Zimbabwe's decline

Do not expect too many Zimbabwe celebrations in this World Cup

All things considered, Zimbabwe did pretty well in past World Cups.

Their very first match, in 1983, resulted in a brilliant Duncan Fletcher-inspired win over Australia at Trent Bridge.

And they would have beaten eventual winners India as well, but for Kapil Dev's famous rearguard century at Tunbridge Wells.

Chicken farmer-cum-bowler Eddo Brandes bowled them to victory over England in 1992, and they added both India and South Africa to their list of scalps in 1999.

So dismally have things slipped in the last four years, however, that nobody would be very surprised if they lost to World Cup debutants Ireland on 15 March.

They have lost 15 of their last 16 one-day internationals, despite 11 of those matches being against another team well versed in defeats, Bangladesh.

This spectacular descent can be traced back to the moment Andy Flower and Henry Olonga bravely chose to "mourn the death of democracy" in their country by wearing black armbands on 10 February 2003 in a World Cup match against Namibia in Harare.

Very powerful people are connected with cricket. There's almost a mafia mentality Telford Vice Cricket journalist

After the tournament, Flower - one of the best batsmen in the world - and Olonga stopped playing for their country, and in the intervening years others from a variety of backgrounds have done likewise.

There are numerous reasons, but among them are pay disputes, disagreements about team selection, and constant suspicion about Zimbabwe Cricket's governance.

For some like former skipper Heath Streak and Flower, emigration to England - where they can take up professional contracts in county or even league cricket - has been the chosen career path.

And the problems are still ongoing. Utseya's band of novices must sign a poorly-remunerated two-year contract if they wish to go to the Caribbean - or else be subjected to immediate eviction from the squad.

This time, the players are likely to play ball - ironically because the economic situation has declined so rapidly, and they have little prospect of any other career if they stay in the country.

A different era: Andy Flower completes a Test century in 2001

Veteran cricket journalist Telford Vice told BBC Radio's Five Live Sport: "Zimbabwe Cricket has lost so many players and are keen to hold onto the few they have, no matter how weak and inexperienced they.

"If you are a young Zimbabwean in the country today a job in cricket is seen as a plum assignmnent.

"The economy has fallen apart. Cricket is one of the few things that pulls in foreign cash so if you are a young Zimbabwean who has an opportunity to work in cricket you will do just about anything to do that."

Vice, who works for a South African sports agency, said the International Cricket Council's continued support of ZC was not delivering financial support to grass-roots cricket in the country.

He said: "The money from the ICC is probably being spent on quite a few 4x4 vehicles and things like that. The ICC thinks about money, power and television, and not about morals.

"As long as the TV companies keep saying 'we'll put this junk on the telly, people will watch almost anyone thrashing Zimbabwe' they will remain a viable entity in international cricket however wrong that is.

Some people [in Zimbabwe Cricket] have complete impunity and threaten people with physical violence Telford Vice

"The money doesn't get down to where it's needed. You hear about matches not taking place because stumps aren't put in place or there are no umpires."

Some of Vice's claims about ZC make for disturbing reading.

He said: "Very powerful people who are well connected with [Robert Mugabe's] government are also well connected with cricket.

"There's almost a mafia mentality. Some people have complete impunity and threaten people with physical violence and believe that if something has to be done they have a right to do it. It's an awful situation.

"They have a bunch of young, inexperienced players - they're kids really - and who are they going to stand up to? No-one really and not the might of Zimbabwe Cricket."

Five Live invited the ICC to respond, but they declined.

Vaughan steps up injury recovery

Vaughan missed the Ashes series with a knee injury

Skipper Michael Vaughan has begun batting and fielding indoors, aiming to recover from hamstring trouble in time to lead England at the World Cup.

The 15-man squad leave Gatwick Airport on Friday and England have warm-up games on 5 and 9 March in St Vincent.

"Hamstrings are vulnerable and before you get out on grass and have a couple of games you don't know," he said.

"But so far so good. I'm confident it should be fine for our first World Cup match against New Zealand on 16 March."

Vaughan said he is unlikely to play in the whole of the opening warm-up match against Bermuda but looks likely to use a rematch with Australia as a final fitness test.

If he does not pull through, Mal Loye is expected to replace him, with Andrew Flintoff most likely to lead the side.

England have also had fitness concerns over bowlers James Anderson (back) and Jon Lewis (Achilles) but Vaughan insisted both are ready to travel.

He added: "The only question mark has been Jon Lewis because he has not had any cricket but he will be looking to bowl his 10 overs in the warm-up games."

Vaughan told BBC Sport any of the eight leading nations could win the tournament.

He went on: "We were the worst team ever to go to Australia and one week later we had turned it around and won the one-day trophy - that's how fast you can turn it around.

"We've got some fantastic players in our team. If we can beat New Zealand it will give us a huge boost.

"In the Super Eights, if you get a bit of luck, work out the conditions then you can win the game and it's the first time in a number of years you can't predict the winner."

Being back at the top of the order may be an opportunity to be consistent Michael Vaughan

Considered a world-class Test batsman, Vaughan has been less comfortable in 50-over internationals, where he averages 27.70 after 77 appearances.

But he said: "In the last few World Cups a player has gone from nowhere to play very well.

"In the last World Cup, it was [Australia's] Andrew Symonds, let's hope it's Michael Vaughan this time.

"I have had good one-day innings, it's not like I've completely folded in one-day cricket. It's just that I haven't been consistent.

"Being back at the top of the order may be an opportunity to be consistent."

Vaughan was speaking at the launch of Michael Vaughan Cricket, an initiative to encourage children to play the game, at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Lara sets target for West Indies

Lara is still struggling to shake off a knee injury

Captain Brian Lara has set West Indies a minimum target of a semi-final place when they host the World Cup for the first time next month.

They were knocked out in the first round when the tournament was played in South Africa four years ago.

But Lara said: "We have a very good record at home, and the players are really looking forward to this event. We have the ingredients to do well.

"We are looking to make the semi-finals and then take it from there."

West Indies face a tough start when they meet Pakistan in the opening game at Sabina Park in Jamaica on 13 March.

