Zimbabwe getting support from India and Pakistan to stay in the ICC member panel.

Support for Zimbabwe appears to be growing in the sub-continent ahead of this week's International Cricket Council meeting in दुबई (Dubai)। The England and Wales Cricket Board has already stated it will not host a tour by Zimbabwe next year। And Cricket South Africa has also cut its ties with Zimbabwe because of the political situation in the country। But India and Pakistan have indicated they will not support any move to expel Zimbabwe from the ICC. "There is no reason to remove Zimbabwe," said Niranjan Shah, secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. "We understand England's position because their government wants Zimbabwe out but we will back Zimbabwe to stay in the ICC."
The Pakistan Cricket Board, meanwhile, has made it clear that it will send its A team on a tour to Zimbabwe in August as scheduled, irrespective of any action taken by the ICC, who have a board meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. And the Press Trust of India has quoted a PCB spokesman as saying: "We don't think Zimbabwe cricket should face penalties because of political issues in that country. We will not support any sanctions." Seven of the 10 full ICC members would have to vote in favour of expulsion for such a proposal to go through - and Zimbabwe itself is one of the 10.
If India and Pakistan line up alongside them, it would only require one more vote in Zimbabwe's favour for the proposal to be defeated. If, however, Zimbabwe Cricket retains its full member status, England's hopes of hosting next year's ICC World Twenty20 tournament could be put in jeopardy. Although the ICC would not take punitive action against the ECB for preventing Zimbabwe touring in the light of a formal government instruction, refusal to allow a full member to take part in the World Twenty20 could result in the tournament being moved elsewhere.
Such a move would be a huge financial blow to the ECB, with huge crowds expected at the three grounds chosen to host matches. The tournament schedule has already been published and tickets went on sale at 1000 BST on Monday. The UK government will reassess the situation if the ICC insists that Zimbabwe play in the World Twenty20 but is holding a firm line in its calls for a boycott because of the close links between Zimbabwe Cricket and the regime of president Robert Mugabe.

Spain is the EURO 2008 Champion ; Torres made it possible with the golden goal at the 33rd minute in 1st half

Spain ended 44 years of major tournament pain and underachievement with a 1-0 win over Germany to claim the Euro 2008 title in Vienna this morning. A sharply taken goal from big match player Fernando Torres was enough to banish Spain's unwanted tag of football's perennial underachievers to the history books. The Liverpool striker wrestled his way past German left back Philipp Lahm to meet a fine through ball from Xavi before cleverly clipping the ball over keeper Jens Lehmann and into the net 12 minutes before half-time. Germany tried valiantly to produce an equaliser to match their success in Euro 1996 but failed to engineer a clear cut attempt on goal while Spain consistently pressured its opponents down the other end.
The victory gives Spain its first major trophy since victory at the 1964 European Championships and completes an undefeated run in Austria and Switzerland. For 69-year-old Spanish coach Luis Aragones there was a tinge of bitterness mixed with the moment of glory. "We did things well, we won, period. I will not be staying on as coach because I have been given no possibility to," said Aragones. For Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas it was a dream come true. "This is great," said the 21-year-old Arsenal star. "This is the best day of my life as a player. "I don't think we are conscious yet of what we have achieved....44 years later. "We were trying to create chances and play beautiful football and we have at last had the success we deserved. "I don't know why it has taken this long and I don't want to think about that anymore as we have achieved it and we are a young team and will fight for the World Cup in two years time." For Torres too it was a dream realised.
"For me, it's a dream come true," said Torres. "Victory in a Euro, is almost as big as a World Cup. I think that we have played very good football throughout the tournament and it was justice done when we won the final."
They seemed to start tentatively and a mistake from Sergio Ramos gave Miroslav Klose a glorious opportunity after just four minutes, but after taking the ball past Carles Puyol his next touch was too strong and he ran the ball out of play. Spain gradually started to settle and just before the quarter-hour mark Lehmann came to Germany's rescue as a cross from Andres Iniesta deflected off Christoph Metzelder's boot and only a stunning reaction save from the Arsenal stopper prevented a goal. On 23 minutes Sergio Ramos cut in from the right and crossed to the back post where Torres climbed above the considerably taller Per Mertersacker; his downward header beat Lehmann but unfortunately for Spain not the base of the post.
Up the other end Spain's slightly suspect defence was struggling to cope with the direct running of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski but Germany created little. Following Torres' piece of brilliance to open the scoring, Spain were suddenly rampant and were brimming with confidence at the start of the second period. Germany coach Joachim Loew responded by sending on a second forward in Kevin Kuranyi to replace midfielder Hitzlsperger.
That immediately shifted the momentum of the game and on the hour a mistake from Puyol was almost punished as Ballack fired just wide; moments later Casillas came storming out of goal to take a cross from Ballack off Kuranyi's head. Spain remained dangerous and Sergio Ramos forced Lehmann into a fine block with a powerful header from a Xavi free-kick before Torsten Frings cleared a shot from Iniesta off the line. Brazil-born Marcos Senna came within inches of settling the game in the final 10 minutes but he could not quite stretch his leg out far enough to meet substitute Daniel Guiza's downward header with the goal at his mercy. German coach Joachim Loew professed his admiration for his side, who defied expectations to reach the final. "I have to compliment the team for what they have achieved over the past few weeks," said the 48-year-old.
"It has been fantastic. The players are obviously disappointed, but they have every reason to hold their heads up high." For German captain Michael Ballack it was more disappointment in a major tournament. "It is very sad to lose when one has come such a long way," said the 31-year-old, who missed the 2002 World Cup final because he was suspended and has also lost two Champions League finals. "All the team battled away. This tournament has come at the end of the season and physically it has been tough. However, today (Sunday) we have made too many errors."

Golden Boot - David Villa (4 Goals)

Man of the Match - Torres 33' Goal

Ballack may miss the EURO 2008 finals against Spain

Germany captain Michael Ballack is a doubt for Sunday's Euro 2008 final after missing training on Friday and Saturday because of a calf injury. The German Football Federation said the 31-year-old, who has scored two goals in the tournament, is having treatment. Spain will have to alter their line-up, with striker David Villa ruled out because of a thigh injury. That could mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Fernando Torres the lone striker. Chelsea midfielder Ballack suffered the injury in training on Friday and will be desperate to play, having missed out on the 2002 World Cup final because of suspension. With the ex-Bayern Munich star not certain to start, Germany coach Joachim Low must now reconsider his options. He may be forced to recall midfielder Torsten Frings, who has declared himself fit after recovering from a broken rib, rather than having the luxury of keeping him on the bench.
Simon Rolfes, who suffered a cut eye in the semi-final against Turkey and would have made way for Frings, could now be retained in the starting line-up - though Low may instigate a greater reshuffle based upon tactics if talisman Ballack is missing. Should Spain coach Luis Aragones choose to go with the side and formation that eventually strolled past Russia 3-0 in Thursday's semi-final, that would mean a start for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in a five-man midfield, with Liverpool player Fernando Torres the lone striker. I know how well he can perform," said Aragones, 69, who has had four stints in charge of Atletico Madrid, where he made his name as a player. "I like a player like Cesc, 20-years-old and someone who has acquired the experience of someone who's 27, 28. To us, he's important." The Spanish are full of confidence ahead of the final, having turned themselves from 'perennial underachievers' to - during the course of the tournament - many people's tip to win the final. Spain may not have won a major honour since 1964 - their victory in that year's European Championship their only title to date - but Liverpool striker Torres believes the side are equipped to go all the way this year. "This team is already making history but we can do even more," he stated.
Germany know how to win tournaments, they know how to play these games and we know we have be careful because they are the favourites. But we can win it too." However, Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has played down suggestions that his side are favourites and commented: "We have demonstrated what capabilities we possess but we should put Spain one step above us. "That said, this was the case against Portugal (in the quarter-final) as well and it doesn't have to be to our disadvantage." and the former striker, whose 'golden goal' against the Czech Republic gave Germany the European title in 1996, hinted Low's side would set out to be hard to break down rather than expansive in attack.
"Spain control the ball very well and they provide decisive passes," he added. "We will have to play very tightly, double-team a lot and keep the marking close." That philosophy was supported by Frings, who said: "We shouldn't let them into the game. We have to be aggressive, we have to step up even as they are receiving the ball. I don't think they like it when you are aggressive against them."

Bill Gates call it a day

In a move which has been well flagged over the last couple of years, Microsoft founder Bill Gates will call it a day on the 27th June and handover control of his ‘baby' to Chief Executive Steve Ballmer. While Ballmer has been part of the Microsoft management team for some time there will still be a sense of sadness as Gates finally calls it a day. While on the whole Gates' relationship with Ballmer has been very constructive for the group, the last couple of years have highlighted the major changes in the technology market of late and the need for a new leader. Gates will go down forever in the history of the computer market and while he will still be working at Microsoft one day a week and retain his position as Chairman of the board, Steve Ballmer will be looking to make his mark on the group.It will be very interesting to see how the new look Microsoft handles the challenging conditions which were always going to hit the computing giant one day. They have fallen well behind Google in the search engine market, rival operating systems are coming to the fore and while the Xbox has been a success, there had been high hopes they would hit the number one spot. Bill Gates now wants to make himself available for charity work. What a nice man he is. Being in such a high position, stepping down from there on his own and then making himselves available for charity. How many in this world would do this. Hats off to you Mr.Bill Gates.

