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Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) has named the Australia-A squad, that will play against the Indians, in a three-day game beginning at Hobart, on December 19.Michael Hussey, a Western Australian batsman, will captain the side, which includes representatives from each state, and three Australia A debutants – Paul Rofe and Shaun Tait, from South Australia, and Cameron White, from Victoria.Trevor Hohns, chairman of the NSP, said the team represented a blend of experience and emerging young talent. “With the Australian side being so successful in recent years, it’s difficult for those players on the cusp of selection to break into the national team. The side represents a good mix of senior experience and young talent, and reflects our approach of developing players capable of performing at the international level.”Hohns also added that the selection of Hussey as captain was testament to his impressive start in domestic competitions. He said, “Michael’s a highly thought-of player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities with Western Australia in recent months. He’s an experienced and talented performer, and is widely respected by his playing peers around the country. He’ll no doubt play a role in helping point some of the younger guys in the right direction.”Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has announced that the NSP has reviewed its selection criteria for Australia A’s limited-overs engagements against India and Zimbabwe in January. The selectors have chosen to adopt a youth policy for the two limited-overs games, with a greater emphasis on developing players for the future.Squad
1 Michael Hussey (capt), 2 Michael Clarke, 3 Chris Rogers, 4 Martin Love, 5 Brad Hodge, 6 Cameron White, 7 Wade Seccombe, 8 Matthew Nicholson, 9 Damien Wright, 10 Paul Rofe, 11 Shaun Tait

Brian Lara has said that his West Indian team learnt a lot by playing Australia in the recent Test and one-day international series at home. In Chennai to do a spot of promotional go-karting, Lara spoke to the press about how, despite losing, West Indies benefited by playing Australia.”Playing against Australia has improved our players’ performances,” said Lara. "We lost both the Test and one-day series against Australia, but we learnt a lot from them. They are a champion side."Lara’s young side won the final dead-rubber Test against the Australia, and then won the last three one-day internationals, after Australia had already clinched the series by winning the first four. One of the notable things about the series was that while most of the Australians were in their early 30s, West Indies had a side that was largely in its twenties, and on the upswing.”We’ve a good crop of youngsters in the team,” Lara said. “It’s good to have young players around you. They are inexperienced, but talented. Our side is improving.”One man who would no doubt have been glad to hear that is Steve Waugh, who was also in Chennai, to promote the same go-karting event as Lara, for their bat sponsors, MRF. Waugh had combined his promotional tour of India with a visit to Udayan, a home for leprosy-afflicted children in Kolkata. While there, Waugh was asked for his comments on Sourav Ganguly, the Indian captain and Kolkata’s favourite local boy.Waugh, graciously, if predictably, was all praise for Ganguly. "His [Ganguly’s] captaincy has direction and he enjoys his team’s respect,”Waugh said. “Captaincy calls for tough decisions and he doesn’t go for soft options. Under his captaincy, the boys seem to be enjoying a fight. There’s a new toughness in the current Indian side."All sweetness in the off season. Just wait till the cricket begins again.

A crowd of 6,500 attended the Twenty20 match at the Rose Bowl, all the more remarkable as the qualification contest had been decided. Another glorious sunny day brought the fans for a great night out.Surrey Lions who had won the 4 previous Twenty20 matches and had qualified for the semi-finals, playing a Hampshire Hawks side still trying to come to terms with the new format.Surrey choosing to bat first, found the Rose Bowl wicket a little bouncy, giving Wasim Akram and Alan Mullally some lift. Scott Newman who had taken 13 (including 3x4s) off Ed Giddins in the second over, was the anchor as the Lions slumped from a comfortable 75 with loss, to just 140 for 9. Newman scored at exactly a run a ball for his 59, as a wicket fell in every over from 14 to 20 with the exception of the 18th.Two unlikely bowlers held the visitors up, Lawrence Prittipaul may be struggling with the bat, but his bowling has come on in strength conceding just 17 in 4 overs and helping him to 2 wickets. James Hamblin too 3-31 and Wasim bamboozled the tail enders for his two wickets.When it was Hampshire’s turn to bat, they received a major set back, as Hamblin who had given the Hawks such good starts, fell first ball lbw to Martin Bicknell. From that point the Hawks struggled to keep up with the pace, Katich again held the innings together, but only John Crawley (23) and a quickfire 27 (19 balls) from Derek Kenway offered resistance as the home side ended 19 runs short.