The result is important as the winners will carry their points forward to the Super 8 phase, with both teams expected to progress from a group which also includes Zimbabwe and Ireland.

And Lara's side will have to raise their game based on their most recent home series against Pakistan in 2005, when they were beaten 3-0.

Despite that, he added: "It's the greatest tournament in the West Indies, and we are looking forward to doing very well."

The 37-year-old is still struggling to shake off a persistent knee problem and sat out Trinidad and Tobago's domestic championship final win over Barbados at the weekend.

They won by 49 runs after bowling Barbados out for 226, with pace bowler Ravi Rampaul, a player discarded by the West Indies selectors, taking 7-51.

McGrath dispute goes to mediation

McGrath has played for Yorkshire for the past 12 seasons

The dispute between Yorkshire and want-away batsman Anthony McGrath will move an important step forward when the two sides meet at Lord's on Friday.

An independent panel of mediators will try and resolve the dispute which has dragged on for several months.

McGrath wants to leave Yorkshire, but the club wants to hold him to the two years left on his current contract.

The 31-year-old made almost 1,300 first-class runs last summer, including four centuries and nine fifties.

And Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said earlier this month: "He is not able to simply terminate his contract and walk away. We have notified other clubs of this by letter.

"Discussions with other clubs can only be undertaken if the player's contract has ended, and if the appropriate notice has been given to Yorkshire.

"Neither of these conditions have, in our view, been met. Anthony's ECB registration remains with Yorkshire."

McGrath's solicitor, however, insists his contract with the club has been terminated.

It is the most protracted dispute involving a high-profile player since John Crawley moved from Lancashire for Hampshire in 2002 after his old club received a five-figure compensation sum.

Four threats to Aussies - Hussey

Hussey remains confident despite recent setbacks for Australia

Mike Hussey believes South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand will pose the biggest threat to Australia at the forthcoming World Cup.

The 1999 and 2003 winners are looking for an unprecedented treble but Hussey knows it will be tough to achieve.

He said: "South Africa are a very, very well drilled unit and Sri Lanka, I think, are going to be very dangerous.

"Pakistan on their day are dangerous and the Kiwis have been playing some consistent one-day cricket as well."

Australia will head for the Caribbean after five successive defeats - two by England on home soil in the Commonwealth Bank series final and three in New Zealand.

Hussey, however, expects the team will rise to the challenge.

"There's pressure in international cricket, it's the World Cup, there's going to be pressure on everyone, we're looking forward to it," the 31-year-old batsman said.

"I think the Australian team in general thrives on pressure and so I think the best of the Australian team will come out."

His confidence is shared by Shaun Tait, who has only played four one-day games and has still to prove he is capable of filling the strike bowling role normally filled by Brett Lee, who will miss the World Cup because of an ankle injury.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to the lads about it but I'm sure that they're not too worried. We've got Ricky [Ponting] and Adam Gilchrist coming back into the side so we'll be back as strong as ever."

The Australian squad will arrive in the Caribbean on Thursday to begin preparing for next week's warm-up matches against Zimbabwe and England in St Vincent.

They will then move on to St Kitts, their base during the first round group phase when they will play Scotland, the Netherlands and South Africa.

Injured Razzaq to miss World Cup

Razzaq was hit on the knee in training on Monday

Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has been forced to miss the World Cup after injuring his knee in training.

Razzaq, who will not return to action for at least five weeks, has been replaced in the squad by Azhar Mahmood.

Pakistan confirmed Umar Gul will play after recovering from a shin injury but doubts remain over new-ball pair Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

The duo, who failed drug tests last year but were subsequently reinstated, must submit to more tests this week.

The rest of the 15-man squad, plus five stand-by players, have already been officially tested by doping officials.

Shoaib and Asif both tested positive for nandralone in September but were cleared after claiming they had not knowingly taken the banned substance.

I am very confident that Akhtar and Asif will be available before our first game Inzamam-ul-Haq

Reports suggest the pair have had private tests while in London for treatment on their injuries. Shoaib has knee and hamstring trouble while and Asif has an elbow problem.

Pakistan leave on Thursday for Jamaica, where they open their campaign on 13 March against hosts West Indies, before facing Zimbabwe and Ireland in Group D.

"We still have a lot of time and I am very confident that Shoaib and Asif will be available before our first game," captain Inzamam-ul-Haq told a media conference.

"Obviously our chances would decrease if they could not make it."

Gul made an immediate impact at international level, claiming 25 wickets in his first five Tests, including 5-31 in his maiden match against India in 2004.

A back injury sidelined him for the whole of 2005 but he captured 18 wickets in four Tests in England last summer.

"Gul is fine now and has been bowling in the nets - his availability is a big boost," said coach Bob Woolmer.

Razzaq was hit on the knee by a ball during practice on Monday and doctors have advised him to take three weeks rest, followed by another two to three weeks of physiotherapy.

"Initial assessment of the injury revealed apartial ligament tear and bone bruising," said a statement.

"Razzaq's knee was subsequently put in plaster for three weeks."

Veterans 'can be World Cup stars'

Sangakkara is currently rated the seventh best batsmen in ODIs

Sri Lanka's wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara believes the 2007 World Cup could feature star performances from the veteran superstars on show.

"I think people who are coming to the end of their careers are going to be the most dangerous players in this World Cup," said Sangakkara.

Of the batsman, he believes Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara will set the World Cup alight.

The three have glittering careers and this will be their last World Cup.

Sangakkara told cricinfo: "They will be just that bit hungrier to leave that little legacy, that little mark, that personal touch - like 'that was my World Cup'."

Of all the wicket-keeper batsmen at the World Cup, Sangakkara has the highest official rating as a batsman in one-day internationals, and is also the leading Sri Lankan.

'Too many' Australia-India games

Rahul Dravid and Ricky Ponting will see a lot of each other

The glut of cricket matches scheduled between Australia and India could devalue the sport, says international players' union boss Tim May.

The two nations play each other in four Tests and 17 one-day internationals in eight months from June this year and May says it is getting out of control.

He said: "They were already playing 14 one-day internationals and now they've thrown in another three [in Ireland].

