Warne strikes one-day form

LONDON: Shane Warne and Stuart Clark helped bowl Hampshire one step closer to a place in the Friends Provident Trophy finals with a thrilling two-run win over Kent at Tunbridge Wells. Warne claimed 3 for 30 and Clark took 3 for 42 as Hampshire tried to defend their total of 220.
The visitors were cruising when Kent wobbled to 8 for 136 after the early breakthroughs from Warne and Clark. However, a 69-run ninth wicket partnership between Matt Walker and the South African Ryan McLaren had Hampshire on edge.
In a dramatic finish Warne asked Chris Tremlett, the fast bowler who played for England in the CB Series, to send down the final over. With three runs still required, Walker was trapped lbw for 83 from Tremlett’s third ball, handing Hampshire a vital victory with one round remaining.
They now sit on top of the South Conference table, just ahead of Kent. A win over Surrey in their last match will earn Hampshire a spot in the semifinals but a loss would leave them relying on other results.
Brad Hodge continued his run of form with his third one-day century in five games for Lancashire. Hodge struck 119 as the visitors comfortably overcame Derbyshire’s 232 at Derby. Hodge has been by far the most impressive batsman in the competition and averages 205 from his five matches. However, his efforts against Derbyshire will mean little for Lancashire, who cannot make the finals.
There is a slim mathematical chance for Somerset to steal a semifinal berth after their three-wicket victory over Surrey at Bath. A late 16 from Matthew Nicholson helped the struggling Surrey up to 214 but Somerset won with 13 balls to spare. Cameron White contributed 31 in the chase while Justin Langer managed 18.
David Hussey’s hopes of finals action slipped when he made only 7 of Nottinghamshire’s 238 at Chester-le-Street. Stephen Fleming’s 98 was insufficient to stop Durham grinding out a tense one-wicket win. Nottinghamshire now have to beat Lancashire later this week and hope Durham defeat Warwickshire to keep their season alive.
A few days earlier, Hussey was more impressive in the first-class arena but remarkably his top-of-the-table Nottinghamshire lost to the last-placed Glamorgan at Swansea. In a classic case of failing to capitalise, Nottinghamshire had Glamorgan at 8 for 193 on the first day before allowing them to reach 429. The key for the home side was the 185-run ninth-wicket stand between Robert Croft (115) and James Harris (87 not out).
In reply, Hussey top-scored with 98 and was also dangerous in the second innings, when Nottinghamshire needed 263 to win. But Hussey (63) had little help and the visitors were dismissed for 207.
Phil Jaques enjoyed a batsman-friendly pitch at Worcester, where he made 124 — his first century in the County Championship in 2007 — as Worcestershire piled on 6 for 701 declared against Surrey. The star was Vikram Solanki with 232, while Graeme Hick, who was often labelled a “flat-track bully”, managed only 15.
Surrey narrowly held on for a draw with their No 11, Nicholson, batting for 67 minutes for his 20, in a match-saving partnership with Mark Butcher. Jaques’s New South Wales and Worcestershire teammate Doug Bollinger had a hard time, taking 0 for 68 and 0 for 35. He now has four wickets at 83 from his three games this season.
White also made use of a batsman’s paradise at Taunton, where he made 114 for Somerset against Leicestershire. But White was only the fourth-highest scorer for the home team; the best was Marcus Trescothick (182). Leicestershire did not find the ground so accommodating and lost by an innings and 259 runs.
Stuart Law was consistent if not spectacular for Lancashire against Durham at Chester-le-Street, where he made 60 and 61 in a drawn match. Michael Di Venuto made starts for Durham but could not build on his 32 and 15. Hodge was also consistent; he scored 1 in each innings and both times was dismissed by Scott Styris.
Sussex jumped to second on the Division One table in spite of the best efforts of Warne, whose 5 for 91 helped restrict Sussex to 341 at Arundel. Hampshire’s 202, however, put them on the back foot and no wickets to either Warne or Clark in the second innings set up the win for Sussex

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."

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."

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."

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."

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-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."

Matthew fractured a big toe!

Hayden takes time out; he carried on batting after the injury

Matthew Hayden suffered a fractured big toe in the final one-dayer against New Zealand in Hamilton and is a doubt for the start of the World Cup.

Hayden smashed 181 not out, the best score ever by an Australian in ODIs.

But he was hit on his right boot by a yorker while helping his team to a total of 346-5 against the Kiwis.

