India in West Indies

Guyana's qualification for the final of the Busta International Shield has forced the WICB to effect a change to India's tour schedule.

India will now face a Guyana Cricket Board President’s XI in the opening match of their 2002 tour of the West Indies.

The Indians were to face the senior Guyana team in their tour opener from April 5 to 7, but the Guyanese have advanced to the final of the Busta International Shield from April 4 to 7, when their opponents will be Jamaica.

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Former West Indies captain and coach Viv Richards has hit out at the state of West Indies cricket labeling it as weak and rock bottom.

Speaking ahead of a training session for the West Indies players in the squad to face India Richards said, “The Tests with India haven't started yet, so I think I'd like to see how the guys do and then, if they fail, then everybody is free to have a go at them.”

He went on to add, “You know, West Indies cricket is at its lowest point right now.

India 'A' in South Africa

Eastern Province fast bowler Mornantau Hayward has withdrawn on medical advice from the President's XI to play India 'A' in Chatsworth this weekend.

Hayward aggravated an ankle injury bowling in the nets yesterday, said SA National Team physiotherapist Craig Smith. "He saw the specialist this morning and has been advised to rest the ankle for another week.

The fiery paceman is replaced by Easterns' Andre Nel.

Australia in South Africa

Former South African cricketer Peter Kirsten was upbeat about South Africa’s expected performances and results in the series.

"Well it will be very interesting. Obviously Steve and Mark Waugh will no longer be there, a new captain in Ricky Ponting, so Australia are also experimenting a bit. I see both teams going into the one-day series all-square.

"The difference is still Gilchrist, if we can get him out early we are in with a shout. But that is also cancelled out by the return of Jonty.

"Some of the confidence has already returned in the last two Test matches and that is heartening, encouraging. The guys are going to go into it with a lot more enthusiasm."

The veteran concluded by saying, "I reckon the side that starts best will carry the advantage in the series. I think South Africa stand a very good chance, we are a very fine one-day outfit."

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Former Australian quick Merv Hughes says the only difference between South Africa and Australia is the lack of inspirational leadership and attitude in the Proteas side.

Speaking ahead of the ODI series between the two sides, Hughes said, "What's wrong with South African cricket? Attitude! Both on and off the field. There's no difference whatsoever in skill levels, it's attitude."

He continued, "When I was young and starting out I was told to treat every game as if it were my last and to give it my all. I don't think the South African players always give it their all."

England in New Zealand

The ECB are hoping to introduce 12-month deals for centrally contracted players by 2003 in order to stop individuals from picking and choosing tours.

It is hoped the new measure will prevent players from copying Darren Gough and Alec Stewart, who both made themselves unavailable for the pre-Christmas tour to India and were subsequently ignored for the current series in New Zealand.

At present players are signed up on summer-only deals which are renewed if an individual is selected for winter tours.

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