Ana Ivanovic crashed by 133rd Ranked Jie Zheng

World number one Ana Ivanovic was sent crashing out of Wimbledon in the third round by world number 133 Jie Zheng. Ivanovic, the top seed, had survived two match points in the second round against Nathalie Dechy but paid the price for another erratic display. The Serb struggled with her serve and her backhand was totally out of sorts. Zheng broke at will in the first set and, although Ivanovic fought to turn things round, she continued to make errors and was thumped 6-1 6-4. Ivanovic had been lucky to avoid defeat against Dechy, particularly when she saved one match point through a fortunate net-cord which crept over the net. But her lack of form was completely exposed by Zheng and she had to battle in the second set to avoid complete humiliation.
The 20-year-old, who won the French Open at the start of June to reach the top of the rankings for the first time, again looked tense on Number One Court and her poor serving reflected her fragile state. "I didn't play well," Ivanovic admitted afterwards. "But she plays very well on grass and I found it difficult adjusting to the timing of the ball. "She has very powerful shot. She stays very low, so the balls are coming much faster through the air. "And she was reading my serves very well. Even when I tried to kick it and bounce the ball high, she was still there on the ball." "It was tough, I tried to hit my shots higher and get under the ball to play with speed but I was making too many mis-hits." Zheng, who won the doubles title here in 2006 but missed the whole of the 2007 season because of an ankle injury, admitted she did not expect to win so easily.
"It was a surprise," Zheng said. "I believed I could win but I didn't think it would be in two sets, I though it would be tough and in three. "When I got ahead, I just tried to keep going. I told myself she is a better player I had to be at the top of my game. "She has a big serve and a big forehand but I tried to go for her backhand. She also served only so-so at first and it gave me a chance to play aggressively." Ivanovic started slowly and the first sign she was in trouble came as early as her second service came when a double fault saw her broken for the first time. She had the opportunity to quickly break back but her game was already proving far too inconsistent to take advantage of the few opportunities Zheng was giving her. And, soon after wasting the opportunity to reduce the deficit to 2-3, she quickly found herself 1-5 down after some big Zheng forehands ripped her serve to shreds.
Again, she had opportunities to reply but wasted four break points in the next game before Zheng wrapped up the set. Ivanovic's struggles continued and she was broken again at the start of the second set with Zheng again dominant. The Chinese player dropped her own serve immediately afterwards to give Ivanovic hope at 2-2. But it soon became clear that another remarkable comeback from the 2007 semi-finalist was not on the cards as more double faults landed her back in trouble. Zheng had wobbled before despatching Britain's Elena Baltacha in round two but showed no nerves on this occasion, serving out for a stunning victory.
I didn't have too much time to practice and to do all these little specific movements and things you need to in order to adjust to the grass .
She will face Hungarian 15th seed Agnes Szavay on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals. Ivanovic's exit, together with that of third seed Maria Sharapova on Thursday evening, leaves the women's draw wide open. She put her poor performance at the All England Club down to her failure to work hard enough on adjusting from clay to grass. "After winning the French Open, I had a very emotional two weeks," Ivanovic explained. "With my coaches, we cut down practice so I could recover and spend more time with myself. Next year I'll have to spend more time on court. "I had to have some time off, so I didn't have too much time to practice and to do all these little specific movements and things you need to in order to adjust to the grass.
"From the first match on, I tried to find my game, but I felt like I was struggling a little bit. "It took time to adjust to the grass because, especially after clay, it's a completely different game."

Important Field Positions in Cricket

• Wicket Keeper
• Slips
• Gully
• Point
• Cover
• Third Man
• Fine Leg
• Mid - Wicket
• Mid Off
• Square Leg

10 Ways of getting Out in a Cricket Match

• Caught
• Bowled
• Leg before wicket
• Run-out
• Stumped
• Handled the ball
• Timed out
• Double hit
• Hit wicket
• Obstructing the field

Considerations before giving LBW decisions

Law 36 of the MCC's laws of cricket still has peoples' heads in a spin - exactly how does the lbw law work? To the uninitiated, the leg before wicket dismissal is to cricket what the offside law is to football. But the lbw law is not as complicated as some people may think. It is governed by certain principles which, once mastered, make the law simple to understand. And that is exactly what this guide will aim to do!

1. The umpire will consider an lbw decision if he believes the ball would have hit the stumps had its path not been obstructed by the batsman's pads or body. But the umpire also has to take certain factors into consideration before making a decision.

2. There are three stumps that make up a wicket. They are the off stump, middle stump and leg stump. From a bowler's perspective, the off stump is to the left of middle stump. And the leg stump is to the right of middle stump. This is reversed for a left-handed batsman. The most important factor when an umpire considers an lbw decision is whether the ball pitched outside leg stump. If the ball lands outside the line the of leg stump, the batsman cannot be given out - even if the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps.

3. A batsman cannot be given out if either umpire calls a no-ball. The most common way this happens is when the heel of the bowler's front foot lands on or in front of the popping crease (the front line of the batting crease).

4. A batsman cannot be given out if the ball hits the bat before the pad.

5. Defence against an lbw appeal for a batsman is to get his pad outside the line of off stump. An umpire will turn down any appeal if he believes the ball has struck the batsman's pad outside the line of the off stump, even if the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. Unless the batsman makes no genuine attempt to play a stroke. The outside off stump defence becomes redundant.

6. In this situation, the ball has pitched on the stumps and has struck the batsman on the pads in front of the wicket. The ball has not pitched outside the line of leg stump. And it has not struck the batsman outside the line of off stump. Therefore the umpire should give the batsman out. But a lot of the time it is never this simple. The umpire must also consider four other variables:
The height of the ball's bounce
Swing and spin of the ball
Where the ball hit the pad
Whether the batsman is attempting to play a stroke.

7. Each pitch tends to have its own idiosyncrasies which must also be taken into account by the umpire. Some are faster, harder and bouncier than others, which means the ball will bounce higher than on a slower pitch. In those circumstances, the umpire must decide whether the ball would have gone over the stumps after striking the pad.

8. Bowlers often swing the ball in the air or make the ball spin when it pitches on the wicket. So if the ball strikes the batsman's pad, the umpire must assess how much the ball would have moved had it not struck the pad. Would it have swung or spun enough to hit the stumps? Or would the ball have moved too much and missed the stumps completely?

9. Batsmen can create doubt in an umpire's mind by taking a big stride down the pitch with their front foot. By moving further down the pitch, the batsman lengthens the distance between the ball and the stumps. If he is struck on the pad a long way down the pitch, the umpire has a more difficult job to assess whether the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. But if a batsman is struck while on his back foot or back pad, there is a shorter distance to judge between the batsman and the stumps, strengthening the bowler's appeal for an lbw decision.

10. The umpire must consider if the batsman is making a genuine attempt to offer a stroke.
Sometimes, especially to spinners, batsmen can intentionally hide their bat behind the pad, making it unclear as to whether they are playing a shot or not. This is a very defensive move designed to frustrate bowlers. However, it can be difficult to judge, so it comes down to the discretion of the umpire.

Gul out of ASIA CUP 2008

Fast bowler Umar Gul will miss the remainder of Pakistan's Asia Cup campaign because of injury. Gul bowled only eight deliveries in Thursday's six-wicket Group B defeat by India before he was forced to leave the field in Karachi with a side strain.
"The doctors have advised Gul needs at least two weeks rest to recover from the injury," said Pakistan chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed. "He will not be able to take further part in the Asia Cup."
Gul's absence is another blow to Pakistan's depleted fast pace bowling ranks. They are already without Mohammad Asif, who was detained in Dubai for alleged drug offences, and Shoaib Akhtar, who is currently serving an 18-month suspension.
It is the latest in a long line of injuries suffered by Gul since he made his Pakistan debut in April 2003. The 24-year-old spent a season sidelined with three stress fractures in his back in 2004 before an ankle injury kept him out of action in the latter stages of 2006.

Martian soil could support life : NASA Scientists

Martian soil appears to contain sufficient nutrients to support life - or, at least, asparagus - Nasa scientists believe. Preliminary analysis by the $420m (£210m) Phoenix Mars Lander mission on the planet's soil found it to be much more alkaline than expected. Scientists working on the spacecraft project said they were "flabbergasted" by the discovery.
"We basically have found what appears to be the requirements, the nutrients, to support life, whether past, present or future," said Sam Kounaves, the project's lead chemist, from the University of Arizona. Although he said further tests would have to be conducted, Mr Kounaves said the soil seemed "very friendly… there is nothing about it that is toxic," he said. We were all flabbergasted at the data we got back . "It is the type of soil you would probably have in your back yard - you know, alkaline. You might be able to grow asparagus in it really well." As well as being far less acidic than anticipated, the soil was also found to contain traces of magnesium, sodium, potassium and other elements. The analysis is based on a cubic centimetre of soil scooped from 2.5cm (one inch) below Mars' surface by the lander's robotic arm. The sample was then tested using the "wet chemistry" technique, which involves mixing the soil with water brought from Earth and heating the sample in one of the lander's eight ovens.