Australian physio Alex Kountouris said: "Matthew will see a specialist in Brisbane on Wednesday when his medical management will be outlined."

Kiwi seamer Mark Gillespie was the man to do the damage, hitting the left-hander's boot as he tried to play a leg glance.

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

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.

Aussies look to make amends in NZ

One-day international, Wellington:
New Zealand v Australia
Match starts at 0100 GMT on Friday
It is to inform you that the Live Scores-Australia Vs Newzealand will be exclusively available here.

Both teams have points to prove in the next three one-dayers

Australia aim to bounce back from their shock tri-series finals defeat by England in the first one-dayer against New Zealand in Wellington on Friday.

The world champions are without captain Ricky Ponting and keeper Adam Gilchrist for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy games.

"We probably weren't as disciplined as we normally are. We did fall off a bit on the bowling and batting side," stand-in skipper Mike Hussey said.

"There are things we didn't do as well. It does galvanise us to a degree."

The Aussies had few problems in qualifying for the Commonwealth Bank Series finals, which also featured the Kiwis, by winning seven of their eight group games.

We want to stay number one - it's something we're very proud of Mike Hussey

But they were then no match for the resurgent English in the two finals in Melbourne and Sydney and go into next month's World Cup under more pressure than expected.

"We're all aware of it and want to stay number one, there's no question about that," Hussey added. "It's something we're very proud of.

"Our main goal is playing well and winning the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy and if we do that we remain number one. We've still got some excellent, experienced cricketers and a wealth of depth."

Key all-rounder Andrew Symonds is recovering from arm surgery, and sits out the whole tour along with Ponting and Gilchrist.

Meanwhile, batsman Michael Clarke (sore hip) and paceman Brett Lee (ankle) are likely to sit out the opener at the Basin Reserve, leaving 12 players to choose from.

They'll be hurting from England beating them and have still got a strong team Ross Taylor on Australia

New Zealand seamer Daryl Tuffey is in line for his first international cricket since February 2005, with injuries and loss of form keeping him out of the fold.

The Kiwis are also looking to make amends after defeat by England in their final group game cost them a chance to face the Aussies in the tri-series finals.

But they have won only two of 22 ODIs against their neighbours since 2002 and batsman Ross Taylor is aware of the size of task they face.

"We had a lot of close games over there and we should have won three of them," he said.

"Hopefully we can rectify that in these next three games.

"We've taken a little bit from England beating them but we can't take too much. They'll be hurting from that and they've still got a strong team."

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Australia (from): Hussey (capt), Hayden, Jaques, Clarke, Hodge, Voges, Watson, White, Haddin, Hogg, Lee, Bracken, Johnson, McGrath.

New Zealand (from): Fleming (capt), Vincent, Taylor, Styris, McMillan, Oram, McCullum, Vettori, Franklin, Tuffey, Bond, Gillespie, Patel.

Aussie concerns over injured Lee

Lee was treated for 10 minutes on the pitch by medical staff

Australia pace bowler Brett Lee is a concern ahead of the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury in training.

The 30-year-old was taking part in a fielding drill at Wellington's Basin Reserve when he caught his foot in the ground after sliding for a ball.

Scans on his left ankle cleared him of any fracture or long-term damage with further updates due on Saturday.

He has been ruled out of the first match of the one-day Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand on Friday.

Mitchell Johnson is likely to be called into the side, with Shaun Tait, Stuart Clark or Ben Hilfenhaus set to join the squad as cover.

Batsman Michael Clarke is doubtful after arriving in New Zealand on Wednesday with a hip problem.

Australia are already without some big names for the series as they warm up for the World Cup, with their first match against Scotland on 14 March in St Kitts.

Captain Ricky Ponting has been rested, wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist is spending time with his family ahead of the birth of his third child, while all-rounder Andrew Symonds is recovering from arm surgery.

Symonds in Aussie World Cup squad

Symonds was injured in a tri-series game against England

Injured all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been named in Australia's 15-man squad for next month's World Cup.

Symonds, 31, is set to miss some early games in the Caribbean after having surgery on his arm but Australia can replace him if he is unable to play.

Brad Haddin will cover for keeper Adam Gilchrist, who will miss some games to attend the birth of his third child.

Paceman Shaun Tait beat Stuart Clark to the final seamer role and Brad Hogg was preferred as spinner to Cameron White.

