

TONY HOWARD SAYS WE CAN BEAT AUSTRALIA

The West Indies players have shown supreme focus and determination in the short period they have been in Malaysia for the DLF Cup.

That is why team manager Tony Howard believes they will win Sunday's final no matter which team they meet at the Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The West Indies reached the final of the lucrative tournament on Monday when they defeated Australia, but fell to India in a low scoring affair on Wednesday.

Howard, however, explained that tweaking with the line-up came about to give some key players a rest, and there was no complacency among his charges.

"My thoughts on the tournament are that we are in the final and whoever wants to get there to meet us will have to work very hard to get there," Howard said yesterday.

Australia meet India today (1:30 a.m. Eastern Caribbean Time) in the final preliminary match. The West Indies manager was speaking at Hilton Barbados where he and 14 other managers of teams in the 2007 International Cricket Council World Cup are meeting.

"I expect we will win the final. We worked hard to get there and we are focused on winning against whoever we face," Howard said. "The players understand what is going on and they understand what is required. We are in the final and will be going all out to win the tournament."

The defeat to India angered some fans in the Caribbean. The Windies had already made it to the final and Wednesday's result did not make a difference.

The West Indies turned their batting order virtually upside down by promoting Runako Morton, Wavell Hinds and Marlon Samuels up the batting order so they could prove their mettle. Opener Chris Gayle dropped to No. 6 and skipper Brian Lara went in at No. 9.

They were also without key bowlers Ian Bradshaw and Jerome Taylor, but the back-up bowlers were outstanding in dismissing India for 162 in under 40 overs.

"I am not going to second guess anything that is being done," Howard said. "What I know is that we are out there (in Asia) for three months and there will be a lot of hard work ahead for a lot of people.

"As you could see, after two or three overs the fast bowlers' shirts are stuck on their backs. It's very hot and humid. We wanted to give the fast bowlers a rest leading up to the final. We were already there and we wanted to give them a break and introduce a few new options. We are in the final and we needed to have those players fresh for the final."

After the DLF Cup ends on Sunday, the West Indies will remain in Kuala Lumpur for a ten-day camp before moving on to India where they will defend the title in the International Cricket Council's Champions Trophy in India in October and November.

After that, they move on to Pakistan where they will play three Tests at Lahore, Multan and Karachi and five One-Day Internationals in Pakistan from November 11 to December 16.

"We are enjoying it. The tri-nation series is a good warm-up for our next step which is the Champions Trophy defence and we are looking forward to that. After all that then we will focus on Pakistan."

YOUNG TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO CRICKETERS WIN IN BERMUDA

A second consecutive half-century by skipper Shazan Babwah and a four-wicket burst by fast bowler Ravi Rampaul spurred the touring Trinidadian club side Clico Preysal to an 84-run victory over a young and inexperienced Bermuda side at the National Sports Centre on Tuesday night.



Babwah followed up his knock of 81 on Monday night in a Twenty20 match by scoring a powerful 73 at better than a run-a-ball that underpinned the tourists' modest 211.



Rampaul then left the home team's innings in tatters under the lights with four wickets in his first three overs before finishing with figures of four for 24 from seven overs as Bermuda subsided to 127 all out in the 40th over.



Rampaul removed Chris Douglas, Azeem Pitcher and skipper Dean Minors for ducks.

The only resistance came from Kwame Tucker, who was eventually run out for 60.

Slow bowler Vishan Jagessar took two for 18 from five overs.



Earlier, West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin failed for the second time on tour, following up his one on Monday by being caught at second slip for seven off teenager Malachi Jones, who picked up two for 42 off eight overs.



Lanky fast bowler Ryan Steede (2-33) and medium pacer Dean Stevens (2-29) also enjoyed some success.



After Steede removed Babwah, it needed a late-innings surge from tailenders Anderson Bryce (26) and Keegan Roy (22) to lift the total past the 200 mark.

With such first-team regulars as Clay Smith, Irving Romaine and Janeiro Tucker all resting - and with coach Gus Logie taking a back seat to allow his understudy Herbie Bascome to assume the coaching responsibilities - Tuesday's game was clearly used to experiment and allow players on the fringes of the squad to prove they deserved greater recognition.



Only a sparse crowd turned up.



The second 50 overs day-night match scheduled for Wednesday has been moved to today.

TRINIDAD BASED DRIVER GOING GUNS IN BARBADOS

Jamaica's ace driver John "Penti" Powell tuned up for the remaining major events in the Caribbean this year with a near flawless performance as he posted the fastest time in the Motoring Club Barbados Inc.'s (MCBI) speed event from Ellesmere to Woodland, St George.

On the long and twisting road course, the Trinidad and Tobago-based Jamaican pushed his ex-Didier Auriol Toyota Trinidad/Stag/NP Ultra/ICSL Toyota Corolla WRC to the fastest time of three minutes, 27.9 seconds. This was more than six seconds faster than Barbadian Paul "The Surfer"Bourne at the wheel of his Plus/Warrens Motors Subaru Impreza WRC, who had carried the fight to the Jamaican drivers throughout the day.

Bourne's time was three minutes, 33. 40 seconds in the event which got started more than 90 minutes late.

Powell said the car could do much better than the results returned during the event.

"I came to feel out the car on tarmac and I can tell you that it is a much improved car than the previous car. It's dynamite, but I am still on a learning curve and getting used to it," Powell said before boarding his return flight to his base in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Jamaican driver, fresh from winning the Stag/Ultra Int. All Stage Rally in Trinidad two weeks ago and who was the second-place finisher in last year's Rally Barbados, said he now has "launch control" fitted to the car for improved starting. However, he was still doing some tweaking to the machine as he prepares for two more events in Barbados and the Jamaica Int. All Stage Rally in December.

Pointing out that it was Didier Auriol's 1999 bodyshell, Powell said it was the Version II Corolla, but everything in it was brand new. "It's encouraging to drive, but I need more seat time if I am to really make my presence felt when the going gets tougher", he admitted.

Powell said too that his duels with Bourne last Sunday showed he still had a lot to learn with the car as Bourne was an excellent driver.

According to the Jamaican, Bourne had some issues with the car early in the event, especially at the "hairpin" section of the course which cost his time. He expects a greater fight with him in next month's event at Four Hills, St Peter.

He said too that arch-rival Trevor "Electric Micey" Manning was expected to be among the starters in that event and the combination of Manning and Bourne could make winning for him more challenging.

"I paid too much attention to Gary Gregg and Manning during last year's Rally Jamaica, but it will be a much different ball game this year," Powell said.

Another top class Barbadian driver, Roger "The Sheriff" Skeete, at the wheel of the Plus/Havoline/Michelin Peugeot 306 Maxi and Cliff Roett in the Thorogood Footwear/Nassco/Michelin/Roett's Garage/Lucky Horseshoe/Sunpower/Castrol Toyota Starlet, prevented 4X4 cars from dominating the top places in the event.

Skeete's time of three minutes, 35.60 seconds and Roett's time of three minutes, 35.80 seconds accounted for the third and fourth places overall.

Roger "The Ninja" Hill in the EssoMobil 1/Nassco Ltd/Motormac/PPG Toyota Celica GT4 was fifth fastest over the course. He returned a time of three minutes, 36.80 seconds, while Jonathan Still in the Hitachi Power Tools/Warrens Motors BMW M3 with a time of three minutes, 39. 40 seconds, finished sixth.