After a 10-month flight from Earth, Phoenix touched down successfully on Mars' northern plains on 25 May, to undertake a three-month study of the planet's geological history. Phoenix is undertaking a three-month study of Mars' geological history. The Arctic location where Phoenix touched down is thought to hold large stores of water-ice just below the surface.
Last week, scientists said they were positive there was ice on the planet after eight dice-sized chunks were seen melting away in a series of photographs. But Phoenix has so far not detected organic carbon - considered an essential building block of life.

Sam Bahadur (Sam the Brave) Passed away - Salute to this great man.

The Indian general who commanded the military campaign that led to the creation of Bangladesh has died at the age of 94. Sam Manekshaw, whose career spanned four decades, was one of India's best known and well-respected soldiers. Under the British, he was decorated for gallantry in World War II for his part fighting the Japanese army in Burma. After India gained independence, he became chief of the army in 1969 and in 1973 was made field marshal.

Under his command, India went to war with Pakistan in 1971, supporting Bengali nationalists in what was then East Pakistan. Pakistan surrendered within 14 days and Bangladesh was born. In 1973, only a fortnight before he retired, he was promoted to the rank of field marshal, one of only two Indian army generals to rise to the post.

Sam Manekshaw otherwise known as Sam Bahadur - or "Sam the Brave" - was born in the northern Indian town of Amritsar in 1914 and was among the first batch of recruits at the Indian Military Academy set up by the British in 1932. Serving under the British, he was decorated for his part in a battle with the Japanese army in Burma. He made the transition to working for independent India with ease and became chief of the Indian army in 1969. He played a decisive role in some of India's most significant wars, including the war with China in 1962 and the victory over Pakistan in 1971, which made him a national hero.

Tributes have been pouring into the websites of Indian newspapers, calling him "a great soldier and a very thorough gentleman". Sam Manekshaw, who had been battling a series of illnesses, died at a military hospital in Wellington in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, where he had lived since retiring. Indian Defence Minister AK Antony said the nation "had lost a great soldier, a true patriot and a noble son".

Hillary and Obama to campaign together

Hillary Clinton is to join Barack Obama at a rally - their first public event since she pulled out of the race to be the Democratic presidential candidate. The rally in Unity, New Hampshire, is seen as an opportunity for party supporters to come together after the divisive primary battle.
The event follows a joint dinner in Washington where Mr Obama offered help to clear Mrs Clinton's campaign debts. Mrs Clinton is expected to back Mr Obama's White House bid at the rally.
Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton greeted each other with a kiss and a handshake when they caught the flight to New Hampshire on Friday. They also sat next to each on the plane. Prior to Thursday's dinner, the two had not met in person since two days after the last primaries. Latest opinion polls suggest that while Mr Obama has made headway in winning over Mrs Clinton's supporters since she withdrew from the nomination race, one in five of them has indicated they will vote for the Republican candidate, John McCain. Mrs Clinton's advisers have warned Mr Obama that her ability to campaign on his behalf will be limited if she has to spend the summer raising money to pay off her debts.

Collingwood given 4 match ban ; Pietersen named as stand in captain

England one-day captain Paul Collingwood has been banned for four matches after his side's slow over-rate against New Zealand on Wednesday. He will not appeal and misses the final match of the current series, a Twenty20 match against South Africa and two one-dayers later in the summer. "It's my responsibility to bear the penalties for such a breach," he said. Kevin Pietersen has been named captain for Saturday's final match of the series against New Zealand. An International Cricket Council statement said the punishment imposed on Collingwood was the minimum allowed. It is the first time an English player has been banned under the ICC code of conduct. But after missing Saturday's match, the 32-year-old all-rounder will be free to play in the four-match Test series against South Africa starting next month, before his ban continues with a one-day match against Scotland in Edinburgh on 18 August.
He will also sit out England's sole Twenty20 international against South Africa, their last match in that format before the mega-bucks Stanford clash against West Indies on 1 November.
And Collingwood will complete his ban by missing the first of five one-day internationals against South Africa, at Headingley on 22 August. "I'll have to take the punishment. It's part and parcel of the job. As captain you do carry the can on that and it is my responsibility to get our overs bowled quickly. "It's a fair few games off and it's something I never envisaged I'd have to do but I have to accept it." Collingwood met match referee Javagal Srinath to learn his fate on Thursday, the day after the fourth ODI against New Zealand - which finished well past its scheduled 1830 BST finish.
The ICC said it had to ban Collingwood because he had previously offended in the same way in the preceding 12 months - in a match against India in Bristol on 24 August 2007. The other 10 England players in the side at The Oval have been fined 15% of their match fee for the deficit, but Collingwood escaped a financial penalty as his punishment has come in the form of the ban instead. The suspension completed a miserable 24 hours for the man from Durham, who was appointed captain of England's one-day side in June 2007. England lost a nail-biting finish to the match at The Oval, New Zealand taking a 2-1 lead into the final match on Saturday. And Collingwood was also involved in a controversial incident when he chose not to rescind his team run-out appeal against the unfortunate Grant Elliott.
At last it seems the ICC is going to be tougher on teams that do not bowl their overs in time. The New Zealand all-rounder collided with England's Ryan Sidebottom as he went for the run - and was injured in the process - but the umpires had to send him back to the pavilion.
Asked if he thought the ban was fair, Swann replied: "Personally, I don't think it is. It's the England captain and I want him playing every game. The only previous international captains to be banned in these circumstances are Sourav Ganguly of India, and South Africa's Graeme Smith.

Sehwag and Raina trash Pakistan

Virender Sehwag's ninth one-day century inspired India to a six-wicket win over Pakistan with 47 balls to spare in their final Asia Cup Group B match. Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik fired 16 fours and a six in 125 from 119 balls before retiring hurt at the end of the 40th over, to help his side post 299-4. That was the only six of the innings, but India hit a total of 12. Sehwag's 119 took only 95 balls and featured five sixes and he shared 198 in only 25 overs with Suresh Raina.

Maria Sharapova stunned by 154th ranked Kudryavtseva

Russian Alla Kudryavtseva claimed a massive Wimbledon upset by knocking out number three seed and 2004 champion Maria Sharapova in the second round. Sharapova, 21, was way off colour on Court One, losing 2-6 4-6 to record her worst Wimbledon performance. The 20-year-old Kudryavtseva, ranked 154th in the world, has never won a WTA tournament and is now in the third round at Wimbledon for the first time. Kudryavtseva will play China's Peng Shuai for a place in the last 16. Sharapova, who dropped only five games in her first-round win over Stephanie Foretz, was odds-on for another simple victory against an opponent she defeated 6-1 6-4 at last year's French Open. But this year's Australian Open winner never got into her stride and was unable to cope with Kudryavtseva's powerful groundstrokes.
The pressure led to Sharapova collecting a total of 22 unforced errors and eight double faults.
Kudryavtseva started the match well, holding her serve twice while forcing Sharapova to save a break point in her opening service game. Kudryavtseva lost in the first round of her Wimbledon debut last year. The breakthrough came in the sixth game, Sharapova double-faulting three times to help give Kudryavtseva the break. Kudryavtseva broke again in the eighth to seal the first set in just 32 minutes. There was a hint of nerves from Kudryavtseva at the start of the second set as she double-faulted three times to lose serve from 40-15 ahead. But Sharapova could not take advantage of the slip, losing serve in the fourth and sixth games, the second break coming with a wonderful Kudryavtseva forehand winner.
Sharapova did battle back to 4-4 but she double-faulted again when serving at 4-5 down with the score poised at 40-40 and Kudryavtseva sealed the famous victory with another crunching forehand to the corner. Sharapova's exit comes a day after number one seed Ana Ivanovic narrowly avoided a shock defeat at the hands of Nathalie Dechy.

North Korea hand overs N-data to China

North Korea has handed over a long-awaited account of its nuclear programme to China, diplomats said. The declaration, which is six months overdue, is expected to detail North Korea's plutonium production efforts. But analysts say it is not expected to go into detail about the country's nuclear arsenal or its alleged uranium enrichment programme. US President George W Bush cautiously welcomed the move but said the US still had "serious concerns" about Pyongyang. He said he was notifying Congress of his intent to take the communist state off a US list of state terrorism sponsors in 45 days - if the declaration was complete. "The United States has no illusions about the regime in Pyongyang," Mr Bush told a White House press conference.
"We remain deeply concerned about North Korea's human rights abuses, uranium enrichment activities, nuclear testing and proliferation, ballistic missile programmes and the threat it continues to pose to South Korea and its neighbours." North Korea remains one of the most sanctioned regimes
The handover is part of six-party efforts offering North Korea diplomatic and economic incentives to disarm. But Mr Bush's national security adviser said those sanctions lifted were relatively minor and mostly affected those trying to import goods from North Korea and conduct financial transactions. "I will tell you, and the North Koreans understand, that the degree of easing of sanctions is relatively minor," Stephen Hadley told the media. "North Korea remains one of the most sanctioned regimes." Mr Hadley added that the US could re-impose sanctions if Pyongyang failed to live up to its expectations. The US State Department said Pyongyang's declaration would be subjected to an "iterative process of verification" aimed at resolving discrepancies and achieving a "complete and correct" declaration.

