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As preparation for the two-Test Ashes series we played Australia Youth in a two-day match at the Allan Border fields in Brisbane. This was a chance for us to get used to the longer form of the game.Scoring rates were slow, I think due to their disciplined tactic of playing with 7-2 off-side fields and bowling in a wide channel outside off stump. Batting first we put on 202 on the first day. Lydia Greenway, flown intoBrisbane to join the squad after a successful U19 tour, batted with composure for her 88 in her first match with the full England side.On the second day we bowled out the Youth side for 131, Laura Harper taking 5-30 from 19 overs helped by some good catching in the ring. Another victory and our first against an Australian team in a long time.The first Test was played at the Gabba, Brisbane and was a special match for us. This was the first time England had bowled Australia out for under 100since 1951 and it was an amazing feeling to be out there on the pitch.Lucy Pearson and Laura Newton took full advantage of the bowling conditions and all the plans for the Aussie batsmen that we’d talked about worked. We were disappointed not to build a defendable total in our second innings and Australia were able to reach the winning runs late on the third day. But even in defeat we’d learnt that we could compete with the Australians and get their leading batsmen out cheaply.We spent the next day (supposedly the fourth day) doing individual training. Personally I had been disappointed with my batting over the two-day game and the Test match and needed to work on striking the ball. When you’re in a bad patch it’s very difficult to keep confidence in the simple things, backswing, hand speed and so on. So I spent nearly two hours on a bowling machine just hitting the ball.We’d really enjoyed our time in Brisbane; the city centre is compact and we stayed in lovely apartments on the Brisbane River about 10 minutes walk fromthe shops, restaurants and cafes of the CBD. Next stop on the tour was Sydney, a real contrast from a touring point of view. We were playing at the Bankstown Oval, the home of the Waugh brothers and several current and former Australian Women players.We stayed in the local sports club, a hotel which supported a lot of the local sports teams, making its money mainly from gambling. The hotel has fake jungle areas throughout the lower floors and we ate breakfast to tinned shrieks, grunts and screams of the plastic jungle creatures.Back to the cricket and the 2nd Test. On a rain-affected first day we won the toss and put Australia in to bat. After a disappointing first over (going for nine), Lucy Pearson adjusted her length, got the ball swinging and the wickets started falling. She ended up taking 7-51, a career best in Test cricket and her first five-wicket haul. Harper took the prize wicket of Rolton for nought and the tail was sewn up by Leng with her leg breaks.We batted well to see out the day on 21 for one with Fitzpatrick dangerous in the gathering gloom. The start of day two was also rain-affected and we went out to try and build an innings lead. After some good batting from Edwards and a unbroken partnership of 81 between myself and Greenway we finished the shortened day on 151 for four. The third day started brighter in weather but darker for us. Twinning bowled well and we lost our remaining six wickets for only a further 36 runs.53 runs in arrears, the Australians needed a good total to put us ot of thematch. At 49 for four we were in a strong position but a 136-run partnership between Sthalekar and Blackwell got Australia out of trouble. They declared at lunch on the 4th day to leave us 206 for the victory.It was always going to be hard with a required scoring rate in excess of anything seen in either Test by either team. We drew the match, Laura Newton and I playing out the final over from Fitzpatrick.Overall this has been a good tour for the team. We’ve moved up the one-dayrankings to 3rd and we’ve competed with the Australians in the Test series.Some of the younger players have played some composed innings and Lucy’s bowling has been excellent joining the best of women’s Test bowlers with an 11-wicket haul in the second Test.The squad was then due to split up, half returning home to go back to jobs and families and the remainder staying in either Australia or New Zealand until the start of the English summer season. The last day was spent hanging out in Sydney, buying last minute presents and saying our goodbyes.I’ve been spending the last two weeks in Sydney getting over the tour; ‘Active Recovery’ as the physiologists call it. A process which is supposed to prepare my body for the next set of training and tour time in the summer. It involves stretching, swimming, cycling and walking – all low impact activities to give my joints a rest. During that time I’ve been over to the Blue Mountains (which I can confirm look blue!) and up the Eastern coast of NSW as far as Cape Byron. The east coast trip was spent relaxing on beaches, walking in rain forests, talking cricket with Lottie Edwards and avoiding dodgy backpackers after one of us caught a mite infestation in Byron Bay.One last stop before home for me will be a trip to Melbourne. I’ve got to discuss with the Victorian Women’s cricket association the possibilities ofplaying club cricket there next winter and then go to the Department of Immigration to discuss visa requirements. After the debacle of the visasituation at the start of this winter I want to make sure I understand exactly what sort of visa I’ll need and what I need to do to get it.I’ve had a great trip abroad to play cricket and I’ve learnt a lot. It’s time now to get home and meet up with my coach to plan the next 6 months of club, county and international cricket.

