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Zimbabwe’s national team players have been barred from playing for the Mashonaland team in the country’s only limited-overs first-class competition, the Faithwear One-Day tournament, that begins on Monday.Cricinfo has been told that the disputed Mashonaland Cricket Assoction board, led by its controversial chairman Cyprian Mandenge, yesterday removed the names of players from the six top clubs in the province who were expelled from the provincial association last year. The six affected clubs are Harare Sports Club, Old Hararians, Alexandra, Takashinga, Universals, Old Georgians and Universals.The provincial teams are picked by the panel of national selectors. But the new Zimbabwe head convener is Bruce Makovah, who was last week appointed by the new Zimbabwe Cricket interim. Makovah, who is also the Mashonaland head selector, previously said he will not pick players from the established clubs. The reason for this can be traced back to last October when Makovah and Mandenge led a pitch invasion at Harare Sports Club where they allegedly threatened players and racially insulted others.The skeleton Mashonaland team to play against Matabeleland on Monday is made up of players from the development side, and is coached by Claudius Mukandiwa, who was also involved in the pitch invasion.The other members if the selection committee are national team coach Kevin Curran, who is widely reported to be unpopular with many national players, and Kudzai Shoko, the general manager of the National Academy who is said to have close links to Peter Chingoka and Ozias Bvute.By Sunday afternoon, most professional players did not know whether they would play, while a few had approached other provinces asking to be selected by them instead.

© Getty Images

Sri Lanka Cricket has launched a relief fund called Cricket-Aid to help victims of the Asian tsunami disaster on the island. The fund will focus on providing immediate emergency relief at the start – managing four camps for displaced victims – and then helping to construct permanent housing for 200 families and orphans."The holocaust of the tsunami has killed past cricketers, upcoming cricketers, officials, friends and supporters of Sri Lanka Cricket," board president Mohan de Silva said at an official launch broadcast live on national television. "Cricket has thrived because of its large following and the board unanimously agreed that we should come forward and provide support in this hour of need."The disaster fund is being headed by former cricket board president Thilanga Sumaithapala and is being supported by cricketers at various levels, their families and board officials on a voluntary capacity. The plan is to raise US$2 million at the outset through charity cricket events, general corporate fundraising and the sale of memorabilia and merchandise.Sri Lanka Cricket have already set-up relief camps in Matara, Dambulla and Badulla. Another camp has been earmarked for Galle if a suitable space can be identified. Victims will be given food, clean water, shelter and have access to health care and counselling. The camps will be largely staffed by volunteers and run in association with the government. The board hopes to house at least 1000 victims at the outset.The long-term goal, though, is to provide permanent high-quality housing for at least 200 families who lost their homes in the disaster. Four `Cricket Villages’ – as they have been coined by the cricket board – have been earmarked for Killinochi in the north-east and Ampara in the east, both areas that were particularly badly hit, as well as Matara in the deep south and Kalutara on the west coast.Each village will include 50 individual two-bedroom homes with access to clean water, a proper sewage system, electricity, schools and various other community facilities. Each house is expected to cost US$5000 to build and the board aims to have the first settlements ready in eight months. The government is helping to identify suitable land."Many of those that lost their lives were ardent lovers of cricket, who cheered us and stood by us throughout the years," said Sri Lanka’s captain Marvan Atapattu. "It is our solemn duty to return the gesture by assisting them in their time of dire need.” And he appealed to potential donors: “Please be generous in your contributions to our effort".So far seven current cricketers playing in board-organised tournaments have been confirmed dead, while numerous have lost friends and family members. Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Chandana, Dilhara Fernando and Nuwan Zoysa all had family members caught up in the disaster. Muttiah Muralitharan had a narrow escape, coming within minutes of being caught up in the giant waves.