Former motoring club champion driver John Corbin in the Corbin's Garage/Klar-Odio Toyota Corolla made few mistakes over the course. He returned a best time of three minutes, 55.20 seconds, while Greg "Cheesie" Catwell in the Cheeesie Auto Glass Datsun returned to road racing with a time of three minutes, 56.50 seconds to round out the Top 8 places overall.

DEHRING SPEAKS IN TRINIDAD ON WORLD CUP 2007

Managing Director & CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 Inc., Chris Dehring, has assured that preparations for the tournament are well on track and that the Caribbean will be ready to welcome the world next March and April.



Speaking today in Trinidad & Tobago - as an announcement was made that warm-up matches which were to be held at Brian Lara Cricket Academy will be relocated to a venue yet to be named - he said the decision to switch venues is not a setback but rather a step in the right direction.



"With less than six months to the start of the tournament ICC Cricket World Cup is very satisfied that the matter has been deliberated thoroughly, and a final decision for the good of the tournament has been taken. Through ongoing monitoring and open communication channels there is full buy-in from all stakeholders involved with the tournament and 100 per cent awareness that we must deliver a world-class event.



"It is in this climate that the Trinidad & Tobago LOC (Local Organising Committee) put forward the request for a change of venue from Brian Lara, which may not be completed to the required standard within the previously agreed timeframe," stated Dehring during a Press conference.



The relocation, he added, shows that CWC 2007 and the Trinidad & Tobago LOC are "decisive organisations...and that we are prepared and have the necessary contingency plans, in conjunction with the LOCs, to make crucial decisions".



"It certainly validates the monitoring process which is in place and shows that CWC has the situation under control... The message to the cricketing world therefore, is that come what may, we are preparing to welcome fans from around the globe to a memorable event and, notwithstanding the odd bump or two, the Cricket World Cup train is building a powerful head of steam and is very much on track," declared the CWC Managing Director.



CWC Venue Development Director, Donald Lockerbie, also reasoned that CWC's "stringent monitoring programme" had proven a vital asset; allowing for the thorough assessment of all tournament venues.



"Earlier this year, other stadia - most notably the Grenada National Stadium and Sabina Park in Jamaica - were considerably behind in their construction schedules but, under careful monitoring, they are now on track. The process has worked again here and the necessary decisions are being taken," he reminded, adding that all other venues are progressing well and on schedule to be ready by the required date.



The Venue Development Director explained that the proposed new venue can be "elevated to the standard of a venue for Warm-up matches with overlay installations" and therefore would not require significant legacy work.



Trinidad & Tobago Sports Minister, Roger Boynes, had earlier announced that Brian Lara Cricket Academy would not meet the required Warm-up venue standard in the timeframe allotted. He added that subsequent permission was given, through the Board of CWC 2007 to the Trinidad & Tobago LOC, to seek to host the Warm-up matches at an alternate stadium.

WEST INDIES LOSE WHEN WINNING WAS EASIER

India win keeps final hopes alive

One-day international, Kuala Lumpur: India 162 (39.3 overs) bt West Indies 146 (41 overs) by 16 runs



The WEST INDIES again found a new way to lose when chasing a low total against India on Wednesday.



India kept alive their hopes of making the Kuala Lumpur tri-series alive by snatching a 16-run win over West Indies after bowling them out for only 146.

Dwayne Smith took 4-31 as the Indians made 162, with only Sachin Tendulkar (65) and Harbhajan Singh (37) battling.

The Windies slumped from 44-0 to 118-8 but with Brian Lara - who came in at nine - there they still had a chance.

However he was left stranded on 40 as Harbhajan (3-35) helped mop up the tail and India must now beat Australia.

The Windies had already qualified for the final and Smith enjoyed the responsibility of being handed the new ball by having skipper Rahul Dravid caught behind off the third ball of the game.


Anything can happen in cricket and we never gave up




Rahul Dravid

He also saw Virender Sehwag lose his off-stump, Suresh Raina edge to first slip and Yuvraj Singh nick behind.

Corey Collymore and Dwayne Bravo cleaned up Mahendra Dhoni and Ajit Agarkar, before Tendulkar rebuilt the innings patiently with the adventurous Harbhajan - until a second collapse.

Harbhajan was caught behind off Gayle and Tendulkar was run out when Marlon Samuels deflected a drive off Rudra Pratap Singh into the stumps.

Gayle beat the latter for pace and Munaf Patel was run out going for a suicidal third run two balls later to spell the end of a miserable batting effort.



India can now look forward to a crunch match against Australia

When Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Runako Morton made a solid start in reply the Indians were on their way out of the tournament.

But seamers Agarkar, Patel and Shanthakumaran Sreesanth took two wickets each to rip through the top and middle order.

Patel saw Chanderpaul spoon the ball to Sehwag at square-leg and Sarwan edge behind, before Morton did the same off Sreesanth, with Dhoni taking a juggling catch.

Agarkar, who bowled with pace and accuracy, trapped Samuels and Smith - who hit three of his first four balls for four before going lbw off the fifth, while Gayle went the same way to RP Singh.


A few guys are out of form and lack confidence




Brian Lara

Lara came out with the score 97-7 and gave them a glimmer of hope by crashing six fours in his 48-ball knock but he ran out of partners.

"Anything can happen in cricket and we never gave up," said Dravid.

"The boys were disappointed with their batting but we talked about not giving up and trying to get some early wickets.

"We knew the West Indies were having problems with their middle order and our bowlers bowled beautifully."

Lara admitted his batsmen were struggling and the decision to shuffle the order had backfired.

"A few guys are out of form and lack confidence," he said. "It's a cause for concern.

"That's why some of the lower order were pushed up so they could get some batting time and find some form.

"They didn't make the most of this chance but we have a few days to practise and hopefully they can find some form in time for the final."

BARBADOS PLANNING FOR WORLD CUP

They will be 40 000-strong. They will be landing and coming ashore. Some of them will get sick. Who will care for them?

The responsibility of putting in place a strong, foolproof medical plan to cater to the many fans coming to Barbados for the 2007 International Cricket Council World Cup (CWC) rests with Dr Adrian Lorde.

It's a tough job, but Lorde believes he and his colleagues at the medical directorate for the Barbados local organising committee, have adequate medical resources and facilities to deal with the influx.

"We have written the manuals and we have been putting the templates all in place," said Lorde, who is chairman of medical services and disaster management.

"The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has always been a sore thumb, but we have received assurances and we will have upgrades at the hospital to cater for the World Cup, and these will benefit Barbados in general, both in the short-term and the long-term.

"We will have new facilities – operating theatres – and we are also looking at the drug service. We need to look at the drug service closely and we have the funding to purchase new drugs.

"This will be done to safeguard against illnesses, as well as new and re-emerging diseases – some of which we might encounter in a global event such as this."

Lorde was speaking while bringing tournament officials up to speed on details during the tenth venue summit at Hilton Barbados. More than 300 delegates from around the globe have been attending planning meetings over the past nine days.

