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England XI 174 for 6 (Roy 59, Hales 40) beat UAE XI 95 for 9 (Moeen 4-11) by 79 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsJason Roy scored a 26-ball fifty to set up England’s win•Getty Images

England warmed up for their three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan later this week with a comfortable, if occasionally rusty, 79-run victory over a United Arab Emirates XI that ended up being an XVII.The gulf between the sides was Persian in its magnitude, as a UAE squad featuring six uncapped players out of the 17 who took part at various stages of the game was restricted to 95 for 9 in reply to England’s 174 for 6. The margin might well have been wider had it not been for a determined 23 from 22 balls from Fahad Tariq, who rescued his side from 61 for 8 before becoming Moeen Ali’s fourth wicket of the innings in the final over of the match.Despite their dominance, it was a lopsided display from England, in particular with the bat, as a new-look middle-order struggled to match the hectic tempo set by Jason Roy and Alex Hales, two of England’s batting stars from last week’s ODI series win.The value of prior match experience in these conditions was amply demonstrated in the opening overs of the contest. With form and confidence to fall back on, Roy’s innings started out as a homage to Jos Buttler’s bruising exploits at Dubai on Friday, as he clobbered nine fours and two sixes to race to 59 from 29 balls, adding 92 for the first wicket with Hales inside the first seven overs.But then, after bringing up his fifty with the second of his two sixes over long-on, Roy charged down the wicket to the left-arm spin of Ahmed Raza and would have been stumped by half the length of the pitch had he not instead been bowled.His departure brought a shuddering halt to England’s momentum. One over later, a disconsolate James Vince was trooping back to the dressing-room. He had run himself out going for an unwise second run and must fear that his four-ball 2 will represent the sum total of his time at the crease on this trip.Hales was next to fall for 40, excellently caught at long-off off the legspin of Zaheer Maqsood, who had earlier had the same batsman dropped at deep midwicket on 12 and at 122 for 3 in the 13th over, England’s designs on a 200-plus score were starting to be reassessed.Moeen’s 20 from 16 balls, with one four and one six, was a typically serene performance with a familiarly unfulfilling ending, as he was beaten in flight by Imran Haider and bowled by a hint of turn, whereupon the urge to dominate from the outset started to overwhelm the rest of the batting line-up.Sam Billings was caught behind in Haider’s next over, which ended up as a wicket maiden as a frantic Chris Jordan aimed air-shot after air-shot in his first innings since Sussex’s County Championship relegation in September.At the other end, Eoin Morgan, deprived of the strike, kept England ticking with two fours before bunting a full-toss from Mohammad Ayaz to midwicket, as England mustered 174 for 6 in their 20 overs, a decent total when taken as a whole, but an innings of two distinct halves – 92 for 0 in 39 balls, and 82 for 6 in the remaining 81.It was never likely to be close, however. Jordan quickly made amends for his batting mishaps with two early breakthroughs, plucking out Syed Maqsood’s leg stump in his first over before having Mohammed Kaleem caught by Reece Topley at mid-on in his second.Topley himself bowled Abdul Shakoor for a duck and when Morgan removed Rameez Shahzad with a fine back-pedalling catch off Liam Plunkett, UAE were 31 for 4 and sinking fast.England’s spinners then took up the attack, not least Moeen, who finished with 4 for 11 off three overs. He had at one stage been on a hat-trick, but with the UAE captain Ahmed Raza in his sights, he diffused the tension with an easily negotiated full-toss. It was that sort of a game.

