The Headlines (for Dec 95)

NOV95 news items moved to ARCHIVE/CRICKET_NEWS/NOV95

Sat 30

The fourth Test between England and South Africa ends in a draw. At close England reached 189/3 in their second innings. The final scores: RSA 428 & 162/9d ENG 263 & 189/3.

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the 2nd Test at Melbourne, to clinch the series. Australia now have an unbeatable 2-0 lead. The scores: AUS 500/6d & 41/0 SL 233 & 307.

In the 1996 New Year`s Honours list, Dermot Reeve is awarded an OBE in recognition of his part in winning 6 domestic trophies in 2 years. Alan Smith, chief exec of the TCCB is awarded a CBE for services to English cricket.

Sri Lanka are to formally request that umpire Darrell Hair not officiate any of their remaining matches. See article in current/sl_in_aus/articles.

The Australian World Cup squad of 18 will be picked on Jan 1, `96 and the 14 on Jan 22. They depart to the sub-continent on Feb 5, `96.

Anura Tennakoon the secretary of the BCCSL told the media that they will decide whether Muttiah Muralideran`s action has contravened the Law 24.2 of the ICC, when the bowler was called for throwing on three consecutive overs by umpire Darrel Hair on the Boxing Day watched by 55, 239 fans (Dec. 26) for throwing. The tour management and the officials of the BCCSL will view this videotape here on slow motion. If we feel that his action has not flouted the law then the tour management will consider playing `Murali` in whatever match in the future games Tennakoon said.

The Australian Cricket Board has finalised its three-Test tour of Sri lanka starting mid next year. Sri Lanka`s next Test cricket commitment at home will be Australia in July/August 1996. The Aussies will play three Tests and an equal number of one-day internationals. The Singer four-nation limited over tournament which was first held in September 1994 will take place immediately after the Australian tour in August/September next year.Sri Lanka`s 1996 international cricket season starts with the hosting of four World Cup matches in February/March next year.

A senior Cricket Board official said that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should intervene direct to determine whether the bowling action of controversial spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is legal or not. BCCSL Vice President Thilanga Sumathipala said Sri Lanka want the ICC to empower a panel to make a decision on Muralitharan`s action. He said that if there are any areas to improve, the spinner will improve and if not Sri Lanka will get him back to the game.

Fri 29

At stumps Day 4, England are 20/0 in their second innings. Earlier, England were dismissed for 263 in their first innings. South Africa declared at 162/9 in their second innings.

At stumps Day 4, Sri Lanka are 284/6 in their second innings (Gurusinha 143).

Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka is ready for the World Cup next year. See article in forthcoming/wc96/articles.

Sri Lanka will discuss the controversy over the bowling action of its ace spinner Muttiah Muralitharan with umpires Darrell Hair and Steve Dunne in Melbourne on December 30. An official of the Sri Lanka team said at the MCG that they would approach Australian Hair and New Zealander Dunne at the end of the second Test and attempt to establish why some of Muralitharan`s deliveries were called while others were deemed legitimate. Hair, who made all the calls against the 23-year-old Lankan spinner on day one, has told the officials that he would no-ball him again if Muralitharan bowls again.

Kelly Broadcasting systems have acquired the rights to broadcast the World Cup next year in North America and the Caribbean. See brief article in forthcoming/wc96/articles.

Prime Sports and ESPN will share televising of cricket in India. See brief article in news/.

A high level meeting of Sri Lanka Cricket Board officials and the team management was held in Melbourne on Wednesday night to discuss on the bowling action controversy of Muttiah Muralitharan. Sri Lanka Cricket Board Secretary, Anura Tennekoon said they will all probably drop Muralitharan from the team for the third Test against Australia unless ICC and ACB authorities make a definite ruling over the off spinner`s suspect bowling action. Tennekoon said if the situation arises where Muralitharan is called again, it puts Sri Lanka team in a quandary.

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 116 runs in their Deaf World Cup Cricket tournament match played in Melbourne. It was Australia`s second successive win in the inaugural tournament. Australia batting first made 209 for 7 in 50 overs with opener Ashen Chris making a top score of 53. In reply, Sri Lanka could score only 93 all out in 42.3 overs. Sri Lanka will play their next match against South Africa.

Thu 28

At stumps Day 3, England are 250/7 in their first innings in reply to South Africa`s 428.

At stumps Day 3, Sri Lanka are 33/1 in their seconds innings after following on. Earlier, Sri Lanka were all out for 233 in their first innings. Australia declared their first innings at 500/6.

