Articles and News

Craig McMillan (57) and Scott Styris (42) rebuilt after a fine start from England's opening bowlers, helping New Zealand to 164-9 off their 20 overs.

Darren Maddy, who had taken two wickets and a run out in the field, then struck a 50 to put England on course at 80-1.

The young seamer was savaged in the 19th over by Yuvraj Singh, who made 58 off 16 balls, as India amassed 218-4.

South Africa's win over New Zealand had already eliminated England and, despite some brave hitting, they were always struggling to keep up with the rate.

It is a universal rule of sport that for losing teams there is inevitably another calamity round the corner. England yesterday reaffirmed this when their wicketkeeper Matt Prior injured a thumb while batting in the nets.

England are today poised to employ Vikram Solanki as an emergency wicketkeeper in their crucial Twenty20 World Cup tie against New Zealand at Kingsmead.

Vikram Solanki has hailed the character of Worcestershire's side after they overcame the disruption caused by this summer's floods to capture the NatWest Pro40 title without him.

Shortly before the Indian players boarded the team bus, Zaheer Khan had a brief chat with Vikram Solanki, the captain of England Lions. The discussion centred around the first ball of the fifth over this morning, when a Zaheer bouncer clattered into Solanki's helmet, bruising his left cheek.

England Lions 296 for 8 (Solanki 60, Wright 56) v Indians 32 for 0 - Match abandoned due to rain.

A steady drizzle washed out what promised to be a thrilling run-chase, with the Indians starting positively in pursuit of 297. An overcast day turned damp at around 3:00pm, with the Indians on 32 for no loss after 6.5 overs, and play was called off at 4:15, when the drizzle refused to relent.

Vikram Solanki will lead the England Lions in their one-day tour match against the Indians at Northampton. Chris Schofield and Darren Maddy, named in the Twenty20 World Championship squad...