Lasith Malinga joins team-mates Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan in the ODI top ten bowlers’ list © Getty Images

Lasith Malinga has moved into the top ten bowlers in the ICC ODI rankings following his four wickets in the two ODIs he played in the series against Bangladesh.Malinga has moved up four places to ninth place on the rankings, replacing Abdur Razzak of Bangladesh, who has dropped three places to 12th. Razzak continues to be the top-ranked bowler for Bangladesh.Malinga’s team-mates Farveez Maharoof and Dilhara Fernando and Bangladesh’s Syed Rasel are the others who’ve made significant improvements in the bowlers’ list.The number one spot is still occupied by South Africa’s Shaun Pollock, followed by Nathan Bracken of Australia, Shane Bond in third place, and Sri Lanka’s Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan in the fourth and fifth places respectively.Sanath Jayasuriya, named the Man of the Series, has climbed up two spots in the allrounders table. Jayasuriya, the first player to score 12,000 runs and take 300 wickets in ODIs, is in third position, behind the South African duo of Pollock and Jacques Kallis.Sri Lanka also draw level with Pakistan in the ICC ODI championship table on 111 rating points after completing the clean sweep against Bangladesh. However, Pakistan have retained their fourth position by the margin of a few thousandths.

ICC ODI Bowlers Rankings
Rank	Name	Country	Rating
1	Shaun Pollock	SA	876
2	Nathan Bracken	Aus	794
3	Shane Bond	NZ	790
4	Chaminda Vaas	SL	741
5	Muttiah Muralitharan	SL	730
6	Makhaya Ntini	SA	705
7	Daniel Vettori	NZ	697
8	Brett Lee	Aus	686
9	Lasith Malinga	SL	684
10	Andre Nel	SA	664

ICC ODI Allrounders Rankings
Rank	Name	Country	Rating
1	Shaun Pollock	SA	477
2	Jacques Kallis	SA	382
3	Sanath Jayasuriya	SL	368
4	Chris Gayle	WI	366
5	Andrew Flintoff	Eng	362

Full rankings on www.icc-cricket.com

Division One

Ed Smith drives during his 147 against Nottinghamshire © Martin Williamson

Third day
Ed Smith struck a defiant 147 but Middlesex still face a huge defeat against Nottinghamshire at Lord’s. Smith’s innings spanned 245 balls but he was trapped lbw by Ryan Sidebottom late in the day, leaving Middlesex still 138 runs behind but with just four wickets standing. The match appeared to be heading for a three-day finish when Ben Hutton was forced to retire hurt and Nick Compton was trapped lbw. But the middle order showed some fight, although none could build a commanding total like Smith. David Nash provided solid support, facing 124 balls before falling to the last ball of the day to Sidebottom. During the morning session, Nottinghamshire batted on for eight overs, extending their lead to 412, with Paul Franks slamming 64.Second day
Hampshire are building a huge lead over Durham at Chester-le-Streetafter opting not to enforce the follow on. A team effort skittled Durham for 195, in reply to Hampshire’s 425, with none of the home side reaching fifty. The wickets were shared around with Chris Tremlett again impressing, removing Jimmy Maher for a duck amongst his three wickets. Even though the deficit was 230, Shane Warne sent his openers out for a second innings; James Adams and Michael Carberry responded with an unbroken stand of 134 in 47 overs – and there is more to come tomorrow before Warne calls time on the innings and sets about dismissing Durham again.

Division Two

Third dayLou Vincent cracked 141 as Worcestershire set Leicestershire 451 to win at at Grace Road. Vincent led the Worcestershire charge and was well support by Graeme Hick who struck 72. The pair added 144 for the fourth wicket and Vincent went to his second Championship ton in five matches. Gareth Batty and Roger Sillence added useful 30s but the Leicestershire openers survived 19 overs before stumps.Newly crowned division two champions Surrey face a final-day fight to save their match against Gloucestershire after being set after being set a massive 501 to win at Bristol. Hamish Marshall and Steven Adshead were the main scorers in Gloucestershire’s second innings, after Surrey were bowled out 171 behind but not asked to follow on. Marshall faced 115 balls for his 76 while Adshead was unbeaten after 104 balls when Alex Gidman declared. Steve Kirby removed Scott Newman early to leave Gloucestershire with a strong chance to force the win.Second day
Lance Klusener struck a powerful 131 to put Northamptonshire in charge against Glamorgan Cardiff. His innings allowed Northants to extend their lead to 165 after the innings had threatened to subside at 227 for 6. However, Ben Phillips provided solid support with 29 in a stand of 94 for the eighth wicket. Huw Waters wrapped up the innings to finish with 4 for 33. Northants squeezed out two wickets before the close with Monty Panesar again providing a major threat and he’ll be key on the third day.

