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Stage two of what England’s captain has identified as their World Cup knock-out run gets under way in Port Elizabeth tomorrow, with the cobwebs blown away to a reassuring degree by their opening win at Buffalo Park on Sunday.This is the last of England’s “minnow matches” and is against a side that is already weighted to the bottom of the Group A table, with two overwhelming defeats (by Pakistan and Zimbabwe) and a massively inferior run rate.With so little time left before their matches against Pakistan, India and Australia, England do not have the luxury enjoyed by the tournament favourites of being able to make changes for the lesser games.”We are running out of chances,” Nasser Hussain said. “There’s no coming back from a loss for us. We have to win convincingly.”The teams will get better and better as the competition progresses for us and we have to look at every game as if it’s a semi-final or final.”Namibia are coached by Warwickshire’s Scotsman Dougie Brown, who played nine one-day internationals for England in 1997 and 1998. Tournament debutants they may be, but Brown is not without ambition for tomorrow’s encounter.”It hasn’t really gone according to plan up to now but there is nothing to say we can’t do something to make people sit up and say we are not such a bad side after all,” Brown said.”We’re not going to be daunted or fazed by any of the players in the England side. We thoroughly respect them but we’re going to try and score and play to the best of our ability. We’re not out there to be everyone’s whipping boys or just to make up the numbers.”Brown’s Warwickshire team-mate, Nick Knight, will be keen to build on his opening 51 against the Netherlands, and believes that England have plenty to offer despite the controversial build-up to the tournament.”Cricket is what we’ve come out here for and we were chuffed to get back on the cricket pitch,” Knight said.”We’re determined to do ourselves justice in the World Cup and do well. We’ve had a good preparation in the last week among all that’s been going on and we’re quietly confident we can do something special.”Michael Vaughan, who also compiled a half-century against the Netherlands, is keeping his fingers crossed that it could be the start of a cup run of his own.”I’m going into these games looking to play exactly as I have all year,” said Vaughan, who reached double figures only three times in his first eight one-day international appearances.”I’ve only played about 20-odd matches and my first eight or so were shambolic performances against Pakistan and Australia in my first series, but I have been quite pleased with the way I’ve been playing.”They’ve now given me a settled position at number three and it is one I feel comfortable in. If I can settle into that role I’m hoping I’ll be able to produce the performances that can help England.”Vaughan also insisted that the England squad are hoping that Hussain will remain as captain, following his admission that he will consider his future in the job after the tournament following the recent Zimbabwe crisis.”Nasser’s doing a fantastic job and we’re all behind him and hope he’ll continue after the World Cup,” Vaughan added, despite hinting that he would be interested in the job further down the line.”First and foremost the job isn’t available and I’m just concentrating on my batting, it’s my first World Cup, which is a fantastic occasion, and I’m determined I’m going to go out and enjoy it.”But if after the end of this tournament, or in a year’s time, the job becomes available then obviously I’d like my name to be mentioned.”

The public are reminded that, in keeping with an assurance made earlier this year, a limited number of tickets will become available in the ticketing system for the nine upcoming Super Six matches which start on Friday.People wishing to attend these matches should keep a check on the CWC ticket sales channels by either visiting their local CWC stadium ticket office, calling the ticket hotline on +27 (0)83 123 2003 or logging onto the website www.cricketworldcup.comTickets now on sale will be limited to four per person.Media contact:Rodney Hartman
Communications Director
ICC Cricket World Cup South Africa 2003
Tel: +27 11 446 3604
Fax: +27 11 446 3622
Mobile: +27 83 389 0904

On the second day of the two day friendly match against Sussex at Hove, the Worcestershire bowlers met strong resistance on a bitterly cold day.Sussex scored 341-5 off their 79 overs before play was called off and the match declared a draw. For Sussex Richard Montgomerie scored a fine 104, Chris Adams 64 and Robin Martin-Jenkins 55no.The six strong bowling attack shared the duties throughout the day with Mark Harrity taking 2-60 off 17 overs and Vikram Solanki taking 2-64 off 14 overs. Overseas Player Nantie Hayward took his first wicket with a final return of 1-56 off 12 overs. Kabir Ali, Chris Liptrot and David Leatherdale completed the bowling attack on the day.The Squad will play against Herefordshire on Sunday at Hereford in a David Leatherdale Benefit match before the final inter-squad match on Wednesday 16th April at Ombersley CC.The first game of the season will be at New Road against Hampshire starting on Friday 18th April.