"No-one wants a two-bit product where blokes are only giving 75%."

May, a former Australia Test player also feels the World Cup is twice as long as it should be.

And he said the appeal of international cricket would decline if players continue to be asked to play so often.

He argued: "From the perspective of players and spectators, it's going to dampen your interest.

"And it detracts from the commercial value of the product. Vision has been lost about what's important and what is not."

On the subject of the World Cup, he said: "It's too long. Everybody bar the people who sell the TV rights believe we could compress it.

"The ICC sells the rights for significant amounts of money and obviously the broadcasters want to get their money's worth.

"We have to develop the game in some countries but there are arguments about whether the World Cup is the place for them."

India's Pathan passed fit for Cup

Pathan has taken 115 one-day wickets in 73 internationals

India seamer Irfan Pathan has been cleared for the World Cup after proving his fitness in a domestic match.

The 22-year-old left-armer overcame a bad first spell to take 2-48 for West Zone against Central Zone in a Deodhar Trophy match in Ahmedabad.

"Irfan's trip to West Indies is on," chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar told reporters after watching him in action.

Meanwhile, out-of-form batsman Virender Sehwag says he will tone down his explosive batting style.

Sehwag, moved from his opening berth into the middle order for India's last series against Sri Lanka, said he was practising hard.

"Hopefully, I will get better before the World Cup and get some confidence and perform consistently," said the 28-year-old.

"I've changed a little bit in my shot selection. It's important you are careful with your shots, especially when you are not getting runs.

Sehwag and Pathan both under-performed on India's last overseas tour, of South Africa, and can no longer be certain of selection in the India starting line-up.

Veterans like Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble have come back into the side, and are producing consistent performances.

Hair ends racial case against PCB

Hair was appointed to the Elite Panel in 2003 but removed in 2006

Umpire Darrell Hair has withdrawn his legal claim of racial discrimination against the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The Australian official, who has been replaced on the International Cricket Council's Elite Panel, began action against both the PCB and the ICC.

A PCB official confirmed Hair was not now taking action and said: "We are not surprised he has dropped his outrageous allegation of racism against us."

Hair is still thought to be pursuing the ICC for wrongful dismissal.

Hair was barred from officiating Test matches after the forfeited Oval Test between England and Pakistan in August 2006.

Pakistan stopped playing after Hair had awarded five runs to England, believing the fielding side had been guilty of ball-tampering.

A subsequent ICC investigation ruled the ball had not been illegally altered and Hair was taken off the Test rota.

However Billy Doctrove, a black West Indian and Hair's fellow umpire at The Oval, has continued his elite role.

Our client would not have been treated in this way if he had not been a white umpire Original complaint from Hair's lawyers

Hair initially believed the PCB had "unlawfully induced" the ICC to engage in discriminatory acts when it lobbied for his ban.

Having been dropped from the panel covering the top international matches, Hair's most recent assignment was the World Cricket League final between Kenya and Scotland in Nairobi in January.

He is still under contract with the ICC until March 2008, but will not be officiating at the forthcoming World Cup in the Caribbean.

The 54-year-old, who now resides in England, rejected the chance to join the England and Wales Cricket Board's umpiring reserve list, which could have seen him officiate in first-class matches.

Earlier this month, his solicitors issued a statement on his behalf, which said: "It is our view, and that of our client, that he has been treated in an unacceptable and appalling manner.

"The reality in this case is that our client would not have been treated in this way if he had not been a white umpire."

Gilchrist Cup boost for Australia

Gilchrist will no longer miss the early stages of the World Cup

Vice-captain Adam Gilchrist will be available for Australia's entire World Cup campaign following the birth of his third child, Archie, on Saturday.

He missed the recent Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series defeat to New Zealand, to be with his wife, Melinda.

But he is now expected to arrive before his team's first warm-up game against Zimbabwe in St Vincent on 6 March.

Gilchrist said: "Melinda and Archie are fit and well and our thanks go to all the staff at the hospital."

Australia's second warm-up match is against England on 9 Friday before they kick off their World Cup campaign proper against Scotland in St Kitts on 14 March.

The absence of Gilchrist, who opens the batting in one-day internationals and has scored 8,585 runs with 14 centuries, would certainly have hampered Australia's preparations.

And initially it was thought he may not be available until the third, and most important group game - against South Africa on 24 March.

The situation prompted the selectors to pick a reserve wicket-keeper, Brad Haddin.

But Cricket Australia said in a statement: "Adam will be available for selection for the entire 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup."

It is the first shred of good news for Australia in weeks. The team faces an injury crisis with Brett Lee out and two players - Andrew Symonds and Matthe Hayden - battling for fitness.

Results have also gone against them, with six defeats in seven games.

Before their whitewash to the Kiwis, they lost the Commonwealth Bank Series finals on home soil to England.

Gilchrist, and captain Ricky Ponting, were rested for the matches in New Zealand.

Tait ready to ignite Aussie bid

Shaun Tait has limited experience of top-level international cricket

Paceman Shaun Tait intends to become Australia's main strike weapon when the World Cup kicks off in the Caribbean.

With Brett Lee ruled out of the squad after tearing ligaments in his ankle in New Zealand, Tait wants to become Australia's key fast bowler.

He said: "With Brett going down and the Australian team possibly not going in as favourite for the first time in ages it is a massive challenge."

Tait has played just four one-day internationals and two Tests.

He is vying with Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark for the third seamer's spot at the World Cup, with veteran Glenn McGrath and left-armer Nathan Bracken likely to share the new ball.

Tait said: "It's a test not just for me but the whole side. I am raring to go now, ready to get into it.

"I do feel for Brett though, he is a good mate."

Tait, 24, is one of the most inexperienced players among the major contenders at the World Cup, with just two Tests and four one-day international caps.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch also nominated Tait as the man to lead the charge, saying that Lee's absence only increased the need for him to step up.

"Obviously we are missing Brett as a strike bowler and Shaun would regard himself as a strike bowler," Hilditch said.

"He comes more into the forefront. I was pretty happy with how Shaun went in New Zealand (in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy).