This process will include:
*Reviewing 19,000 pages of documentation relating to North Korea's nuclear activities dating back to 1986, which was handed over last month
*Being given short-notice access to declared or suspect sites related to the North Korean nuclear programme
*Being given access to additional required documentation and nuclear materials for sampling
*Interviewing personnel in North Korea
*Thorny negotiations
*South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan said it would be "regrettable" if the declaration lacked details of Pyongyang's nuclear stockpile.

NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR DEAL
2002: N Korea pulls out of previous deal after US accuses it of having secret uranium programme
October 2006: North Korea carries out its first test of a nuclear weapon
February 2007: N Korea agrees to end nuclear activities in return for aid
July 2007: North Korea closes its Yongbyon nuclear reactor and allows IAEA inspectors in
December 2007: N Korea misses a deadline to hand over a declaration of its nuclear work
June 2008: N Korea hands over nuclear programme details; US cautiously welcomes the move

News of the handover came from the Chinese and South Korean foreign ministries. In North Korea itself, a senior US diplomat and media have been invited to witness the destruction of a nuclear cooling tower at its Yongbyon reactor on Friday, in an apparent show of commitment to the deal. Since agreeing to end its nuclear activities in February 2007, North Korea has shut down the reactor. But reaching agreement with North Korea on the next stage of the disarmament deal - the declaration - has proved a tough task. Analysts say the most thorny part of the negotiations will focus on what happens to any nuclear bombs and weapons-grade material. Another expected gap in Thursday's declaration is any disclosure on how the North allegedly helped Syria build what the Americans say was a nearly-completed nuclear reactor.
BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says the Syrian facility - destroyed by Israeli warplanes in September 2007 - was strikingly similar to the Yongbyon reactor. He also says that with opinion on Capitol Hill running strongly against Pyongyang, Congress may seek to block any White House move to remove North Korea from its terror blacklist. Japan, meanwhile, is concerned de-listing North Korea as a terror sponsor could marginalise its efforts to trace Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang 20 years ago.

Freddy Safe Now

A cat survived 18 hours clinging to high voltage power lines in a Wiltshire village. Engineers from Southern Electric, helped by firefighters and RSPCA officers, finally managed to rescue Freddy who was spotted 25ft (7m) up. A passer-by had raised the alarm after Freddy was seen close to a live wire. His owner Emma Evans, 33, said: "It's not unusual for Freddy to wander off for the night so I hadn't been too concerned about him." When rescuers finally brought him down, the cat ran home with a note from the RSPCA attached to his collar. It read: "Your cat's had an adventure. Can you please contact us to let us know he got home safely?" Ms Evans then contacted the RSPCA to let staff know he was safe and well.

Safin Upsets Djokovic

Russian Marat Safin caused a sensational upset by knocking out world number three Novak Djokovic in the second round at Wimbledon. The former world number one overpowered Djokovic 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 to leave the Centre Court crowd stunned. Safin has often expressed his frustration at playing on grass but it was Djokovic who appeared to be rattled by the blustery conditions. The Serb delivered 10 double faults, the last on match point. "It was a great match and I still feel a bit nervous as I have not won such a match in a long time.
"I had to play really well, concentrate from the beginning and be with him game by game.
Safin has his ups and downs and he's known for his mental instability - but he's still a great player. "I had to take my opportunities as he was under pressure fighting for the world number one spot so he has to win matches. From me no-one expects anything." Safin later admitted that he already booked himself on a flight to Moscow on Wednesday evening but he must now prepare himself for a third-round match against Italian Andreas Seppi. "I hadn't looked at the draw because I saw I had Djokovic in the second round, but now I wiill have to check. The way I am playing right now I can go far but it must be step by step," added the Russian. Safin's win could also be a boost for world number one Roger Federer, who was seeded to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals. Australian Open champion Djokovic had been talked about as one of three title contenders, along with Federer and Rafael Nadal. However, the 21-year-old was completely out of sorts on Wednesday.
"It was certainly a very bad day for me," he admitted. "I think being on Centre Court motivated him and he was mentally there today - the opposite of me. I didn't do anything to hurt him, no angles no precision. I was very up and down. "I'm tired mentally. It's been a long season. He was just better than me. That's it." Safin, a two-times Grand Slam champion, has seen his ranking slump to 75 through a combination of injuries and inconsistent form but he was at his brutal best on Wednesday. "The courts have been getting slower and slower at Wimbledon. Now you can play from the baseline without even getting close to the net," said the 28-year-old.
"I had to serve well and stay with him, but he didn't impress me with his game today." Djokovic had to save three break points in the opening game and that set the tone for a strangely lacklustre display.
The pair swapped breaks before Safin broke again to take a 4-3 lead and the Russian's destructive serve took him to the first set. Djokovic saved break points in the second set but then crumbled in the tiebreak, allowing Safin the security of a two-set lead. The Russian broke again to take a 3-0 lead and with his serve proving unplayable, Djokovic never looked capable of a comeback and another tired double fault handed Safin victory after just two hours. The world number three put the defeat down to "mostly me", but did pay tribute to Safin. "Safin has his ups and downs and he's known for his mental instability - but he's still a great player. "I admire the way he plays. He was one of my idols when I was a junior and he was the number one. I used to practice with him. I have a lot of respect for him. Maybe that played a role today."

Cricket Fixtures till August 2009

Saturday, 03 January 2009
Test Match Series
Third Test MatchAustralia v South Africa, Sydney, 0:30

Sunday, 11 January 2009
International Twenty20 Series
Australia v South Africa, Melbourne, 8:30

Tuesday, 13 January 2009
International Twenty20 Series
Australia v South Africa, Brisbane, 8:30

Friday, 16 January 2009
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalAustralia v South Africa, Melbourne, 3:15

Sunday, 18 January 2009
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalAustralia v South Africa, Hobart, 3:15

Friday, 23 January 2009
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalAustralia v South Africa, Sydney, 3:15

Sunday, 25 January 2009
Tour Match
TBC v England, Barbados, 15:00

Monday, 26 January 2009
One Day International Series
Fourth One Day InternationalAustralia v South Africa, Adelaide, 3:15

Thursday, 29 January 2009
Tour Match
TBC v England, Barbados, 15:00

Friday, 30 January 2009
One Day International Series
Fifth One Day InternationalAustralia v South Africa, Perth, 3:15

Sunday, 01 February 2009
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalAustralia v New Zealand, Perth, 3:15

Wednesday, 04 February 2009
Test Match Series
First Test MatchWest Indies v England, Jamaica, 16:00

Friday, 06 February 2009
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalAustralia v New Zealand, Melbourne, 3:15

Sunday, 08 February 2009
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalAustralia v New Zealand, Sydney, 3:15

Tuesday, 10 February 2009
One Day International Series
Fourth One Day InternationalAustralia v New Zealand, Adelaide, 3:15

Friday, 13 February 2009
Test Match Series
Second Test MatchWest Indies v England, Antigua, 15:00
One Day International Series
Fifth One Day InternationalAustralia v New Zealand, Brisbane, 3:15

Sunday, 15 February 2009
NatWest International Twenty20 Match
Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 8:30

Saturday, 21 February 2009
Tour Match
TBC v England, Barbados, 15:00

Thursday, 26 February 2009
Test Match Series
Third Test MatchWest Indies v England, Barbados, 16:00

Friday, 06 March 2009
Test Match Series
Fourth Test MatchWest Indies v England, Trinidad, 15:00

Saturday, 14 March 2009
Tour Match
TBC v West Indies, Trinidad, 15:00

Sunday, 15 March 2009
NatWest International Twenty20 Match
West Indies v England, Trinidad, 15:00

Friday, 20 March 2009
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalWest Indies v England, Guyana, 15:00

Sunday, 22 March 2009
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalWest Indies v England, Guyana, 15:00

Friday, 27 March 2009
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalWest Indies v England, Barbados, 15:00

Sunday, 29 March 2009
One Day International Series
Fourth One Day InternationalWest Indies v England, Barbados, 15:00

Friday, 03 April 2009
One Day International Series
Fifth One Day InternationalWest Indies v England, St Lucia, 19:30

Wednesday, 08 July 2009
npower Test Match Series
England v Australia, The Swalec Stadium, 11:00

Thursday, 16 July 2009
npower Test Match Series
England v Australia, Lord's, 11:00

Thursday, 30 July 2009
npower Test Match Series
England v Australia, Edgbaston, 11:00

Friday, 07 August 2009
npower Test Match Series
England v Australia, Headingley Carnegie, 11:00

Thursday, 20 August 2009
npower Test Match Series
England v Australia, The Brit Oval, 11:00

2008 Cricket Fixtures

Tuesday, 24 June 2008
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalWest Indies v Australia, St Vincent, 14:30
The Twenty20 Cup
Durham v Yorkshire, Riverside, 18:00
Essex v Sussex, Chelmsford, 19:10
Gloucestershire v Glamorgan, Bristol, 17:30
Leicestershire v Nottinghamshire, Grace Road, 17:30
Middlesex v Kent, Uxbridge, 17:30
Warwickshire v Somerset, Edgbaston, 17:30
Worcestershire v Northamptonshire, New Road, 17:30
Asia Cup
Bangladesh v United Arab Emirates, Lahore, 11:00
Pakistan v Hong Kong, Karachi, 11:00