"The drugs we are looking at have to be made available. These have been identified and ordered already. As you will be aware, drugs have expiry dates and we need to make sure we are on top of the game. We have been concentrating on having a full stock," said Lorde, who is also responsible for the Anti-Doping process during the tournament.

"Already we in Barbados have 144 medical volunteers and they have gone through training. Now, there will be retraining in CPR and First Aid.

"We will also have the Barbados Sports Medicine Association training them in sports related injuries and other injuries relating to athletes and high performance sportsmen.

"We have been getting 'green status' assessment from the organisers from Day 1. We have been putting the processes in place for the competition. We are ready for the Cup!"

WORLD CUP TEAMS COMING

The managers of the 16 teams participating in next year's International Cricket Council World Cup (CWC) will visit Kensington Oval in Barbados on Friday to have a close look at the venue for the final.

This trip will be the highlight of two days of meeting which will conclude the tenth CWC venue summit which is ongoing at Hilton Barbados.

The Oval is being re-developed specially for the World Cup to host six Super 8 (second-round) matches from April 11-21 and the grand final on April 28. The cost of the upgrade is $135 million, and the seating capacity will be 28 000 – up from 13 000.

The majority of the work is complete and all the permanent work should be completed by early December. After that the new grandstand to host 16 000 fans will start and should be completed in six weeks.

"This meeting is not only being held because it is one of our obligations under the host agreement between CWC and the International Cricket Council (ICC), but because it will be an extremely useful tool in assisting all the participating teams in their preparation and planning for the tournament," said Michael Hall, the CWC's cricket operations director.

"It will also present an opportunity for team managers to establish important contacts with the cricket operations managers from the local organising committees and allow for meaningful dialogue between them, between now and March 2 next year, when all the teams arrive in the Caribbean."

Also expected at the meeting are Bob Woolmer, coach of the Pakistan team; Dave Richardson, the ICC's general manager; Chris Tetley, the ICC's liaison at the CWC; Tim May, president of the Federation of International Cricketers Association; Dinanath Ramnarine, president of the West Indies Players Association.

"A similar meeting was held in South Africa ahead of the 2003 World Cup, and it proved to be extremely useful. We at CWC have been preparing diligently to host this meeting, and we are confident that the team managers will leave the Caribbean assured that we are doing everything to stage the Cricket World Cup to world-class standards," Hall said.

The offices of the CWC reported yesterday that some team representatives were combining their attendance at the meeting with visits to the host venues where their respective teams will play group stage matches.

Arrangements have been put in place for officials of all four teams in Group 'A', which will be played at the new Warner Park in St Kitts – Australia, Scotland, South Africa and Holland – to visit that island.

The team officials will also be updated on areas of interest to them, including – the confirmation of international flights; the special CARICOM visa; airport arrival and departure protocols for teams; domestic flight arrangements; and confirmation of hotel arrangements.

They will also get details on ground transportation plans; team practice schedules; the tournament schedule; support staff arrangements (liaison officers, close protection officers, baggage handlers and net bowlers); administrative issues, such as match tickets and financial arrangements.

They will hear presentations by members of the CWC Cricket operations team, as well as from venue development director Donald Lockerbie; security director, John Collymore; and chairperson of the medical and health group Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse, who will present an overview of the medical, health and anti-doping plan.

BRIAN LARA IS CAUTIOUS

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - West Indies captain Brian Lara, though delighted with victory over Australia still feels there are areas of the West Indies game which needs addressing as the team moves into the final of the DLF Cup.



"There were a couple of errors that were a bit worrying," Lara told reporters at the post-game media conference after the Windies held their nerve for a three wicket triumph over the world champions.



"I think we did pretty well in the first 20 overs but Australia still had two recognized batsmen in (Michael) Hussey and (Brad) Haddin, we thought the score would be 175 or 225 but they batted well,” was Lara’s assessment after he himself led his team to victory with a stunning 87 from 80 deliveries.



“Our batting department had a hiccup as well but we've got some time now till the final and hopefully will get some good practice,” the 37 year old captain said after the Windies lost a clatter of wickets towards the end as they chased Australia’s 272 for 6.



Asked whether it was a concerted team plan to target Stuart Clark, the Australian fast bowler whose 7 overs went for a hefty 87 runs, Lara said it was not.



"Someone has got to go at some stage, and Clark happened to be the unlucky one, we knew we had to keep scoring at five or more runs an over throughout, we were a bit behind at the beginning and Chris (Gayle) accelerated in the middle overs," the left handed batting genius said.



Though concerned that the middle order once again fell down, Lara was confident that they will eventually come good.



"(Dwayne) Bravo took his time to get in and batted very well, the likes of Wavell Hinds, Dwayne Smith and Marlon Samuels have scored runs (previously), so I expect them to come good, their confidence is sure to grow and the guys will knit together and get things going for us," Lara said.

CARLOS EDWARDS'S MANAGER CLAIMS HE WAS OFFERED A BRIBE

A football manager has named an agent who he says attempted to bribe him.

Trinidad and Tobago’s star midfielder Carlos Edwards who plays with Luton Town in the English First Division is in the news , His club ,Luton Town's Mike Newell says freelance football agent Charles Collymore offered him a cut of a player's fee that he tried to negotiate.

Mr Newell told BBC One's Panorama programme, due to be aired on Tuesday, that he rejected the offer and reported the agent to the Football Association.

Mr Collymore denies offering or accepting any bungs, which are illegal payments made during transfer dealings.

Mr Collymore, who was secretly filmed for the BBC programme, Undercover: Football's Dirty Secrets, said he knew eight Premiership managers who would accept bungs.

He made the allegation to Uefa-licensed coach Knut Auf dem Berge, who worked undercover for Panorama for nine months on an investigation into corruption in football.

Mr Collymore says he gave Mr Auf dem Berge false information because he was suspicious of his agenda.

Mr Newell met the Football Association in January to discuss his allegations that transfer bungs are rife in football.

He claimed that "a lot of people involved with the agents and doing the deals are taking back-handers".

Shortly afterwards, the then England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson told the News of the World newspaper that three unnamed English Premiership clubs were riddled with corruption.

The alleged corruption related to illegal payments in transfer deals.

In March, Lord Stevens, the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, was appointed as head of a probe into alleged transfer bungs in the Premier League.

He is looking at irregular payments in transfer deals made since 1 January 2004 and he is expected to publish his findings within weeks.

PREVIEW OF WEDNESDAY'S EARLY MORNING 1.30AM ( TRINIDAD TIME) MATCH- WEST INDIES VERSUS INDIA

India head into Wednesday's game ( 1.30AM Trinidad and Tobago Time) against West Indies seeking their first one-day win since May 18. It's been a depressing turnaround for a side that played such superb one-day cricket for most of last season, and it will need two very good performances, or some assistance from the weather gods, if they're to avoid an early flight home.

West Indies, guaranteed a place in the final after clinching their second win of the tournament against Australia on Monday night, may tinker with the combination, with Runako Morton certain to come into the middle order. Corey Collymore, "one of the first names on the team-sheet", according to Brian Lara, may also play, provided he recovers from a right thigh problem.

Morton is likely to replace Dwayne Bravo, who has a slight swelling on his wrist after diving forward in an attempt to catch Matthew Hayden, and Collymore, if he plays, should take Jerome Taylor's place. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels will provide the slow-bowling option, while Wavell Hinds' medium pace may also come into play.