"We thought he played a pretty important role. They were very flat wickets and very small grounds and he had an impact."

Inzamam positive amid uncertainty

Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam at practice

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq says he is "not thinking negatively" as doubts about Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif's involvement in the World Cup remain.

The premier pace pair have not yet taken a drugs test - which the Pakistan Cricket Board says they must pass before flying to the Caribbean.

Shoaib (knee and hamstring) and Asif (elbow) are also nursing injuries.

Inzamam said: "I hope they overcome their injuries and that reports of their tests also come in our favour."

Shahid Afridi and the skipper himself are both awaiting the results of their own drugs tests.

All 11 results of the 15-man squad that have been returned have come back negative, Afridi and Inzamam's being conducted at a later date.

Shoaib and Asif had doping bans controversially lifted in December and face life bans if they test positive again.

Australia's recent defeats have given more chances to other teams Inzamam-ul-Haq

They have until the end of February to submit themselves for a further test. Some experts have warned they could still have banned substances in their system.

The two fast bowlers produced positive tests for nandrolone in September, but their bans were lifted on appeal when it was accepted they had taken the drug unwittingly.

The World Anti-Doping Agency is in turn contesting that appeal result in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Inzamam said Australia were still the team to beat in the Caribbean despite their recent slump in form.

"Australia may have lost a few matches but for me they still are the World Cup favourites," he told reporters after a training session in Lahore.

"They have been winning for the last 10 years or so and they are a very consistent side but their recent defeats have given more chances to other teams."

ICC cricket World Cup 2007 warm-up schedule

MARCH

5 Bermuda v England, St Vincent (Live Scores)

5 Scotland v Sri Lanka, Barbados(Live Scores)

5 Canada v Pakistan, Trinidad

5 Kenya v West Indies, Jamaica

6 Australia v Zimbabwe, St Vincent

6 Bangladesh v New Zealand, Barbados

6 Ireland v South Africa, Trinidad

6 India v Netherlands, Jamaica

8 Bangladesh v Scotland, Barbados

8 Bermuda v Zimbabwe, St Vincent

8 Canada v Ireland, Trinidad

8 Kenya v Netherlands, Jamaica

9 New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Barbados

9 Australia v England, St Vincent

9 Pakistan v South Africa, Trinidad

9 India v West Indies, Jamaica

The Live Scores of the ICC cricket worlcup 2007 matches will be available here.

India set Pathan Sunday deadline

Pathan has taken 115 one-day wickets in 73 internationals

Irfan Pathan must prove his fitness in a domestic one-day match on Sunday to retain his place in India's World Cup squad, say the team's selectors.

Pathan was sent home from the tour of South Africa to regain form, then took 1-43 in his sole appearance of the home series against West Indies.

He subsequently missed the Sri Lanka series with shoulder trouble.

"If he is not fit to bowl, he will not go, it's as simple as that," said chief selector Dilip Vengsarkar.

"Fitness is very important for Irfan because he has not played of late and it is the best opportunity for him to show his fitness."

Having looked for all the world like the Kapil Dev-style all-rounder who would lend balance to the team in the Caribbean, Pathan saw his form dip on the West Indies tour in mid-2006.

Pathan himself believes he will benefit from the difficult period he has endured.

He said on Thursday: "Whatever has happened in the last eight months has made me stronger. I am happy to have gone through this phase when I am 22, and not 28.

"Injury is not an issue, I'm confident of a good show in the Caribbean."

Pathan took only one wicket in three matches against South Africa.

"When you are taking wickets, no one talks about your line and length or your speed," he observed.

"But when you stop taking wickets, then people always try and find fault in the way you are bowling."

He has become almost as well known for his batting in recent times, often used as an explosive hitter, and fired four fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 47 against the South Africans.

But he maintained: "I have never called myself an all-rounder.

"The media has given me this tag. I have always maintained I am a bowler first and batting is just an added advantage."

Pollard ready to seize Cup chance

West Indies newcomer Kieron Pollard is hoping to mark his elevation to the senior squad with a significant role in the forthcoming World Cup.

The 6ft 3ins all-rounder hit 83 from 38 balls in a domestic Twenty20 match and averaged over 50 in one-day matches.

"I know the whole Caribbean is backing us to win - and win in style," he said.

"I'm just looking to play for the team, whatever role I have. I don't think I'll be too nervous, I love a challenge and I'm looking forward to it."

Having made his mark in the shortest form of the game, Pollard proved he could figure in first-class cricket too with 126 on his debut, a swashbuckling innings featuring six sixes.

Then, after being named in the provisional World Cup squad of 30, he fired six more sixes in another century and the selectors were prepared to take a chance on him for the big event.

Past greats sometimes say players don't take their chance but I'm determined Kieron Pollard

"From grade cricket to the West Indies team has been very fast, a dream come true but very overwhelming. I've just got to keep my feet on the ground and continue what I'm doing," the Trinidadian told BBC World Service Sport.

"Up until last year I was watching the guys on television, getting the chance to play with them was a great feeling.

"I had interacted with a lot of them before, Dwayne Bravo and Daren Ganga told me about some experiences they've had and that's going to be useful."

Legendary West Indian batsman Gordon Greenidge, now chairman of selectors, has spoken of Pollard's all-round athleticism, and the teenager vowed not to disappoint him.

"It's nice when past greats say good things about you.... I'm willing and determined to capitalise," he added.

Alderman fear over Symonds injury

Andrew Symonds' injury triggered Australia's worrying losing run

Former Ashes winner Terry Alderman says Australia's key all-rounder Andrew Symonds may never return to 100% fitness after injuring his right bicep.

Symonds is likely to miss the Aussies' group games at the World Cup following an injury sustained while batting against England on 2 February.

Alderman told BBC Sport: "My worry with Symonds is not just for this tournament but also the rest of his career.

"It's a major surgery that he's had and a major injury that he suffered."

Australia already know they will be without pace spearhead Brett Lee for the tournament and Matthew Hayden is recovering from a broken toe.

Alderman, who enjoyed success in England in 1981 and 1989, said he was worried that the repair made to Symonds' ruptured tendons could affect him long-term as a fielder.