Durham’s reward for ending Gloucestershire’s remarkable run of one-day success is an away tie against Lancashire at Blackpool in the quarter-finals.Somerset, after their stirring fourth-round victory over Glamorgan, must travel to Kent.The other ties see Yorkshire entertain Warwickshire, and Worcestershire at home to Leicestershire.One of the matches will be played on 24 July with the remainder on the following day.

Manchester United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a young midfield gem who’s been compared to Manchester City legend Yaya Toure.

Amorim aims dig at Man Utd academy prospects

Before the football could steal the headlines against Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim found himself at the centre of several debates after he name-dropped three academy players in an unexpected rant.

The Man United boss has been questioned for how little he’s used Kobbie Mainoo this season and the midfielder’s brother even turned up at Old Trafford wearing a “free Kobbie Mainoo” T-shirt on Monday night. Amorim’s response was ruthless in the build-up to the Bournemouth game, however, and has since split opinions.

He said: “It’s like any other player, the door is open for any player to change my mind. But in the end, it’s going to be the training, the games… Of course, he’s not playing so many games, but Kobbie had opportunities, especially last year.

“Everyone had… [Harry] Amass is now struggling in the Championship [at Sheffield Wednesday].

“Chido [Obi] is not always a starter in the U21s. All these guys played when a lot of people were saying, ‘Sack the manager’, so you can see that I’m not worried. I just look at the team and try to win the next game, and try to think about the team. I will do that until the end.”

If recent reports are anything to go by, then Mainoo is among those who are likely to be heading for the exit door in January, at least on loan for the rest of the season amid interest from the likes of Bayern Munich.

But what should concern the young midfielder the most is Amorim’s reported admiration for Christ Inao Oulai – another young midfielder who could end Mainoo’s Old Trafford career altogether.

Man Utd open talks to sign Inao Oulai

According to TeamTalk, Man United have now opened talks to sign Inao Oulai, establishing contact in an attempt to get one over on rivals Manchester City.

Related As bad as Shaw: Man Utd star had his worst game for the club vs Bournemouth

Manchester United drew again at Old Trafford in a frantic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

The 19-year-old Trabzonspor midfielder has reportedly been compared to Yaya Toure by those in the Ivory Coast thanks to his dominant displays as well as his ability to score and create goals.

Dubbed a “magnificent” prospect among several others by talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this week, Inao Oulai could provide Amorim with the young midfielder that he prefers over Mainoo, who continues to watch on from the bench.

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Before the Red Devils can even think about welcoming the 19-year-old, however, they will have to fend off interest from Man City, who are looking to land their next Toure.

Dalot upgrade: Man Utd looking to sign "the best right wing back in the PL"

ScorecardVictoria completed a set of four victories against South Australia in both state competitions with a four-wicket win in the FR Cup to help their finals campaign. In the process they leapt from bottom to fourth, picking up a bonus point as well, and still have two games in hand on the Redbacks, who they left only a small chance to reach the decider.This could be the game that swung the momentum for Victoria. The leaders Tasmania, who were beaten by Queensland, come to Adelaide for the last group match and should South Australia win that, Victoria only have to succeed in two of their remaining three games to qualify.The visitors had been beaten at home solidly in a disastrous start to their season, but they had begun to turn their fortunes around and were in second place heading into this match. They stay there for now but their bogey team, Victoria, led by David Hussey’s 47, gained precious ground.Hussey’s efforts helped chase down the required 160 with more than 12 overs to spare, while three wickets for Shaun Tait couldn’t make the difference. South Australia’s batsmen had hoped to put their Twenty20 disaster behind them, but they carried their poor form with them into this competition.It took a 41 from the in-form Graham Manou to lift the Redbacks from 5 for 56, and he was joined by the besieged captain Nathan Adcock, who made a steady and relieving 31. Ryan Harris also picked up 39 in an otherwise forgettable display, with Victoria’s bowlers working well as a unit to share the wickets around. Jason Gillespie struck early and then came a clump of wickets as the Bushrangers slipped from 1 for 52 to 5 for 65, but Hussey didn’t look troubled and steered his side to the brink of victory.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball commentary

Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar were the backbone of the Indian innings© AFP