SYDNEY, Jan 23 AAP – Australia’s blond bombers sent England to an inglorious total of 117 in the first tri series final at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.Brett Lee led the charge by taking three for 29 off 10 quick overs, claiming England’s dangerous openers inside 15 balls to set up the rout.Andy Bichel got of the rid of the tail to finish with 4-18 off seven overs while Brad Williams (2-22) and the original bottle blond Shane Warne (1-28) completed the damage.Adam Gilchrist effected six dismissals – five catches and a stumping.The highlight for Australia was Warne’s return to the international arena with a confidence-boosting performance.Warne took a wicket with the last ball of his ten overs and looked comfortable in his first international appearance since dislocating his shoulder on December 15.He misfielded a couple of balls and, on one occasion, rather than replicate the sideways dive which led to his injury, he let the ball sail past just out of reach.Another time he preferred to clumsily use his feet rather than get down low.His wicket-taking ball was a ripped legspinner which beat Paul Collingwood in the air and off the pitch and he was stumped by Adam Gilchrist for 43.Lee had two wickets inside 15 balls, when both Marcus Trescothick (0) and Nick Knight (5) gloved catches to Adam Gilchrist.Williams got rid of Nasser Hussain (1) when the England captain played on and then had Alec Stewart (12) caught behind.Bichel struck twice in one over, trapping Michael Vaughan (21) lbw and then having Ian Blackwell (0) caught by Ricky Ponting at second slip.Lee returned to dismiss Ronnie Irani (10) off a miscue.Collingwood was single-handedly responsible for getting England to three figures.His 43 came of 71 balls and took nearly two hours but he made sure England avoided the ignominy of being bowled out for less than 100 for the fifth time in its history.

Somerset stage their biggest match of the season so far when they take on county champions Surrey in the fourth round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at the County Ground in Taunton tomorrow.Whilst the Cidermen have won three out of their four championship matches and are currently top of Division Two their one-day form has been disappointing, and they have been successful in just one of their five National League starts.However they won their C and G third round tie against Scotland by an overwhelming margin, and have every intention of returning to Lords for the final at the end of August so Surrey will be aware that their trip to the west country will be anything but easy.On the contrary the last time that the two sides met in the competition four years ago at the semi final stage it was the Cidermen who had the last laugh thanks to a fine 114 from Jamie Cox that won him the `Man of the Match’ award and a miserly 4 for 43 in his ten over spell from all rounder Keith Parsons.1999 was Cox’s first season with Somerset, but the Tasmanian told me that the cricketing giants from the south east who are table topping in the top flight of both the county championship and the National Cricket League hold no fear for him."During the time that I have been with the county Surrey have never beaten us in a one day cricket match so we have every reason to feel confident going into tomorrow’s game. There’s nothing I would like more than to be in the final of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at the end of this season. It’s every cricketer’s dream to walk out at Lord’s in front of a full house, " he said.Tickets for tomorrow’s big match have been going well and the county are expecting a large crowd, but they will be available on the gate, however the advice is to get to the ground in plenty of time to avoid disappointment.The match is being televised and because of this no parking will be available on the ground. However alternative parking arrangements have been made in Victoria Park, which is only a five minute walk from the County Ground, and will be well signposted.Chief executive Peter Anderson said: "This is a huge match for us and we are hoping that all of our followers across the south west will turn out in numbers to support us. To win the C and G again is one of our two objectives this season, but first of all have to beat Surrey who will be fielding a side packed with international cricketers so this will be a game that nobody will want to miss."

Karachi Whites chalked up their sixth victory in the Quaid-i-Azam Trophy Grade-I Cricket Championship Thursday despite a gallant century by Sargodha skipper Misbah-ul-Haq at KCCA Stadium here.Misbah, who made a solitary Test appearance at Auckland on the tour of New Zealand last year, played a flawless knock of 108 on the final day of the four-day tie.The 27-year-old right-hander, this season’s leading batsman with a tally of 1386 runs, looked a class apart on a wearing track and completely neutralised Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria’s attempt to dominate him.Misbah, about whom Geoff Boycott had made some unsavoury comments during a coaching assignment at Lahore last year, played such an innings of which the former England opener would have been proud of. In fact, such was the quality of Misbah’s masterful display Thursday even Boycott would have struggled on this pitch to bat on for one minute short of five hours.Misbah was eighth out at the score of 311 after completing his third century in the current championship and the fourth of the season, when he was bowled by paceman Tanvir Ahmed.In all, Misbah faced 249 deliveries and struck 13 exquisitely-timed boundaries during the course of his first-class career’s eighth century despite the fact that the KCCA outfield, as usual, was horribly sluggish and uneven.Play was held up twice by light showers in the first session. The second stoppage forced the umpires to call for early lunch 10 minutes before schedule.Sargodha were eventually all out 20 minutes before the tea break for 334 in their second innings, leaving the Whites just 53 for victory.Kaneria claimed the first six wickets, including four Wednesday, to end up with six for 117 in 47 overs and a match haul of nine for 173.Mohammad Masroor again found batting difficult in the role of a makeshift opener and perished for a first-ball duck. But Hasan Raza and Saeed bin Nasir made light work of the target with the latter striking the winning boundary.

Leicestershire, from whom a number of players have moved during the winter months, have today announced a new signing.After saying goodbye to the likes of James Ormond (Surrey), Ben Smith (Worcestershire), Jon Dakin (Essex) and Aftab Habib, the county have secured the services of former Gloucestershire batsman Robert Cunliffe on a two-year contract.Cunliffe made his debut for Gloucestershire in one-day cricket in 1993 at the age of 19, and played first-class cricket the following season. He made his Minor Counties debut for Oxfordshire as early as 1991. But despite the early start to his career he has only played in 62 first-class matches, averaging a fraction under 25, and 80 one-day matches, where his average is very nearly 28.Announcing the signing of the former Young England batsman, Leicestershire general manager James Whitaker said: “We are delighted to have signed Robert. He has considerable experience of first-team cricket, and he will make an exciting addition to our squad.”

The Sydney Grade Cricket Competition’s Round 2 was completed yesterday, Monday 6 October. Bankstown, Randwick Petersham and Northern District recorded wins, but the rest of the competition had to settle for draws after rain intervened. Former NSW paceman Trent Johnston took a tremendous hat-trick for Mosman, while two little-known Sutherland third-graders broke an historic tenth-wicket partnership record.Mark Waugh recorded his first win as Bankstown’s captain, as his side crept past St George’s total of 212 for the loss of eight wickets at Bankstown Oval. Waugh could only manage 3 in difficult conditions, while Gian Scuglia (66) top-scored in his side’s important win.Northern District needed only one day to demolish a new-look Eastern Suburbs outfit at Waitara Oval. Brad Haddin made an unsuccessful return to his old club ground, scoring just 5 as the Dolphins managed only 91. Opening bowlers Rob Eddy (4/28) and Cameron Eve (3/22) did most of the damage for District. Graham Hanlon (69) and man-of-the-match Cameron Eve (60) then helped the home side cruise to victory, eventually scoring 262.Simon Katich (62) continued his fine early-season form at Petersham Oval, as Randwick Petersham hauled in Campbelltown-Camden’s 279, only six wickets down. Jarred Burke (103) and John McKell (82) gave the Ghosts a great opportunity on, but the classy Randy Petes batting line-up was too strong, with Joseph Hill (81) top-scoring.At Village Green, former NSW paceman Trent Johnston recorded a brilliant hat-trick against University of NSW. Michael Slater was the second of his three victims, as the Bumblebees stumbled to 4/8. However, Johnston (5/38) could not prevent the home side posting 311, to which Mosman replied with 1/125.In Third Grade, a remarkable record was established at Sutherland Oval. After being sent in to bat, Sutherland was reeling at 9/97, when Daniel Marandola joined Aaron Phillips at the crease. In 69 previous matches, Marandola’s highest score had been only 18. Phillips was eventually out for 154, with the score on 292- a 195-run partnership. Marandola remained undefeated on 61. The partnership is the highest-ever tenth-wicket partnership in any Grade.Other First Grade matches- Manly-Warringah 294 drew with Blacktown 1/23 at Joe McAleer; Penrith 237 drew with Fairfield-Liverpool 5/103 at Howell; Gordon 96 drew with Parramatta 0/56 at Killara; North Sydney 171 drew with UTS-Balmain 2/58 at Drummoyne; Western Suburbs 202 drew with Sutherland 0/20 at Pratten; Hawkesbury 152 drew with Sydney University 0/66 at Owen Earle.

