Former Indian team captain, Muhammad Azharuddin is back in the Indian preparation squad for the Sri Lankan tour. Unfortuanately, he has to prove himself from within a squad of 27 hopefuls to get into the final squad of 14 "lucky ones". Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar, whose captaincy was under the microscope following his team's defeat in a test and one-day series in South Africa and West Indies, was retained as skipper.

Ashes Update

The elements are with the English side in the Ashes this time. As England struggled in the 2nd Test match, the heavens opened up and saved England from certain defeat, since Australian bowler Glenn McGrath had virtually wrapped up the match with his monster haul of 8 wickets for just 38 runs. The match was declared a draw. So far, England are ahead in the series 1-0.

Meanwhile, Australian bowlers reduced Hampshire to 93 for 8, sending an ominous warning for the upcoming 3rd Test against England.

Windies Win!

On the SriLanka-Windies front, West Indies have won the series 1-0 as the 2nd Test ended in a draw, concluding with a nail biting finish. Brian Lara shone with a superb 115 comprising eleven fantastic fours and one sizzling sixer in the 2nd innings. Although SriLanka were in a very strong position, their batting collapsed after the play was delayed due to rain. SriLanka's strong position could be credited to the exceptional bowling exhibited by Pushpakumara (5/41 1st innings) and Muralitharan (5/113 2nd innings). West Indian all-rounder Carl Hooper was declared man-of-the-match after his career best bowling display of 26 for 5 and impressive batting figures of 81 in the first innings.

In the Pakistani cricket scene, the controversy over Aamer Sohail's suspension continues, amidst rumours of dissolution of the local cricket board and expulsion of the directors.

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30th June, 1997.