He said: "We know what happened to [former Aussie paceman] Jeff Thomson all those years ago when he collided with Allan Turner. He was never the same bowler.

I'd be watching out for Sri Lanka, while Pakistan on their day can beat anyone Terry Alderman

"And I've got a feeling the injury might take the edge off Andrew Symonds' fielding."

Symonds recently told team-mates he was "feeling great" but team management are urging cautioun over his return date. He is unlikely to be used until the Super Eights phase of the World Cup.

His value to Australia's cause is such that his injury triggered a run of six defeats in seven one-day internationals.

Alderman said it was too early to write off Australia's World Cup defence, but noted there were a number of other nations to fear.

He said: "I'd be watching out for Sri Lanka, while Pakistan on their day can beat anyone.

"New Zealand have shown what they can do [by beating Australia 3-0], West Indies are on their home turf, England have just beaten Australia and South Africa are number one in the world rankings."

Gul back in action after injury

Gul claimed 5-17 in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2003

Pakistan received some good news ahead of the World Cup when paceman Umar Gul was cleared of serious ankle damage.

The 24-year-old missed the tour of South Africa and it was feared he had fractured the ankle, which would have sidelined him for the World Cup.

But Gul, who has 30 ODI wickets said: "I'm feeling great, I have been bowling at full speed for the last few days."

Pakistan have set a deadline of 28 February for their World Cup squad to pass fitness and doping tests.

Gul made an immediate impact at international level, claiming 25 wickets in his first five Tests, including 5-31 in his maiden match against India in 2004.

I am ready to perform my duties and hopefully we will have a fit bowling attack which can help the team win Umar Gul

A back injury sidelined him for the whole of 2005 but he captured 18 wickets in four Tests in England last summer.

Prior to his most recent injury concern, he took 2-19 against West Indies in Faisalabad, and with fitness concerns over other bowlers, he may have an important role to play in the World Cup.

"We have two warm-up matches and hopefully they will give me the needed match practice and then I will be able to deliver for my team," Gul said of his preparations for the Caribbean.

"I am ready to perform my duties and hopefully we will have a fit bowling attack which can help the team win."

Pace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, who had bans for doping offences lifted last year, both remain injury doubts for the tournament.

Shoaib is due to travel to England for assessment of his troublesome knee and hamstring problems, while Asif is nursing a recurrence of an elbow injury.

Aussie star Lee out of World Cup

Lee's absence is a massive blow to Australia's chances

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee has been ruled out of next month's World Cup with an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old will be replaced in their 15-man squad by New South wales team-mate Stuart Clark, who took 26 wickets in the recent Ashes series.

Lee injured ligaments in his left ankle last week while training.

"It is a great disappointment for Brett Lee and it is a significant blow for our planning and preparation," said chief selector Andrew Hilditch.

"However, it does give a tremendous opportunity for Stuart Clark, who was extremely unlucky to miss out on initial selection."

Lee, who has 267 wickets from 150 one-day internationals - 22 of them taken during the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, will not be able to resume bowling for two to three months.

He knows where every ball is going, he is a guy who understands his tactics and he is a leader in that side Geoff Lawson on Stuart Clark

"I think it's every young kid's dream to play for their country and to play in a World Cup is probably what it's all about as far as one-day cricket goes," he commented.

"It's pretty hard to swallow, but you've just got to accept things sometimes.

"Now it's just a matter of letting the ankle settle down and giving it a chance to heal up. There's a possibility within two to three weeks that there might be some surgery to clear out a bit of old bone floating around in the ankle."

Formal approval for Clark's inclusion has still to be given by the International Cricket Council but that is certain to be a formality - and Lee sent him a good luck message after his injury prognosis was confirmed by team doctor Trefor James.

"It's really disappointing for Brett. He's a friend in the team and a friend outside of the team as well. It's hollow, but I'm still excited about going to the World Cup," said Clark

A number of leading figures in Australian cricket, including former fast bowler Geoff Lawson, had criticised the original decision to leave him out of the squad.

"He knows where every ball is going, he is a guy who understands his tactics and he is a leader in that side," said Lawson.

"He's the kind of guy they need out on the park to help in a crisis. It's not just his bowling that is beneficial, it's his cricket knowledge."

Clark's mastery of line and length made him a big hit in the Ashes

But Clark admitted he was not the finished article as far as one-day international cricket is concerned and would be happy to fill any role asked of him.

"I've got to get better at bowling in the powerplays and that's what I'll be looking to do while I'm over there, [but] I don't expect any new ball - I don't expect any favours," the 31-year-old added.

Australia, who will be bidding for a hat-trick of World Cup wins in the Caribbean, are also sweating on the fitness of Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden.

All-rounder Symonds has had surgery on a torn bicep tendon and Hayden broke his toe in the final match of the recent Chappell-Hadlee Series in New Zealand.

But batsman Michael Clarke (sore hip) and skipper Ricky Ponting (back problem) are of lesser concern.

Ponting said: "My back's fine. The last few nights I've slept a lot better and felt a lot better in the morning. Hopefully when I get to the West Indies I'll be pain free and ready to go."

Confusion over India cricket kit

The new kit has created much confusion

The international sports firm, Nike, has issued a clarification after Indian cricket players earlier this week displayed colourful new kits.

Newspapers covering the launch reported that the kits would be used in the World Cup, which begins next month.

Nike bosses issued a statement saying that the new strip was only for One Day Internationals (ODIs) not run by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The jersey launched on Tuesday had a sponsor's name prominently printed.

Embarrassment

According to ICC rules, no team is allowed to display a sponsor's name on its kit when playing an ICC match or tournament.

The clarification was something of an embarrassment for Nike, which had summoned the cream of Indian cricket to show off the shirts.

Fans do not care what they wear, as long as they win

Captain Rahul Dravid and batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly were widely photographed wearing the new kit, which newspapers reported would be used in the World Cup.

But following a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that only ICC-approved shirts would be worn at the tournament, Nike officials were forced to issue a statement.

"The new jersey launch is the ODI kit for any forthcoming non ICC matches," it said.