Captain Ricky Ponting had said he was keen to have the influential Symonds, who starred in the Aussies' 2003 World Cup triumph, available for the latter stages of the tournament.

And chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said the team's medical staff were confident he would be ready for action.

"His recovery from surgery has gone as well as could have been expected," he said.

"Given his importance to the team and the balance of the team it was felt that the risk of picking him so soon after surgery is warranted."

Shaun Tait's pace will give us extra firepower Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch

Hilditch insisted the selection of Haddin would improve their options, citing the 29-year-old's fine form in domestic cricket with the bat.

The chief selector also admitted Clark and White were unlucky after featuring regularly in the recently concluded tri-series.

But it was felt the quicker Tait would profit more on the expected slow pitches in the Caribbean, while the return to fitness of all-rounder Shane Watson had helped force out White.

"Shaun Tait's pace will give us extra firepower during the powerplays and at the end of the innings, and adds variation to the pace attack," Hilditch explained.

"Cameron White is extremely unlucky to miss selection in the squad. He is a young man with a bright future for Australia. We think he'll only get better with age."

We are still the best side in the world in our view Andrew Hilditch

Hilditch, meanwhile, insisted holders Australia would go into the tournament confident despite losing to England in the final of the CB Series.

"We think the squad is capable of winning the World Cup for a third consecutive time. We are still the best side in the world in our view," he added.

"We have been planning for the defence of the World Cup for two years. We've been pleased with the team's preparation and extremely pleased with the victory in the recent ICC Champions Trophy."

Australia have warm-up matches against Zimbabwe and England on 6 and 9 March, before getting their campaign under way against Scotland on 14 March.

Ponting expects to be in good shape for the start of the tournament despite needing cortisone injections to ease back pain during the Test series against England.

The skipper is missing the one-dayers in New Zealand and will need further injections after X-rays revealed bone spurs in his spine.

"It's just the right time now I think to get it fixed as soon as possible, so I'm not having a lot of sleepless nights through the World Cup as I've had through the summer," he explained.

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Australia World Cup squad:

Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Brad Hodge, Shane Watson, Andrew Symonds, Brad Haddin, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath.

Australia want consistency back

Buchanan will quit as coach after the World Cup

Australia have been warned to address their shortcomings before the start of the World Cup next month.

Despite an impressive Ashes series whitewash, the Baggy Greens looked out-of-sorts in the Commonwealth Bank Series finals, losing 2-0 to England.

"I think it's important to find out where maybe there are some deficiencies, where we do lack some consistency," coach John Buchanan said.

"We would rather be finding that out now than sometime in the West Indies."

He said Australia should have beaten England in the triangular one-day series finals.

"Whether we want to say that there were selection issues, whether there's a World Cup issue, whether we're missing Andrew Symonds, whatever.

"We're a very, very capable side who should be definitely capable of beating England."

Some of the things that weren't working through this tournament, hopefully we'll gradually improve those a little bit under a tough competitive environment John Buchanan

Buchanan has also told his players to expect a tough challenge in New Zealand in the upcoming Chappell-Hadlee series.

The world champions will be without captain Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, who will both be rested, while Symonds remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on an arm injury.

They could be toppled from the top of the one-day rankings if they lose in New Zealand and South Africa beat Pakistan in their final one-day international.

Buchanan said: "I expect we'll get a pretty torrid time over there. We're minus three players now for that tournament so it will be a difficult three games for us.

"Some of the things that weren't working through this tournament, hopefully we'll gradually improve those a little bit under a tough competitive environment."

Buchanan, who quits as coach after the World Cup, said he had no regrets about possibly motivating England to their stunning tri-series one-day finals triumph over Australia.

He raised hackles when he claimed last month the troubled tourists were not testing his world champions.

England made Buchanan choke on his words after winning their final three one-day matches against Australia, including the two tri-series finals.

Hussey to lead Australia in Newzealand

Batsman Mike Hussey will lead Australia in the forthcoming Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series in New Zealand.

Regular skipper Ricky Ponting will miss the three-match series in order to rest a back problem ahead of the World Cup.

The selectors have also decided to give wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist a break and their places in the squad will be taken by Adam Voges and Brad Haddin.

The series begins in Wellington on 16 February and all three games will be played in the space of five days.

Ponting's back has troubled him throughout the Australian season, but scans have shown there is no serious underlying problem.

