By the end of the second day in this County Championship match atCanterbury, the scoreboard shows that Kent trails Derbyshire by as few as216 runs with six first innings wickets still at its disposal. Happily forthe visitors, though, it fails to express how admirably they have fought toseize a definitive upper hand by the game’s halfway point.With their ranks as stretched as they are for this battle, the visitorswill undoubtedly derive particular pleasure from their effort inextendingtheir first innings tally to a final mark of 279 upon the match’sresumption today. Notwithstanding the notion that only four of theirplayers ventured past a score of 13, this was an innings built not onlyaround steady accumulation but also collective hard work, a quality whichhas generally eluded the team this season. By its completion, the onlyhint of a sour note to emerge was that, in taking more than one and a halfdays to get there, they seemed to have limited their chances of gaining themass of points they need from this fixture to set about the task ofaverting Division One relegation.For batting highlights, much of the responsibility was left to MatthewDowman. His 77, an innings which stands out as his most encouraging in asummer in which he has so far struggled to adjust to the demands of playingfor a new county, featured an array of well composed drives. While his ownunflinching patience tested that of the spectators, Simon Lacey (41) alsoproved a handy foil, sharing with the dogged Dowman in a valuable stand of68 for the seventh wicket.To then make matters more frustrating for the local crowd, they were forcedto watch on helplessly as their team was brilliantly undone by an exemplaryspell of seam bowling from Kevin Dean (4/17). It was Dean’s influencewhich took the edge off Kent’s reply and laid the platform for his team toassume almost complete command of of proceedings. On the road to recoveryafter a string of back and hip injuries, the left armer took a little timeto warm to the task but, on finding his rhythm, produced a devastating tenover spell to dispense with David Fulton (16), Rahul Dravid (2), Ed Smith(2) and Matthew Walker (0) in eerily quick succession.

Despite being made to work hard for their wickets Notts duly completed their first championship win at Trent Bridge this year when they dismissed Glamorgan for 246 in their second innings and knocked off the required 63 to win by seven wickets.The victory earns them 19 points and revives their promotion prospects. Another win at Bristol next week against Gloucs would surely be enough to lift the side into the First Division next season.Having enforced the follow-on and taken 3 second innings wickets on Day 2 Notts have may expected to roll over the Welsh county when play began but stubborn resistance from Adrian Dale, Ian Thomas, Steve James and Keith Newell ensured that at lunch Glamorgan had every hope of making Notts bat again, as they were just 60 behind.The first wicket to fall in the afternoon session was that of Adrian Dale who had batted watchfully throughout the morning to reach 41. Feeding on a shortish delivery wide of his off stump Dale slashed to gully where Chris Hewison took his second stunning catch of the day. Diving full length to his right he showed great athleticism to pull off the dismissal and pick up his 5th catch in his debut match.England Under 19 wicketkeeper Mark Wallace joined Keith Newell and the pair put on a rapid 46 for the 7th wicket, with both batsmen eager to push for quick singles.Paul Franks returned to the attack and with Glamorgan just 7 away from making Notts go in again he broke the partnership. Newell, who’d made 35, couldn’t get forward to a well pitched-up delivery and umpire Alan Whitehead gave the lbw verdict in favour of the bowler, who’d claimed his 5th victim.Alex Wharf had left the Trent Bridge staff a year ago and was heard to be singing wryly “It’s good to be back” (a la Gary Glitter!) the previous evening, with his side in desperate trouble. He did nothing to help their cause on the 3rd day, trapped for 0 in his crease by AJ Harris to complete a pair. The batsman clearly thought that the first impact had been ball on bat but umpire Nigel Cowley took an alternative point of view.Darren Thomas again emerged with a runner and slashed Franks square to take his side past 184 and ensure that Notts would have to bat a second time. With a lead of 11 Thomas tried to hook Franks and skied the ball for an easy catch to Darren Bicknell on the offside.Last man Steve Watkin more than justified his presence at the wicket – not only did he remain long enough for Wallace to complete his half century but he helped himself to 28 as the last wicket put on 51 before Watkin pulled Reiffel to Guy Welton at square-leg.Reiffel, in what is almost certainly his last Championship game at Trent Bridge, had taken the final wicket but the bowling honours had definitely gone to Paul Franks who finished with 6-59.Needing 63 for victory Notts were soon in trouble as Steve Watkin demonstrated what a quality bowler he is. In his first fiver overs he nipped out both openers. Welton was caught behind for just 4 for the second time in the match and Bicknell was also taken by `keeper Wallace for 3.With thoughts of an embarrassing collapse increasing Notts lost another wicket to the Watkin/Wallace combination when Chris Hewison was taken via an inside edge. Watkin’s figures read 3-12 as the home side struggled on 28-3.A quick flurry of runs from the bat of Usman Afzaal would have calmed the home dressing room as he and skipper Jason Gallian, who had enjoyed a fine match throughout, saw Notts home without further loss.