Hopes of reconciliation between the Zimbabwe board and the rebel cricketers were dealt a blow with the board’s tetchy reaction to the news that Heath Streak had been drafted in to help with coaching at Matabeleland.Streak, a former captain of Matabeleland, offered to assist Pommie Mbangwa, their bowling coach. But as soon as ZCU officials were made aware of the situation, they ordered Phil Simmons, the national coach, to the ground at Bulawayo to replace Streak.Streak involvement was as an unpaid assistant, and given that he has other priorities – his wife is heavily pregnant – the ZCU’s action appears unnecessarily provocative.

Marsh (right), who watched players like Andy Blignaut grow during his tenure, believes Zimbabwe will take a while to recover from the crisis© Getty Images

Geoff Marsh, Zimbabwe’s coach, has expressed disappointment over the International Cricket Council’s decision to keep Zimbabwe out of Test cricket until 2005. The decision came after the ICC held a meeting in Dubai, where the Zimbabwe Cricket Union agreed to play this year’s remaining Tests next year.AFP reported that the agreement was made so that Zimbabwe had adequate time to rebuild its cricket team, which was left seriously weak after 15 rebel players were sacked for backing Heath Streak, who was fired for demanding changes within the cricket board.But the decision did not impress Marsh. “It’s disappointing to get to a situation like that,” he said. “I understand the reasons why the ZCU has agreed to it and it’s probably in the best interests of everyone involved, but the best way to improve the standard is to keep playing at that level.”While Marsh struck an optimistic tone about Zimbabwe’s improvement, the ICC had earlier said that the integrity of Test cricket was at stake after Zimbabwe were soundly beaten at home by Sri Lanka, and the international cricket body then proceeded to postpone – in effect, cancel – Australia’s Test series against the weakened team. Sri Lanka inflicted the two of the heaviest ever defeats in Tests on Zimbabwe, which, when pointed out, brought a curious comment from the ZCU chairman, Peter Chingoka: “Well, that’s fine – so you do have a record of 10 others that are worse or 12 others that are worse.”Streak, who had called for Zimbabwe’s suspension from the ICC, said that the decision would give the board time to reassess the direction it was headed in, and said, “Perhaps the ZCU realise they cannot treat us with disrespect and maybe they realise they need some of the white cricketers they said they could do without after all.”But Marsh, whose coaching contract ends in September, said that Zimbabwe would take a “couple of years” to perform adequately in Test cricket, because “you don’t replace 30 players overnight”.Meanwhile, the agreement gave the English Cricket Board cause for cheer, as they were under pressure to abandon their October tour to Zimbabwe. They were scheduled to play two Tests in Zimbabwe, but the postponement has let them off the hook, albeit temporarily.

Mathew Sinclair will finally get to take part in the World Cup after being named as Nathan Astle’s replacement in the New Zealand side to play Bangladesh in Kimberley today.Astle has been rested on medical advice, he is suffering from a hernia and more problems with his troubled knee.Also out of tonight’s game is livewire fieldsman Lou Vincent who has conceded a place to fast-medium bowler Kyle Mills who is also expected to play his first match of the Cup.The selectors are clearly expecting to make an impact on the Bangladesh side with their pace options from an attack containing Shane Bond, Andre Adams, Mills, Jacob Oram and possibly Chris Cairns.The side for the game is: Stephen Fleming (captain), Andre Adams, Shane Bond, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum, Craig McMillan, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Mathew Sinclair, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori.Selection committee chairman Sir Richard Hadlee said: “We believe the Bangladesh side might be vulnerable to pace bowling and that Kyle has the ability to swing the ball and take wickets at the top of the order.”He has an excellent record for New Zealand and is a multi-skilled player who also provides us with a batting option in the middle to lower-order.”Hadlee added: “Mathew Sinclair is a ready made replacement at No 3 in the batting order for the injured Nathan Astle.”Mathew will have an opportunity to put his case up for further selection should there be any form or injury concerns with other batsmen during the remainder of the tournament.”