Close India A 216 for 4 (Ramesh 110, Chopra 66) trail New Zealand 375 for 7 dec (Richardson 128, Oram 101*, Munaf 3-83) by 159 runs
ScorecardSadagoppan Ramesh staked a strong claim for a national team recall with a fluentcentury as India A progressed to 216 for 4 at stumps on the second day against the New Zealanders at Rajkot. Stephen Fleming had earlier declared the NewZealander’s innings at 375 for 7, once Jacob Oram had completed a power-packed and entertaining hundred.Akash Chopra (66) gave Ramesh solid support, with a dogged display that combined long periods of calm with several glides and drives. The New Zealanders, after a lukewarm second session, were rewarded with four wickets in the last hour of play, when they stuck to a consistent plan.It was a day when the run-feast continued, with Oram bludgeoning the jaded India A bowlers, and Ramesh and Chopra – with contrasting styles – laying the foundation for an effective riposte.Oram made full use of a dried-up pitch and a disinterested bowling attack,muscling away the full-pitched balls, which were available aplenty. Oram reverse-swept Kartik twice and reached his hundred, at which point Fleming called them in.The second session was similarly uneventful, and Chopra’s vigil and Ramesh’sfinesse ensured that a rock-solid foundation was laid. Chopra was initially uncomfortable against every bowler, survived a huge lbw appeal against DarylTuffey and was foxed a couple of times by Daniel Vettori. He not only survived the test but also managed to get on top of each bowler as the day wore on.Ramesh showed flourish right through his innings, and a keen eye assisted inpendulum-smooth drives and punched square cuts. He left the short balls for Robbie Hart, flashed rarely at the wide ones, but always cashed in on the loose deliveries. At the fag end of the day, it was Tuffey’s excellent short one that finally undid him, cannoning high into the bat before lobbing up to Fleming.Connor Williams and Mohammad Kaif were both dismissed rather tamely, a result ofthe New Zealanders sticking to their task while the batsmen lost concentration at the end of the day. In the absence of Bond’s incisiveness and Cairns’ experience, the New Zealanders will have to rely hugely on their planning and consistency. Neither Vettori nor Paul Wiseman got any purchase from the pitch, and on this display they will hold few fears for the Indian batsmen. Tuffey, Oram and Styris stuck to a definite plan but its execution over two Tests will take a lot of doing.When Chopra and Ramesh were going strong, Fleming might have remembered the lastTest he played at Ahmedabad, when Ramesh, Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly enjoyed a sumptuous feast of runs. He has tomorrow, and then four more days, to chalk out a masterplan that will avert a repeat of the same story at the Motera.Day 1 Bulletin

A Lack of funds and foresight will leave the West Indiesunderprepared for their forthcoming series in Pakistan,wherever it is staged.A late start to the Busta Cup tournament on January 25, theday the team is scheduled to leave, means the selectors haveto name the squad of 15 and judge form and fitness withoutany first-class cricket since the end of the series in SriLanka on December 21.The itinerary gives the West Indies only one three-day warmup match against a President’s XI, scheduled for January28-30, prior to the three back-to-back Tests and three One-Day internationals.It compounds the uncertainty over where the tour will takeplace following the stated position of the West IndiesCricket Board (WICB) that it be moved to a neutral venuebecause of uncertainty over the military action across theborders in Afghanistan to the west and India to the east.The usual week-long pre-tour camp has been planned forTrinidad prior to the team’s departure, but a moremeaningful alternative would have been two four-day trialmatches over the next two weekends after which the squadwould be chosen.In the event, such matches merited first-class status tofurther ensure their competitiveness. The seven omitted fromthe original 22 would have been stand-bys, a crucialconsideration in light of the several withdrawals fromrecent tours.Both WICB president Reverend Wes Hall and chairman ofselectors Mike Findlay have acknowledged that this scenariohad not been considered and, even if it had been, it wouldhave been too costly at a time when the WICB’s finances werestretched.Although most of those under consideration have beeninvolved in Busta trials for their individual territories,these lack the intensity necessary to properly guide theWest Indies selectors or to prepare the players for thechallenge of a series against strong opposition.The Pakistanis have not played Test cricket since last Junein England as a result of New Zealand’s cancellation oftheir series there in September in the aftermath of theterrorists attacks in the United States.They have been engaged in their domestic Quaid-e-Azam Trophyfirst-class tournament and will have two Tests against lowlyBangladesh in Bangladesh over the next two weeks to sharpenup for the West Indies.