The England Under-19 team arrive in Zimbabwe today for a sevenweek tour. See article in news/.

Atherton moves up to eighth place in the latest Coopers & Lybrand ratings. See article in news/.

Sri Lankan team meetings have been held to discuss the fate of Muralitharan in light of Umpire Darrell Hair calling for throwing seven times. See a series of articles in current/sl_in_aus/articles on the throwing controversy.

Muralitharan is the eighth bowler to be called for throwing. For a list of the other bowlers who have been called for throwing, see article in current/sl_in_aus/articles.

England will undertake their first tour of Zimbabwe next year from Nov 30 to Jan 3. For details, see article news/.

Lara is back in action. He plays a Red Stripe Trial game for Trinidad & Tobago starting tomorrow. See article in news/.

Wed 27

At close of day 2, England are 40/1 in reply to South Africa`s first innings score of 428 all out.

At close of day 2, Sri Lanka are 29/1 in reply to Australia`s first innings score of 500/6 declared (David Boon 110, Steve Waugh 131*).

Tue 26

At close of day 1, South Africa are 230/4 in the 4th Test against England.

At close of day 1, Australia are 234/3 in the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka.

Sun 24

The Sri Lankan Team arrives in Melbourne for the second Test against Australia starting 26 Dec. Steve Dunne (NZ) will be the ICC neutral umpire for the second Test whereas Lloyd Barker (WI) will officiate the third Test. See news briefs article in current/sl_in_aus/articles/.

Sri Lanka confirms to send its team for a one-day tournament in Singapore next year. See article in news/.

Sat 23

New Zealand beat Pakistan in the fourth and final one-day international on the reserve day, by 32 runs. The one-day series ends tied at 2-2. The scores: NZ 244/8 (45ov) PAK 212ao (41.4ov).

The Pakistan Cricket Board has lifted the seven-year ban imposed on Qasim Umer. See the article in news/.

Australia have included David Boon, Steve Waugh, and Paul Reiffel in a squad of 12 for the second Test against Sri Lanka starting 26 Dec at Melbourne. See news briefs article in current/sl_in_aus/articles.

Sri Lanka are placed second, behind Australia, in the latest points table of the World Series Cup three-nation limited over cricket tournament. Sri Lanka have had mixed fortunes winning the first match against the West Indies and losing yesterday`s second match to Australia in a thriller. The home team have an impressive record of three straight wins to gain maximum six points against Sri lanka`s six points. The West Indies are yet to gain any points losing all three matches they have played. After a short break during Christmas, the triangular contest will resume on January 1 with a day/night match between the West Indies and Australia in Sydney.

India plans to hold seven world cup matches under floodlights - see article in forthcoming/wc96/articles.

Fri 22

The fourth and final one-day international between Pakistan and New Zealand is washed out.

West Indies, beaten in all three first round World Series Cup matches to Sri Lanka and Australia, will meet an Australian X1 in their three-day `warm-up` match which starts in Brisbane on Friday (22). They will play two more one day matches against Queensland in Brisbane (December 26) and in Toowoomba (December 29) before their next World Series Cup match -against Australia on January 1 in Sydney.

West Indies captain Richie Richardson plans to come down lower in the batting order for the remainder of the World Series Cup matches - see article in current/od_tourneys/wsc/articles.

Ruwan Kalpage fails to impress selectors in the recent Interface Cup involving subcontinental A teams in Sharjah - see the news briefs article in news/.

An "air of gaiety" will previal over Colombo when it hosts four world cup matches next year - see article in forthcoming/wc96/articles.

Thu 21

In a close match, Australia beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in a World Series Cup match. The scores: SL 255/9 (50ov) AUS 257/5 (49.4ov)

Earlier, it was intended for the English Cricket Board to come into being on Jan 1, 1996. Now the earliest estimate is April. See the article in news/ which highlights the `red tape of committees and constitution` hampering progress.

Officials have delayed a decision on Nagpur being a suitable venue for a world cup match next year - see article in forthcoming/wc96/articles.

Hampshire have signed the England Under-17 all-rounder Simon Francis on a summer contract.

Wed 20

Pakistan beat New Zealand in the third One-day International to lead the series 2-1. The scores: PAK 261/4 (50 ov) NZ 207ao (44.5 ov).

There is not much hope of Ramprakash, Fraser, and Malcolm figuring again in the current Test series between England and South Africa. Jason Gallian flies in and is likely to be included in the Test 4 squad for England. See article in current/eng_in_rsa/articles.