Cricket in the West Indies isn’t all about turning wickets and sweeping cover-drives to the boundary. Calling stumps might signal the end of the day’s play, but for many that’s merely the start of the socialising. It’s not difficult to see why. After all, these sunny islands in the Caribbean sea have the concept of partying pretty much done-and-dusted. Whether it’s a shutter-covered shanty bar, a theme pub, or a luxury beach-front resort, you can bet your banana daiquiri that it will still be pumping at 3am.It’s a situation that has Australian fans smiling wider than Steve Irwin after he’s encountered a particularly grumpy crocodile. In true Antipodean pioneering spirit, the 4000-plus Aussie fans who’ve descended on an unsuspecting Barbados have managed to seek out every night-spot in existence. They’ve been spotted dancing to steel bands, singing karaoke and more than once, falling asleep under a palm tree in the wee small hours.On Friday nights the place to "C and B", as they say here in Bridgetown, is the fish fry at Oistins. When the cooks fire up the open burners in this outer suburb, everyone joins in the fun. It’s not just the tantalising aroma of pan-fried fish that has people flocking to the area. It’s the atmosphere. Beginning life as a run-of-the-mill fish market, Oistins is now a myriad of food stalls, bars and dance floors. There’s also a resident DJ, so by 9pm, the music is thumping, the rum is flowing and the people are happy.It’s also just as popular with the locals as it is with cricket blow-ins. “Everyone comes to fish-fry night,” said Jefferson from St. Michael. “You can walk around, meet your friends, shoot the breeze. Everyone is welcome.” Jefferson’s wife Loretta agreed. “The food is great and it’s always friendly,” she said, rum punch in one hand, deep-fried fish cake in the other. “Behaviour is monitored so nothing gets out of hand. Dancing on the table-tops is definitely not allowed.”The blow-ins, however, were there in force. “I can’t believe my luck,” said Neil from Melbourne as he arrived and surveyed the scene. “First we get great cricket, then this. There are so many people here. It’s a beautiful night.” Michelle from Sydney was equally impressed. Having sprained her ankle two nights previously, she wasn’t about to let the injury hinder her Oistins experience. “I’ve heard you’re not supposed to dance on the tables,” she said. “But I’m willing to give it a shot after I’ve had a few rums.”Ryan from Wagga was content just to take photographs. “I’m wandering aimlessly, taking it all in,” he said. “It’s that kind of place isn’t it?” Sarah from Adelaide was more concerned with opportunities of the liquid variety. “This rum goes down so smoothly,” she said, tinkling her ice in time to Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman, No Cry’. “I don’t drink at the cricket, so I try to make up for it at night. Is that wrong?” No one present seemed remotely interesting in presenting her with a contradictory viewpoint.Then of course, there’s the commercial aspect of Oistins. Friday night fish-fry is also an absolute money-spinner. “It’s great for our economy,” said CD seller Rochelle. “People come from all over the world to Oistins. They spend money, Bajans have employment, everyone has a good time. We all win.” By 10pm, Rochelle was so satisfied with the night’s business that she was shutting up shop and heading home. “It’s been a good session,” she said, displaying her cash haul. “I’ve sold a lot of Bob Marley, some Jimmy Cliff and a bit of Sean Paul hip hop. But reggae is still the most popular with tourists.”Just before midnight Michelle from Sydney decided to put the no-table-top dancing theory to the acid test. While her friends kept an eye on her crutches and backpack, she tried to launch herself onto the bright blue wood for some serious boogying. “Move the dishes first,” someone yelled. Everyone laughed. But the locals were right. As soon as she placed her bandaged foot above the seat line, the security guard moved in. “Please get down,” he said, taking her hand and returning her to the ground. “Tables are not for dancing.” Michelle didn’t argue. She’d given it a red-hot go. “Hey, I tried,” she said. “I’m like Warnie. I’ll never die wondering.”By 3 am, the Oistins Friday night fish-fry was showing little signs of slowing down. The punters were showing even fewer signs of wanting to go home. “Let’s stay here all night and go straight to the cricket tomorrow,” yelled Michelle. Everyone cheered.Christine Davey is a freelance writer based in Melbourne, Victoria.