James Averis Photo © Allsport

Gloucestershire showed that the victory was worth waiting for as they beatWorcestershire by five runs at New Road in the NatWest Trophy third round match which had to be replayed because Worcestershire had included an ineligible player – 19 year-old quick bowler Kabir Ali – in the first match (which they had won).For a time it seemed that the home county would prosper again. Glenn McGrath(4-23), who struck first in his opening over, spearheaded the attack which dismissed Gloucestershire for 163 in 49.3 overs, an apparently inadequate score. McGrath, who had been presented with his International Cricketer of the Year award the previous evening, trapped Bob Cunliffe right at the start of the innings. Experienced campaigner Kim Barnett (26) prospered for a time untilhe cut a ball from Leatherdale into the hands of Hick at slip.Ian Harvey brought greater respectability to the score by hitting 32 at morethan a run a ball. Yet what the Australian ace could achieve the comparatively unknown quick bowler James Averis (4-36) repeated. His victims included Graeme Hick, the opposing captain, and Vikram Solanki. Solanki’s extended run of limited-overs low scores can do little for his confidence for the forthcoming NatWest Series. Ryan Driver, man-of-the-match in the first match, now was dismissed without scoring.So well did he bowl that after a confident start by Paul Pollard (55) theWorcestershire batting fell away completely. Ian Harvey, like McGrath, had broken through in his first over – Elliot Wilson being the batsman. Poor light and tight bowling kept the runs down to a trickle. At 141-9 they looked out of the picture until Steve Rhodes (43) threatened to turn a tight contest. He was bowled eventually by Martyn Ball with just three deliveries of the match left.This win pitches Gloucestershire straight into a fourth-round match withLeicestershire at Grace Road tomorrow.Gloucs deserved to win – HonestGloucestershire coach John Bracewell admitted his side had played their`get-out-of-jail free’ card to defeat Worcestershire in today’s NatWestTrophy third-round replay at New Road.”We have played our `free’ card and now we have to be a little more honestinour performances than we were the first time we played Worcestershire – when we weren’t honest to ourselves.”Worcestershire coach Bill Athey said: “We are bitterly disappointed”

As per Mundo Deportivo, West Ham United are gearing up for the summer transfer window as news emerges on Udinese star Gerard Deulofeu and the Irons’ own winger Jarrod Bowen.

The Lowdown: Bowen shines for West Ham…

Before his recent injury, West Ham’s star attacker and contender for their 2021/22 player of the season was seriously turning heads with an array of brilliant performances.

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Called ‘really important’ by David Moyes, the 25-year-old ranks among the best attacking players in the Premier League, with calls also made for him to be given an England nod.

Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate will be handed food for thought by Bowen’s form over 2021/22 as clubs also circle for his signature.

Sharing an update on both the winger and West Ham transfer target Deulofeu, Mundo Deportivo share some interesting news.

The Latest: Moyes green-lights transfer target Deulofeu…

According to the Spanish news site, Hammers boss David Moyes has personally set his sights on the ex-Watford and Everton forward as a possible replacement for Bowen.

Indeed, the report stated that ‘everything points’ toward the latter’s summer exit as West Ham draw up a list of candidates to succeed him.

Deulofeu, who has been brilliant for Udinese this year, is now on that shortlist, having been given Moyes’ seal of approval.

The Verdict: Right man?

Once called ‘unstoppable’ for his form at Goodison Park by former Everton left-back Michael Ball (Twitter), we believe that Deulofeu could be an astute heir to Bowen if the West Ham star does exit east London this year.

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

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As per WhoScored, before Udinese’s clash with Roma today, the 28-year-old has averaged a similar, sometimes better, rate of shots at goal, key passes and completed dribbles per 90 when compared to Bowen.

West Ham are further boosted by reports that they could sign Deulofeu for just €20m (£17m), a fairly affordable fee for someone in their prime and in fine form.

In other news: West Ham could make great offer to sign £45m-rated star as another big exit claim emerges, find out more here.

Scorecard

Kolkata Tigers captain Craig McMillan scored 25 off 21 balls © Cricinfo Ltd

The Chennai duo of R Sathish and V Saravanan blasted 44 runs in 4.4 overs to boost the Superstars before Shabbir Ahmed and Ian Harvey, two international imports, sealed the six-run win against Kolkata Tigers. The second Twenty20 game of the ICL followed a similar pattern to the first and it came down to a tight final-over finish.Craig McMillan’s decision to field was backed up by Eklak Ahmid’s two early wickets but a steadying partnership between Stuart Law and Russel Arnold set up the total. The Superstars were in trouble when both fell in quick succession, followed by Hemang Badani falling to a lame chip shot, but Sathish and Saravanan showed their value at the death. Both cracked a couple of sixes apiece to boost the total to 140 in the last four overs.The Kolkata Tigers’ chase suffered some early hiccups, with Shabbir striking two early blows, but the Subhomoy Das and McMillan led the recovery. Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, with a fiery 21-ball 30, showed why he’s rated so highly in domestic circles but the Tigers were constantly behind the run-rate. D Tamilkumaran, the medium-pacer, extracted good bounce from the surface – his two important wickets pegged the Tigers back further – and the Superstars could then rely on Harvey’s slower balls to wrap up the match.Just like yesterday, the fielding standards were outstanding. Jhunjhunwala risked a serious injury when he dived on the rough patch at short fine leg, latching on to a chip from Arnold, and Lance Klusener timed his jump perfectly to complete a one-handed take off Badani. Hemanth Kumar’s superbly-judged take at long-off, when he held on to one heading for six, ended Das’ innings and Sathish made several stunning stops at point.Expectedly, the turnout wasn’t as impressive as last night. Barely 1000 landed up to watch the game, one which also saw film star Yana Gupta perform during the break. Spectators may flock in for the second game, though, one where Brian Lara’s Mumbai Champs take on Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Hyderabad Heroes.