"We still want to win the game, and we've got to play the type of cricket we've been playing before," said Gayle, whose blistering 79 played a big part in the defeat of Australia. And though he had clattered the Indian bowling to all parts when the teams met last week, Gayle made it clear that there was no question of taking things lightly. Asked if both sets of pace bowlers were struggling, he said: "India have a good attack with [Munaf] Patel and [Ajit] Agarkar opening the bowling now. We're not going to take them for granted. Our guys started well against Australia and we just have to maintain the discipline right through the game."

Greg Chappell, India's coach, hinted at changes, and Sreesanth could get the nod ahead of Rudra Pratap Singh as the team searches for more penetration in the pace department. The batting line-up is unlikely to be disturbed, with the slump in wet conditions against Australia being considered more an aberration than anything else. "We haven't picked the team for tomorrow's game yet," said Chappell. "I wouldn't say big changes, no, but there will be some."

Though he qualified it by saying it wasn't cast in stone, Chappell also suggested that India would continue with Irfan Pathan in the No.3 position, leaving the middle order slots to Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, each of whom will fancy clearing the ropes at the rather small Kinrara Oval.

Given Lara's fluency against the turning ball, India are unlikely to risk Ramesh Powar, leaving the spin burden with Harbhajan Singh, Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh, if needed. The onus though will be on the batsmen to replicate their form of the opening game, when Sachin Tendulkar led the way with a glorious unbeaten 141. Talking about the experience of bowling to one of the game's greats, Bravo said: "He played very well that day, and he picked up my slower ball. I didn't get anything right that day, but I wasn't really putting myself under any pressure because he's one of the best in the world.

"The team's game-plan is to get him early. He's the backbone of the team - him and Rahul - and I think if we get both of them early, they are in for some trouble. I think the Indians will be under a lot of pressure. I must say that they are a very good one-day team. If they don't win, I think they won't qualify and that's bad news for India."

With no win in their last six matches, India desperately need to turn a corner. And having been pushed into one by a combination of their own frailties and the weather, only a tigerish display will get their season up and running. It's time for the big boys to stand up, snarl a little and fight their way out of trouble.

India: 1 Sachin Tendulkar, 2 Rahul Dravid (capt), 3 Irfan Pathan, 4 Virender Sehwag, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 Suresh Raina, 7 Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), 8 Ajit Agarkar, 9 Harbhajan Singh, 10 S Sreesanth, 11 Munaf Patel.

West Indies: 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 3 Ramnaresh Sarwan, 4 Brian Lara (capt), 5 Marlon Samuels, 6 Runako Morton, 7 Wavell Hinds, 8 Dwayne Smith, 9 Carlton Baugh (wk), 10 Ian Bradshaw, 11 Corey Collymore

WEST INDIES WIN BY 3 WICKETS AGAINST AUSTRALIA

West Indies 273 for 7 (Lara 88, Gayle 79, Bravo 37*) beat Australia 272 for 6 (Hussey 109*, Haddin 70) by 3 wickets

Two contrasting half-centuries put Michael Hussey's maiden one-day century in the shade as West Indies scampered to a nervy three-wicket win in the fourth match of the DLF Cup, giving themselves a great chance to enter the final of the tournament.

Brian Lara's artistry was complemented by Chris Gayle's fury and their whirlwind partnership, rattling off 151 at a rate of close to 7.8 runs per over, set the stage for the chase, one which was eventually achieved after several heart-stopping moments.

25 overs West Indies 139 for 2 (Gayle 55*, Lara 42*) need 134 more runs to beat Australia 273 for 6 (Hussey 109*, Haddin 70, Hayden 49)

Like a giant awakening from a slumber, West Indies, having begun the chase in lethargic fashion, scorched their way to 139 for 2 at the halfway stage, giving themselves a great chance to upstage Australia in the fourth game of the DLF Cup. Having laboured to 30 for 1 after 10 overs, West Indies, led by Chris Gayle's brutal instincts, blasted 57 off the next five and set up an exciting contest.

A Gayle innings has no set pattern - absolutely anything is possible. At the end of the 12th over, he had 13 off 31 balls with just one four. A clattered six over midwicket, in the 13th over, whet the appetite before Stuart Clark began his third over, one that will probably remain his most forgettable. The first ball was swung over mid-on; ditto the second except it nearly decapitated Clark on the way to the fence; the third was steered for a double, almost a calm interlude; the fourth, a no-ball, was upper-cut for a fantastic six over third man; and the next screamed past mid-off, with the fielder having absolutely no chance. Clark's two overs had gone for 38 and Gayle had turned it all around in a trice.

Ramnaresh Sarwan and Brian Lara played useful cameos at the other end. Sarwan's boundary-laden 31, including five fours, helped West Indies wipe out some of the early inertia while Lara got into his stride with a trademark whiplash past point before unfurling a quite gorgeous straight-drive that was accompanied with a stamp of the emphatic. Dan Cullen, the offspinner playing just his fifth ODI, was at the receiving end in the 25th over, when Lara backed away and steered him to the third man fence on two consecutive occasions.

50 overs Australia 273 for 6 (Hussey 109*, Haddin 70, Hayden 49) v West Indies

Celebrating the honour of leading his country for the first time, Michael Hussey rattled up a superb maiden one-day hundred to lift Australia from the depths of 104 for 5 in the fourth game of the DLF Cup. Giving him company for most of his innings was Brad Haddin, who produced an invaluable 70 himself, and their record 166-run stand boosted Australia to a daunting total.

West Indies' bowlers, led by the economical Ian Bradshaw, were rewarded for their discipline in the first half of the innings. Cutting down on extras and erratic methods, they were far more accurate than they were in their previous two games. However, with the two Hs going after them in the latter stages, sharing Australia's record sixth-wicket stand, there was little any of them could really do.

Hussey went about rebuilding the innings in a manner that's made him an ODI master over the last year. While the rest of the top order had struggled to find the gaps, Hussey, almost immediately, settled into a free-flowing rhythm. He went about eliminating the dots, ran the fielders ragged, picked off the odd boundary and set Australia up for the slog. Amid all this were thrown in reverse-paddles, slog sweeps, short-arm jabs and crisp swats. To rip a controlled 109 in just 90 deliveries, with the team stuttering, was quite simply a magnificent effort.

At the other end, there was Haddin, continuing a long tradition of Australian wicketkeeper-batsmen who've more often than not thwarted the opposition's plans just when everything seems to be going their way. Merging some of Ian Healy's combativeness with a tinge of Adam Gilchrist's aggressiveness, Haddin drilled four fantastic sixes enroute to his highest ODI score. He complemented Hussey in the improvisation stakes, sweeping from wide outside off and using the angles to a tee.

The last 20 overs produced exactly 150. Haddin took the lead with some lofted swipes off Chris Gayle - no mean task considering the manner in which he was firing it down leg side - before Hussey scattered the field at the death. He brought up his century with two successive fours in the penultimate over - pulling Jerome Taylor through midwicket before turning the next fine. His elation on reaching the landmark wasn't much different from late last year, when he managed his maiden Test hundred at Hobart, also against West Indies. Just like then, he screamed in delight, revealing just how long he'd waited for this moment.