Bashley (Rydal) posted a thumping 266-6 declared against Andover, but ended up hanging on to salvage a draw as their ECB Southern Electric Premier League rivals came within two runs of forcing a remarkable win at the BCG.They required five runs for victory off Chris Sketchley’s final over of the day but, with centurion Toby Radford marooned at the non-striker’s end, squeezed only three to finish an agonising 261-8.Radford, having batted superbly, was run out off the last ball for 139.The former Sussex and Middlesex opener had shared a fourth-wicket stand of 150 with Ian Gardner (58) as Andover moved to 238-3 – and to within sight of the Bashley total.But, in a dramatic finish, Sketchley (2-44) nailed Richard Taylor and Simon Mundy, and Bashley somehow hung on."It was a remarkable game," said Bashley skipper Matt King, who dished out special praise to Sketchley."It was a toss up between him or me who bowled that last over, but Sketch said he fancied his chances – and did brilliantly."Bashley earlier recovered from an uncertain 24-2 to post their biggest score of the season, with Western Australian Brad Thompson celebrating his return from a broken finger with a splendid 90.He shared a century stand with Sketchley (47) before Richard Knowles (58) and Andy Neal (27 not out) took Bashley to 262-6 declared off 63 overs.Despite scoring only a modest 162, Bournemouth looked to be heading for a comfortable win at Calmore Sports, when they snatched their hosts ninth wicket.But Charlie Freeston struck out and took Calmore to within six runs of victory before Sean Wallbridge clean bowled tenth-wicket partner Steve Brandes to leave the Totton club 155 all out.Bournemouth lost a host of early wickets but were revived by Geoff Warrington, whose splendid 69 halted five-wicket Eugene Burzler’s inroads into the top order.

Australia have decided to strengthen their batting for their first Test against Bangladesh, and have reverted to a four-bowler strategy. Or perhaps they’ve decided that they don’t need five specialist bowlers. Brad Hogg and Andy Bichel were both omitted from the side, as Martin Love and Darren Lehmann both got a look in.The bowling attack remains formidable: Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee will be supported by Stuart MacGill, who will be hoping, given Bangladesh’s recent record, that he gets a chance to bowl.With Damien Martyn still unfit, Lehmann and Love have both got a chance to pile up some easy international runs. Adam Gilchrist is slated to bat at No. 7.Australian XI 1 Matthew Hayden, 2 Justin Langer, 3 Ricky Ponting, 4 Darren Lehmann, 5 Steve Waugh (capt), 6 Martin Love, 7 Adam Gilchrist (wk), 8 Brett Lee, 9 Jason Gillespie, 10 Stuart MacGill, 11 Glenn McGrath.

