Shane Watson has been rushed back into Australia’s one-day team for the CB Series finals, replacing the injured Andrew Symonds. Shaun Tait’s ODI career is on hold despite an impressive start as he and Stuart Clark were left out of the 13-man squad.Watson, who has been hampered by hamstring injuries all season, made a successful return for Queensland just over a week ago. The selectors’ desire to balance their line-up with an allrounder ran into trouble on Friday when Symonds retired hurt against England. He required surgery that could keep him out of the World Cup and the selectors decided Watson was the logical replacement.Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said there were no concerns that Watson would break down again under the pressure of international cricket. “Shane has been given a full medical clearance and has successfully returned to domestic cricket,” Hilditch said. “We feel the time is now right for him to return to international cricket.”Hilditch said Watson’s comeback meant fewer bowlers were needed. “There is no need to continue with five specialist fast bowlers in the squad,” Hilditch said. “Both Stuart and Shaun were unlucky to be omitted and remain very much in contention for selection in the ICC Cricket World Cup squad, which will be named at the conclusion of the finals series.”Clark and Tait will both have opportunities to press their cases for World Cup selection in domestic games this week. Clark’s New South Wales will face Western Australia and Tait’s South Australia are up against Queensland.Although both bowlers made an impact in the CB Series, Brad Hogg, who has played only one match, was retained in the finals squad. “Hogg has played limited cricket so far in the Commonwealth Bank Series, however he has been in extremely good form in domestic cricket with both bat and ball,” Hilditch said. “We will look at his possible inclusion for the remaining games depending on the conditions we face at the different venues.”Squad Adam Gilchrist (wk), Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Shane Watson, Cameron White, Brad Hogg, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken, Glenn McGrath.

Graeme Smith said South Africa’s history of struggling in crucial encounters would not affect their performance against Australia on Saturday. He was confident his own efforts would be dramatically different from South Africa’s 2005-06 tour of Australia, when he passed fifty only once in Tests or ODIs.Smith’s one-day form against Australia picked up after that trip and in his team’s 3-2 series win last March, he made two impressive contributions of 119 and 90. “I am a lot more relaxed than I was in Australia,” Smith told .”I’m a lot more experienced and comfortable with things. I went through a bad patch and I think once you go through a bad patch and get out of it you don’t put as much pressure on yourself.”Smith said even though South Africa were facing Scotland on Tuesday, they were looking ahead to the Australia match with confidence. “The Australia game is on everyone’s mind, it is the big one everyone is looking forward to,” he said. “We are not tense or nervous. We are just going to go out there and play to the levels we know we’re capable of.”Should South Africa defeat Scotland and Australia, it would set them up strongly in their attempt to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1999. “If we do well in these next two games then yes, with some of those top teams not going through, that semi-final begins to look a lot closer,” Smith said.South Africa take on Scotland on Tuesday. If they claim victory, the winner of the Australia-South Africa clash will take an important two-point lead through to the Super Eights phase.

Australia have used an 18th-century St Vincent fort as the stage for a crucial pre-tournament team meeting. Before heading to the opening ceremony in Jamaica, the Australians spoke about togetherness and how it would be important during their campaign for a third consecutive trophy.”We really used the fort, and what a fort is,” Ponting said in the Herald Sun. “The fort is there to keep people in inside, but it’s also to keep people outside.”We had a good discussion about that, things we want kept out and things we want kept in among the group. Every player sat down and gave a couple of examples of both.”While the chat at Fort Charlotte was a success, the players were not happy at being unable to practice in the nets over the weekend due to travel and the opening ceremony. On Monday Australia arrived in St Kitts, which is their base for the next two weeks, and they will have only one training session before the opening game against Scotland on Wednesday.”You would like to have a bit more time in the country where you are playing your first game before your first game,” Ponting said. “But that’s not the way it is. It’s not the way it is in professional cricket these days anyway.”

West Indies have been serious underachievers at their home World Cup and need to improve their infrastructure and facilities to avoid falling even further, according to Ricky Ponting. The hosts’ chances of reaching the semi-finals are almost non-existent and Ponting said they appeared to have succumbed to the pressure of being labelled one of the tournament’s favourites.”A couple of weeks ago, there were some people saying they were one of the favourites coming into this event,” Ponting told . “They haven’t played as well as they can. Their national team is pretty strong. They have underachieved a lot in this tournament.”Ponting’s team was unimpressed by West Indies’ behaviour after they beat Australia early in the Champions Trophy in October. West Indies went on to reach the final but were convincingly beaten by Australia, which Ponting said was typical of their hit-and-miss temperament.”They are a funny side,” he said. “Once they start getting on top, then their body language is out of control. You’ve only got to see a couple of games in the Champions Trophy, especially the first game that we lost.”It was like they’d won the World Cup, and it was the first game of the Champions Trophy. I think they probably felt a bit of the pressure of being at home in this World Cup and being spoken about a fair bit as real contenders in this event.”Ponting expected the hosts to hit their straps at some point in the Super Eights, with only matches against Bangladesh and England remaining. “You’ll see at some stage, there’s a couple of games to go,” he said. “If they can get off to a good start and they take early wickets then all that sort of body language will come back.”Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Bravo and those sort of guys tend to enjoy themselves pretty much out on the field when things are going their way, but when things aren’t going their way then they can drag their backsides around.”The team would have more chance of on-field success if their administrators poured money into training facilities and attracting talented young players, Ponting said. “If they don’t maximise the money that is generated with this World Cup and get their infrastructure and facilities right, then they really could go by the wayside,” he said.