"We see the period following the conclusion of the [current] Commonwealth Bank finals as an important window of opportunity in ensuring he is fully fit for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup," he said.

"While he is able to train and play, the injury causes him significant discomfort and we want to alleviate this before the start of what is a major tournament," said team physio Alex Kountouris.

"Through the correct medical management we are confident of Ricky competing pain-free in the West Indies."

Explaining Gilchrist's absence from the squad, chief selector Andrew Hilditch said the 35-year-old had played right through a "demanding summer" and needed time "to allow his body to properly recover".

He added: "Our view is consistent with the management of player workload."

Michael Clarke has been named as Hussey's deputy, but there are no surprises among the bowlers with Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson all included.

Uncapped Voges, meanwhile, is hoping for a first taste of international cricket after being named in the squad for the third Ashes Test aaginst England in Perth last December but failing to make the final XI.

"It's a bit of a surprise, to be honest. To have something like this come out of the blue is pretty amazing," the Western Australia batsman said.

"Having the opportunity to be part of the Australian squad before the Ashes Test in Perth really gave me that extra motivation to continue to work hard on my game so I would get another chance to be part of the Australian side."

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Squad: Michael Hussey (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Nathan Bracken, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Adam Voges, Shane Watson, Cameron White.

Watson returns to Australia squad

Australia have recalled all-rounder Shane Watson for the finals of the triangular one-day series after injury.

Watson was expected to be a key player in both the Ashes and tri-series with his batting and pace bowling, but has been plagued by a hamstring problem.

However, a bicep injury to Andrew Symonds has prompted his return, having proved his fitness in domestic cricket.

Paceman Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark have been left out of the 13-man squad, but spinner Brad Hogg is retained.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch explained: "With Shane returning to the side there is no need to continue with five specialist fast bowlers in the squad.

"He adds a great balance to the Australian side

Hilditch on Watson"

"Both Stuart and Shaun were unlucky to be omitted and remain very much in contention for selection in the World Cup squad."

But Hilditch hinted that Watson could be given an extended run in the Australia side, provided he retains his fitness.

"Shane has been given a full medical clearance and has successfully returned to domestic cricket.

"We feel the time is now right for him to return to international cricket.

"He adds a great balance to the Australian one-day side and was an important member of the victorious Australian side at the Champions Trophy."

The best of three final starts in Melbourne on Friday with the second game in Sydney on Sunday and the third game, if needed, in Adelaide next Tuesday.

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Australia squad: R Ponting (captain), A Gilchrist (vice captain), M Hussey, B Hodge, M Hayden, M Clarke, G McGrath, B Lee, N Bracken, B Hogg, M Johnson, S Watson, C White.

Worldcup NEWs-Nielsen to fill Buchanan's post

John Buchanan will be succeeded as Australia's coach by former assistant Tim Nielsen following the World Cup.

Nielsen, 38, a former first-class wicketkeeper-batsman, is currently head coach at Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Buchanan replaced Geoff Marsh as national coach in 1999 and has overseen one of the most successful eras in Australian cricket history.

He announced in August that he was quitting after the World Cup.

Nielsen played in 101 matches for South Australia and retired in 1999.

He has worked with many of Australia's rising talents and had been considered a natural successor to Buchanan.

Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody and West Indies coach Bennett King had both been linked with the Australia job.

World Cup fear for Aussie Symonds

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds could miss the World Cup after his ruptured biceps tendon injury was declared worse than first thought.

Symonds had surgery on Sunday to repair the damage and during the operation it was discovered the tendon had fully torn off the bone.

Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: "It's going to be tough for the World Cup.

"They tend to take a little bit of time to recover."

Symonds was injured during the match against England on Friday, which Australia lost by 92 runs.

The 31-year-old was forced to retire hurt after making 39.

Kountouris added: "We just want to see how it goes over the next couple of weeks.

"There's no fixed time with any sort of surgery you do ... so we are just going to look at it week by week.

"We're still aiming for him to be at the World Cup but we're still just looking at where he is going to be in the next one to two weeks."

Symonds has played 161 one-day internationals and starred in Australia's 2003 World Cup win in South Africa.

Aussie star Symonds faces surgery

Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds is to undergo surgery after rupturing the biceps tendon in his right shoulder during their loss to England in Sydney.

He was forced to retire hurt after making 39 and his chances of playing in the World Cup could now be in doubt.