Before Hussey entered, Australia were doing all the catching up. Both Bradshaw and Taylor - West Indies' only two specialist fast bowlers - turned in fine spells and hardly offered the hitting length. Bradshaw made up for his lack of pace with a nagging length and made sure he bowled to the field set for him. Matthew Hayden, playing his first game in 14 months, never got into the sort of free-flowing rhythm that he is associated with but was forced to graft instead. He did muscle a few straight boundaries but his 77-ball stay was largely attritional.

The rest, though, hardly got started. Simon Katich reeled off a few boundaries to start with but his promising innings was cut short by a running mishap, when Hayden failed to respond to a regulation third run. Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds and Michael Clarke fell victim to the airy flash and at 104 for 5, Australia's innings needed serious repair. An hour or so later, it was West Indies who needed to do all the running.

How they were out

Australia

Simon Katich run-out 22 (41 for 1)
Keen on a third after punching through extra-cover but stranded mid-pitch

Shane Watson c Lara b Taylor 0 (42 for 2)
Airy backfoot cut flies low to Lara at cover

Andrew Symonds c Smith b Bradshaw 8 (57 for 2)
Like Watson, mis-times a cut to cover

Michael Clarke c Gayle b Bradshaw 1 (64 for 4)
Tried to cut off the front foot but only managed to edge to first slip

Matthew Hayden c Taylor b Bravo 49 (104 for 5)
Lined up for a pull but patted it straight to short fine leg

Brad Haddin c Taylor b Bravo 70 (270 for 6)
Shuffled across the stumps and lapped it straight to short fine leg

West Indies

Shivnarine Chanderpaul c Haddin b Lee 0 (12 for 1)
Beaten by the away movement, adjudged out despite ball only clipping pad

Ramnaresh Sarwan c Haddin b Bracken 25 (44 for 2)
Misses trying to cut, ball grazes bottom of glove

Jack Warner, Dale Enoch, Tony Lee and Ken Gordon, similar or different?????

Everyone deserves a chance to defend themselves

It is unfair to convict someone of a crime, without allowing them a chance of an explanation.

That is a GOD given right and absolutely no one should deny them of that, not least the Trinidad media.

Austin “Jack” Warner’s investigation by FIFA was given prime positioning in the Trinidad Express and while that is appropriate.

What is not, is the abject rejection by that newspaper to fully publicize, Jack Warner‘s response. On the contrary, both the Trinidad Guardian and the Newsday Newspapers saw it fit to publish his two part defense.

Is this not a requirement of good journalism, that both sides are shown and given equal and fair treatment?

It begs the question, what is the motive of the Trinidad Express, led by EDITOR LARGE, Keith Smith and New Editor Alan Geere

This is a shame, that journalism can now be called selective, because many will perceive that one organization in the media is only interested in one sided information against Jack Warner and this must certainly tarnish their reputation.

It also leads to questions about the integrity of the media organizations in this country and the selective judgment by their editors.

But there is another twist; The Trinidad Express was the only newspapers to even lead with any mention of the President of the West Indies Cricket Board Ken Gordon’s response to Michael Holding’s resignation on Sunday.

Many could surmise that the reason, why the Trinidad Express gave this weak press conference such prominence, is that Ken Gordon was a former chairman of their parent company. Such an assumption would be disastrous for the reputation of any newspaper.

Whether or not, we believe in someone or like them to the position of worshipping their every word and action, because they gave us a start in our careers, we must not allow journalistic objectivity and professionalism to be destroyed.

However both the Newsday and the Trinidad Guardian should also have carried excerpts from Gordon’s talks on Saturday, whatever their opinion on its quality.

Jack Warner has every right to feel aggrieved at the action of the Express (even if they report the matter at a later date, by force) and some may even perceive this behaviour by this newspaper as part of a greater political plot.

But in all of this, we are all at fault, even this radio station i95.5fm, when Dale Enoch can read the news and only quote from Ken Gordon, without using quotes from Michael Holding, which are available . This may either be ineptitude or just laziness, or maybe even that Tony Lee is Ken Gordon’s close friend.

Whatever the reasoning , it is just a continuation of the mess in journalism in this country. And this from people who purport to know better.
The truth must set you free one day and no one man is an island.

There is refreshing news today , that a newly elected executive of the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago was elected on Saturday , but if the status of the current out of age( out of time) members remains , then there will be no real change.

Remember though that Dale Enoch is head of the Caribbean jokey (sorry, journalists) in the region, and look how he treats –SPORTS-. Tony Lee is no better but maybe be worse, because he knows something of sport, unless he too has no working radio at home.

This is Andre Errol Baptiste, saying – Have no Fear, the Fearless one is here -

Jamaican/trini throws out motoring challenge in Barbados

JAMAICA'S JOHN "PENTI" POWELL who is based in Trinidad and Tobago will be up against some of the best Barbadian drivers in this weekend's speed event from Ellesmere to Woodland, St George.

Organised by the Motoring Club Barbados Inc. (MCBI), Powell, who is fresh from winning the recently contested Stag/Ultra Int. Stages Rally, will be at the wheel of the Toyota WRC Corolla, and will no doubt be using tomorrow's event as part of his preparation for an international event in his hometown in December.

But the twisty three-kilometre course which has not been used for some time, is reputed for his tendency to ruffle the best racers, and Powell, who finished second in last year's Rally Barbados behind the pair of Roger Mayers and Max Ferri, will have his work cut out if he is to post the fastest time over the St George course.

He can expect no mercy from the likes of Paul Bourne in the Plus/Warrens Motors Subaru Impreza WRC; Jonathan Still in the Philips Lighting/Hitachi Power Tools/Warrens Motors BMW M3; Roger Skeete, who will be at the wheel of the Plus/Havoline/Michelin Peugeot 306; as well as Maxi and Sammy Cumberbatch in the WilliamsIndustries/Hilti/ Digicel BMW M3.

Drivers like Kenrick Husbands in the NP Oils Toyota Starlet and Greg Catwell in the Cheese Auto Glass Datsun, both fresh from the exploits at an international event two weeks ago, will also be after group honours during the day's action.

The 28 drivers entering the 8 a.m. event also include former eight-time champion Anthony "Old" Young in a Datsun, and Roger Hill at the wheel of his EssoMobil/Motormac/ Nassco Ltd Toyota Celica GT4, who is expected to post the fastest time among the top-class drivers.

Motoring Club officials are expected to visit the course today to afix race-markings ahead of official scrutineering which will take place tomorrow at 7 a.m., in the Drax Hall Plantation yard.

BRIAN CHARLES LARA SAYS A WIN IS A WIN

KUALA LUMPUR – West Indies skipper Brian Lara said that his team did not mind the manner in which the victory over India was achieved in the second game of the DLF Cup at the Kinrara Academy Oval.

"I'm sure India would have loved for the game to finish, in our position we didn't mind what happened," Lara said at the post-game media conference after rain ended play with the Windies on 141 for 2 chasing India's 309 for 5 and needing to be 112 for 2 in 20 overs to win the game.

"I still think it was well poised even though we were batting well, still 30 overs to go in excess of 160 runs to get, it was still a very good match, unfortunately it was spoilt by rain but for us the points are very important," the 37-year-old captain said after his team prevailed by 29 runs via the Duckworth/Lewis calculations.