Old Trafford could look very different in a few years © Getty Images

The future of Old Trafford has moved a step closer to being safeguarded after Lancashire signed up to a four-way sports-leg regeneration scheme, which includes a new 25,000-seater stadium. The club has joined partners Trafford Borough Council, Ask Developments and Tesco in forming a redevelopment plan for the area.The ground will form the lynchpin of an anticipated 750,000 sq ft development and will include conferencing and banqueting facilities, a hotel, education, training and other sports opportunities for the local community.Various options for development are now being considered. The development partners are considering a mixed-use scheme of significant quality with business space, residential, retail, hotel, leisure and other supporting development with a potential end value of £190m. More than 2,000 new jobs could be created by the development.Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes said: “The Old Trafford brand has a massive standing in world cricket. The club has been on the same site since 1857.”Our membership and cricket lovers everywhere recognise the contribution that the club makes locally to the economy through visitor attraction, image, marketing and employment in the Borough.”Together with our local partners, the North West Development Agency and Sport England, we will work towards delivering a scheme which will have at its heart a new stadium fit for the next 150 years, and which will be recognised as world-class standard, fit for the UK’s greatest sporting city region and serving the huge cricketing hotbed in the north west.”

The Leeward Islands, responding to Guyana‘s first innings of 547 for 8 declared, reached 39 for 1 at the close on the second day of their Carib Beer Series match at the Carib Ground yesterday at St Maarten.Krishna Arjune and Travis Dowlin were the main contributors in the Guyana innings. Arjune, who retired hurt on 116 on Friday, top-scored with 157 after he was dropped twice, and Dowlin, who benefited from three floored catches, made an unbeaten 123. Following Arjune’s dismissal – bowled off an Omari Banks offspinner when the ball rebounded off the forward short-leg fielder – Guyana went to lunch at 365 for 5 after scoring 99 runs in the session.After the interval, Dowlin continued his patient accumulation of runs but lost partners Derwin Christian (7), Neil McGarrell (29) and Mahendra Nagamootoo (26) as Guyana progressed to 484 for 8 at tea, adding 121 runs in the session. Dowlin carried on to bring up his third first-class hundred and was assisted in a late-order flourish by Esuan Crandon, who hit four sixes in an undefeated 42 from 28 balls.

Adam Gilchrist keeps himself busy during the rain delay at the Gabba© Getty Images

Stephen Fleming’s disappointment that the “guns were still in their holsters” was shared after the rain-induced anticlimax to the Chappell-Hadlee Series at the Gabba. The match was finally abandoned without a ball being bowled at 5.15pm due to persistent rain, and the gripping contest was drawn at 1-1.”It’s frustrating and disappointing,” said Ricky Ponting. “It was shaping up to be a great game today.” Both sides had claims to the upper hand after Australia won by 17 runs at Sydney, and New Zealand stole the first game by four wickets at the Telstra Dome.But the sparkling new trophy was shared, and nobody knew where to put it following the presentation by Sir Richard Hadlee and Ian Chappell to the joint-winners. The neutral Trans-Tasman territory of Norfolk Island seemed like a good place, so the Australians could pick it up on the way to the three-match series in New Zealand in 2005-06. Australia are due to play five one-day internationals on their tour in February and March, but the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy will not be the prize then.Fleming was already looking forward to resuming the disrupted battle, and was particularly pleased with his side’s fightback after the “hiding” in the Test series. “We have a lot more confidence in our one-day side,” he said. “We feel pretty close to Australia. In some areas we may be ahead.”Ponting said Australia had “scraped through” the series and rated the performance as “OK”. “We didn’t play anywhere near our best cricket, particularly with the bat,” he said. “But even though we lost 4 for 8 and 4 for 10 we still got reasonable totals.”Daniel Vettori, who took four wickets and was responsible for Australia’s two collapses, was the only player to leave the Gabba with something after winning a 42-inch plasma television as the Man of the Series.