Team doctor Trefor James declined to speculate on how long the 31-year-old would be out of action.

But Symonds said: "I feel optimistic about the future because I know I'm a good healer."
He will play no further part in the current Commonwealth Bank Series and has only six weeks to recover before Australia's opening World Cup game against Scotland in St Kitts.

Symonds is a vital member of the one-day side, having scored more than 4,000 runs in 161 games, including the 2003 World Cup final, and taken 121 wickets and 69 catches.

His injury is doubly worrying for the selectors because Australia's other all-rounder, Shane Watson, has not played international cricket since last November's ICC Champions Trophy because of a hamstring injury.

Symonds admitted: "We won't know how bad this injury is until after the surgery. I felt it go during the game...I batted on but the pain was considerable and I was advised by the team physio, Alex Kountouris, to come off."

Dr James said Symonds would undergo "intensive physiotherapy" following the surgery.

He added: "His return to cricket will depend on his progress."

World Cup winner Bevan to retire

World Cup winner Michael Bevan has announced his retirement because of persistent injury problems.
Bevan helped Australia lift the trophy in 1999 and 2003 and at one time was rated the world's best one-day batsman.

He scored 6,912 runs in 232 limited overs internationals at an average of 53 and also won 18 Test caps.

"I've pretty much achieved what I wanted to achieve," said 36-year-old Bevan, who has been playing state cricket for Tasmania since 2004-05.

"It got to the stage where injuries and pain were holding back my motivation.

"I was finding it hard to get up for matches and that was probably a pretty clear indication that it was time to move on," he added.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland paid tribute by saying: "He has been part of an incredibly successful generation of Australian talent."

Bevan began his first-class career with South Australia before moving on to New South Wales, where he first attracted the attention of the national team selectors.
He made his one-day debut against Sri Lanka in April 1994 and progressed to the Test side five months later but despite scores of 82, 70 and 91 in his first series against Pakistan, a perceived weakness against short-pitched bowling cost him his place early in 1998.

Despite that, Bevan remained a permanent fixture in the limited overs side and gradually established a reputation as the game's pre-eminent finisher, underlined by the fact that of his 46 fifties and six centuries for Australia, 21 of them were unbeaten.

Australia were 74-7, chasing a target of 173 against West Indies at Sydney on New Year's Day 1996, but with only the tail for support, he made an unbeaten 78 to see them home by one wicket.

His highest score of 108 not out came against England at The Oval five years later but even more important was his unbeaten 74 when the two sides met in Port Elizabeth during the 2003 World Cup.

After scoring 204-8, England reduced Australia to 135-8 in reply but Bevan and Andy Bichel shared an unbroken partnership of 72 in 12 overs to win the game with two balls to spare.

Bevan did not make the team for the final against India, however, and his international career came to an end the following year when he was left off the list of Australia's contracted players.

He continued to be a prolific scorer at state level, however, and his all-round skills as a fielder and left-arm wrist spinner meant he was also in demand for English county sides during his career, with spells for Kent, Leicestershire, Sussex and Yorkshire.

Bevan has been doubling as an assistant coach for Tasmania during the current Australian season and they are likely to retain his services in that capacity.

"His coaching, particularly of our young up-and-coming players, has been of great benefit to the team and we are looking forward to continue to use his skills in this area," Tasmania Cricket Asssociation chief David Johnston confirmed.

Cricket paceman bowls into charts

Australian cricketer Brett Lee is enjoying success in the Indian charts after recording a soulful duet with Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle.

Lee wrote lyrics, sang and performed in the video for the part-Hindi song You're the One For Me.

The fast bowler went into the studio between games in the Champions Trophy tournament in India in November.

Lee, who has a band in Australia, has reportedly turn downed roles in Bollywood films.

The song's video, which features Lee playing guitar and singing to an Indian girl in an office, has become a hit on YouTube.

"He is nothing like the aggressive fast bowler that he is on the field - he is extremely polite"
Samir Tandon
Composer

Lee was reported as saying recording with Bhosle was an "amazing" experience, calling the Indian star the "Aretha Franklin of India".

Samir Tandon, who composed the music, said: "We had a great time recording the music.

"As a musician, he is nothing like the aggressive fast bowler that he is on the field. He is extremely polite."

The song has climbed to number three on the music charts of popular FM station Radio City, which broadcasts in several Indian cities.