Sri Lanka have announced that the country’s main cricket academy is to be named after Muttiah Muralitharan. Normally, retired and venerable players are given the honour of having roads, stands, stadiums or institutions named after them. But Muralitharan, Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker, has been deemed worthy enough to be an exception to this unwritten rule.The symbolic importance of this can be gauged from the fact the announcement was made not by a board official, but by prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe himself.

BAT Sports are effectively 43 points clear of their nearest rivals Bashley (Rydal) in their bid to reclaim the ECB Southern Electric Premier League championship.A crushing nine-wicket win over Andover, predictably led by a thumping 166 not out by New Zealander Neal Parlane, has put the 2001 league champions in a near unassailable position.Parlane smacked eight sixes and 25 fours in his highest individual score yet as Andover’s challenging 249-8 was simply blown away.BAT travel to Bashley on Saturday, but only a major downturn in fortune will prevent them from regaining the trophy from Havant, who suffered a third defeat against the Academy.Richard Dibden’s side will virtually have the title tied up if they beat Bashley next weekend, making the August 16 showdown with Havant purely academic.Led by Rose Bowl assistant Mark Miller, who struck a season’s best 97, Andover put up a gallant show at Southern Gardens.Toby Radford (31), Ian Gardner (33) and Roger Miller (23) all provided useful support, with Richard Dibden (3-67) BAT’s most successful bowler.Mark Miller’s ultra-safe hands accounted for Damian Shirazi, but the young left-hander’s departure was Andover’s solitary success as Parlane took over.Sixes and fours rattled all around the ground, with a staggering 148 of the Kiwi’s 166 coming in boundaries !Richard Kenway did well to garner some of the strike and finished with 62 not out as BAT posted 251-1 in 39.5 overs.BAT’s near neighbours Calmore Sports remain fastened to the Premier basement – 20 points behind Liphook & Ripsley – after a tame draw with South Wilts at Loperwood Park.Tom Caines (36), Paul Draper (34) and Jason Laney (31) were among the seven batsmen in double figures as South Wilts reached 225-9 off 66 overs.Mark Boston (4-100) and Charlie Freeston (3-69) wheeled away for Calmore, who appeared to have got themselves into a decent position at 125-2 through a half-century by Gary Stinson (54), Martin Bushell (30) and Paul Cass (29).But they didn’t altogether challenge a target of 100 off the final 23 overs and, with Stuart Bailey 42 not out, closed at 196-5, 29 runs behind.

Frizzell County Championship Division OneDay 1 ReportEssex v Leicestershire 471 for 5 at Southend
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It’s not often a side racks up over 400 in a day, but bottom-placed Leicestershire took advantage of an inexperienced Essex attack and a flat pitch to race to a whopping 471 for 5 – the most runs scored in a day this season. Darren Stevens smashed 24 fours in his 149, and he put on 108 with John Maunders (44) for the first wicket. Darren Maddy continued the assault with 41 followed by a rasping 74 from Brad Hodge, and that was just a taste of things to come for the hapless bowlers. Trevor Ward joined in the fun with a crucifying 103 not out from only 89 balls and Paul Nixon rubbed things in with an easy 30. Essex’s Zoheb Sharif, on his Championship debut, had a sobering day, as did all the bowlers. While James Middlebrook finished with 2 for 99, Sharif went for 80 from 14 overs, but he at least collected three hard-earned wickets.Lancashire 384 for 5 v Warwickshire at Old Trafford
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Stuart Law hit his 59th first-class century as Lancashire ended the day in a strong position against Warwickshire. Law scored a commanding 150 not out including 20 fours and two sixes, as Lancashire closed on a comfortable 384 for 5. Ian Sutcliffe set things up at the top of the order with 86 before he was bowled by Dougie Brown (2 for 70). And after Mark Chilton (30) and Carl Hooper (35) chipped in, Glen Chapple cashed in with 37 not out. Waqar Younis returned to the Championship side after a break, and although he only picked up one wicket, he was the most economical of the Warwickshire bowlers, conceding 58 from 19 overs.Surrey 375 for 9 v Middlesex at Guildford
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An unbeaten fifty-partnership from last pair Saqlain Mushtaq (40*) and Jimmy Ormond (32*), coupled with a rescuing 85 from Rikki Clarke overshadowed a bright start from Middlesex, who will be kicking themselves after having Surrey on the rack at 131 for 5. Simon Cook, who was overlooked for Middlesex’s last two Championship games, took three early wickets to put Surrey – who were without the injured Adam Hollioake and Azhar Mahmood – on the back foot. But Clarke showed his international class when he hit back with a classy knock featuring 13 fours. Graham Thorpe, who many expected to be warming up with England at Edgbaston today, had earlier notched up another first-class fifty before he was one of Cook’s victims. Cook finished with 3 for 60, and Chad Keegan and Ashley Noffke picked up three wickets each, but they let Surrey off the hook and suffered the prolonged frustration of Ian Salisbury’s quickfire 40 from 48 balls, not to mention Saqlain’s and Ormond’s last stand. Frizzell County Championship Division TwoGloucestershire 271 v Worcestershire 48 for 1 at Cheltenham
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Worcestershire’s Nantie Hayward and Matthew Mason took three wickets each as Gloucestershire were bundled out for a spluttering 271, and that thanks mainly to a enterprising knock from last man Jonathan Lewis, who top-scored with 47. It was a valuable effort from Lewis, as even though all the batsmen bar one reached double figures, none could go on to the big score needed. Mason (3 for 48) was the pick of the bowlers, and he eventually got Lewis, as well as Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan all-rounder making his debut. Worcestershire, who are boosted by the return of Graeme Hick, then finished off a good day’s work as they reached 48 for 1 at the close.Northamptonshire 325 v Somerset 26 for 2 at Northampton
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Two late wickets from Ben Phillips gave Northants the edge against Somerset at Wantage Road. Northants scored a sprightly 325 in which Ian Blackwell took 5 for 96 and removed the top four Northants batsmen, who all made contributions. Tim Roberts, in his Championship debut, hit an impressive 83, including 11 fours and a six, while Phil Jacques (41) and David Sales (38) kept the momentum going. And the lower-order put in their bit too. Graeme Swann scored 44, Adam Shantry, another debutant, hit 38 not out and Andre Nel chipped in with 22 on his return from the South African squad. In their reply, Northants were quickly shot down to 15 for 2 as Phillips removed Peter Bowler for 14 and James Bryant first ball.Yorkshire 326 for 5 v Hampshire at Scarborough
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Matthew Wood led from the front for Yorkshire with a dominating 155 against Hampshire, who made a late fightback inspired by Dimitri Mascarenhas. Captain and top of the order, Wood led by example with 19 fours in his five-hour innings, and with contributions from Victor Craven (47) and Michael Lumb (64), Yorkshire were riding high. However, when Wood was trapped lbw to Mascarenhas with the score on 303 for 3, Mascarenhas then removed Lumb and Craig White first ball with no score added to haul Hampshire back in the game.