Wednesday, 25 June 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v New Zealand, The Brit Oval, 10:45
The Twenty20 Cup
Derbyshire v Durham, Derby, 19:00
Gloucestershire v Worcestershire, Bristol, 17:30
Hampshire v Essex, The Rose Bowl, 19:00
Kent v Surrey, Canterbury, 17:30
Lancashire v Nottinghamshire, Old Trafford, 17:30
Sussex v Middlesex, Hove, 19:00
Asia Cup
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Lahore, 11:00
Hong Kong v India, Karachi, 11:00

Thursday, 26 June 2008
The Twenty20 Cup
Northamptonshire v Somerset, Northampton, 17:30
Warwickshire v Glamorgan, Edgbaston, 17:30
Yorkshire v Leicestershire, Headingley Carnegie, 17:40
Asia Cup
India v Pakistan, Karachi, 11:00
Sri Lanka v United Arab Emirates, Lahore, 11:00

Friday, 27 June 2008
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalWest Indies v Australia, Grenada, 14:30
The Twenty20 Cup
Durham v Lancashire, Riverside, 17:30
Essex v Hampshire, Chelmsford, 17:30
Gloucestershire v Somerset, Bristol, 17:30
Leicestershire v Derbyshire, Grace Road, 17:30
Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire, Trent Bridge, 17:30
Surrey v Middlesex, The Brit Oval, 17:30
Sussex v Kent, Hove, 17:30
Warwickshire v Northamptonshire, Edgbaston, 17:30
Worcestershire v Glamorgan, New Road, 17:30

Saturday, 28 June 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v New Zealand, Lord's, 10:45
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalCanada v Bermuda, Toronto, 15:30
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 11:00

Sunday, 29 June 2008
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalCanada v Bermuda, Toronto, 15:30
Third One Day InternationalWest Indies v Australia, Grenada, 14:30
LV County Championship - Division One
Hampshire v Nottinghamshire, The Rose Bowl, 11:00
Surrey v Kent, The Brit Oval, 11:00
Sussex v Lancashire, Hove, 11:00
Yorkshire v Durham, Headingley Carnegie, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Essex v Derbyshire, Chelmsford, 11:00
Leicestershire v Worcestershire, Grace Road, 11:00
Middlesex v Northamptonshire, Uxbridge, 11:00
Warwickshire v Gloucestershire, Edgbaston, 11:00
Other Match
Somerset v South Africa, Taunton, 11:00
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 11:00
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 11:00

Monday, 30 June 2008
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 11:00

Tuesday, 01 July 2008
NatWest International Triangular Series
Ireland v New Zealand, Aberdeen, 10:45
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalCanada v Bermuda, Toronto, 15:30
Varsity Match
Oxford University v Cambridge University, Lord's, 11:00

Wednesday, 02 July 2008
NatWest International Triangular Series
Scotland v Ireland, Aberdeen, 10:45
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 12:00

Thursday, 03 July 2008
NatWest International Triangular Series
Scotland v New Zealand, Aberdeen, 10:45
Other Match
International XI v Asia XI, The Brit Oval, 10:30
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 11:00

Friday, 04 July 2008
One Day International Series
Fourth One Day InternationalWest Indies v Australia, St Kitts, 14:30
Friends Provident Trophy
Durham v Kent, Riverside, 12:00
Other Match
Middlesex v South Africa, Uxbridge, 10:30
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 11:00

Saturday, 05 July 2008
Friends Provident Trophy
Essex v Yorkshire, Chelmsford, 12:05

Sunday, 06 July 2008
One Day International Series
Fifth One Day InternationalWest Indies v Australia, St Kitts, 14:30
Other Match
England Under 19 v Bangladesh A, Loughborough, 11:00
Asia Cup
TBC v TBC, Karachi, 6:30

Monday, 07 July 2008
The Twenty20 Cup
TBC v TBC, TBC, 17:30
TBC v TBC, TBC, 17:30

Tuesday, 08 July 2008
The Twenty20 Cup
TBC v TBC, TBC, 17:30

Wednesday, 09 July 2008
The Twenty20 Cup
TBC v TBC, TBC, 17:30

Thursday, 10 July 2008
npower Test Match Series
England v South Africa, Lord's, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Worcestershire v Northamptonshire, New Road, 11:00

Friday, 11 July 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Durham v Somerset, Riverside, 11:00
Hampshire v Lancashire, The Rose Bowl, 11:00
Kent v Yorkshire, Canterbury, 11:00
Nottinghamshire v Surrey, Trent Bridge, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Derbyshire v Leicestershire, Derby, 11:00
Glamorgan v Essex, The Swalec Stadium, 11:00
Gloucestershire v Middlesex, Bristol, 11:00
Other Match
Warwickshire v Bangladesh A, Edgbaston, 11:00
Women's One Day International Series
England Women v West Indies Women, Loughborough, 10:45

Saturday, 12 July 2008
Women's One Day International Series
England Women v West Indies Women, Loughborough, 10:45

Tuesday, 15 July 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire, New Road, 16:30

Wednesday, 16 July 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Somerset v Kent, Taunton, 11:00
Surrey v Durham, Guildford, 11:00
Sussex v Hampshire, Arundel, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Middlesex v Warwickshire, Uxbridge, 11:00
Northamptonshire v Derbyshire, Northampton, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Essex v Yorkshire, Chelmsford, 16:30
Other Match
Leicestershire v Bangladesh A, Grace Road, 11:00

Thursday, 17 July 2008
LV County Championship - Division Two
Worcestershire v Glamorgan, New Road, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Lancashire v Gloucestershire, Old Trafford, 16:30

Friday, 18 July 2008
npower Test Match Series
England v South Africa, Headingley Carnegie, 11:00

Sunday, 20 July 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Middlesex v Durham, Uxbridge, 13:00
Nottinghamshire v Hampshire, Trent Bridge, 13:00
Sussex v Somerset, Arundel, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Leicestershire v Essex, Grace Road, 13:00
Northamptonshire v Derbyshire, Northampton, 13:00
Surrey v Yorkshire, Guildford, 13:45
Warwickshire v Kent, Edgbaston, 13:00

Monday, 21 July 2008
Other Match
Derbyshire v Bangladesh A, Derby, 11:00

Tuesday, 22 July 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Lancashire v Hampshire, Old Trafford, 11:00
Nottinghamshire v Yorkshire, Trent Bridge, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Essex v Gloucestershire, Chelmsford, 11:00
Middlesex v Worcestershire, Lord's, 11:00
Northamptonshire v Leicestershire, Northampton, 11:00

Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Test Match Series
First Test MatchSri Lanka v India, Colombo, 6:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Durham v Somerset, Riverside, 16:30
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Glamorgan v Surrey, The Swalec Stadium, 16:30

Friday, 25 July 2008
Other Match
England XI v Woolmer World XI, Edgbaston, 10:30
South Africa v Bangladesh A, New Road, 11:00

Saturday, 26 July 2008
The Twenty20 Cup
TBC v TBC, The Rose Bowl, 17:30
TBC v TBC, The Rose Bowl, 17:30
TBC v TBC, The Rose Bowl, 17:30
Under 19 Test Match Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, Taunton, 11:00

Monday, 28 July 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Derbyshire v Essex, Derby, 16:30

Tuesday, 29 July 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Leicestershire v Warwickshire, Grace Road, 16:30

Wednesday, 30 July 2008
npower Test Match Series
England v South Africa, Edgbaston, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division One
Kent v Hampshire, Canterbury, 11:00
Nottinghamshire v Durham, Trent Bridge, 11:00
Sussex v Somerset, Horsham, 11:00
Yorkshire v Surrey, Headingley Carnegie, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire, Chesterfield, 11:00
Essex v Glamorgan, Southend, 11:00
Gloucestershire v Worcestershire, Cheltenham, 11:00
Leicestershire v Warwickshire, Grace Road, 11:00
Other Match
Lancashire v Bangladesh A, Alderley Edge, 10:30

Thursday, 31 July 2008
npower Test Match Series
Sri Lanka v India, Galle, 6:00

Friday, 01 August 2008
Other Match
MCC v Bangladesh A, Racecourse, 10:30
Under 19 Test Match Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, New Road, 11:00

Sunday, 03 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Gloucestershire v Nottinghamshire, Cheltenham, 13:00
Hampshire v Lancashire, The Rose Bowl, 13:00
Sussex v Worcestershire, Horsham, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Derbyshire v Surrey, Chesterfield, 13:45
Essex v Northamptonshire, Southend, 13:00
Kent v Glamorgan, Canterbury, 13:00
Yorkshire v Leicestershire, Headingley Carnegie, 13:00
Other Match
Durham v Bangladesh A, Riverside, 11:00

Monday, 04 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Middlesex v Somerset, Lord's, 16:30

Tuesday, 05 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Gloucestershire v Sussex, Cheltenham, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Essex v Surrey, Chelmsford, 16:30