North West bowled out the reigning Supersport Series Champions the HighveldStrikers for 224 on the first day of their four-day match in Potchefstroomon Friday.West Indian Mark Lavine was the key figure as he took six for 55 to reducethe visitors to a very average score. It was his best return in first classcricket. At stumps the hosts were six without loss.Lavine bowled with aggression, pace and bounce which rattled the Highveldtop order as the side slumped to 33 for four.Nic Pothas and West Indian Otis Gibson managed to make amends and put on anentertaining 84 for the six wicket at a run a ball.Gibson’s swashbuckling style could not last however and he was dismissed byLavine trying to slog one too many it left Pothas to keep the inningstogether. He tried manfully but with the arrival of the tail, Pothas decidedto attack when circumspection might have been better.Pothas fell agonisingly short of his century when he was caught by AndrewLawson off the bowling of Lavine for 93. Once he was back in the pavilionthe end was near for the Highveld innings. Lavine duly wrapped it up withhis sixth wicket which surpassed his previous best of five for 44 againstFree State.

Australia duly completed their expected CricInfo Women’s World Cup victory over Ireland at Hagley Oval today, the 10-wicket margin as comprehensive on the field as it was on paper.Ireland followed the pattern of their first match against New Zealand. They won the toss, chose bravely to bat first on a pitch with a definite tinge of green, produced one reasonable partnership but, as in their first match, failed to get out of the nervous nineties. Catherine O’Neill (28) and Caitriona Beggs (18) provided stubborn resistance in the middle of the innings but they were never able to get on top of the Australians.Sixteen runs from wides did give the Australian coach, John Harmer, a matter to address at the team review of the match. But he was happy with their fielding performance in trying conditions with a wintery southerly battering the ground for much of the match.The veteran Zoe Goss was the standout bowler, her four for 10 off 9.3 overs deservedly winning her the CricInfo Player of the Match award.Ireland were treated to the disconcerting experience of the hero of the Australian win over New Zealand, Theresa McGregor, completing her first five overs of pace before resuming later in the innings to put her leg-spin skills into practice. Both variations were effective, the women’s version of the Australian medium pacer/off spinner, Colin Miller, going for just 14 off her mixed 10 with her wicket coming off her longer run-up. That was courtesy of an exceptional Karen Rolton reflex catch at silly mid off to remove a driving Karen Young after the Ireland opening pair of Young and Anne Linehan had looked comfortable enough for the first seven overs.The target of 91 was never going to challenge the Australians. But Harmer was very pleased with the way his openers went about the task. Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley “did the job they had to do,” passing the mark in the 21st over and just failing to manufacture a half century for Keightley, who was left 49 not out.Hames said Clark was keen to get runs and would be happy with her unbeaten 40 after going cheaply in their first two matches.Reflecting a willingness of all teams to battle to the end, coaches in this competition have not been slow in praising the losers, no matter how well beaten. Harmer was no exception. Noting that Ireland had worked hard, he said: “They’ll have a couple of good days before the tournament is out.”That is a warning for some of the second tier teams. The Ireland coach, John Wills, said that, with the learning experience of playing New Zealand and Australia behind them, Ireland were now entering what was for them the serious part of the tournament.He said they got what they expected from the Australians. “There are no second chances against the top teams.” He felt his side bowled and fielded well despite defending such a small target but that the batting had collectively been disappointing. However, he noted with satisfaction that O’Neill’s effort had been recognised with the awarding of a point in the overall performance competition.Ireland now go on to put what they have learned in their opening matches to the test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday while Australia have a couple of days off before what promises to be a most interesting contest against India on Wednesday.