On-a-roll Surrey coach Keith Medlycott “couldn’t give the players enoughcredit” for the way they have “really dug in in the last couple ofweeks”.Saving their game against Leicstershire, winning the B & H Cup, thentrouncing Northants at Guildford today, has made England’s most successfulcoach think about a double for 2001, adding the CricInfo Championship trophy to their one-day silverware.”There’s oceans to go,” the man Pakistan want to guide them admitted. “Everygame now will be a potential decider. But we’re used to playing huge games.”Surrey’s initial aim is to beat Northants on Sunday, to extricate themselvesfrom the foot of the National League table.England batsman Ally Brown revealed to CricInfo his anguish about beingunable to play because of a suspected fractured thumb. The injury wassustained before the 31-year-old’s match-winning century at Guildford, theonly score above fifty in the game.”I’m disappointed to miss out,” he said, before visiting a specialist todiscover the seriousness of the damage. Medlycott added: “It’s definitelymore than bruised.”Gary Butcher looks set to step in for Brown, with spinner Gareth Batty asreserve.Medlycott is “keen” to give ex-England man Ian Salisbury a bowl, after theleg spinner missed the cup final with a broken toe.In contrast, dejected Northants skipper David Ripley admitted: “We need towin six of the last nine to stay up.”Paceman Lesroy Weekes will probably replace Toby Bailey in the Steelbacks line-up for Sunday.

Out with the old and in with the new seems to be the new philosophy adopted at White Hart Lane this summer. The arrival of Andre Villas-Boas as Harry Redknapp’s successor was finally confirmed this week bringing to an end the guessing games regarding the next incumbent of the Spurs hot seat. And before we’d even had time to blink Villas Boas had signed a player tying up the deal for Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. He’s expected to be the first of many as the Portuguese tactician endeavours to overhaul his new squad and stamp his mark on the North London club. It’s a refreshing change from the norm that chairman Daniel Levy has given a young manager a chance to shine in the Premier League again following that torrid spell down the road at Stamford Bridge. Villas-Boas is certainly a talented young manager, as proven by his success in Portgugal, and should prove his credentials at Spurs. It’ll interesting to see how he integrates his preferred 4-3-3 formation into a team that become stifled by Redknapp’s reluctance to sway from the tried and tested 4-4-2 and whether the players are receptive to the methods that brought about his demise at the Blues earlier this year.

This week on FFC and Villas-Boas and Spurs the perfect fit for one another and which French midfielder is supposedly on his shopping list?

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Exactly what Tottenham have needed?

Spurs set to test the Birmingham waters with £7m bid

Andre Villas-Boas plotting transfer move for duo

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FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

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The 5 O’Clocker: Bids In For Two – Harry Hotspur

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Quote of the Week

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“I feel privileged to be its coach. For me, this is one of the most exciting coaching positions in the Premier League. I have had several discussions with the chairman and the board and I share their vision for the future progress of the club.

“This is a squad any coach would love to work with and together I believe we can bring success in the seasons ahead.” Andre Villas-Boas speaks of his delight at being appointed Tottenham manager

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Featured Video[divider]

	Brad Haddin’s batting is strong, but it is his glovework that will be heavily monitored in the West Indies © Getty Images