One of the best-known cricket administrators from Northern Districts, Basil McBurney died on Monday. A life member of the ND association, he was a long-serving and highly-respected selector and manager.While he never played for ND, he played 30 matches for Waikato in minor association cricket, from his debut in March 1954 until his last match against Thames Valley in January 1962. He captained the side in 17 matches. He scored his only century for the side in his third match, 100 not out off 116 balls against Northland, who included in their ranks, Brian Child, Brian Presland and Max Joass, who all would become good friends once their playing careers were completed.Another of his future selection partners for ND, Ian Leggat also managed to bowl McBurney for a duck in a Hawke Cup match. Once his playing days were completed he maintained his connection with Waikato cricket and, after a boundary change was instituted, with Thames Valley. From there he moved into ND duty and was a selector from 1975 until 1987, serving as convener in five of those years.John Turkington, the chief executive of Northern Districts, said: “This is a very sad day for the Northern Districts family losing a man who had given so much to the association and to cricket. His contribution will not be forgotten”

On behalf of the CCA and the entire Cricketing community, we wish to extend our condolences to Dr. and Mrs. Barry Mills of Winnipeg, Manitoba on the sudden loss of their beloved son, Damian At 24, he passed away in his sleep last evening.We are shocked to learn of the untimely death of Damian Mills, one of the members of the Canadian HP players, who was actively training for CCA High Performance Events in 2004.Karran Bayney, CCA 2nd Vice President, knew Damian well and expresses the horror felt by all who have known Damian. Damian was the Captain and opening batsman of the Winnipeg Juniors cricket team of Manitoba.He was a pleasant outgoing chap who loved the game of cricket more than life. He was often seen at the park earlier than most and stayed longer than the rest. He was the most exciting player that Manitoba has seen for a long time. He was their best player in 2003, scoring over 1100 runs and winning batting honours in several provinces this year. He even travelled to Ontario to play with the CCA U23 and Overseas teams when he could find time in his busy schedule.He always encouraged less gifted players and always generous with his advice. He was an ardent student of the game. He was always modest despite huge accomplishments and positive about any perceived shortcomings. He trained constantly and was a willing student of the gamein fact a coach’s dream.Damian, Canadian born, learned the game of Cricket in Manitoba. He has represented Canada both at the junior and senior team levels. As a junior, he shares a record opening pair stand.Damian worked for the Manitoba Telecomm System when he was not attending university. He was scheduled to graduate from the University of Manitoba Faculty of Management with a Major in Marketing in the spring of 2004.The Manitoba and Canadian Cricket Associations and the entire cricketing community will miss this very talented and generous young man. He offered so much and asked for so little. Cricket in Manitoba and in Canada will search long and hard to find another Damien.”In the midst of life, we are in death.””Those whom the Gods love, die young.”Rest in peace Damian!

