India's tour of West Indies

West Indies paceman Marlon Black had to be rushed to the hospital after suffering from severe dehydration during the final session of the first day's play in the second test against India on Friday. "He is on an intravenous drip and doctors will reassess his condition later in the night," team manager Ricky Skerritt said.

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Struggling Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has turned to former England opener Geoff Boycott for advice on how to improve his poor run of form.

Ganguly reportedly took a video clip of his dismissal in the first Test to Boycott for analysis and the opinionated Yorkshireman was quick to point out the flaw in Ganguly’s technique lay in his footwork.

Boycott told the Indian skipper, “You are moving your feet twice before playing the ball. First it is the back foot, then the front. That's why, while facing the ball, your body weight is being divided between your feet, keeping you in a locked position from where you can't execute the simplest stroke."

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Sachin Tendulkar scored his 29th Test match century, equalling Don Bradman's tally, as India ended the day in a commanding position.

Tendulkar finished the day unbeaten on 113 and now lies joint second in the all-time list behind only Sunil Gavaskar, who hit 34 centuries in his Test-match career.

VVS Laxman was on 21 not out at the close of play as India progressed to 262 for four.

New Zealand's tour of Pakistan

New Zealand have acquired the services of an Australian security specialist for their 25-day tour of Pakistan, which begins on Sunday.

Brisbane-based Reg Dickason is security officer for the Australian Cricket Board, and he will operate in a similar capacity for the Kiwis.

New Zealand are to play three one-day internationals and two Tests during the tour.

"I am basically with them to ensure their security is well looked after and to coordinate with local authorities," Dickason said from a practice session at Karachi, venue for the first one-dayer.

Sri Lanka's tour of England

South African Barry Richards has agreed to act as a specialist batting coach for Sri Lanka during their tour to England.

It will be the third time 52-year-old Richards has worked with the team, having helped them on tours to South Africa in 1998 and 2001.

"Richards will join our team in England and this is good news for the batsmen, who will benefit from his guidance," said Sri Lankan Cricket Board spokesman Nirest Eliatamby.

India 'A' in South Africa

Batting first India scored 235/8 in their 50 overs with Yuvraj Singh (66) and Mohammed Kaif (30) scoring the bulk of the runs.

The South African innings got off to a great start with Loots Bosman and Rudolph sharing a 106 run partnership for the first wicket before Bosman was the first man to go, adjudged lbw to Murali Kartik.

But the depature of the Griquas opener just brought the in-form Martin Van Jaarsveld to the crease and together with his Titans partner they added another 36 runs before Rudolph finally departed for 76.

Although South Africa lost a further three wickets and left it to the final over to score the winning runs they were always in control as Gerald Dros and Justin Kemp saw the home side through.

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