"India had the runs on the board, any team would love to have the runs on the board but I thought that the way how Chris (Gayle) and (Ramnaresh) Sarwan set up the game we had to continue in the same vain and in saying that the job still had to be done," the incomparable left-hander told journalists.

Asked about the pitch which produced variable bounce as a result of a pronounced ridge on a good length at one end, Lara said it was the only blemish.

"I think it was a very good pitch other than that ridge, I think that spoilt it, of course, but taking that into consideration (Sachin) Tendulkar played a magnificent innings," Lara said in tribute to Tendulkar's 141 not out as he marshaled his team to 309 for 5.

"It showed how much of a genius he is, we just had to watch him and appreciate him, it was a very special innings by him," Lara continued as he paid tribute to his fellow batting genius and the Man-Of-The-Match

BAJANS WIN BATTLE OF FOOD FOR WORLD CUP 2007

Is it true , that Bajans can cook the best in the Caribbean?
Most of us in the region will disagree with that .
But the news is that a Barbadian firm – Goddard Enterprises - has landed one of the largest contracts for the 2007 International Cricket Council's World Cup (CWC) tournament.
The company and its international partner have been selected as the official caterer for the tournament, the biggest in the sport and the most significant event ever to be held in the region.
The partnership of Goddard Catering Group Ltd (GCG) – the catering division of Goddard Enterprises Ltd. Barbados – and Positive Impact – a sports and entertainment consulting group, located in New Jersey – was chosen to develop and manage wide-ranging catering programmes for the tournament.
Successful tender
The contract was signed between representatives of Goddard's and the CWC earlier this week during the ongoing venue summit at the Hilton Barbados. Representing Goddard's were Pedro Corbin, general manager for Goddard's Antigua; Barry Byrne, general manager for Goddard's Jamaica; and Francine Haughton, the firm's special projects co-ordinator.
Stephen Price, the CWC commercial manager, praised the consortium on their successful tender, noting that it was another example of the Caribbean Economic Enterprise Initiative (CEE) flourishing.
Under the CEE, which has been designed by CWC to ensure regional companies benefit from the event, all international companies seeking to qualify for CWC contracts must partner with CARICOM nationals.
"The union of these two companies is a great example of how CWC envisages the CEE working," Price said. "CWC looks forward to a world-class and efficient catering programme which will satisfy the needs of all fans – from those in the high-end suites to those who prefer to patronise itinerant vendors and food stalls around the stadia."
Catering opportunities
He added that the CWC would soon embark on a regional public-education and awareness campaign about catering opportunities.
Corbin, who was vice-captain of the Barbados Under-19 cricket team in the 1970s, told the WEEKEND NATION that the company was "elated" to have been awarded the contract.
He said Goddard's operates in six of the tournament's nine host venues, and added that it was an honour for the Goddard Catering Group – especially as a Caribbean entity – to be associated with such a prestigious event.
"This is a true testament to the resolve of the Goddard's team. We look forward to working with Positive Impact and tournament organisers to provide the best possible catering services and options," he added.
The joint bid was chosen after a tender process which was conducted regionally and internationally.
The role of the official caterer will include the fair selection, licensing and management of vendors in each of the host venues and will involve Goddard Catering Group and Positive Impact working with the CWC design team on issues relating to vendors. They will soon be inviting applications for vending at all stadia in a variety of categories, including the traditional itinerant vendor, suite caterer, concession-stand operator and bar operator.
There will also be provision for stand-alone vendors inside and outside of the Mello Zone – named after Mello, the official mascot of the tournament.

JACK WARNER TO BE INVESTIGATED BY FIFA DISCIPLINARY COMMISSION - DECISION TAKEN TODAY

First ever Chairman of FIFA’s new independent watchdog Sebastian Coe will not be called upon to deal with the current World Cup ticket scandal involving FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.
President of FIFA Sepp Blatter said the new ethics commission would only deal with cases that arose from now on, rather than existing cases.
The Warner case will instead be investigated by the FIFA disciplinary committee.
Warner, a FIFA vice-president from Trinidad and Tobago, was this week revealed to have been identified by FIFA's auditors as being involved in the sale of World Cup tickets for several times their face value - a clear breach of FIFA rules.
FIFA general secretary Urs Linsi told the news conference: "Certain numbers of tickets have been sold for a value four times higher, but that's what has to be investigated and found out by looking at the books of the stakeholders. That's something the disciplinary committee will have to work on
Lord Coe, chairman of the London 2012 Olympics, has agreed to head the FIFA's ethics commission that will judge all cases alleging conflicts of interest and breaches of FIFA rules.
The announcement was made by FIFA president Sepp Blatter at a news conference in Zurich.
Blatter said: "We have found an outstanding personality in the world of sport, a great personality in the Olympic movement. Sebastian Coe will be the chairman of this committee.
"It is perhaps a surprise but it has been very well received."
Coe said in a statement: "I am delighted to have been selected to this important role.
"Inspiring young people into sport is a personal passion of mine. To do this, we must protect and promote the ethics and morals of sport for future generations.
"My role as chairman of London 2012, as IAAF Council member, as a member of UK Athletics Council and as chair of FIFA's ethics committee, will involve me in this area at the very highest level of sport."

WEST INDIES WIN ON RUN RATE

Windies win despite Tendulkar ton
One-day series, Kuala Lumpur:West Indies 141-2 (20 overs) bt India 309-5 (50 overs) by 29 runs (D/L)

Sachin Tendulkar marked his first full innings after six months out with his 40th one-day century - but rain dashed India's hopes of beating West Indies.
Tendulkar smashed five sixes in his 141 off 148 balls as his side piled up 309-5 in their opening tri-series game.
But Ramnaresh Sarwan and Brian Lara built on a good start from Chris Gayle (45) to help the Windies to 141-2 off only 20 overs in Kuala Lumpur.
Then came the rain to give them victory by 29 runs under Duckworth/Lewis rules.
After their capitulation against Australia on Tuesday, it was just what the Caribbean team needed but spoiled what had been a dream comeback for Tendulkar.
The 33-year-old underwent shoulder surgery in March and, although he returned in the aborted series in Sri Lanka, this was his first big test.
Sporting an elbow brace, he could have been out on just five but wicket-keeper Carlton Baugh failed to hold on after Fidel Edwards got one to shape away and find his outside edge.
It was a costly error as the Mumbai maestro punished anything straying in length or direction, signalling his intentions by lofting a short ball from Dwayne Smith over the square-leg fence for his first six.
Captain Rahul Dravid, who had won the toss, also looked in good form before Smith angled one in which kept a bit low and won an lbw verdict.
Tendulkar brushed that and a 20-minute rain delay off to reach 50 off 67 balls and 100 off 119 deliveries, while Irfan Pathan provided good support with two maximums and six fours in his 68-ball 64.
But when Gayle bowled the latter and Taylor beat Virender Sehwag and Mahendra Dhoni with two balls which also kept low, the scoring slowed.
Suresh Raina provided fresh impetus towards the end and Tendulkar the swagger, with four of his sixes coming in the last four overs.
Gayle, as is his wont, was undaunted and began with a flurry of boundaries to dominate his opening stand with Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who top-edged a hook off the expensive Rudra Pratap Singh to fall for six.
Dhoni took a good catch to remove the left-handed opener off Munaf Patel but after a quiet start Lara set about the bowlers.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was hit straight down, and out of, the ground for a massive six and, with Sarwan playing freely, the Windies were making good progress when the heavens opened.