India batted first, racked up 300, kept Netherlands down to 118, and cantered to victory by 182 runs in their warm-up match at Trelawny Stadium, Jamaica. All went pretty much according to script, but then the real point of this match, at least for the Indians, was to get in some meaningful practice before the tournament gets under way in right earnest. Some people used it to do just that, while others couldn’t make the most of the opportunity.One of the players the game was critical to was Virender Sehwag, whose form has been more down than up in the recent past, so much so that he was rested for a series, and he did not quite cash in. On a pitch that could be fairly typical of what to expect in the West Indies – slightly sluggish, occasionally affording the ball some grip, and rather dry – against an attack that was fairly friendly, Sehwag clattered four boundaries in pretty customary fashion, but lost his wicket to carelessness, playing and missing a ball that was slanted in to him.Sourav Ganguly too fell to a soft dismissal, but he is not in the same boat as Sehwag, having batted so well since his comeback to the side. He was undone as much by the lack of pace and direction of the long-hop that came his way as the lack of needle in the contest. Robin Uthappa, after the two openers had fallen, should have taken the chance to fill his boots, but he too chose flash over preparation, cracking a couple of deliciously lusty shots before chopping one back onto his stumps.With the top-order having made starts and failing to go on, it fell to Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar to show the way. The two veterans could not be bothered with showing off their not inconsiderable skills. Instead, they chose to spend time at the crease. Full-tosses were patted to long-on for ones and twos, and half-volleys were eased into the gaps in the off side. Tendulkar spent 59 balls at the crease, Dravid 92, as they got a feel for how the ball was coming onto the bat, how quick the outfield was, how the white ball was swinging or spinning. That they helped themselves to half-centuries, Tendulkar 61 and Dravid 74, in a partnership of 116, was only incidental.Sandwiching the innings of Dravid and Tendulkar were cameos. Just as those that came before the pair, the ones that came after got starts – Yuvraj Singh (14) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (21). Irfan Pathan sealed the deal with an unbeaten 25, and India ended on an even 300 for 9. In all this, Ryan ten Doeschate helped himself to 5 for 57.

Irfan Pathan picked up one wicket but looked decidedly undercooked© AFP

From the outset, Netherlands were pretty clear that there was no chasing 301. Instead they concentrated on keeping the bowling out. Pathan, another man to whom this match was crucial, disappointed. Although the ball was shaping in nicely, and he only conceded 12 runs from a first spell of six overs, he lacked penetration and hardly troubled the batsmen. At his quickest he was short of 125 kmh, and unless he picks himself up dramatically, it’ll be hard to see him fighting off Sreesanth or Munaf Patel for the third seamer’s slot if Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan are sure starters.In the event Pathan did manage a wicket, trapping Darron Reekers in front in the 9th over, and that opened the account for India. From then on, though troubled by Sreesanth, Netherlands’ batsmen managed to hang in there till the advent of Harbhajan Singh. They simply could not read the and any attempt to use their feet resulted in a stumping. Harbhajan picked up two quick wickets, Anil Kumble barged in with two of his own, and amazingly, Yuvraj Singh tossed up his left-arm spin for figures of 4 for 12 from 3.5 overs as Netherlands slumped to 118 all out and defeat by 182 runs. The game was a mismatch from the start, and it played out without any surprises.

Scorecard
Pura Cup table

Greg Mail starred with a century, his fourth ton against SA © Getty Images

Sporting declarations by rival captains Brad Haddin and Darren Lehmann set up a tantalising finish to the Pura Cup game between New South Wales and South Australia at Adelaide. NSW declared on 6 for 314 at tea, 227 runs in arrears, and then Lehmann responded positively by declaring just before close of play, setting a target of 343. The Blues reached 0 for 5 at stumps, still needing 338 runs off a minimum of 96 overs on the final day.Daniel Harris top scored with 36 as the Redbacks lost three wickets en route to 115 in 27.5 overs before Lehmann called the close. NSW’s first innings was propelled by a patient century from Greg Mail and a solid half-century from Haddin. Mail, resuming on 35, was more aggressive today, racking up 104 runs in 176 balls. He was ably assisted by Haddin and the duo brought up their century stand just before lunch.However, Haddin fell upon the resumption, trapped in front by Jason Gillespie, and Corey Richards was the next to go, undone by the offspinner Daniel Cullen. But Mail pressed on, reaching his fourth hundred against South Australia and the seventh of his career before he perished, caught at midwicket off Cullen Bailey in the penultimate over before tea.Both teams will start the final day with a realistic chance of gaining the maximum six points needed to have a hope of playing in the final against Queensland at Brisbane. But with a dodgy weather forecasted, the elements might play spoilsport.