Michael Holding states that Lara has brought problems upon himself, and that he needs `psychiatric help.` See article in news/.

Canada will be embarking on a tour of the Caribbean next April - see article in news/.

A leading Sri Lankan lawyer is finalizing arrangements to file action against people who claimed that Sri Lanka tampered with the ball at Perth - see article in current/sl_in_aus/articles.

Ranatunga says that Sri Lanka is psychologically and morally boosted after their win in the World Series Cup against West Indies, and is now prepared to take on Australia. Team manager Duleep Mendis announces that the same team that beat West Indies will be retained for the match against Australia - see preview article in current/sl_in_aus/articles.

Tue 19

Australia defeat West Indies for the second time in the World Series Cup. The scores: AUS 249/6 (50 ov) WI 225ao (49/1 ov).

The inclusion of Adams in the South African squad for the 4th and the 5th Tests `puts new spin on team`s complexion.` See article in current/eng_in_rsa/articles.

Australia has requested for two warmup matches in Sri Lanka before the World Cup - see article in forthcoming/wc96/articles.

Dennis Lillee believes that Craig McDermott could continue playing for Australia into the next century. Lillee also commends Chaminda Vaas and his rapid improvement in the international arena. See the news briefs article.

Arjuna Ranatunga will captain for the 100th time in a one-day international when Sri Lanka take on West Indies at Brisbane on January 5, 1996 in the World Series Cup - see article.

Mon 18

The 3rd Test between England and South Africa is abandoned as a draw with no play on the final 2 days.

The match referee (Clive Lloyd) dismisses media suggestions of ball tampering by South Africa after TV pictures show Matthews cleaning the seam with his thumb.

England-A comfortably beat Pakistan-A by 7 wickets in the second ODI, Nick Knight starring with an unbeaten 90.

Australian press describes the touring West Indies team as "woeful" and one of the worst ever West Indies teams. Richie Richardson rejects suggestions that Lara should be called into the team.

Adams and Boje are included in South Africa`s squad for the 4th Test with Pringle and Eksteen dropped.

Phillip DeFreitas, who impressed with his performance against England for Boland, has been added to the England squad for the one day internationals series vs South Africa, and the World Cup.

Sun 17

New Zealand beat Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling finish to level the ODI series 1-1. Pakistan had set a target of 233, led by man of the match Inzamam-ul-Haq with 80. Danny Morrison had taken advantage of the final overs thrash to return figures of 5-46. In reply New Zealand had reached 204 for the loss of only 4 wickets before collapsing to 221-9. The last pair, Larsen and Morrison put on 15 runs, with the winning four off the 3rd ball of the last over.

In the World Series Cup, West Indies continued their dreadful batting performances, totalling only 121-6 in reply to Australia`s 242. West Indies at one point were 17-4. Mark Waugh top-scored for Australia in a good all round performance.

The 4th day of the 3rd England-South Africa test is washed out resulting in only 39 minutes play on the entire weekend.

Sat 16

Poor weather prevents play for most of the day in the 3rd England-South Africa test. England advance to 152-5.

The Indian womens team beats England in the final ODI of the tour, taking the series 3-2.

Fri 15

England squander their advantage in the 3rd Test against South Africa. Having reduced South Africa to 153-9 through Illott taking 3 wickets in 5 balls, they allow Pollock (36*) and Donald (32*) to add 72 for the last wicket. England then slump to 123-5 in their reply (Matthews 3 wickets, Donald 2). To add to their woes, John Crawley severely pulls a hamstring whilst fielding and is unable to bat.

Pakistan win the first one day international against New Zealand by 20 runs in a low scoring match. Roger Twose is the only batsman to offer serious resistance as New Zealand are dismissed for 169.

Sri Lanka beat the West Indies by 4 wickets in the first game of the World Series Cup in Australia. The West Indies poor batting form continues as they total only 160 from 50 overs. Campbell top scores with 47. Ranatunga took the wickets of Richardson and Simmons and only conceded 24 runs from his 10 overs. He also scores 27 to claim the man of the match award.

England-A narrowly defeat Pakistan-A in their first one-day game. In a 40 overs game Pakistan fall one run short of England-A`s 225 with 4 wickets remaining. Shahid Anwar makes 100*, as does Hussain for England earlier.

Thilanga Sumathipala, vice-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka demands an official apology for accusations of ball tampering during the 1st Australia-Sri Lanka Test.