Close Pakistan 318 and 201 for 5 drew with Auckland 222Pakistan’s batsmen, who missed out in the first innings of their tour opener against Auckland at Eden Park, took the opportunity to get some valuable time in the middle during the second innings, as the match petered out to a tame draw.Auckland batted on till the third day, and were eventually dismissed for 222 with Danish Kaneria taking 5 for 70 runs from 32.1 overs.And while Pakistan lost their first two wickets for 24 runs, Yousuf Youhana and Inzamam-ul-Haq combined to put on 121 runs. Youhana was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, but he showed the sort of scoring touches Pakistan will be hoping from him at Hamilton in the first Test starting on Friday.His half-century came off 62 balls as he and Inzamam took a liking to Auckland’s opening bowlers Paul Hitchcock and Kerry Walmsley, who have both recently returned from New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan. But it was Brooke Walker, the Auckland captain and legspinner, who had him caught for 67 off 95 balls. While Hitchcock claimed the wickets of both openers, his 10 overs went for 56 runs. Walmsley did no better with 42 runs off seven overs.Inzamam’s dismissal, also to Walker, was a controversial one, as he appeared reluctant to accept the umpire’s decision that he had been caught at the wicket by Reece Young. The ball flicked his bat on to his pad and Young dived full-length to take the chance. However, no action was taken on the matter by the match umpires, Doug Cowie and Dave Quested.The rain-affected game ended with Pakistan on 201 for 5. Pakistan now travel to Hamilton prepare for the first Test.

Mark Butcher completed his first first-class century of the winter, as England’s batsmen reacquainted themselves with the middle of a cricket ground, after a frustrating week of washouts and waiting. Butcher had been worryingly out of touch during the Bangladesh series last month, but was back to his fluent best as England reached 225 for 5 at the rain-imposed close, a lead of 44.With Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick taking a break from this match, the onus was on England’s Test specialists to come up with the bulk of the runs. And, with the exception of Nasser Hussain, who was unluckily bowled off his thighpad for a second-ball duck, they have so far delivered. Butcher added 93 for the second wicket with Graham Thorpe, whose eye for the gap was as astute as ever, and by the time Freddie Flintoff had walloped 47 from 53 balls, England were in a handy position.After taking their time to settle, Butcher and Thorpe rattled along at more than four an over. But, just when Thorpe looked to be hitting top gear, he allowed himself to get carried away after smearing two boundaries off Dilhara Fernando, and was caught behind in the same over, as he snicked an attempted pull (96 for 2).As England’s captain, Flintoff announced himself in the only appropriate manner – by hoisting his first ball for a six over square leg – and all but trod on his stumps in the process. He thumped three sixes in all, one of which clanged off the corrugated-iron roof of the green hut at cow corner. But, with tea approaching, Russel Arnold turned to the legspin of Bathiya Perera, and Flintoff clubbed his first ball down the throat of Chamila Gamage at midwicket (189 for 3).Butcher reached his century in emphatic style, by hoisting Thilan Samaraweera down the ground for a straight six, although England’s progress was slowed by two run-outs – Chris Read, who was beaten by a throw from point, and Gareth Batty, who was cruelly sent on his way after Butcher’s straight drive had clipped Samaraweera on the way through to the stumps. Before Geraint Jones could make an impact on his representative debut, however, the rains rolled in once again.In the morning session, England had endured a frustrating half-hour in the field, as Perera converted his overnight 29 into an opportunistic half-century. England didn’t help their cause by missing two catches in the slip cordon, and they watched a host of edges fly down to the unguarded third-man boundary as the President’s XI moved along to 181 in their first innings.Perera took full advantage with an unbeaten 55, although he ought to have added just five runs to his overnight 29, when Geraint Jones fingertipped a diving chance to his right off James Kirtley. Nandika Ranjith was later dropped at second slip by Thorpe – his second miss of the match.Flintoff had earlier persuaded Gamage to fend a sharp chance to Batty in the gully, and Batty himself wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Ranjith, courtesy of Jones, who redeemed himself with another smart stumping.

Mohammad Kaif will miss the forthcoming VB Series against Australia and Zimbabwe.Kaif damaged a thumb while playing for the India A team and will not recover in time to take any part in the triangular competition. A replacement will be named by the selectors within a couple of days.Kaif visited orthopaedic surgeon Dr Anant Joshi, and was immediately declared unfit. He was only named in the one-day squad because India’s physio had said that he would recover by the start of the series.