Following in the footsteps of a great player is never easy, but Brad Haddin is ready to replace Adam Gilchrist and make his Test debut in two weeks. Haddin is the only gloveman in Australia’s 15-man squad for the West Indies tour and unless injury hits he will become the country’s 400th Test representative in the opening match in Jamaica from May 22.Haddin, who has been fine-tuning with his team-mates at the camp in Brisbane, will also be required to perform a vital batting role as Australia begin life without Gilchrist. Nobody benefited more from the surprise retirement of Gilchrist in January than Haddin, 30, and he is about to get the chance to prove he is a capable replacement.”I haven’t thought too much about that,” he said. “I haven’t really felt like I’m going into Adam’s shoes. If you ask me a day out before the Test I might answer differently, but I’ve just concentrated on myself, making sure I can prepare the best I can.”Part of that plan was not going to the IPL so he could be ready for something he has waited a decade to achieve. Despite joking he was the “idiot that said no” to the bags of money, he knew protecting himself for the West Indies was much more important.”I wanted to have five weeks to get ready to be a Test player,” he said. “I’d been waiting ten years, if something had have happened over there [in India] I don’t think I could have lived with myself.”Haddin’s path to the Test team has involved 29 ODIs and 89 first-class games and he is the model of a modern wicketkeeper. His batting is so full of energy – he scored three Pura Cup hundreds last summer and has an ODI strike-rate of almost 80 – that his glovework is often overlooked. However, he has kept a lot to Lee, Clark, MacGill and Bollinger, his New South Wales team-mates in the national squad, and averaged almost five first-class dismissals a match in 2007-08.”Adam’s changed the perception of a wicketkeeper,” he said. “Before you had to be solid with the gloves and contribute with bat. Now you have to be a genuine allrounder. Keeping is always the No. 1 priority, but you have to be able to contribute a lot more with the bat.”The new, big role has not convinced Haddin to alter his approach. “I’m going to play the way I have for the last ten years,” he said. “It’s as simple as that. I’m not going to change a thing because I’m playing Test cricket. I’m going to play the same way as I have in one-dayers for Australia and four-day games with New South Wales.”Fortunately for Haddin, he knows how Australia operate after being a regular tourist over the past couple of years, including at the 2007 World Cup. “The wait is very beneficial,” he said. “I got picked seven years ago and I wasn’t ready to play. Now I feel confident in what I do and where my game’s at. Having had ten years’ experience at first-class level, hopefully I can take it across to Test cricket and feel comfortable there.”An added advantage of the current set up is Tim Nielsen, the coach, is a former wicketkeeper for South Australia. During the opening day of the camp the pair completed a one-on-one session when Haddin was shaking off any rust that built up since the Pura Cup final win in March. Nielsen literally wanted Haddin “on his toes” when he was collecting catches at Allan Border Field. He will need a similar attitude during the three Tests against West Indies.

India and Australia are set to do battle at the Sector 16 stadium on October 8 © Getty Images

Chandigarh’s Sector 16 stadium is likely to host its first one-day international in 14 years when Australia tour India later this year. The venue has been slotted for the fourth ODI on October 8 instead of the initially-scheduled game at Guwahati, but following the change the Assam Cricket Association will stage a match there against Pakistan on November 6.The Indian board (BCCI) and the Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) agreed to host the game there after some deliberation as the HCA was first allotted the opening ODI of the series against Pakistan.Confirming this, the BCCI joint secretary MP Pandove told Chandigarh’s , “The BCCI has okayed the HCA’s proposal to shift international matches allotted to them from Faridabad to Chandigarh. A team from the International Cricket Council (ICC) would be visiting the city in July to inspect whether the stadium could host an international match.”The last ODI hosted by the city was an India-England match in January 1993.”The stadium [at Chandigarh] has good facilities and experience of hosting international cricket before,” said Ranbir Mahendra, the HCA secretary. “I would be coordinating with the administration soon for making the facilities at the stadium match the international standards. If this match is organised well, many international matches could be in line for Chandigarh.”SK Sandhu, the finance and sports secretary, said the immediate plans for the stadium were “on track”. “The stadium is almost ready; an electronic scoreboard would come up soon. The press box also needs furnishing, as both national as well as international media would be there to cover the game. We have sufficient funds, you will find an international-class stadium ready when the match would be played here.”Australia will now play at Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Baroda, Nagpur and Mumbai and Pakistan will play at Guwahati, Mohali, Kanpur, Gwalior and Jaipur.