"What the Indian team will be wearing for the World Cup will be according to ICC stipulations."

Different positioning

BCCI official Ratnakar Shetty told the BBC that it was not a question of the ICC "rejecting" the jerseys unveiled by Nike.

He said it was simply that the shirts being displayed were not the ones the Indian team will wear during the World Cup.

"The ICC has its own rules regarding position of logos on the team jersey and it has already approved the one to be worn by the Indian team," Mr Shetty said.

"The material will be the same, only the logo positioning will be different."

Nike said that the new kit was 15% lighter than previous outfits, and was also capable of keeping body temperatures down to comfortable levels.

A marginally different kit will be used for the World Cup

Mr Shetty said what was launched by Nike is an ODI jersey, usually meant for bilateral tours and merchandising.

ICC spokesman Brian Murgatroyd told the BBC that it had sent an e-mail to the BCCI, confirming that the jerseys were not the official uniform of the Indian cricket team for the World Cup tournament in March.

The confusion, according to one journalist who attended the press conference, arose because none of the officials present at the launch clarified this point to the media.

"Nike unveils the new jersey just before the World Cup, you have the Indian cricket team members wearing it with BCCI officials also standing there on stage, it was logical to assume that this was the official uniform," he said.

Nike is the official kit sponsor for the Indian cricket team and signed a contract with BCCI worth $40m over five years in 2005.

De Silva backs Sri Lanka chances

World Cup winner Aravinda de Silva has tipped Sri Lanka to emulate the success of his 1996 side in the forthcoming tournament in the Caribbean.

"I honestly feel this side have a better chance than we had in 1996.

"The bowling looks good, the batting has depth and the fielding looks sharp. My money is on Sri Lanka," he said.

Sri Lanka begin their campaign with what should be an easy win over Bermuda in Trinidad on 15 February and then take on Bangladesh and India.

The match against India is likely to decide the group winners, with both teams desperate for a victory which will enable them to carry the points forward to the Super 8 phase.

Sri Lanka recently lost a warm-up series in India 2-1, but they were without their two main bowlers, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, who were given an extended break.

De Silva expects both to shine in the Caribbean, saying: "Murali is a world-class performer and a lot of people under-rate Vaasy. He's a quiet achiever and played a vital role in the last World Cup."

The middle order batting is De Silva's only serious concern and he has backed the inclusion of former skipper Marvan Atapattu, who can bat anywhere in the top six.

"Marvan's presence should sort things out. He brings experience and should be able to bat according to the situation," he commented.

The win over Australia in the 1996 final was the biggest day in Sri Lankan cricket history and De Silva fancies a repeat of that result if the two sides meet again.

"Australia are an ageing side. There's pressure on most of their players.

"Their bowling is not what it used to be. [Glenn] McGrath can contain but the traditional bounce won't be there [for him] in the Caribbean. Brett Lee provides a bit of variation, but the rest of the bowling looks very average," he said.

Pathan targets World Cup revival

India paceman Irfan Pathan believes he will benefit from a difficult period in international cricket recently.

Pathan was sent home from the tour of South Africa to regain form, missed the Sri Lanka series with shoulder trouble and played once against West Indies.

"Whatever has happened in the last eight months has made me stronger. I am happy to have gone through this phase when I am 22, and not 28," he said.

"Injury is not an issue, I'm confident of a good show in the Caribbean."

Pathan took only one wicket in three matches against South Africa.

"When you are taking wickets, no one talks about your line and length or your speed," he observed.

"But when you stop taking wickets, then people always try and find fault in the way you are bowling."

He has become almost as well known for his batting in recent times, often used as an explosive hitter, and fired four fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 47 against the South Africans.

"I have never called myself an all-rounder. The media has given me this tag. I have always maintained I am a bowler first and batting is just an added advantage," he insisted.

Australia leave Lee decision late

Australia fast bowler Brett Lee is being given as much time as possible to recover from torn ankle ligaments and play in the World Cup.

Scans on his left ankle have been delayed until Monday to give him the best chance of making the squad, which leaves for the Caribbean on Tuesday.

Lee has rated his chances as 50-50 adding: "I'll be doing everything I can to make sure I have a chance."

There are also serious worries to Andrew Symonds and Matthew Hayden.

Symonds has had surgery on a torn bicep tendon and Hayden broke his toe in the final match of the Chappell-Hadlee Series.

But Michael Clarke, who has a sore hip, and skipper Ricky Ponting, who has a back problem, are of lesser concern.


He knows where every ball is going, he is a guy who understands his tactics and he is a leader in that side

Geoff Lawson on Stuart Clark

Ponting said: "My back's fine. The last few nights I've slept a lot better and felt a lot better in the morning.

"Hopefully when I get to the West Indies I'll be pain free and ready to go."

Stuart Clark is being touted as the most likely replacement should Lee be ruled out of Australia's attempt to win the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

Former Test bowler Geoff Lawson said Australia might not have lost the Chappell-Hadlee Series 3-0 had Clark played.

"If Stuart Clark had played in New Zealand the chances are we would have won all three games," he told The Australian newspaper.

"He knows where every ball is going, he is a guy who understands his tactics and he is a leader in that side. He's a mature guy, he's over 30, he's got a great cricket brain.

"He's the kind of guy they need out on the park to help in a crisis. It's not just his bowling that is beneficial, it's his cricket knowledge."

Ponting, meanwhile, has hinted that Australia may move away from their previously preferred option of batting first in one-day matches.

"We're going to come up against some small grounds in the World Cup, so the consideration of batting second is something to think about there," he commented.

"That straight away eases a bit of the pressure on the bowlers."

Smith plays down SA top ranking

South Africa captain Graeme Smith feels the team's current world number one ranking will count for nothing when the World Cup starts on 13 March.

South Africa have overtaken Australia as the leading one-day side after a series win against Pakistan and Australia's slump in form.

"Of course it's nice to be number one and it is a reward for our good form.

"But at the World Cup, it is necessary to maintain your best for more than a month," Smith said.

South Africa and Australia will clash in the group stages on 24 March.

Having comprehensively beaten India and Pakistan in home series, and seen Australia lose to England and New Zealand, the South Africans are highly fancied to win that game.