Michael Clark returned to Perth today after injuring his back in the Retravision Warriors rain marred ING Cup match against Tasmania in Launceston yesterday.The left-arm fast-bowler has been plagued by back problems since the middle of 2003. He has only played two ING Cup matches for WA this season.Clark was the Warriors leading wicket-taker last season with 38 wickets in the Pura Cup. Clark said that he felt pain in his back early on in his spell of 2-43 from nine overs.Clark will immediately see Warriors Doctor Damian McCann for an assessment. A decision on his immediate playing future will be made over the next few days.Wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Campbell is expected to be fit after recovering from a tear to his adductor muscle in his groin. Back-up keeper Luke Ronchi is on standby in case Campbell cannot get through training tomorrow.Ben Edmondson left Perth today to join the squad in Hobart. Edmondson has been one of the Warriors most effective bowlers in the Pura Cup this season where his pace and swing have netted him 13 wickets at an average of 34.84 in four matches.Rockingham-Mandurah off-spinner Aaron Heal will make his first-class debut if Michael Hussey stays with the Australian VB Series team for the finals and either Ryan Campbell or Luke Ronchi will be 12th Man.If Hussey is not included in the VB Series squad he will join the Warriors in Tasmania and a decision on 12th Man will be made on the morning of the match.Left-arm wrist spinner Beau Casson did not recover sufficiently from bruised fingers and split webbing to his left hand to be considered. Casson hurt his hand while fielding in WA’s ING Cup win over NSW last month.The Retravision Warriors 12-man Pura Cup Squad
Justin Langer (C), Ryan Campbell, Ben Edmondson, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Aaron Heal, Scott Meuleman, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Luke Ronchi, John Taylor and Darren Wates.Radio Fremantle 107.9FM will provide ball-by-ball coverage for the entire match.

Zimbabwe 185 for 7 (Flower 59, Rogers 54, Mahmud 4-19) beat Bangladesh 183 (Manjural 63, Sarkar 59, Flower 3-36) by three wickets, and won the series 2-1
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A captain’s innings from Heath Streak – and a nervousness from Bangladesh which comes from not being used to winning – enabled Zimbabwe to scrape a three-wicket victory which had seemed highly unlikely when they slumped to 124 for 6 chasing 183 in the fifth and deciding one-day international at Harare. Zimbabwe thus sneaked the series 2-1.Twice in this match Bangladesh had the upper hand, and both times they let the advantage slip away. When they batted, Hannan Sarkar (59) and Manjural Islam Rana (63) laid a solid foundation with a 105-run opening stand only for the middle order to blow it; then when Bangladesh fielded they had Zimbabwe on the ropes and let them off.Khaled Mahmud, in recent months usually the villain and never the hero, was almost Bangladesh’s unlikely matchwinner. His career-best 4 for 19 in 10 overs ripped through Zimbabwe’s innings after Barney Rogers (54) and Grant Flower (54) had taken them to 112 for 0. Mahmud’s gentle medium-pace wobblers were ideal for the overcast conditions, and in the space of 31 balls Zimbabwe had been reduced to 124 for 6, with Mahmud taking 4 for 0 in ten balls.Streak needed someone to stay with him, and Dion Ebrahim rose to the challenge. They stopped the rot, saw off Mahmud, and then took on Bangladesh’s other bowlers, who wilted under the counterattack. A moment of madness from Ebrahim, who looked for a second run which was never there and was run out for 11 (154 for 7), briefly gave Bangladesh hope, but the next over from Tapash Baisya went for ten runs and the pressure was off the batsmen again. Streak and Gary Brent had overs in hand, so didn’t need to take any undue risks to ease their side home.But Bangladesh’s batsmen should have ensured that they posted a total which would have removed the pressure from their bowlers. Sarkar and Manjural batted with confidence – aided by some loose bowling and a dropped catch or two – and even though Zimbabwe’s spinners slowed the run-rate, there was no excuse for the collapse that followed.Rather strangely, Sarkar decided to try to sweep everything, and there was an inevitability in his dismissal, top-edging Ray Price to Rogers at fine leg. But then the middle order self-destructed in an orgy of inappropriate shots, and from 153 for 3 Bangladesh lost their last seven wickets for 30 runs. Barring the openers, only Rajin Saleh (21) reached double figures, while the two spinners, Price (2 for 38) and Flower (3 for 36), did the damage.So Zimbabwe came from behind to edge the series 2-1 – the first two matches in Bulawayo were washed out – but they were thoroughly unconvincing against one-day cricket’s whipping boys. If Bangladesh had shown more self-belief then they could have won all three games. As it is, they go home beaten, but having made some progress against the side they have to target as the one to which they have the best chance of passing the unwanted title of the world’s worst.