Wednesday, 06 August 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Durham v Kent, Riverside, 11:00
Hampshire v Yorkshire, The Rose Bowl, 11:00
Lancashire v Sussex, Old Trafford, 11:00
Somerset v Nottinghamshire, Taunton, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Glamorgan v Middlesex, Colwyn Bay, 11:00
Gloucestershire v Leicestershire, Cheltenham, 11:00
Worcestershire v Derbyshire, New Road, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Warwickshire v Northamptonshire, Edgbaston, 16:30
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v South Africa Women, Canterbury, 10:45

Thursday, 07 August 2008
npower Test Match Series
England v South Africa, The Brit Oval, 11:00
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalHolland v Bermuda, Amsterdam, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Warwickshire v Northamptonshire, Edgbaston, 11:00

Friday, 08 August 2008
npower Test Match Series
Sri Lanka v India, Colombo, 6:00
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalHolland v Bermuda, Amsterdam, 11:00
Under 19 One Day International Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, Canterbury, 11:00
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v South Africa Women, Lord's, 10:45

Saturday, 09 August 2008
Under 19 One Day International Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, Canterbury, 11:00

Sunday, 10 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Durham v Sussex, Riverside, 13:00
Gloucestershire v Hampshire, Cheltenham, 13:00
Lancashire v Worcestershire, Old Trafford, 13:00
Somerset v Nottinghamshire, Taunton, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Glamorgan v Leicestershire, Colwyn Bay, 13:00

Monday, 11 August 2008
Under 19 One Day International Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, Hove, 14:30
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v South Africa Women, Shenley, 10:45
npower Women's Test Series
England Women v South Africa Women, Shenley, 11:00

Tuesday, 12 August 2008
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalIreland v Canada, Dublin, 11:00
First One Day InternationalScotland v Kenya, Ayr, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division One
Durham v Nottinghamshire, Riverside, 11:00
Lancashire v Yorkshire, Old Trafford, 11:00
Somerset v Surrey, Taunton, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Derbyshire v Middlesex, Derby, 11:00
Glamorgan v Gloucestershire, The Swalec Stadium, 11:00
Warwickshire v Essex, Edgbaston, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Kent v Leicestershire, Canterbury, 16:30

Wednesday, 13 August 2008
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalScotland v Kenya, Ayr, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Hampshire v Sussex, The Rose Bowl, 16:30

Thursday, 14 August 2008
Other Match
England Lions v South Africa, Grace Road, 10:30
Under 19 One Day International Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, Northampton, 11:00
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v South Africa Women, Shenley, 10:45

Friday, 15 August 2008
Under 19 One Day International Series
England Under 19 v New Zealand Under 19, Northampton, 11:00

Saturday, 16 August 2008
Friends Provident Trophy
TBC v TBC, Lord's, 10:30
Other Match
England Lions v South Africa, Derby, 11:00

Sunday, 17 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Lancashire v Middlesex, Old Trafford, 13:00
Somerset v Hampshire, Taunton, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Kent v Derbyshire, Canterbury, 13:00
Surrey v Northamptonshire, The Brit Oval, 13:45

Monday, 18 August 2008
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalScotland v England, Edinburgh, 11:00
First One Day InternationalSri Lanka v India, Dambulla, 5:30
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v South Africa Women, Chesterfield, 10:45

Tuesday, 19 August 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Hampshire v Somerset, The Rose Bowl, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Gloucestershire v Northamptonshire, Bristol, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Nottinghamshire v Durham, Trent Bridge, 16:30

Wednesday, 20 August 2008
NatWest International Twenty20 Match
England v South Africa, Riverside, 17:30
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalSri Lanka v India, Dambulla, 5:30
LV County Championship - Division One
Kent v Lancashire, Canterbury, 11:00
Surrey v Sussex, The Brit Oval, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Essex v Worcestershire, Colchester, 11:00
Middlesex v Leicestershire, Lord's, 11:00
NatWest Women's Twenty20 Match
England Women v South Africa Women, Chesterfield, 14:30

Thursday, 21 August 2008
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalHolland v Kenya, Amstelveen, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Derbyshire v Yorkshire, Derby, 16:30

Friday, 22 August 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v South Africa, Headingley Carnegie, 14:30
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Glamorgan v Warwickshire, The Swalec Stadium, 16:30
NatWest Women's Twenty20 Match
England Women v South Africa Women, Northampton, 14:30

Saturday, 23 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Somerset v Gloucestershire, Taunton, 13:00
NatWest Women's Twenty20 Match
England Women v South Africa Women, Northampton, 17:30

Sunday, 24 August 2008
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalIreland v Kenya, Belfast, 11:00
First One Day InternationalPakistan v New Zealand, Multan, 4:30
Third One Day InternationalSri Lanka v India, Colombo, 10:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Middlesex v Hampshire, Lord's, 13:00
Worcestershire v Durham, New Road, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Essex v Glamorgan, Colchester, 13:00

Monday, 25 August 2008
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalIreland v Kenya, Belfast, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Sussex v Lancashire, Hove, 16:30
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Leicestershire v Derbyshire, Grace Road, 13:00
Northamptonshire v Glamorgan, Northampton, 13:00
Warwickshire v Surrey, Edgbaston, 13:45
Yorkshire v Kent, Scarborough, 13:00

Tuesday, 26 August 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v South Africa, Trent Bridge, 14:30
One Day International Series
Fourth One Day InternationalSri Lanka v India, Colombo, 10:00

Wednesday, 27 August 2008
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalIreland v Kenya, Belfast, 11:00
Second One Day InternationalPakistan v New Zealand, Faisalabad, 4:30
LV County Championship - Division One
Hampshire v Durham, The Rose Bowl, 11:00
Lancashire v Surrey, Blackpool, 11:00
Sussex v Nottinghamshire, Hove, 11:00
Yorkshire v Kent, Scarborough, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Leicestershire v Essex, Grace Road, 11:00
Northamptonshire v Glamorgan, Northampton, 11:00
Warwickshire v Derbyshire, Edgbaston, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Gloucestershire v Middlesex, Bristol, 16:30

Thursday, 28 August 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Somerset v Worcestershire, Taunton, 16:30

Friday, 29 August 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v South Africa, The Brit Oval, 10:45
One Day International Series
Fifth One Day InternationalSri Lanka v India, Colombo, 10:00

Saturday, 30 August 2008
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalPakistan v New Zealand, Faisalabad, 4:30
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Worcestershire v Gloucestershire, New Road, 13:00
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v India Women, Bath, 10:45

Sunday, 31 August 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v South Africa, Lord's, 10:45
One Day International Series
First One Day InternationalAustralia v Bangladesh, Darwin, 3:15
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Northamptonshire v Kent, Northampton, 13:00
Yorkshire v Glamorgan, Scarborough, 13:00

Monday, 01 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Hampshire v Durham, The Rose Bowl, 16:30
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v India Women, Taunton, 10:45

Tuesday, 02 September 2008
LV County Championship - Division Two
Derbyshire v Glamorgan, Derby, 11:00
Worcestershire v Warwickshire, New Road, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Surrey v Kent, The Brit Oval, 16:10

Wednesday, 03 September 2008
NatWest One Day International Series
England v South Africa, The Swalec Stadium, 14:30
One Day International Series
Second One Day InternationalAustralia v Bangladesh, Darwin, 3:15
LV County Championship - Division One
Durham v Lancashire, Riverside, 11:00
Nottinghamshire v Somerset, Trent Bridge, 11:00
Yorkshire v Sussex, Scarborough, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Middlesex v Gloucestershire, Lord's, 11:00

Thursday, 04 September 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Kent v Surrey, Canterbury, 11:00
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v India Women, Taunton, 10:45

Friday, 05 September 2008
NatWest Women's Twenty20 Match
England Women v India Women, Taunton, 14:35

Saturday, 06 September 2008
One Day International Series
Third One Day InternationalAustralia v Bangladesh, Darwin, 3:15
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Hampshire v Worcestershire, The Rose Bowl, 13:00

Sunday, 07 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Durham v Lancashire, Riverside, 13:00
Middlesex v Nottinghamshire, Lord's, 13:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire, Grace Road, 13:00
Warwickshire v Essex, Edgbaston, 13:00
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v India Women, Arundel, 10:45

Monday, 08 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Glamorgan v Derbyshire, The Swalec Stadium, 16:30

Tuesday, 09 September 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Somerset v Durham, Taunton, 11:00
Surrey v Hampshire, The Brit Oval, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Leicestershire v Gloucestershire, Grace Road, 11:00
Northamptonshire v Essex, Northampton, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Yorkshire v Warwickshire, Headingley Carnegie, 16:30
NatWest Women's Series
England Women v India Women, Hove, 14:30

Wednesday, 10 September 2008
LV County Championship - Division Two
Glamorgan v Worcestershire, The Swalec Stadium, 11:00
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Nottinghamshire v Lancashire, Trent Bridge, 16:30

Thursday, 11 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Sussex v Middlesex, Hove, 16:30