DIGICEL CUP IN CARIBBEAN

THERE WILL BE unprecedented television coverage of the 2006-2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup football tournament.
Tournament sponsors Digicel this week announced a ground-breaking television broadcast programme in Jamaica, designed to enable regional football fans to watch all the action from this year's expanded tournament.
In conjunction with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Digicel will deliver the largest ever TV coverage of the tournament with a range of programmes from all stages of the tournament.
Provisional agreements are in place in 20 regional territories, including Barbados, to broadcast delayed coverage of the qualifying matches, Cup highlights and all the finals match in Trinidad and Tobago, next year.
The coverage kicked off on Tuesday with the group matches in Cuba and Curaçao, while full coverage of each of the 53 preliminary-round games will be broadcast twice after the event.
There will also be one 30-minute highlights programme dedicated to each of the ten qualifying-round groups.
The Digicel Caribbean Cup highlights programmes will be broadcast on Saturday afternoons from October while Digicel aims to make live coverage of each match in the finals available across the Caribbean.
According to Ben Atherton, Digicel group director of marketing, the company's television plans are aimed at bringing more football to more fans.
"Following your team on television is the next best thing to being in the stadium. It was with this in mind that we developed a wide portfolio of football programmes that will enable fans from across the Caribbean to follow their team and their passion – football," Atherton said.
The 2006-2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup is the largest tournament in the region with total prize money of US $270 000 and a record 25 teams contesting 73 matches in several Caribbean countries.

BAJANS READY TO RUMBLE AT TOBAGO CLASSIC

BARBADIAN CYCLISTS will be hoping to number among the top riders at the end of the first two stages of the 2006 Tobago International Cycling Classic today.
The Barbados team will be led by John Turton, fresh off a victory in the last Barbados Cycling Union six-lap criterium. Jason Perryman, who was second, is the other senior rider. Greg Downie will be defending his masters' title, while junior winner Jason Wilson leads the young brigade of Quincy Jones, Ross Callender, Shane Weekes, and juvenile Darren Matthews.
Barbadians Adrian Sealy, Sedwin Jones and Dwayne Bellamy will also be competing.
The five-stage race gets underway at 6:30 a.m. and riders will compete in Division One and Two which rides off one hour later. The first stage is a 20-km individual time trial which starts at the corner of Hope & Belmont Roads in Bacolet, then proceeds along the Claude Noel Highway and Milford Road to finish at the Colours Restaurant and Bar at Crown Point.
This stage of the race is described as "mainly flat with two minor inclines, approximately one kilometre each".
Stage 2 gets underway at 1:30 and 1:35 p.m. at the Colours Restaurant. The Division One riders will do a ten-lap circuit about 125km, while Division Two riders will compete in a five-lap circuit race over 65km, described as fast and flat with minor rolling inclines.

GREENIDGE DEFENDS HIMSELF

Greenidge and fellow selector Andy Roberts' roles on the board of directors for the Stanford 20/20 Cup had come in for question following the recent row over the Stanford All Stars match and Pakistan tour dates.
"Wherever and whenever anyone wishes to assist West Indies cricket, believe me, I will be one of the first persons to help them do so," Greenidge said.
"We have been trying hard for many years for someone to come on board and financially support West Indies cricket. We have had a number of companies and persons who have vowed to assist West Indies cricket financially.
"We saw that the Carib Beer Series was not the kind of tournament we would wish because it was reduced due to a lack of finances.
"We have a situation with the 20/20 – a shorter version of the One-Day game – and a benefactor was willing to come on board."
Greenidge felt that the progress of the Stanford 20/20 organisers would not harm West Indies cricket.
"I don't think it can take it any lower now because it is low, quite low right now and it is something about which we are not pleased," he said.
"We, the legends, have all been willing to help West Indies cricket and to see that it is run in the way we would like it to run. None of us wants to bring West Indies cricket into disrepute with anyone."
Last month, Clive Lloyd resigned from his position as chairman of the Stanford 20/20 Cup board citing concerns over how the future of the tournament affects West Indies cricket. Greenidge, however, remained unfazed about his role.
"I don't feel my situation, being on the Stanford board, and being chairman of selectors which I did not know I was going to be, is difficult. Do you wish me to relinquish one and take up the other?" he said.
"Until the West Indies Cricket Board says it does not wish for me to be a selector or chairman of selectors, or the Stanford board says it is going to dissolve, I will remain in this position."

GREENIDGE DEFENDS HIMSELF

Greenidge and fellow selector Andy Roberts' roles on the board of directors for the Stanford 20/20 Cup had come in for question following the recent row over the Stanford All Stars match and Pakistan tour dates.
"Wherever and whenever anyone wishes to assist West Indies cricket, believe me, I will be one of the first persons to help them do so," Greenidge said.
"We have been trying hard for many years for someone to come on board and financially support West Indies cricket. We have had a number of companies and persons who have vowed to assist West Indies cricket financially.
"We saw that the Carib Beer Series was not the kind of tournament we would wish because it was reduced due to a lack of finances.
"We have a situation with the 20/20 – a shorter version of the One-Day game – and a benefactor was willing to come on board."
Greenidge felt that the progress of the Stanford 20/20 organisers would not harm West Indies cricket.
"I don't think it can take it any lower now because it is low, quite low right now and it is something about which we are not pleased," he said.
"We, the legends, have all been willing to help West Indies cricket and to see that it is run in the way we would like it to run. None of us wants to bring West Indies cricket into disrepute with anyone."
Last month, Clive Lloyd resigned from his position as chairman of the Stanford 20/20 Cup board citing concerns over how the future of the tournament affects West Indies cricket. Greenidge, however, remained unfazed about his role.
"I don't feel my situation, being on the Stanford board, and being chairman of selectors which I did not know I was going to be, is difficult. Do you wish me to relinquish one and take up the other?" he said.
"Until the West Indies Cricket Board says it does not wish for me to be a selector or chairman of selectors, or the Stanford board says it is going to dissolve, I will remain in this position."