Tuffers is off the Audi!Let me explain – when you bat, the worse scenario is being dismissed without scoring, for a duck as is it called. If you get two of these in the same match it’s obviously a pair or, as they say on the circuit, “you’ve bagged them up!”.Tuffers [Phil Tufnell] has had three disappointments in a row. Therefore, when he went out to bat yesterday he was sitting on an Audi which is four rings in a row, The same branding as this type of car.I’m pleased to say, as he confidently gave himself room and scythed the ball through point, there was a huge amount of relief around the Lord’s ground.If the ball had gone to hand at point, then Tuffers would have been on the ‘Olympic’ next time he took guard. After that I’m not sure but it was suggested a P45 which is hinting at finding a new job. If it happened to a batter we wouldn’t be laughing, but to ‘The Cat’ it’s a different story. His job is with the ball and he proved his class yesterday with his 47th five-wicket haul.At present we are in a bit of a fight with Nottinghamshire, former county of Sir Richard [Hadlee] and, more recently, Chris Cairns. We bowled poorly on the first day at Lord’s and have played catch up ever since.Angus [Fraser] is out for a couple of weeks with his injury so I’ve got the reins, although it was a pretty loose grip as we went around the park courtesy of a South African recruit playing for Notts.I’m interested to see an increase of these types of players. They are from another country but can play as a resident under the EU passport policy. If these guys have success, I’m sure other counties won’t want to miss out.Speaking of Cairnsy earlier, I caught up with him this week as he breezed through on his way to South Africa to begin some training outside. His knee is progressing well and while it’s only early days in his recovery we look forward to his return at some stage this year.The news is also pretty positive on our other injuries with the guys now settling into the winter training programmes and skill work at the Academy.I caught up with John Reid, New Zealand Cricket’s, cricket operations manager this week at Lord’s. He was over to discuss changes to the international game, in particular the limited over matches with other members of the ICC.The feeling was that the one-day game was becoming too predictable, especially during the middle stages of an innings. The new rules are attempting to liven up the action and speed up play, both important if as players we wish to entertain. One bouncer per over is an interesting one, it gives the bowler a little artillery especially in the first 15 overs, but it is how it is policed that may cause confusion. Lets wait and see!

Full marks to the Pakistanis and to the authorities. Pakistanis – for keeping the mighty Australians at bay and the authorities – for keeping the even mightier Pakistani fans under better control.However, I can’t help but admire the Australians, whose sheer tenacity saw them coming back at Pakistan again and again. Such was their determination that Pakistan, despite scoring a mammoth 290, could not sit back and relax even for a moment.

Equally, though not laudable, was the Pakistani fans’ determination, which didn’t allow the security people to sit back and watch the thrilling events taking place out in the middle. They probed and probed, succeeding once during the Pakistan innings to have their presence felt, yet that was all they were going to get. For the security people at last realised they needed to handle the fans firmly.For me, that part of the match was really crucial – the one during which the mob tried to dictate terms. Pakistan were cruising along at 250 for 5 in the 45th over and could’ve gone on, but they lost their concentration after that unwarranted break after a firecracker was thrown on.Had it not been for Wasim Akram, with his little cameo, I am sure the score would have been much less, and with the Aussies always as determined as they are, the outcome of the match might have been what these very Pakistani fans surely would not have wanted.