A century by former Zimbabwe international Craig Evans propelled Mashonalandtowards a huge total on the first day of their Logan Cup match against Matabeleland at Bulawayo Athletic Club.After winning the toss, Angus Mackay chose to have first use of a good batting pitch. His decision paid dividends as his side raced to a score of 427 for six at the close of play.The opening pair of Lance Malloch-Brown and Ryan Butterworth struggled in the first stages of the innings due to the pressure applied by the home bowlers. However they settled in and started accumulating runs. Their partnership produced 82 runs before Butterworth was dismissed by medium-pacer Greg Strydom, caught behind by wicketkeeper Warren Gilmour to depart for 36 runs off 54 balls.Strydom grabbed two quick wickets in the space of two overs. He dismissed Malloch-Brown with a yorker that sliced through the middle stump, to send him back for 43 which included eight boundaries. He claimed his last wicket of the day when he caught Kudzai Taibu with a leg break that hit the off stump to dismiss the younger brother of Zimbabwean international Tatenda for no runs in the 18th over.Evans then joined in the hunt for the runs with support from Barney Rogers. The two shared a partnership of 162 runs, of which Evans contributed 66 while Rogers weighed in with 96 runs. Evans produced some aggressive batting, getting off the mark with a six that went over cover.The visitors took their score to 167 for three at lunch, off 41 overs. After the interval, Evans continued his heroics but lost his partner Rogers for 96 when he was bowled by spinner Mecury Kenny. Evans continued to attack, frustrating the home bowlers, until spinner Gavin Ewing claimed his important wicket shortly after tea break. Evans was caught at fine leg by Matthew Townshend to end an innings that saw him stand at the crease for 231 minutes and in the process smash nine fours and five sixes off 194 balls.The visitors lost Darlington Matambanadzo before Blessing Mahwire and Campbell ended the day unbeaten on 43 and 8 respectively. The pick of the Matabeleland bowlers was Strydom, who had been brought into the team primarily as a batsman. The medium-pace bowler took three for 94 in 16 overs with one maiden. Ewing, Kenny and Norman Mukondiwa took a wicket each.Play resumes this morning with the visitors aiming to reach a big total before they consider declaring. Mackay was earlier quoted as saying that they were aiming to score 600 runs.

While his rivals scrambled for a Test spot, Matthew Hayden proved he was the best opening batsman in Australia when he drove Queensland past Western Australia in the Pura Cup clash at the Gabba today.Hayden crashed 143 to lead the Bulls to first innings points after three days, tormenting the Warriors in a clear sign he was ready for the first Test against New Zealand on November 8.Just who will face the new ball with him remains uncertain after Jamie Cox and Greg Blewett scored centuries in their respective matches, but incumbent JustinLanger remains the favourite after his 96 against the Bulls yesterday.Hayden was more authoritative than Langer, providing the backbone of Queensland’s 6-403 declared in reply to the Warriors’ abbreviated first innings of 8-360.The visitors were 0-16 at stumps, leaving the door open for an intriguing finish tomorrow if rival captains Stuart Law and Adam Gilchrist set up a run chase.Hayden became Queensland’s leading century-maker in domestic four-day matches when he scored his 23rd ton, moving off a mark which included Law, the latePeter Burge and leading run-maker Sam Trimble.For all those centuries, Hayden has never entered an Australian summer guaranteed of a spot in the first Test – until now.”It’s great to be look at a record like that and think that you’ve got it,” Hayden said.”But you only have to look around the place to see that there is plenty of other blokes getting runs.”I was just really happy with the tempo of my innings today because I’ve done a lot of hard work and it was terrific to get a century.”Hayden was dangerous at times, belting an off-drive which almost knocked over Marcus North at mid-off before he fired a towering drive into the 12th row of the northern stand, missing a spectator by less than one metre.He played relatively straight for his first 100 runs and the knock was the highlight of a top-order assault which included a lively 73 from opener Jimmy Maher and a typically professional 78 from No.3 Martin Love.They pushed the score to 1-288 before veteran Jo Angel (3-70) found the spot with the second new ball.He removed Love, Clinton Perren (seven) and Andrew Symonds (15) and the Bulls only wobbled past the Warriors total before Law (35) eventually declared with12 overs until stumps.Langer hadn’t scored when he survived a confident shout for a catch behind off Andrew Bichel, probably leaving the match in need of a sporting declarationtomorrow to ensure a result.”It’s a shame we didn’t get a wicket tonight because it looks like a draw,” Hayden said.”But there are 112 overs tomorrow so maybe they will make a game of it.”