WEST INDIES LOSE TO AUSTRALIA IN TRI NATIONS ONEDAYER

At the end of this topsy-turvy game, you didn't know whether to acclaim Australia for their resilience or bemoan a West Indian collapse that made a house of cards look sturdy. It went from dazzling to deplorable rather quickly once Shivnarine Chanderpaul was out, with the last nine wickets being gifted for a mere 29 runs.
When Chanderpaul and Chris Gayle were going at it like overenthusiastic kids on a paintball expedition, Australia seemed down and out. West Indies' forgettable record of no live wins against their opponents in 17 games dating back to 1999 - the three victories in the Caribbean in 2003 all came after Australia had wrapped up the series 4-0 - looked like it might be rewritten, and the mind was transported back to the 1980s, when the men from the Caribbean beat the Australians for fun.
Unlike those predecessors though, these Australians are no soft touch. Chanderpaul's attempt to be a touch too cute against a Mitchell Johnson delivery that rose sharply opened the gates, and the Australians poured through as vigorously as the Goths who sacked a Roman empire in decline.
It's testament to just how dominant West Indies used to be in their halcyon years that they still lead Australia 55-50 in the head-to-head count. But the last decade, despite the odd burst of sunshine like the 4-1 rout of India, has been characterised by staggering ineptitude. A return of 99 wins against 111 losses represents a sharp decline for a side that had only lost 62 one-day internationals up until the time that a certain Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards retired.
The talent, as they showed against India and for three-fourths of the game here, is certainly not in short supply, but there seems to be an inability to keep the brains in the fridge once the mercury rises in the heat of battle. The likes of Dwayne Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Carlton Baugh played shots that could best be described as reckless with the asking rate well below five an over, and Brian Lara was moved to comment later that such a collapse was just not on.
For Australia, Glenn McGrath's return, and the manner in which Johnson bounced back after copping a hammering, were especially encouraging. At one stage, the decision to rest five regulars - Brett Lee, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds, Damien Martyn and Brad Hogg - for their opening game of the season appeared foolhardy, but the manner in which the likes of Shane Watson and Mark Cosgrove contributed suggests that the second string may be ready for bigger challenges.
Both Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke batted beautifully on a pitch where batting was never as easy as Chanderpaul made it seem, and there was also an accomplished cameo from Mark Cosgrove, who struck two or three peachy drives to remind people just why his admirers call him Baby Boof. Watson disappointed with the bat, but mixed it up well with the ball, swinging it both ways and refusing to be predictable with his length. For a first outing in several months, it was pretty impressive, albeit after the early West Indian storm abated.

BRIAN LARA SPEAKS ON WHY THE WEST INDIES LOST TO AUSTRALIA TODAY

'We have to dig deep and put this behind us' - Lara
Brian Lara, the West Indies captain spoke to the media at the end of the first match of the DLF Cup, after his side let the match slip from their grasp despite holding a commanding position earlier on
On the scarcely believable collapse
"It was a bit difficult to comprehend but these things do happen. We were on course to victory, and we found a way to lose. It was not really happening. We have to dig deep and put this behind us. We still have three games at least to go in this tournament, and everyone knows where we went wrong. No one apart from the top three got into double figures."
On how he looked at the match
"This wasn't a 279-pitch. The ball seamed around a fair bit, and if we had conceded 30-40 runs less, we would have been more comfortable. Then, Chris Gayle and Chanderpaul put us in a very good position, taking advantage of some loose bowling from the Australians. We knew the new ball would do a bit and the experience of Glenn McGrath would play its part. The idea was to play off the new ball and then go after their less experienced bowlers, but Gayle and Chanderpaul started even earlier than expected, which was good for us. Unfortunately, we couldn't cash in on that start. Having Chanderpaul at the top is an asset to us, and hopefully, he will continue to do the job for us as an opener."
On what separates the Australians from the rest
"They have the winning habits. They see themselves as winning from any position. They are the world champions, and they came fighting till the end. Even when our openers were going strong, they appeared confident that they could do the job. They left six or seven of their key players on the sidelines and still won the match. They are beatable, but you must give them credit for the way they fought and won today

FLINTOFF IS BACK

Andrew Flintoff has been confirmed as England's captain for the Ashes tour and ICC Champions Trophy.
Flintoff has been preferred to Andrew Strauss even though he has not played since undergoing ankle surgery in July.
The selectors have also gambled on the fitness of Ashley Giles and James Anderson for the series in Australia.
Giles has yet to bowl a ball in anger this year because of a hip problem while Anderson has been suffering from a stress fracture in his back.
The decisions of the selectors were based on fitness assessments of all 16 players in the squad carried out at Loughborough over the past two days.
But there is reason for concern based on the experience of the last Ashes tour when England's hopes were dashed by a series of injuries.
"Four years ago, we were looking into a crystal ball when we were trying to anticipate whether people were fit or not.
"People may remember that Andrew Flintoff was selected on the basis that he would be fit, he arrived in the Academy in Adelaide and he could hardly walk.
"The situation (now) is that our medical team is much more professional and much better organised," chairman of selectors David Graveney told BBC Sport.
Fitness issues aside, there are no real surprises in the Ashes squad.


Liam Plunkett and Sajid Mahmood will provide the pace bowling support to Steve Harmison, Matthew Hoggard, Flintoff and Anderson, while Geraint Jones will be the back-up keeper to Chris Read.
Explaining Flintoff's appointment as skipper, Graveney said he had done an excellent job leading the team on the tour to India earlier this year and that had ultimately swayed the decision in his favour.
"We had two outstanding candidates in the absence of Michael Vaughan. It was a decision which did take a long time and a number of meetings," Graveney said.
"Andrew Strauss, typically of him, was very quick to point out 'Be assured, you have my 110% support for Freddie'.
"Everybody has to pull together because it's going to be a hard, hard battle, but I believe we can still retain the Ashes."
A 14-man Academy squad, who will be based in Perth, will provide cover for England in case of further injuries during the Ashes series, although only four of them - Rikki Clarke, Owais Shah, Robert Key and Jon Lewis - have previous Test match experience.
Lewis and Clarke are also in the one-day squad for the Champions Trophy, which starts in India next month.
It shows three changes to the 14 which recently drew the home series against Pakistan 2-2 with Flintoff, Anderson and Steve Harmison taking over from Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad and Darren Gough.
Giles will travel with the squad as he continues his rehabilitation, but will not play in the tournament, although England will try to find some competitive cricket for him in order to assess his fitness for Australia.
Meanwhile, England are still hoping that former skipper Michael Vaughan will be able to be involved in the one-day VB series which follows the Ashes Tests after recovering from a knee operation.
But fast bowler Simon Jones, another one of the heroes of the 2005 Ashes success on home soil, has been ruled out for the entire winter.
"Simon recently travelled to America for a re-assessment of the left knee which was operated on earlier in the summer by a specialist based in Colorado.
"The specialist is encouraged by Simon's progress but he has advised that any return to competitive cricket should be delayed until next season in order to give the surgery the best chance of succeeding," said the ECB's chief medical officer, Dr Peter Gregory.
England squad for Ashes tour: A Flintoff (captain, Lancashire, 62 Tests), A Strauss (Middlesex, 31 Tests), M Trescothick (Somerset, 76 Tests), A Cook (Essex, 9 Tests), K Pietersen (Hampshire, 18 Tests), I Bell (Warwickshire, 18 Tests), P Collingwood (Durham, 15 Tests), C Read (Nottinghamshire, 13 Tests), S Mahmood (Lancashire, 5 Tests), S Harmison (Durham, 45 Tests), M Hoggard (Yorkshire, 58 Tests), M Panesar (Northants, 10 Tests), G Jones (Kent, 31 Tests), A Giles (Warwickshire, 52 Tests), J Anderson (Lancashire, 13 Tests), L Plunkett (Durham, 6 Tests).
England squad for Champions Trophy: A Flintoff (captain, Lancashire), J Anderson (Lancashire), I Bell (Warwickshire), R Clarke (Surrey), P Collingwood (Durham), J Dalrymple (Middlesex), S Harmison (Durham), E Joyce (Middlesex), S Mahmood (Lancashire), J Lewis (Gloucestershire), K Pietersen (Hampshire), C Read (Nottinghamshire), A Strauss (Middlesex), M Yardy (Sussex).