Quite amazingly, Saleem Elahi, despite all his past failings with moving balls, top scored for Pakistan. Although not the best in terms of style and elegance, his was an innings of concentration and focus and one that may have thrown the team management into a dilemma. I wonder what Pakistan’s playing XI for the final will be, with Inzamam fully fit and Afridi also around?I think, after today’s knock, it would be unfair to leave Elahi out, and, with Inzamam coming in for Faisal Iqbal, we might have to swallow the bitter pill of not playing Afridi. However, the final decision lies with the management, while I sort out my problems here in Sri Lanka.Back to the game: I think everyone contributed in this excellent victory. The only worry I have is Saeed Anwar’s form. I wonder, how many more times he’ll throw his wicket away after getting good starts. Instead of learning from his mistakes, he seems to be repeating them. He really needs to consider how the team’s going to be affected by his recklessness. Come on Saeed, its time to wake up!I had always an inkling these Australians would fight till the very end, and that’s exactly what they did. Despite losing wickets, at more or less regular intervals, they kept coming back and it wasn’t over till the ‘fat lady sang’.Waqar Younis proved yet again how tough he is. Three wickets in his first 4-over spell and if that wasn’t enough, three more in the second, six in all and 13 in two back-to-back matches is amazing stuff. I don’t find words to describe his devotion to the cause of the team. He was just brilliant. Well done Waqar, keep it up!

The Australians, on their part, proved more than worthy opponents. Gilchrist played one of the greatest of knocks I have seen for some time and that too despite the fact that wickets were tumbling at the other end. I do believe, had he stayed there for five or six more overs, the match would have been over within 40 and in Australia’s favour. Believe me, I let out a great sigh of relief when Saqlain cut him short at 70.Now for the final, it will be an entirely new game. Toss would yet again be crucial but we must not lose heart in case luck deserts Waqar after a series of consecutive toss wins. For batting first at Lord’s is not always as rewarding as one might think. The example of WC’99 is there to ponder over. What did Wasim Akram gain after winning the toss and batting first?The key thing is, we must make an all out team effort at Lord’s and especially field well. And, at least I wouldn’t mind if our team prays for an England win in the last league match at the Oval, so that the Aussie morale takes one more dip. I don’t think it’s a bad idea or is it?

Ed:Mudassar Nazar is a veteran of 76 tests and 122 ODIs. He is currently the chief coach of Pakistan’s National and Regional Cricket Academies. In view of the overwhelming interest of users in CricInfo’s articles, we have invited him to write for us.

Leicestershire took total command of their CricInfo Championship clash in Canterbury courtesy of Kent old-boy Vince Wells.Born just nine miles away in Whitstable and weaned on Kent League cricket, Wells was released by his home county ten years ago and made them pay for that decision yesterday by scoring 138 in his side’s mammoth total of 612 for eight declared.Kent’s bad day turned worse soon after tea when, after reaching 55 without loss, they lost seven wickets for 100 runs inside 29 overs.Rob Key, Ed Smith and Matthew Walker, all enjoying purple patches and with 500-plus runs to their names, were all guilty of getting out when well set against Leicestershire’s veteran new ball attack of Phil DeFreitas and Devon Malcolm.By the close Kent had limped to 155 for seven, still 457 in arrears and 308 short of avoiding the follow-on at 463.It was all a far cry from the first four sessions of the match when Leicestershire’s under-achieving batsmen made hay on a good pitch.Making the most of short boundaries and a bland home attack, five Foxes’ batsmen passed 50 while Ben Smith and Wells reached deserved hundreds as they posted their highest total against Kent and the highest of the Championship season to date.Indeed Wells was on course for the fastest century of the summer in reaching 99 in 95 balls, but needed another nine deliveries to reach his landmark that included 17 fours and a six.Enjoying his return to his former home ground, Wells played powerful drives and pulls, but revealed deft touches with occasional late glances and three successive fours against off-spinner James Hockley, all from reverse sweeps.It was Leicestershire’s day and Kent will need a minor miracle now to prevent them from securing their second Championship win on the trot.

Matara Sports Club have threatened to take the Tournament Committee of theBoard of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) to courts over itsdecision to force the club into playing in the promotion and relegationtournament.Matara SC ended fourth in the Plate Championship of the Premier LeagueTournament, but the Tournament Committee cancelled their points, relegatingthe side to the bottom of the table after Kurunagala Youth Cricket Club.Kurunagala protested that five players playing for Matara SC had alreadyplayed for Moors Sports Club in the one-day tournament during same season.The players were R. Priyadarshana, C. Bandaratillake, U. Fernando, M.P.Salgado and A. Jayasinghe.Kurunagala ended up in the seventh place of the Plate Championship and wereto play in the promotion and relegation matches. When their protest provedsuccessful they moved up into the safety of sixth position and were thusguaranteed a place in the Premier League next season.Matara, however, responded to the board’s decision by refusing to play asingle promotion or relegation game.They complain that BCCSL tournament rules and regulations require thatofficial protests should be handed over to the secretary of the tournamentcommittee within 48 hours of a match. Kurunegala’s protest came aftertwo-months and Matara officials smell foul play.Sports Secretary of Matara SC, P.M.C Waidyarathne, claims that the fiveplayers were legitimately transferred, having moved from one province toanother because of changes to their employment.Chairman of the Tournament Committee, Shriyan Samararathne, maintains thatthe committee is not satisfied with the documents provided by thetransferred players.