Thu 14

England field a side with 4 changes (Ramprakash, Gough, Malcolm and Fraser out; Illot, Crawley, illingworth and Martin in) in the 3rd Test against South Africa. They establish a strong position, reducing South Africa to 89-5, before a partnership of 50 between McMillan and Rhodes takes the total to 139-5. Martin takes 3-31, and Illingworth 2-33. South Africa include Kallis (dismissed for 1 on his debut) and Matthews, leaving out Eksteen and Pringle.

The English women`s team wins the Test series against India 1-0, after their last wicket pair defy the bowling for 242 balls (40 overs) to save a draw in the final test.

Richardson dismisses rumours of problems between Lara and himself (see article in cricket news).

The first WSC series game (WI-SL, 15th Dec) is changed from daynight to day as lights are not ready at the Adeilade Oval.

The TCCB meets in England and decide not to extend Illingworth`s powers (see article). The cricket committee reccommendation of banning overseas players from the County Championship from 1999 onwards is rejected.

Wed 13

Darren Gough will not be included in England`s team for the 3rd test starting tomorrow due to a hamstring injury. Shaun Pollock will have to pass a fitness test, after complining of foot pains during net practice.

Shane Lee is signed by Somerset to replace Musthaq Ahmed as their overseas player.

Norman Gifford, leaving his position as Sussex team manager, joins Durham as coach.

Brian Lara has told West Indies officials that cricket is wrecking his life and has threatened early retirement.The Trinidad Guardian has leaked an extract from the manager`s report of the West Indies 1995 England tour that describes a team meeting in which Lara blamed Richardson for team problems. Lara is quoted as saying "cricket is ruining my life". The WICBC will hold a special meeting this week to discuss into Lara`s withdrawal from the West Indies team currently touring Australia.

Tue 12

Pakistan duly complete a convincing victory over New Zealand by 161 runs. Waqar Younis obtaining his 200th test wicket in only his 38th test (tied for 2nd fastest), but Mushtaq Ahmed taking 7-56.

The squad of 20 probable players for India`s world cup team is namedsee article in FORTHCOMING/WC96.

The West Indies poor start to their Australian tour continues as they are comprehensively beaten by the Australian Cricket Academy. The Academy win by 8 wickets in the one day game, after bowling the West Indies out for only 92.

India-A beat Pakistan-A by 8 wickets in Sharjah to win the strangely named "Interface Cup"

England-A hang on for a draw in the second A "Test" against Pakistan. At close of play they lead by only 90 runs, with two wickets left. Pooley scores 38* to save the match.

The England women have a woeful second day against India in the third (and final) Test. After limiting India to 184, they are dismissed for a meagre 98. India are 36-1 at the close.

Mon 11

Australia complete an innings victory over Sri Lanka bowling them out for 330 despite a fine century by Tillekeratne. Shane Warne took three wickets to pass 200 Test wickets in only his 42nd test. Slater is named Man of the Match for his 219.

New Zealand look certain to lose the First Test against Pakistan, with their middle order ripped apart by a combination of good bowling from Mushtaq Ahmed (5-43), and abject batting. New Zealand finished the fourth day on 157-7, with only Twose (44*) showing much resistance.New Zealand were set 357 to win following Pakistan`s second innings total of 434.

Sun 10

Pakistan build a total of 369 for 7 (a lead of 295) with R.Raja (62) I.Ahmed (103) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (82) making major contributions.

Australia declare at a massive 617-5, with Slater out shortly after completing a double century, Mark Waugh contributing 111 and Ponting falling just short of a century on 96. Sri Lanka have made 13 without loss in their second innings. Any concern about Muralitheran`s bowling action evaporates as he takes 2-224 from 52 overs.

Atherton tops scores with 77, John Crawley makes 48, and Ramprakash a duck in England`s one day match vs Boland. Peter Martin takes 4-35 as England win easily.

Dean Headley continues to advance his claims for a World Cup place as he takes 4 of the six Pakistan-A wickets to fall as they crawl to 207-6 off 80 overs. Asif Mujtaba saves the innings with an unbeaten 103*

Following the abandonment of the final two matches, Indian and Pakistan A teams wil meet in the final of the Sharjah A team tournament.

West Indies are saved by the weather, with only 20 overs bowled on the final day of the match leading to a draw. NSW are left only 39 runs away from a win, with 8 wickets standing. Courtney Walsh demonstrates his recovery from an ankle injury by bowling 8 overs and taking 1-23.

In the 3rd Test the English women dismiss India for 184.