"It is dangerous to predict you'll win the World Cup, but we are confident," said Smith, whose team failed to reach the Super Six stage when they hosted the tournament four years ago.

"Previous South African teams may have allowed too many expectations to be created but I don't think it's going to happen this time," he added.

The skipper also believes Australia's current losing run will not last long.

"They have match-winners such as Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist who still have to return and will make a big difference. Their main problem is injuries and the way they solve that will probably determine their fate."

Clark eager to return to England

Former Yorkshire coach Wayne Clark says he is looking for a post in county cricket for the 2008 season.

Clark, who led Yorkshire to the County Championship title in 2001, is stepping down as coach of Western Australia at the end of the current season.

Clark told BBC Sport: "This is my last year with Western Australia, I'll be a free agent at the end of June.

"I'll have a bit of a break but I'd be keen to get back into the county scene and try my hand again somewhere."

Clark joined Yorkshire from Western Australia in 2001 and led them to their first County Championship title since 1968 in his first season in charge.

However, the Tykes were relegated from the top-flight the following season which led to Clark's dismissal.

In 2003, Clark rejoined Western Australia, with whom he has won two Sheffield Shield titles and three one-day trophies.

The 53-year-old, who played 10 Tests in the 1970s, has also developed seven players who have gone on to play international cricket for Australia, including Mike Hussey, Damien Martyn and Brad Hogg.

More toe scans for injured Hayden-Worldcup doubtful:(

Matthew Hayden will have further scans on Monday on his fractured big toe to determine whether he will play in the World Cup.

He was injured during his innings of 181 not out, the best score ever by an Australian in ODIs, in the final one-dayer against New Zealand.

Hayden was hit on his right boot by a yorker from Mark Gillespie.

"I am having scans on Monday and then, hopefully, I will be in a clearer position," the 35-year-old said.

Hayden played out the rest of his innings with a runner, striking a string of sixes to pass Mark Waugh's 173 and record a new highest score by an Australian in one-day internationals.

When I got hit on the toe I knew it was broken

Matthew Hayden

He had tests on Wednesday but will now have a further scan on Monday.

Hayden also had the dubious honour of setting another record - the highest score by a player on a losing team as New Zealand triumphed by one wicket in the final over.

He said: "I'm really disappointed, but the good news is we've got a bit of time, and time is the only thing that heals bone.

"It's been a pretty frustrating day.

"I must admit when I got hit on the toe I knew it was broken, it just felt ordinary. I couldn't put any weight on it at all."

The Aussies, holders of the World Cup and favourites to win this time, have been hit by poor form and injuries of late.

Pace spearhead Brett Lee (ankle) is only 50-50 for the tournament, while key all-rounder Andrew Symonds (torn bicep) is expected to miss all the group games.

Batsman Michael Clarke has hip soreness - though is not expected to miss Australia's first match on 14 March.

Australia's first game against seeded opposition comes against South Africa 10 days later.

ICC Cricket Worldcup-Lara backs Flintoff for lead role

West Indies captain Brian Lara believes England's Andrew Flintoff will be a major factor at the World Cup.

Flintoff has three ODI centuries and 122 wickets and led his team to victory over Australia in the CB Series.

Windies legend Viv Richards played down England's chances, but Lara told Wisden Cricketer Magazine: "Flintoff brings everything to the party.

"On his day there are not many who can match up. He is the best all-rounder in the world at the moment."

Lara admitted the weight of expectation from the fervent West Indian crowd may prove to be a double-edged sword.

"Playing at home should help and we have guys on the verge of becoming world-class players, like [Jerome] Taylor, [Dwayne] Bravo and [Marlon] Samuels.

Teams will score in excess of 250 - grounds have fast outfields and they are not the biggest

Brian Lara

"A lot is expected of the experienced players - [Shiv] Chanderpaul, [Chris] Gayle, [Ramnaresh] Sarwan and myself - but we have to create more match-winners.

"In another sense it could be a disadvantage to be playing at home - do we have the strength of character to cope with the pressure?"

Although some way short of the standards of their halcyon days, the West Indies surprised many by winning the Champions Trophy in 2004 and reached the final again late last year, only to be eclipsed by Australia at the final hurdle.

"We beat South Africa in the semi-final, that is to our advantage and we have experienced one-day finals recently," Lara commented.

"Each major team has the game to do it - it is down to consistency and controlling your nerves."

Lara added that early concerns about the state of some newly renovated pitches were likely to prove unfounded.

"I think teams will score in excess of 250: the grounds have fast outfields and they are not the biggest.

"Australia are based in St Kitts and there could be records falling there. The wickets will be good."

ICC Cricket Worldcup-Aussies need Warne magic - Waugh

World Cup winner Mark Waugh believes a third successive crown would be easier for Australia to win if Shane Warne was still in the one-day team.

Waugh, part of the team who won under his brother Steve's captaincy in 1999, said spin bowling was an area where Australia's team could be improved.

He said: "The spin department is OK without being spectacular.

"If we had Shane Warne in the team, we'd be mighty hard to beat. He'd make our side stronger for sure."

Five consecutive losses, and injuries to key players Andrew Symonds, Matthew Hayden and Brett Lee, mean the world champions are looking distinctly vulnerable.

But Australia, though they are no longer rated the no.1 side in one-day cricket - a mantle which now belongs to South Africa - are still favourites.

The pitches in the World Cup are expected to be slow, and may assist the spinners.

But Australia's only specialist slow bowler in their squad, Brad Hogg, has come under pressure in recent matches against England and New Zealand.

The fielding has been terrible this summer - I've never seen so many catches dropped

Mark Waugh

Warne, 37, was man-of-the-match in both the semi-final and final of the 1999 World Cup.

But he was banned from the 2003 event because of drug abuse - and then chose to focus on Test cricket, ending his one-day career.

He played his final Test in Sydney in January, where Australia completed a 5-0 whitewash over England.

Waugh is also worried about the quality of Australia's fielding.

He said: "The biggest threat is from themselves - being off the boil on the day. The fielding has been terrible this summer - I've never seen so many catches dropped."