Latest league tableEasterns put themselves on course for the Logan Cup title with a crushing nine-wicket win over Westerns at Bulawayo. Their success was, however, marred by a scuffle between Hamilton Masakadza, the Easterns captain, and Westerns batsman Thabo Mboyi.The pair clashed during a ninth-wicket stand which ensured Easterns avoided an innings defeat. Masakadza, who had already appeared to sledge Mboyi, clearly blocked the batsman as he looked for a second run and the two clashed and had to be separated by team-mates. The umpires penalised Easterns five runs and at the end of the match the pair were summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee. Masakadza was subsequently fined his entire match fee and banned for his side’s crucial last-round match against Centrals. Mboyi was also fined but not banned.The incident overshadowed an excellent result for Easterns who started the match trailing Westerns. They batted first and made 432 for 8, their top five all passing 40 with Masakadza leading from the front with 84. Westerns, who had won all three of their games in the competition coming into this match, were always struggling, and only Tawanda Mupariwa, who made 64 not out and 50, looked likely to steer his side to safety.At Kwekwe Sports Club, Kenya Select ended their losing streak in a tame draw with Centrals, the home side meandering to 78 for 4 in the second innings after the Kenyans opted for batting practice rather than trying to force a result. Click here for a more detailed report.Southerns and Northerns drew their match at Masvingo Sports Club.

The general raison d’etre of any trade union or association is to act in the best interests of its membership. The recent behaviour of Dinanath Ramnarine, the president of the West Indies Players Association, appears to suggest that it does not adhere to that school of thought.Ramnarine’s own playing career ended prematurely when he quit after it was made clear his international future was bleak, and he quit to relaunch WIPA, originally set up in the 1980s, a little more than a year ago. The intention was admirable, and brought West Indies into line with most other countries in having a body representing their players.But fairly soon it became apparent that Ramnarine did not intend to workquietly behind the scenes and that he wanted a far more high-profilerole than that. The current contract crisis thrust him into the limelight,and his increasingly erratic behaviour has raised questions as to whoexactly he is representing.Those who have crossed him speak of him being a fiery and egotistical figure. In the infamous leaked report on the recent Australian tour, Richard Nowell, Digicel’s representative, described WIPA a “a terrorist organisation”. That was clearly over the top, but it highlighted just how much the association was perceived to be interfering and troublemaking.The behaviour of some individuals in Australia – and that relates to their contractual obligations rather than other non-cricketing incidents – made it clear to the board that it could not just ignore the Cable & Wireless situation and that it had to protect its new deal with Digicel. But rather than trying to broker a solution, WIPA just seemed to be out to fan the flames of unrest.It is now fairly obvious that six of the seven personal contracts with C&W – the exception being Lara’s which is a long-standing arrangement – were signed once it became clear that Digicel would replace them as the WICB’s sponsor. It was fairly blatent ambush-marketing in a bitter, pan-Caribbean battle between the two telecommunications giants.And the terms of those deals stipulated that they would be deemed void if the player was dropped from the side for two consecutive matches. C&W did not want the individual so much as a member of the West Indies squad, thus ensuring maximum potential for embarrassment.But WIPA have consistently backed C&W and those six players – often, it would appear, to the detriment of all its other members. WIPA has been instrumental in presenting the dispute as a clear battle: themselves and C&W in one corner, the WICB and Digicel in the other. Caught in the middle have been the very people that Ramnarine should be representing – players – and they have been treated little better than cannon fodder in an increasingly personal battle.It is widely reported that this week’s unrest and talks of strikes inside the West Indies camp have largely been engineered by Ramnarine. With cricket in the Caribbean in a far-from-healthy state, what is to be gained by a strike which would massively dent the game’s profile and cost the WICB millions? And all to supposedly back six players who signed deals to benefit nobody but themselves? One senior figure told me that “WIPA has been looking to lead rather than represent,” adding that Ramnarine had “done the players a great disservice”.And former West Indies fast bowler and now TV commentator Michael Holding was equally outspoken, accusing Ramnarine of “fighting his own private battles and using the WIPA to do so.”Just who Ramnarine represents is further clouded by reports that, last spring, he was acting on behalf of certain players in negotiations with potential sponsors, raising the question of whether he is a representative or an agent?Digicel’s deal with the board appears to be a good one, and will actuallyresult in the players receiving more from their central contracts. Commonsense suggests that a trade union would welcome that. So why haven’t WIPA?Today’s scattergun attack on the board, Digicel and the region’s politicians could be a rant too far from Ramnarine. It has made people sit up and ask what and who exactly is he speaking on behalf of. But an answer is unlikely to be forthcoming. While Ramnarine is willing to spout vitriol, he is less inclined to sit down and face more direct questioning.But his head has now popped too far above the parapet. He is in the sniper’s sights and likely finally to be called to account. People have a right to know just why the C&W contracts are deemed important enough to jeopardise the future of West Indian cricket, why the players were encouraged to strike, and exactlywho WIPA represents.