Saturday, 13 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division Two
Derbyshire v Warwickshire, Derby, 13:00
Kent v Essex, Canterbury, 13:00
Northamptonshire v Yorkshire, Northampton, 13:00
Surrey v Leicestershire, The Brit Oval, 12:45

Sunday, 14 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 - Division One
Durham v Gloucestershire, Riverside, 13:00
Lancashire v Somerset, Liverpool, 13:00
Nottinghamshire v Sussex, Trent Bridge, 13:00
Worcestershire v Middlesex, New Road, 13:00

Wednesday, 17 September 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Durham v Sussex, Riverside, 11:00
Lancashire v Kent, Liverpool, 11:00
Surrey v Nottinghamshire, The Brit Oval, 11:00
Yorkshire v Somerset, Headingley Carnegie, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire, Derby, 11:00
Essex v Warwickshire, Chelmsford, 11:00
Glamorgan v Leicestershire, The Swalec Stadium, 11:00
Worcestershire v Middlesex, New Road, 11:00

Sunday, 21 September 2008
NatWest Pro40 Play-Off
TBC v TBC, TBC, 13:00

Wednesday, 24 September 2008
LV County Championship - Division One
Kent v Durham, Canterbury, 11:00
Nottinghamshire v Hampshire, Trent Bridge, 11:00
Somerset v Lancashire, Taunton, 11:00
Sussex v Yorkshire, Hove, 11:00
LV County Championship - Division Two
Gloucestershire v Essex, Bristol, 11:00
Leicestershire v Derbyshire, Grace Road, 11:00
Northamptonshire v Middlesex, Northampton, 11:00
Warwickshire v Glamorgan, Edgbaston, 11:00

Thursday, 09 October 2008
Test Match Series
First Test MatchIndia v Australia, Bangalore, 5:00

Friday, 17 October 2008
Test Match Series
Second Test MatchIndia v Australia, Mohali, 5:00

Tuesday, 28 October 2008
Test Match Series
Third Test MatchIndia v Australia, Delhi, 5:00

Wednesday, 05 November 2008
Test Match Series
Fourth Test MatchIndia v Australia, Nagpur, 5:00

Thursday, 20 November 2008
Test Match Series
First Test MatchAustralia v New Zealand, Brisbane, 0:30

Friday, 28 November 2008
Test Match Series
Second Test MatchAustralia v New Zealand, Adelaide, 0:30

Friday, 12 December 2008
Test Match Series
First Test MatchAustralia v South Africa, Perth, 0:30

Friday, 26 December 2008
Test Match Series
Second Test MatchAustralia v South Africa, Melbourne, 0:30

ICC World Twenty20 2008 - Qualifier

Group A: Ireland, Scotland, Bermuda;
Group B : Kenya, Netherlands, Canada

August
2 Kenya v Netherlands, Stormont
2 Ireland v Scotland, Stormont
2 Netherlands v Canada, Stormont
3 Scotland v Bermuda, Stormont
3 Kenya v Canada, Stormont
3 Ireland v Bermuda, Stormont
4 Group A winner v Group B runner-up, Stormont
4 Group A runner-up v Group B winner, Stormont
4 Final

ICC Champions Trophy - Schedule

September
11 Pakistan v West Indies, Lahore
12 New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Karachi
13 Australia v India, Lahore
14 England v Sri Lanka, Karachi
15 South Africa v New Zealand, Rawalpindi
16 West Indies v India, Karachi
17 Pakistan v Australia, Rawalpindi
18 South Africa v Sri Lanka, Lahore
19 England v New Zealand, Rawalpindi
20 Pakistan v India, Lahore
21 Australia v West Indies, Karachi
21 England v South Africa, Rawalpindi
24 1st Semi-final, Karachi
25 2nd Semi-final, Rawalpindi
28 Final, Lahore

Zimbabwe Cricket future in ICC's Hands - Meeting to be Held Next week in Dubai

The ICC will discuss whether to ban Zimbabwe from international cricket at a meeting in Dubai next week. Political turmoil in Zimbabwe has led to Cricket South Africa severing its sporting ties with the country, prompting the 2 July summit. A ban would prevent Zimbabwe's controversial tour of England for the Twenty20 World Cup next year. ICC president-elect David Morgan said: "I find it appalling there are not free and fair elections in the country." Zimbabwe are set to play two Tests and three home one-day internationals in England early next summer before the Twenty20 World Cup. The regime of President Robert Mugabe has led to calls for the tour to be scrapped but as long as Zimbabwe is a member of the International Cricket Council, the team cannot be stopped from competing in the Twenty20 World Cup. And the sport's governing body has previously made it clear it would take the tournament away from England if it prevented Zimbabwe from touring.
England batsman Andrew Strauss recently said that the side's cricketers would consider boycotting matches against Zimbabwe if Mugabe stayed on as president. But a decision on that front could be taken out of the hands of players depending on what the ICC decide next week. BBC cricket reporter Pat Murphy said: "The impetus has come from Cricket South Africa, which has suspended Zimbabwe from all domestic cricket. "CSA has always been a staunch supporter of Zimbabwe cricket, but I understand the pressure has come from both the South African players and the Government to put the heat on Zimbabwe cricket. "It may well be that Zimbabwe will be barred by the ICC from taking part in next summer's Twenty20 World Cup in England in June." CSA president Norman Arense said: "In the light of the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, CSA has reviewed its position in relation to Zimbabwe cricket. "We have decided to suspend our bilateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union until further notice. "In the past, CSA has defended Zimbabwe cricket against heavy odds, but the general situation in Zimbabwe has now made this untenable." CSA's announcement has been welcomed by former Zimbabwe captain now England assistant coach Andy Flower.
Flower famously ended his international career when he and team-mate Henry Olonga wore black armbands to mourn the "death of democracy" in his country in Zimbabwe's opening match of the 2003 Cricket World Cup. Under the current circumstances it is the Government's view that the tour by Zimbabwe would clearly be unwelcome.

"During the apartheid years, sporting sanctions had a strong effect (for change) in South Africa. "Although I don't think they would have the same effect on Zimbabwe, the principles are the same. A principled stance should be taken and do what's right." The 13 directors on the ICC executive board will meet to decide on what action to take and Morgan added: "Cricket South Africa's decision yesterday is hugely significant. Clearly they will want something done. "They're very influential in terms of southern African cricket and Zimbabwe is part of that. Quite where the various (ICC) members will stand on it, I really don't know." The Government would have "serious concerns" about a visit by the Zimbabwe team, Downing Street said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said: "Under the current circumstances it is the Government's view that the tour would clearly be unwelcome."

Sarcozy's Israel visit brings scare

Confusion has marred French President Nicolas Sarkozy's farewell to Israel, after a soldier shot himself dead during an airport departure ceremony. Mr Sarkozy and his wife, Carla Bruni, were rushed into their plane after the shot. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was also hurried to safety.
The incident at Ben-Gurion airport came at the end of Mr Sarkozy's three-day visit to Israel and the West Bank.
A police spokesman said the security officer had committed suicide. Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the incident, which happened just as Mr Sarkozy and Ms Bruni were about to board their plane, had posed no threat to the visitors. He denied reports that it might have been an assassination attempt on the French president. Other reports suggested the soldier may have shot himself accidentally.
Witnesses said the incident was over within minutes and that Mr Olmert had then boarded the Sarkozys' plane to say farewell and explain what had happened. Israel Radio reported that the soldier had been stationed on the perimeter of the airport, some 100m to 200m (330 - 660 feet) from the Sarkozys' plane, when he shot himself as a band played.
Television footage showed the French president and his wife being hustled up the steps into the aircraft. Israeli President Shimon Peres, who was also present for the farewell ceremony, was also taken to his armoured car. Sarkozy's visit was intended to improve relations between France and Israel. He also held talks in the West Bank on Tuesday with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Sarkozy voiced his support for the creation of a Palestinian state. "The security of Israel is non-negotiable for France, but the creation of a viable, democratic, modern state for the Palestinians is a priority for France," he said. He also repeated his call for Israel to halt its building of settlements in the West Bank. It came a day after he told Israeli politicians in the Knesset that there would be no lasting Middle East peace without a freeze on Jewish settlement construction on Palestinian land. Mr Abbas said the Palestinians were "relying a great deal on the European role" in the peace process, particularly as France takes on the rotating European Union presidency next month.

Pakistan and Bangladesh had the easiest day at the Office.

Pakistan thrashed Hong Kong by 155 runs in Karachi and Bangladesh beat United Arab Emirates by 96 runs in Lahore on the first day of the Asia Cup. Sohail Tanveer hit a 55-ball 59 and added a vital 100-run eighth-wicket stand with Fawad Alam (63 not out) to lift Pakistan from 161-7 to 288-9. Tanveer then took 2-20 to bundle the qualifiers out for 133 in 37.2 overs.

Bangladesh scored 300-8 thanks to Mohammad Ashraful's 109 and dismissed their opponents for 204. Four-time winner India - the other team in Group B - will meet Hong Kong on Wednesday before taking on Pakistan on Thursday. Two teams from the group advance to the Super Four Stage.