Sat 09

Australia score rapidly to build a total of 386-2, with Taylor and Slater putting on 228 for the 1st wicket, the highest by any team against Sri Lanka. Taylor is out 4 short of his hundred, but Slater is 189* at stumps, his highest test score. The Sri Lankans are officially warned for ball tampering by Pakistani umpire Hyatt, and match referee Dowling.

A hard hitting 76 by Cairns helps New Zealand to a first innings lead of 78. Wasim Akram destroys the tail returning 5-53. Pakistan in their second innings are 138-1.

England-A collapse to the bowling of Shahid Nazir (6-64) with Ostler top-scoring with 68 in their total of 199.

England`s tour match with Boland peters out to a draw, as the planned four day game is reduced to 3, and a 1 day match added.

The West Indies are in danger of losing to NSW after being bowled out for only 159, Mathews taking 5-43

Fri 08 A busy day in cricket, with the start of tests in New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand Pakistan collapse to 208 all out after a spectacular start that saw the opening partnership put on 135 in 25 overs. New Zealand reply with 98-3.

The Sri Lankan tail helps the team to 251 all out on the first day of the Perth Test. McGrath is the pick of the Australian bowlers with 4 wickets. Elsewhere, Jack Russell continues his excellent form by contributing 129* to England`s 402 for 8 declared against Boland. Phillip DeFreitas reminds the England selectors of his claims for a World Cup place with 18 overs for 21 runs for Boland

England-A slowly advance to 102-4 in 49 overs in the first day of the "test" against Pakistan A. Nick Knight top-scores with 55.

NSW build a respecable total of 266-5 against the West Indians tourists with QueeChee making a century.

In the "A" tournament at Sharjah, India-A beat Pakistan-A.

Thu 07

West Indies stumble to a total of 238 on the first day of their tour match against NSW, losing their last six wickets for 63 runs against the left arm wrist spin of Dave Freedman (8-47) Wed 06

Tue 05

Viv Richards offers to invervene in dispute between Brian Lara and the WWIBC, stating that Lara is a better bat than he ever was.

Graham dowling, match referee for the Australia Sri-Lanka test meets with Sri Lankan officials to discuss off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan`s bowling action

Mon 04

A heroic innings by Mike Atherton with staunch support from Jack Russell allows England to draw the 2nd Test with South Africa, who were unable to take more than one of England`s five remaining wickets.

Pakistan conclude their Australian tour by winning the final test by 74 runs, although Australia take the series 2-1.

England-A and Pakistan A draw the second test, with Pakistan-A 154-4 in their second innings. Gallian top scores with 153 of England-A`s total of 332-6 dec, with night-watchman Salisbury scoring a career best 86.

Anju Jain`s 65 and her 123 runs first wicket partnership with Anjum Chopra help India to beat England by 9 wkts in the 4th one day international women`s cricket match to level the series 2-2.

Sun 03

England face defeat at 167-4 at the end of day 4 of the second test. Earlier, Jack Russell broke the world record for dismissals in a test when he took his eleventh catch of the match. Brian McMillan advanced to 100* before South Africa`s declaration.

The Australia-Pakistan test is interestingly poised, with Australia needing 145 runs to win with 7 wickets remaining at the end of day 4.

Sat 02

At stumps day 3, Pakistan are 101/4 in their second innings after the hosts were all out for 257 (Mark Waugh 116 Mushtaq Ahmed 5- 95) in their first innings. Pakistan scored 299 in their first innings.

Sri Lankan manager Whatmore slams Australian tour facilities - see article in CURRENT/SL_IN_AUS/ARTICLES.

One of Australia`s leading newspapers has criticized the attitude of the ACB towards the touring Sri Lankans - see article in CURRENT/SL_IN_AUS/ ARTICLES.

Fri 01

Australia are 151/3 at stumps day 2 after Pakistan were all out for 299 (Ijaz Ahmed 137).

South Africa are 5/0 at stumps day 2 in their second innings after England were all out for 200 in their first innings. Earlier, in their first innings South Africa were all out for 332 (Gary Kirsten 110 Dominic Cork 5-84).

In the tour match between Tasmania and Sri Lanka, Tasmania were 252/4 at close of day 1.

The First day`s play between England-A and Pakistan-A was washed out due to rain at Rawalpindi.

Brian Lara fights pressure in his own way - see article.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sanctioned Rs. 50,000 to the families of those killed in Sunday`s mishap at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur during the fifth one-day international cricket match between India and New Zealand.

Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Roshan Jurangpathy has won promotion to the Western Australian state squad - see Sri Lankan news briefs article.