Emily Drumm has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a hamstring injury. Drumm, New Zealand’s most capped player, sustained the damage during New Zealand’s defeat to Australia on Thursday and her absence is a massive blow to the World Cup holders.Aimee Mason will come into the team as a replacement batsman after doctors advised Drumm to withdraw for the entire tournament. Mason will arrive in South Africa on Sunday, too late for New Zealand’s third match against Sri Lanka, which takes place on Saturday. However, Mason is expected to be available for the fourth round tie on Monday, when New Zealand take on Ireland, a team they defeated 3-0 in 2004.New Zealand have much work to do in the remaining group matches to guarantee themselves a semi-final place. They are a lowly sixth in the table, after rain washed out the first round, and sinking to Australia in the second.

Overnight leaders KwaZulu-Natal collapsed to a heavy defeat, while Free State’s bid to stay in contention was thwarted by failing light just when they had Norhrt West on the rack:Super Sixes – final day:Western Province 311 and 371 for 4 dec (Bassage 61, Ferreira 100, Prince 110*) beat KwaZulu-Natal 322 and 196 (Klusener 80*) by 154 runs
Scorecard
A match that had the making of an exciting finish ended in a one-sided victory for Western Province as KwaZulu-Natal collapsed to 196. WP declared at 371 for 4 with Ashwell Prince, making full use of a placid pitch, scoring 110 not out. Lance Klusener fought a lone battle for Natal, but at 60 for 6 the writing was on the wall. Three wickets apiece for Alan Dawson, Claude Henderson and Charl Willoughby (who took his 300th first-class wicket), were enough for WP to reclaim top spot in the table from Natal.Free State 267 and 337 for 6 dec (Dippenaar 115*, Liebenberg 72) drew with North West 349 and 148 for 8 (Venter 4-60)
Scorecard
Free State, needing a win to stay in touch with the leaders, came from behind only to be denied by the failing light. Gerry Liebenberg’s 72 and a patient 115 not out from Boeta Dippenaar allowed Free State, 82 runs in arrears on the first innings, to declare at 337 for 6, setting North West a target of 256. Davey Jacobs put together a near run-a-ball 47, but with wickets tumbling around him North West slumped to 148 for 8 when bad light ended play with eight overs remaining. Destroyer-in-chief for Free State was Kosie Venter, who took 4 for 60 with his tight offspin.Shield – 3rd day:Northerns 451 for 7 dec and 173 for 6 dec (de Villiers 85) vBoland 259 (Strydom 67, Thomas 7 for 91) and 28 for 1
Scorecard
Alfonso Thomas, taking his second seven-wicket innings haul of the season, helped bowl Boland out for 259, although Gerhard Strydom’s 67 and Con de Lange’s 48 not out were instrumental in taking the match into the fourth day. Northerns decided not to enfoce the follow-on, and made 173 for 6, thanks to a 85 from AB de Villiers, before declaring and setting Boland a target of 366.Gauteng 34 for 1 v Eastern Province
Scorecard
Only half-an-hour’s play on the first day of this match means that barring some sporting declarations it is certain to end in a draw.

Thursday, February 6, 2003:::
Lessons From Kiwiland
Mark Waugh feels that despite the failure in New Zealand, the Indian batting would be able to hold their own at the upcoming World Cup.
Source:Outlook, India.
Pakistan, the most unpredictable outfit
Dilip Vengsarkar is of the opinion that Pakistan’s bowling will be its strong suit in the upcoming World Cup.
Source:The New Indian Express, India
Monday, February 3, 2003:::
Aussies – Fit hai toh fine hai
Ian Chappell analyzes the Australian team, who he feels have a very good chance of retaining the World Cup if both Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne regain full fitness.
Source:Mid-Day, India
Nagging accuracy is McGrath’s hallmark
Former India opener Woorkheri Raman on the strengths of Glenn McGrath, Australia’s leading strike bowler and one of the greatest of all time.
Source:The New Indian Express, India

Somerset Second Eleven lost their 100% record in the one-day competition when they were beaten by Hampshire Seconds at Southampton on Wednesday.Batting first Hampshire made 195, with Andrew Sexton contributing 43.In reply Somerset were dismissed for 140 to give Hampshire victory by 55 runs.Somerset will be looking to put this defeat behind them and get back to winning ways when they take on Glamorgan Seconds at the County Ground in Taunton on Friday.