Waugh wrote off England's chances, suggesting India and Pakistan are the only sides capable of snatching the World Cup from Australia.

Asked which sides could cause an upset, he said: "Someone like Sri Lanka, the South Africans or the Kiwis, maybe the West Indies on a really good day with their batting line-up.

"But I can't see the winner coming out of those four."

He is crossing his fingers that both paceman Lee and all-rounder Symonds will be fit, at least for the key matches later in the tournament, because he has worries about some of the other seam bowlers.

Waugh said: "We've got a lot of experience with Lee and Glenn McGrath but the rest are a bit unproven.

"[Nathan] Bracken is pretty steady, but the other three - [Mitchell] Johnson, [Stuart] Clark and [Shaun] Tait - haven't bowled a great deal at international level."

So who will lift the trophy on 28 April in Barbados?

"When it gets to the knock-out stage, anything can happen on the day but if you forced me to have a bet, I'd be backing Australia."

NZ complete whitewash of Aussies

One-day international, Hamilton:
New Zealand 350-9 beat Australia 346-5 by one wicket

Here are the Live Scores.

Matthew Hayden smashed 10 sixes and 11 fours in a fine knock

Matthew Hayden hit 181, the best score ever by an Australian in one-day internationals, but New Zealand won with three balls to spare.

In an extraordinary day-nighter in Hamilton, the Kiwis were 41-4 needing 347 before a stand of 165 between Craig McMillan (117) and Brendon McCullum.

McMillan reached his century off just 67 balls making it the fastest ever by a New Zealander in one-day cricket.

And the result meant the Kiwis wrapped up the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy 3-0.

Australia's defeat was their fifth in succession - and sixth in seven games - but for much of the match they were well on top.

New Zealand lost the toss, were asked to field and were immediately chasing leather as Hayden put on 122 with fellow opener Shane Watson.

The batsmen's life was, however, made considerably easier by New Zealand's decision to rest leading bowlers Shane Bond and Daniel Vettori.

The eventual loss of Watson in the 26th over, lbw to Jeetan Patel, merely inspired Hayden to up the ante.

He hit 11 fours and 10 sixes from the 166 balls he faced. Only Sanath Jayasuriya and Shahid Afridi (each hitting 11) have managed more sixes in a single innings and his total was just 13 runs short of Saeed Anwar's record 194.

Hayden and Brad Haddin added a further 88 for the third wicket and the only bowler to escape a pasting was James Franklin (0-43).

The remaining Aussie batsmen could afford to play brief cameo roles around Hayden's colossal innings.

HIGHEST SCORES IN ODIs Saeed Anwar: 194 (Pak v Ind, Madras, '96-'97) V Richards: 189* (WI v Eng, Manchester, '84) S Jayasuriya: 189 (SL v Ind, Sharjah, '00-'01) G Kirsten: 188* (SA v UAE, R'pindi, '95-'96) S Tendulkar: 186* (Ind v NZ, Hy'bad, '99-'00) M Dhoni: 183* (Ind v SL, Jaipur, '05-'06) S Ganguly: 183 (Ind v SL, Taunton, '99) M Hayden: 181* (Aus v NZ, Hamilton, '06-'07) V Richards: 181 (WI v SL, Karachi, '87-'88) * denotes not out

But the big Queenslander was hit on his right foot by a yorker and broke a bone in his big toe.

He now joins Australia's growing injury list with the start of the World Cup barely three weeks away.

Australia's bowling attack, without the rested Glenn McGrath, began well defending the excellent total established by Hayden.

Shaun Tait removed the openers quickly and two further wickets left the hosts in deep trouble at 41-4.

But the Kiwis effected a stunning recovery under McMillan.

His century came up off just 67 balls, with the slow left-armers of debutant Adam Voges coming under the most severe attack.

McMillan put on 75 with Peter Fulton (51 off 40 balls), before McCullum joined him into the closing overs.

McMillan kick-started New Zealand's innings after a slow start

Finally, McMillan swung across the line to Watson and was bowled, departing for 117 off 96 balls.

The wicket ended the massive stand which had lasted nearly 25 overs and looked like giving the Aussies a welcome victory.

The tourists made further in-roads to remove James Franklin and Daryl Tuffey cheaply, but an unexpected 28 off 15 balls from Mark Gillespie got the required rate back to a run a ball.

With seven wanted from the last over, bowled by Nathan Bracken, McCullum swung the first ball high over deep square leg for six.

A dot ball followed, before the winning runs were secured with a sliced drive over the slips for four.

New Zealand had produced the second highest successful run chase in one-day internationals, the leading four all coming against Australia in the past three years.

Fleming elated with Kiwi revival

Fleming fell in the fourth over for nine in the final match

New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming admitted his team's whitewash against Australia was immensely satisfying.

The Black Caps failed to make the CB Series finals after losing to England in the deciding qualifying match.

"It's been an amazing week for us," he said. "We came back from Australia and copped some criticism which was quite right, but it made us more determined.

"For cricket in this country and belief in our side for the World Cup, these games have done an amazing thing."

The New Zealanders have the chance to avenge that defeat against England when they face them again, along with minnows Canada and Kenya, in World Cup Group C in the Caribbean.

It shows we've got a little bit more to do before we get to the World Cup Mike Hussey

"We now go to the West Indies with that belief, we know there's support out there and we'll give it our best shot," Fleming said.

Brendon McCullum, who led the Kiwis home with an unbeaten 86, enthused: "The Chappell-Hadlee Trophy is alive and well!"

He explained the theory behind the run chase, adding: "Macca [Craig McMillan] was hitting the ball so cleanly so we worked out we needed to score at five or six an over to get to 40 overs and leave ourselves 80 or 90.

"It worked to perfection, what a crowd and what a night!"

Mike Hussey, deputising for the resting Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, continued his unfortunate record as captain.

Hussey captained the Australian for the first time against West Indies in Kuala Lumpur last year and suffered a three-wicket defeat, and now has four defeats out of four at the international helm.

"It shows we've got a little bit more to do before we get to the World Cup," said the left-hander, who was dismissed for 13 in the final match.