Pleased with the response to the first international match at Darwin, Cricket Australia announced that both Darwin and Cairns would host a Test match each when Sri Lanka tour Australia for a two-Test series in June-July next season.James Sutherland, chief executive of Cricket Australia, said: “Cricket Australia is delighted that after the hard work that has gone into preparing both venues for cricket this year, they will both host another international fixture in 2004.” Sri Lanka will play the first Test at Darwin, from July 1-5, while Cairns will host the second Test, from July 9-13.The move to play international cricket during the Australian winter was necessitated by the ICC’s schedule, which requires all teams to play each other in home-and-away series twice in a ten-year period. Darwin and Cairns are hosting the two-Test series against Bangladesh this season.Sutherland spelt out the benefits of playing in the winters: “By extending Australian cricket’s traditional season into the winter months, we have the opportunity to showcase the game to more people for longer periods of time. The weather is perfect to play cricket at this time of year and we are thrilled with the response we’ve had from the locals to this week’s Test match.”Sri Lanka toured Australia in 2002-03, but the impending World Cup in South Africa meant that they only played the triangular VB Series, instead of playing a Test series as well. According to a Cricket Australia press release, both boards had agreed to shift the Tests to July 2004.

Today’s match brings up the half-century of Test matches at Trent Bridge. England have been involved in 48 of the previous 49, winning 13, drawing 21 and losing 14. The odd one out was a match between Australia and South Africa in the 1912 Triangular Tournament, which was a rain-affected draw. The first match there was the 50-year-old WG Grace’s last, a drawn game against the Aussies in 1899.England and South Africa have crossed swords at Nottingham seven times in Tests. England have won three and SA two, with two draws. England came out on top in the most recent meeting, in 1998, when they won the fourth Test to square that series. That was a match made memorable by the eyeball-to-eyeball duel of Mike Atherton and Allan Donald as England successfully chased their fourth-innings target of 247.Prior to that, the last time these two teams met at Trent Bridge was back in 1965, a match that featured another fine innings. Graeme Pollock’s 125 on an untrustworthy pitch inspired South Africa to a 94-run victory.West Indies have the best record of any visitors to Nottingham: they have won four and drawn four of their eight Trent Bridge Tests. Zimbabwe are also unbeaten there, having drawn their only Test in 2000. Australia have won seven of their 20 Tests on the ground (and drawn ten, including the 1912 one against South Africa, and lost only three), while New Zealand have won one of seven (lost four, drawn two). India and Pakistan have played three Tests there, and neither has won. India have drawn twice (including last year) and lost one, while Pakistan have lost two and drawn one.The highest individual score at Trent Bridge (Graeme Smith please note) is Denis Compton’s 278 against Pakistan in 1954. The highest team total remains England’s 658 for 8 declared (Paynter 216 not out, Barnett 102, Compton 102, Hutton 100) against Australia in 1938. And the best bowling figures date back to 1905, when the googly-inventor Bernard Bosanquet bamboozled Australia with 8 for 107.

Whilst Hampshire were resting after a day in the field against Worcestershire, a significant event was happening at neighbours Sussex, who by defeating Middlesex Gladiators in the day/night match at Hove, gave the Hawks a significant boost to their promotion hopes.Middlesex posted a respectable 247-6 in their 45 overs, but after a bad start losing their first two wickets for 21, the Sharks Murray Goodwin and Chris Adams took them past the winning post with 10 balls to spare and in the course defeated the all time 3rd wicket partnership in the Sunday/NL. Both batsmen gaining centuries.The significance in the Division II Table is that Lancashire are assured of promotion, Northamptonshire are all but there with a vastly superior run rate.Hampshire Hawks need just one victory from their remaining three matches against Lancashire, Middlesex and Derbyshire to ensure First Division National League at the Rose Bowl in 2004.

Percept D’Mark, the event and celebrity management company, has withdrawn its breach-of-contract suit against Sourav Ganguly after the two parties settled out of court.”We have withdrawn the suit as our rights have been given to us and there is nothing left to follow up,” Satish Kishinchandani, counsel for Percept, said. “Whatever information we needed has been given to us and we are satisfied. Hence the decision to withdraw the suit.”Percept had filed the suit following reports that Ganguly had signed up with another player management agency. Ganguly’s contract with Percept states that the first right of refusal at the time of renewal and the right to match any offer made to Ganguly were vested with Percept.