Bill Clinton backs OBAMA

Former US President Bill Clinton has announced for the first time that he is backing fellow Democrat Barack Obama to win the US presidential election. Mr Clinton's wife Hillary was Mr Obama's biggest rival for the party nomination, and he was often critical of Mr Obama on the campaign trail. Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton are set to hold a joint rally on Friday. Mr Clinton will be in Europe to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday and will not attend the rally. "President Clinton is obviously committed to doing whatever he can and is asked to do to ensure Senator Obama is the next president of the United States," said spokesman Matt McKenna.
The Obama campaign welcomed Mr Clinton's declaration of support, saying: "A unified Democratic Party is going to be a powerful force for change this year and we're confident President Clinton will play a big role in that." Relations between Mr Clinton and Mr Obama have been "frosty" since Mrs Clinton suspended her campaign, and the two men have not spoken, the Associated Press news agency reported. During the primary battle between Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton, Mr Clinton made the headlines when he described Mr Obama's record of opposition to the Iraq War as a "fairy-tale", and when he accused Mr Obama of "playing the race card". Observers say Mr Obama is making efforts to heal the divisions within the party and win over Democrats who supported Mrs Clinton in the primaries.
To this end, the Obama-Clinton rally on Friday will be held in the town of Unity, New Hampshire, where Mr Obama and Mrs Clinton both received 107 votes in the New Hampshire primary.

English Players considers Retirement to play in IPL

Several England players would consider international retirement to play in the Indian Premier League, according to the Professional Cricketers Association. A total of 334 cricketers, including 15 who represented England last winter, were questioned before the 2008 season. And around half of the England stars said they would consider "retiring prematurely" for big-money IPL deals.
"It is clear the new monies since the Indian leagues have unbalanced the cricketing landscape," the PCA said. "It seems unlikely that any other competition around the cricketing world could put as much money on the table and create a competition of equal proportions in the near future and therefore IPL will remain a threat, a force and an opportunity to the cricketing world for some time to come." The survey, made public on Monday, was carried out before the recent announcement of a £50m series between England and a West Indies XI, backed by billionaire Sir Allen Stanford.
But the Stanford plan would not preclude England players from also pursuing IPL contracts, whenever their international commitments and county permit. Twenty20 cricket has dominated the cricket headlines in recent months with the IPL and its unsanctioned rival, the Indian Cricket league (ICL), luring players from overseas to take part with lucrative contracts.
The survey also revealed that 45% of players questioned would consider signing up for the ICL, even though it could result in a 12-month ban from county cricket, and 89% believe "freedom of movement should prevail in regard to Indian cricket leagues". The financial rewards offered by the Indian leagues will entice players to retire early from county and international cricket However, 56% agreed with the statement that "Twenty20 and its growing popularity threaten other forms of the game".
The PCA also expressed concerns about Twenty20 domination of cricket in its report which forms the background for the survey results. "The current imbalance between remuneration for Twenty20 cricket and the longer forms of the game does present a very real threat to the existing fabric of the game," the report states. "The financial rewards offered by the Indian leagues will entice players to retire early from county and international cricket - and senior players at that. The impact on the strength of our international sides would be huge.
"This would have the potential to significantly devalue our TV rights as well as reducing the attraction of English cricket to the fans." The PCA recommends a gap in the international cricket schedule in March and April to prevent England players having to choose between their country and the financial attractions of the sub-continent.
Regarding international matches, 93% of those players questioned felt it was important that Test cricket maintained its current status. Many observers and spectators believe that one-day internationals of 50 overs are likely to become obsolete, but 79% of all players surveyed believe they should remain. The PCA report also reveals a dramatic increase in non-England qualified players in the domestic game.
Excluding overseas players, in 2007 there were 30 non-England players in the county game, but that rose to 62 for the start of the 2008 season, and the report warns the figure is likely to rise further if county players opt for the ICL and are banned for 12 months.
The structure of English cricket is currently under review and Giles Clarke, the chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, has advocated changing the format of the County Championship to feature three conferences, instead of the current two divisions.
But the report describes that idea as "a backward step."
It says that playing standards have improved in recent years and although a three conference format of 12-15 matches per season for each team does have some merit, it "doesn't reduce cricket enough to have any significant impact". But 90% of the players questioned feel the time is right to drop the Pro40 competition from the schedule, leaving three competitions instead of four. Of those surveyed, 62% now rate the Championship as the most important domestic competition following the announcement of plans for a Twenty20 Champions League involving domestic teams from around the world.
"The amount of Champions League prize monies on offer for counties is 25 times greater than for the four-day Championship. Consequently, players' views of relative importance of our domestic tournaments has changed significantly," the report concludes.

Its all Fed mania at Wimbeldon'08 - First day

World number one Roger Federer backed up his claim that he is the title favourite with a commanding display in his opening match at Wimbledon.
The 26-year-old won the first 11 points against Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty on his way to a crushing 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory. Hrbaty had won both his previous matches against the world number one but never looked like causing an upset. Third seed Novak Djokovic also made progress but had to work much harder to beat Michael Berrer 7-5 2-6 6-3 6-0. Djkovic looked out of sorts as he dropped the second set but recovered to claim what was eventually a convincing victory.
Berrer, who had lost his five previous matches ahead of Wimbledon, had the power to test the Serb but his lack of mobility eventually cost him dear.
The big German ran out of steam on Centre Court and Djokovic was well in control by the time he served out for victory. Federer had much less to worry about as he kicked off his title defence in style. The world number one is seeking a record sixth straight title at the All England Club, but he is no longer the overwhelming favourite. His tally of just two titles this season along with some surprising defeats have left many tipping Rafael Nadal or even Novak Djokovic to claim the title. I haven't been reading and I haven't been listening to what has been said," insisted Federer.
"I've been working in there as defending champion, opening Centre Court, trying to defend the title again. That's all that mattered to me.
"I came from a good tournament in Halle. I couldn't do any better than not dropping a set, not dropping a service game, so I feel like I'm right there to do the same thing again this week."
The top seed, who is now unbeaten in 60 straight matches on grass, showed he had lost none of his confidence by arriving on court in a chunky cardigan.
And he went on to show off his full repertoire of grass-court skills - albeit against a struggling opponent.

'Fun' first-round victory for Federer
Federer had won 11 points before Hrbaty could reply, and that was only a brief reprieve as the Swiss went on to serve out from 40-15 for a 3-0 lead.
Hrbaty is one of only three active players with a winning record against Federer, the others being Nadal and Andy Murray, but his ranking has dropped to 272nd after missing most of last season.
The Slovakian managed only flashes of brilliance - including a crowd-pleasing through-the-legs passing shot at 1-4 down in the first set - but he was otherwise outclassed, dropping serve again at the start of the second set as Federer went through the gears.
Hrbaty again earned warm applause from the Centre Court crowd when at 2-5 down in the third set, he went and sat next to his former doubles partner at the changeover.
But Federer was ruthless to the last, serving out a comprehensive win to love to set up a second-round meeting with Sweden's Robin Soderling. "I played well. It was a good match and good fun and the first time I have ever beaten him," said Federer.
"We go way back. We used to play doubles together and used to practise a lot together.
"He also taught me a little bit about how you're supposed to practise because I was a little bit weak in the beginning of my career."
Djokovic was also pleased with his performance, although he admitted he lost his way badly in the second set. Berrer, who had been edged out in a tight opening set, looked inspired as he broke serve twice in quick succession and Djokovic struggled to find a response.
"The third and fourth sets were pretty good," Djokovic explained. "They were very comfortable and I felt better. "My performance in the second set was pretty bad but I started to play better towards the end of the match and it is normal to have ups and downs in a match.
"It is not easy coming out on Centre Court on the first day - the grass is new, expectations are high and there are plenty of people who want to see you fall - I am happy to get through."

Students from Oxford, internship in India

Nine undergraduate students from Oxford and Cardiff universities in Britain have been chosen for the first-ever UK-India Business Scholarship Programme. Of the nine, seven are from the Economics and Management undergraduate course at Said Business School at the University of Oxford and two from Cardiff University.
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The Scholarships give the students an opportunity to spend eight weeks working with leading companies based in India, including multinationals like HSBC, ICICI, KPMG and start-ups like Origin Wave, Boudoir, Get Through Guides.The scholarships were awarded by the UK-India Business Council (UKIBC), a government sponsored body charged with representing business needs to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the UK and India, to create a new generation of ambassadors to build relationships between the businesses of the two countries. Over the summer of 2007, UKIBC worked closely with the team at the Oxford University India Business Centre to help shape the contours of the Scholarship. Speaking about this unique initiative, Sharon Bamford, CEO, UKIBC said: "This exchange will strengthen our aim to position 'modern' India in the minds of the next generation and also strengthen the business, trade and investment ties between India and the UK. "Our early research amongst the wider business community indicated that at best UK business has a 20th century view of India and at worst, a 19th century view. Next Generation India emphasises enterprise, entrepreneurship, talent and ideas emerging from both India and the UK, whilst also highlighting exciting business opportunities emerging from the Indian market." Owen Darbishire, Dean of Undergraduate Programmes at Said Business School said: "We are delighted to be involved in this excellent initiative which provides an extraordinary opportunity for students. "It also perfectly aligns with the goals of the Oxford University India Business Centre which is designed to ensure that we share ideas and learn from the many innovative business practices in India."