Warwickshire gained their revenge on Yorkshire by beating them by four wickets with 35 balls to spare at Headingley to go through to the semi-finals of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy.It was a shock result after Warwickshire had been bowled out for only 59 on the same ground two days earlier when Yorkshire had won the day-night match by 175 runs.The man who turned-the-tables for them was Trevor Penney who came in with Warwickshire on a shaky 63 for four as they chased a victory target of 189.Penney was still there at the close with 58 and his brave performance earned him the man-of-the-match award.He made his runs off only 80 balls and struck six fours and a six, adding an unbroken 59 in 12 overs with Ashley Giles (19 not out) to put the issue beyond doubt.Although Yorkshire left out Chris Silverwood because of a slight back strain they included their England pair of Darren Gough and Craig White but neither was able worry Warwickshire unduly. Gough was economical but failed to take a wicket in ten overs which cost him 28 runs while White picked up just one wicket for 36 runs.Put in to bat, Yorkshire seemed to have taken command after a hesitant start and there was an outstanding knock of 82 from Anthony McGrath who hit eight crisp boundaries off the 136 balls he received.But when he was run out by Nick Knight’s direct hit from cover it triggered a collapse which saw Yorkshire’s last five wickets crash for 15 runs in 25 deliveries, both skipper David Byas and Ryan Sidebottom also failing to make their crease.Yorkshire’s latest fast bowling discovery Steven Kirby had his first disappointing day since joining the county a few weeks ago and he was far too erratic, going for 53 off his ten overs.Ryan Sidebottom was easily the best of the bowlers with three for 32 but Knight (29) and Dougie Brown (30) both batted sensibly in helping lay the foundation which Penney was able to build upon.

India will prepare for the 2003 World Cup in the eastern coastal city of Durban as the organisers announced training camp locations on Monday, sprinkling competitors around South Africa.They also announced that cricketing legends Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Richard Hadlee, Sunil Gavaskar and Allan Borderhad accepted invitations to act as international ambassadors for the tournament.Defending champions Australia will land in the remote mining town they requested while the host team got beautifulCape Town.All 14 teams in the competition except Zimbabwe, which borders South Africa, are expected in the country at least a week prior to the tournament.They will complete their preparations in one of the country’s cricket centres, and play at least two games againstprovincial sides, Dr Ali Bacher, the tournament’s executive director said on Monday at a news conference.Australian cricket authorities requested Potchefstroom, an unexciting backwater 100 kilometres southwest ofJohannesburg, as their base because of the positive feedback given by the Australian under-19 squad, who stayed there during the 1998 Junior World Cup.Bangladesh will prepare for the cup at Pietermaritzburg. Sri Lanka will be based in central Kimberley. Pakistan andCanada have been allocated Johannesburg, and Namibia nearby Benoni.The West Indies was allocated the central city of Bloemfontein, while England and Kenya will respectively bebased in the southern coastal cities of Port Elizabeth and East London.Holland was allocated Stellenbosch, a farming town near Cape Town.”We endeavour to be fair and place every team in a town or city where we are confident they will be assured of thebest possible treatment,” the South African Press Association quoted Bacher as saying.The opening pool match of the tournament will take place in Cape Town on February 6, 2003, featuring South Africa against either England or the West Indies.The English are not currently in the hosts’ group, but that could change if Pakistan soundly beats New Zealand in anupcoming limited overs series – a result that would alter seedings to be finalised by the end of September.The official match programme for the 2003 event will be announced October 27.Bacher said $1 million had been approved to provide security for the tournament.