Middlesex’s Twenty20 Cup match against Hampshire at Southgate yesterday was marred by thieves stealing “several players'” wallets from Middlesex’s dressing room. A spokesman from Middlesex told Cricinfo that Hampshire’s team bus was also damaged by rocks thrown at it from outside the ground during the game.”As players, we make the effort to play in dangerous conditions and that’s the thanks you get,” Nic Pothas, the Hampshire wicketkeeper told the BBC. “We took a stand – we refused to sign autographs after the game. It’s very unfortunate. The windows of the bus have been smashed and the Middlesex guys have had all their valuables stolen, he said. “Last year we had an unsavoury incident when Dom Thornely got spat at at Sussex.”We are big boys. If people take the mickey out of you or comment about the way you look that’s happy days. But if people talk about what they want to do to your mother and it starts going to a more personal level then we have to take a stand. If you do that to us, then we won’t sign autographs for your kids.”Vinny Codrington, Middlesex’s chief executive, said that Pothas’s comments “were not targeted at Southgate specifically but were over Twenty20 crowds generally and we will be discussing this further with the ECB.”I am surprised to hear the suggestion that there was any verbal abuse or unruly behaviour at last night’s game. No such incidents were reported either to, or by, the stewards. Overall the atmosphere was friendly, family orientated and positive. It is a shame that two unrelated incidents by different individuals have been blown out of proportion and spoilt what was a very enjoyable evening, where much money was raised for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Both these very unfortunate incidents caused by the individuals with no interest in Middlesex CCC or cricket in general must not be allowed to sully the reputation of our club or it’s terrific supporters.””I am, however, reviewing our stewarding for future matches at outgrounds. I will be reminding our stewards, all of whom are professionally trained, of their responsibilities prior to tomorrow night’s match at Uxbridge. We sincerely hope that all spectators will come, enjoy the day and the Twenty20 experience supporting both sides in a positive and enjoyable manner.”

Dave Houghton, Derbyshire’s director of cricket, is set to quit his post immediately though his contract with the county expires only at the end of 2007. Derbyshire chairman Don Amott said that the parting was amicable.”I am obviously disappointed to be leaving because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here but this is the best way forward for both the club and myself,” said Houghton. “I hope to find another role in cricket before too long and wish Derbyshire every success for the future.”Simon Katich, the captain, and the remaining coaching staff would take over Houghton’s duties for the rest of the season. Derbyshire are currently languishing in the fifth spot of the second division of the County Championship. They have won only two of their nine one-day matches and none of their Twenty20 Cup games. The 2006 season was no better as they finished fifth in the county championship one-day tournament and the Twenty20 Cup and a miserable eighth in the Pro40.Despite the poor performances, Amott said that Houghton had to be commended for dramatically improving the ability of Derbyshire’s playing squad over the past couple of years and attracting players of real quality to the club. “His enormous experience has been of great benefit, particularly to the younger players we have coming through our system,” he said.Houghton, who was Zimbabwe’s first Test captain, later coached the Zimbabwe side as well as Worcestershire. He was sounded out by the Bangladesh board this June to be their national coach but at that time Houghton was reluctant to take up the job as he had relocated his family to England from Zimbabwe. But reports that “negotiations between Houghton and Bangladesh are at an advanced stage and that an announcement can be expected within days.”

As expected, Tatenda Taibu has been recalled to the Zimbabwe squad for next month’s Twenty20 World Championship almost two years after he quit international cricket following threats against his family.Brendan Taylor, who also fell out with the board after ignoring its demand that he should not play cricket abroad this summer, also made a return, as did Sean Williams who had been in South Africa undergoing treatment for a back injury.There were some new faces. Timycen Maruma, an offspinner, was rewarded for a good domestic season in which he took 36 wickets at 17.62.Johnson Marumisa, a veteran by Zimbabwe standards at 24, is an opening batsman whose form has been solid rather than spectacular. He edged out Tino Mawoyo who has failed despite being given a long run in the side, and the other established opening batsman, Terry Duffin, was considered far too pedestrian with bat and in the field for Twenty20.Slow left-armer Keith Dabengwa elbowed his way into the squad with an outstanding domestic season in which he took 34 wickets at 12.88, and his style should be well suited to the format.Zimbabwe squad Prosper Utseya (capt), Gary Brent, Chamu Chibhabha, Elton Chigumbura, Keith Dabengwa, Timycen Maruma, Hamilton Masakadza, Stuart Matsikinyeri, Johnson Marumisa, Christopher Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams.