Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara signs for Lancashire

Sangakkara was appointed Sri Lanka captain in March Lancashire have signed Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara as their overseas player for the 2010 season. Sangakkara has played for the national side for the past decade and is one of international cricket's most consistent batsman with a Test average of 55.10. The 32-year-old will join up with his new county after the ICC World Twenty20 and the proposed Asia Cup. "Kumar is a hot property at the moment and rightly so," said Lancashire's head coach Peter Moores. "He is arguably the most consistent batsman in international cricket with an outstanding average in all formats, making his signing a real coup for Lancashire. "Not only will he bring his qualities as a player to the squad but his experience and knowledge will be invaluable. " Sangakkara follows in the footsteps of fellow team-mates, Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya in representing Lancashire. "I am thrilled to be joining Lancashire and really looking forward to representing a club and county that has such a long and distinguished cricketing history," said Sangakkara. "Murali always talks fondly of his times at Lancashire so I had no hesitation in accepting the club's kind offer to play for them in the upcoming season." "Kumar is an excellent batsman and proven match winner," said Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson. "He has all the attributes and qualities we look for when signing an overseas player and is someone we know can make a significant contribution in all three competitions next season." Sangakkara is likely to miss the first six weeks of the domestic season due to representative commitments, which gives an opportunity for the club to bring in someone else as cover. "The first part of the season is full of Championship cricket, so myself and Peter Moores are looking at our options in terms of cover for Kumar during this period," said Watkinson. "We do have some talented home grown batsmen in our squad but it's important that we start the season off as strongly as possible and if the right overseas player is available, then that would be an ideal solution."

Sachin Tendulkar leads India to victory over Sri Lanka

Third one-day international, Cuttack: India 242-3 (42.4 ovs) beat Sri Lanka 239 (44.2 ovs) by seven wickets Match scorecard Tendulkar has now scored 69, 43 and 96 in the three one-day internationals Sachin Tendulkar struck a brilliant unbeaten 96 as India eased to a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third one-day international in Cuttack. Tendulkar, supported by Virender Sehwag (44) and the rest of the top order, struck 13 fours off 104 balls as India made 240-3 in reply to Sri Lanka's 239. Sri Lanka's innings got off to a superb start with Upul Tharanga hitting 73 as he led them to 165-1 at one stage. But Ravindra Jadeja took 4-32 as they collapsed and India claimed a 2-1 lead. The fourth match of the five-game series takes place in Kolkata on Thursday, with a potential decider in Delhi on Sunday. India were captained by Sehwag, with regular skipper Mahendra Dhoni banned for two one-dayers because of their slow over rate in Friday's second contest. He lost the toss and ......... For more Visit : http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/8425193.stm

Injured Angelo Mathews to return home

	Angelo Mathews' injury could take up to four weeks to heal © AFP
Related Links News : Murali and Fernando out of ODI series Players/Officials: Angelo Mathews | Thissara Perera Series/Tournaments: Sri Lanka tour of India Teams: Sri Lanka

The injury crisis in the Sri Lankan camp has deepened, with the allrounder Angelo Mathews set to return home after straining his right quadricep muscle during the second ODI in Nagpur on Friday. The Sri Lanka Cricket media manager Brian Thomas has confirmed to Cricinfo that the Wayamba allrounder Thissara Perera will join the squad in India on Sunday for the three remaining ODIs.

Mathews' injury is likely to take up to four weeks to heal, thereby putting him in doubt for the tri-series in Bangladesh starting on January 4. He suffered the injury while setting off for a run during his match-winning unbeaten 37, but continued his innings with the aid of a runner (Chamara Kapugedera).

The loss of Mathews is a big blow to the Sri Lankans, given his fine form with the bat. He made 99 in the third Test in Mumbai, very nearly guided his team home in a marathon chase of 415 in the first ODI in Rajkot - scoring a 33-ball 38 - and closed out the chase in another pressure situation in Nagpur, with Sri Lanka chasing 302.

The Sri Lankans had already lost the services of two strike bowlers in Dilhara Fernando and Muttiah Muralitharan, who sustained finger injuries after the first ODI. Muthumudalige Pushpakumara and Suraj Randiv were flown in as replacements. In the post-match presentation in Nagpur, captain Kumar Sangakkara joked that at least 40 players were required as cover for injuries. Perera is yet to make his international debut.

Prior to Sri Lanka's arrival in India, the touring Australians too were jolted by several such pull-outs during the seven-match ODI series. However, the injury-ravaged tourists managed to win the series 4-2. The current ODI series is squared at 1-1 with the third ODI set to get underway on Monday.

MS Dhoni banned for two ODIs

	MS Dhoni scored a century in Nagpur but was unable to ensure that India bowled their overs in time © AFP
Related Links Players/Officials: MS Dhoni Matches: India v Sri Lanka at Nagpur Series/Tournaments: Sri Lanka tour of India Teams: India | Sri Lanka

MS Dhoni, India's captain, has been banned for two ODIs for India's failure to maintain the over-rate during the second match against Sri Lanka in Nagpur. The ban is effective immediately, which means Dhoni will be unavailable for the games in Cuttack and Kolkata, returning only for the final ODI in Delhi. Virender Sehwag will captain the side in his absence.

The severity of the penalty - a ban instead of a fine - is because India were three overs short, which comes under the "serious over-rate offence" category. Falling short by up to two overs in an ODI, and five in a Test day, is considered a "minor offence", and merits a ban only if the offence is repeated twice in 12 months. On Friday night, though, India finished their 50 overs about 45 minutes after the scheduled finish and left match referee Jeff Crowe with no choice but to impose a ban.

If India repeat a serious over-rate offence in any form of the game within the next 12 months, Dhoni could earn himself a ban of two to eight ODIs or one to four Tests.

"The India captain, like his Sri Lanka counterpart, was reminded and warned before and during the ODI series to be mindful of the slow over-rates and the penalties under the revised code," Crowe said. "The Indian side was at par until the 42nd over but bowled only eight overs in the last hour which, is unacceptable. I accept the fact that the ultimate desire of the Indian side was to win the match but at the same time it had deadlines to meet and also fulfill the responsibilities it owed to the stakeholders."

The rest of the Indian players were fined 40% of their match fee for the offence - 10% each for the first two overs of minor offence and 20% each for every subsequent over. The BCCI has also stated that it will not appeal against the ban.

"We have received information that the match referee has put a two-ODI ban on Dhoni for slow over-rate," Ratnakar Shetty, BCCI's chief administrative officer, said. "We are waiting for a formal communication on this. We will look into details and then make further comments."

Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's captain, came close to getting banned when his side were found to be two overs short during the second Twenty20 international in Mohali. Sangakkara was fined 40% of his match fee while the rest of the team was docked 20% each, but Crowe said Sangakkara escaped a much bigger penalty.

"Kumar was kept informed throughout the match by the on-field umpires of where his team was with its over-rate," Crowe said. "Under the revised code of conduct, Sri Lanka was very close to being three overs behind and charged for a Serious Over Rate Offence, which would have resulted in its captain being suspended in the next two ODIs." Within the next 12 months, Sri Lanka can afford to repeat this minor offence once. Third strike, and Sangakkara will be out for a game.

Meanwhile, Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has been found not guilty of showing dissent towards the umpires while batting in Nagpur. He set off for a quick single to mid-on but collided with the bowler before Angelo Mathews' direct hit caught him short of his crease. He appeared to gesticulate in frustration towards the umpire but Crowe clarified that it wasn't directed at him when the decision was referred to the third umpire.

"It was an unusual incident and while the umpires were justified in laying the charges, after studying all the evidences I found that Gambhir was actually annoyed and irritated by the actions of the bowler than at the decision of the third umpire," Crowe said. "At the same time, the umpires and I were convinced that the actions of the bowler were unintentional."

Dilshan, Mathews help Sri Lanka draw level

Sri Lanka 302 for 7 (Dilshan 123, Mathews 37*, Zaheer 3-63) beat India 301 for 7 (Dhoni 107, Raina 68, Kohli 54) by three wickets
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

	Tillakaratne Dilshan's aggression set the platform for Sri Lanka's successful chase © Associated Press
Related Links Players/Officials: MS Dhoni | Tillakaratne Dilshan | Virat Kohli | Angelo Mathews | Suresh Raina Matches: India v Sri Lanka at Nagpur Series/Tournaments: Sri Lanka tour of India Teams: India | Sri Lanka

The second humdinger between these two teams this week ran the gamut from wonderful to what-the-heck as runs and wickets flowed in equal measure in good batting conditions. Sri Lanka leveled the series with a three-wicket win in a match defined by two individual innings, contrasting in style and strength, at either end of a collapse that threatened to give India the advantage and a 2-0 lead.

With another evening of thrilling batting, Tillakaratne Dilshan proved right every single reason behind Sri Lanka's decision in January to open the innings with him permanently. Dilshan's fifth one-day century, and second in a row, was the dominant force in Sri Lanka clinching this win but it so nearly ended up in another lost cause, if not for Angelo Mathews.

Dilshan contributed 63 to a 102-run opening stand, playing with the freedom and control fans have grown accustomed to; then, in the period where India followed up a double-strike with 12 boundary-less overs, he collected his century while ensuring the asking rate stayed in control. There was a massive scare as Sri Lanka lost three wickets, and a limping Mathews was called on to douse the flames. That he did, standing one on leg and coolly striking out the threat of a revved-up India. With eight needed from nine balls the match was on a knife's edge, but Nehra bowled a full toss, Mathews bunted it to mid-on, and Zaheer let it right through his legs for four.

While India's attack had been spread through the line-up, with Virat Kohli, centurion MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina playing dominant roles, Sri Lanka rode on Dilshan's shoulders. Needing to score at over a run a ball, he got the chase off to a brisk start. And as often happens, India failed to apply pressure from both ends. If Zaheer allowed just a run off his second over, Praveen Kumar leaked three consecutive fours in his, veering between too wide and too full. Ashish Nehra wasn't allowed to settle, with both openers punching aerial down the ground, and Zaheer's length was offset by a manipulative Dilshan. Sri Lanka's fifty came up in 6.3 overs, most of the runs coming down the ground.

It was enthralling batting from Dilshan. Zaheer and Nehra tried to push him back but he rode the bounce, and at times his luck - such as when he danced out to Nehra and edged for four. Whenever the ball was pitched up, Dilshan, at times batting out of his crease, plonked his front foot further forward and clunked powerful drives over mid-off and mid-on.

After Virender Sehwag Dilshan comes closest in today's era to being able to make the bowler bowl where he wants them to. Dhoni turned to Harbhajan Singh for the eighth over, slip and leg gully in place. Having come out and gone back to pick the gaps in Harbhajan's first over, Dilshan had the bowler in two minds. At one point, he twice hurried out to thump the ball down the ground, as he'd spotted the extra flight. Then Harbhajan bowled it quicker and wider, hoping Dilshan would come out to that one as well. Instead Dilshan read it perfectly, stayed in position, and cut it past point for four. The batsman had set the bowler up.

When Harbhajan purchased some turn, Dilshan used his crease to get over the ball, nudging it off his pads. A streaky but deliberate edge off Harbhajan for four raised a 31-ball fifty. Harbhajan had some success against Upul Tharanga, who was lured out and then edged a breaking ball to slip where Sehwag snapped a good catch to his left (102 for 1). Dilshan was then responsible for running his captain out, and for the next 55 deliveries India, through Nehra, Praveen and Ravindra Jadeja, pulled Sri Lanka back.

Dilshan spent 16 deliveries in the nineties, reached his century, raised his arms, and promptly clubbed Nehra for two dingers that snapped a 12-over barren run of no boundaries. He featured in a 66-run third-wicket stand with Mahela Jayawardene, which ended when Nehra bowled Dilshan with a fine yorker.

	MS Dhoni ensured that the momentum didn't fall away after Virat Kohli departed © Associated Press

Zaheer delivered a further twist in the tale when, with 70 needed from 66, he got Jayawardene to nick for 39. With the rate within grasp thanks to Dilshan, Thilina Kandamby cut out the risks until his first aerial shot, in the first over of the batting Powerplay, was excellently held by a leaping Kohli at mid-on. Two legal deliveries later, a perfect yorker cleaned up Chamara Kapudegera, and the game was India's to win. But Mathews controlled his eagerness to flat-bat marvelously, nudging and pushing the ball around with the occasional aggressive drive to remain unbeaten on 37. He was outstanding under pressure, and aided by a runner (Kapugedera) picked out the deliveries to put away. Zaheer's gross error sealed Sri Lanka's fate.

At the halfway mark, the visitors would have considered the target within their reach as the wicket was still good for batting. After deciding to make first use of a pitch virtually devoid of grass, a century stand between Dhoni and Raina, after a shaky start, picked up the tempo for India. Coming together at the fall of Kohli (54), Dhoni and Raina gave India their best phase.

Dhoni ensured that the momentum didn't fall away, working the ball around superbly from the outset, and immediately showing the rich vein of form he is in this year. It wasn't a pure innings though. Dhoni had edged his first ball for four, was nearly taken at third man when on 11, edged wide of Kumar Sangakkara on 24, and got two more lives in three balls from his counterpart off Ajantha Mendis. Dhoni raised his half-century off 70 balls and thumped a six to celebrate.

Dhoni picked the batting Powerplay after 40 overs, just after Raina dumped Chanaka Welegedara for six over long-on. Two more sixes, again hit down the ground with power, pushed Sri Lanka onto the back foot as the pair took on Mendis and Suraj Randiv on in a three-over burst that bled 35 runs. Raina's fifty came up off 44 balls and that five-over block yielded 50. Looking for his fourth six, Raina picked out deep midwicket, and soon after, Mendis dropped a clanger at cover when Dhoni was on 94. In the same over, Dhoni raised his century, his second in consecutive innings in Nagpur, to a rousing reception.

Those cheers were nowhere near as boisterous when Dilshan raised his, but the resonance of the game's second century was definitely louder.

Source : Jamie Alter is a senior sub-editor at Cricinfo

England scrape draw in first Test with South Africa

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It shouldn't have been that close - Strauss

By Jamie Lillywhite

England survived a dramatic collapse to salvage a draw in a thrilling finish to the first Test against South Africa.

The tourists resumed on 11-1 needing a distant 364 but two wickets fell in the first 13 overs before Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott calmly shared 145.

But Pietersen (81) inexplicably called for a run and Trott stood his ground.

Trott made 69 before debutant Friedel de Wet struck three times as five fell for 13 but Graham Onions kept out the final over as England closed on 228-9.

Having slumped to 27-3, the fourth-wicket partnership left all results still possible at the tea interval, with 195 needed from the remaining 35 overs.

Even after Pietersen's needless dismissal, Trott's resolute fifty, to add to his century on his debut in the final Ashes Test last summer, looked to have guided England to a comfortable draw.

The South Africans took the second new ball at the start of the final hour almost as a token final gamble, but 29-year-old De Wet, regularly bowling in excess of 90mph, captured 3-2 in four overs.

Slow left-armer Paul Harris took the eighth wicket when Stuart Broad was clearly caught behind, a decision upheld after a replay borne out of sheer desperation, and there were 44 balls of the match remaining.

We played the better circket - Smith

Hero of the first innings Graeme Swann was then trapped plumb lbw by Morne Morkel, the final referral used out of even greater despair and quickly rejected, leaving three overs and one ball for last man Onions to survive with county colleague Collingwood, who made 26 from 99 balls.

The final over was given to Makhaya Ntini, in his 100th Test, but Onions defended resolutely, keeping out one that crept low and would have defeated many a top order player, and England escaped to ensure the series heads to Durban for the Boxing Day Test with the series still 0-0.

Shane Bond leads New Zealand to thrilling win

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Bond has had an injury plagued career since his Test debut in 2001

Returning fast bowler Shane Bond inspired New Zealand to a thrilling 32-run victory in the first Test against Pakistan in Dunedin.

Bond, playing his first Test since 2007, followed his 5-107 in the first innings with 3-46 as Pakistan, set 251 to win, were skittled for 218.

Bond's second-innings haul included the crucial wickets of Mohammad Yousuf (41) and Umar Akmal (75).

Earlier, New Zealand, resuming on 147-8, were bundled out for 153.

It was a final day that ebbed and flowed as New Zealand added only six runs to their overnight total of 147 for the loss of their final two wickets when play resumed.

606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on New Zealand's first Test victory

That left Pakistan chasing 251 for victory - a target that looked well beyond them when they were reduced to 24-3 inside the first 11 overs.

But a composed half century from Umar to follow up his maiden Test hundred on debut swung the momentum back Pakistan's way.

When Yousuf departed for 41 after a 71-run partnership with Umar, Shoaib Malik joined Umar in the middle and together they steadily chipped away at the target.

But five minutes before tea Iain O'Brien forced the error from Malik, who top-edged Brendon McCullum after the pair had put on 66. That left Pakistan at 165-5 at tea, needing 86 runs to win in the final session.

Full credit goes to New Zealand for the way they played and the way they bowled in the second innings Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf

That target looked gettable with Umar and Kamran Akmal at the crease but the brothers could not reproduce their heroics of the first innings, when they scored 176 runs for the sixth wicket to rescue Pakistan.

When Umar was caught and bowled by Bond for 75, Pakistan still required another 56 runs, and the departure of Kamran five balls later for 27 saw Pakistan's hopes fade further.

Bond's career has been blighted by injury since he burst onto the scene in 2001, to the extent he has only played 18 Tests, and he was banned by his own cricket board after joining the Indian Cricket League in 2008.

"It was perfect really, it's why you want to play Test cricket because it is a true test and it has mental highs and lows," said Bond, 34.

"It was great cricket and to win in a team that's working so hard as well makes it satisfying. The boys are putting in a lot of hard work and I think we are starting to reap the rewards for it which is nice."

Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf was left to rue a slew of dropped catches following the defeat, with Imran Farhat missing several chances, including one off Daniel Vettori in the first innings when he was on nought. The New Zealand skipper went on to make 99.

"The result is disappointing obviously but full credit goes to New Zealand for the way they played and the way they bowled in the second innings," said Yousuf.

"We dropped vital catches, otherwise we wouldn't be chasing 250, but I'm pleased with the way the team fought back."

India spinners seal emphatic Test win over Sri Lanka

Harbhajan Singh ended up with figures of 3-98

India earned their 100th Test victory by comprehensively beating Sri Lanka by an innings and 144 runs in Kanpur.

The margin was India's biggest over Sri Lanka, surpassing the previous best of an innings and 119 runs in 1994.

Resuming on 57-4, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 269 before tea with only Thilan Samaraweera offering any resistance, finishing unbeaten on 78.

The crushing win puts India 1-0 ahead in the series, with the third and final Test taking place in Mumbai next week.

Paceman Zaheer Khan got the hosts off to the perfect start on the fourth day, taking the wicket of all-rounder Angelo Mathews for 15 in the second over.

Prasanna Jayawardene added 61 runs for the sixth wicket with Samaraweera before off-spinner Harbhajan Singh bowled him for 29.

606: DEBATE Who is your man of the match?

Harbhajan also trapped Rangana Herath leg before wicket for 13 while Muttiah Muralitharan, who scored 29 off 11 deliveries, fell to spinner Pragyan Ojha.

Samaraweera, the only Sri Lankan batsman to score a half century in the match, then forged another partnership with Ajantha Mendis - the eighth wicket duo putting on 73 - before Yuvraj Singh bowled Mendis for 27.

Ojha then caught and bowled last man Chanaka Welegedara, the wicket sparking wild celebrations.

"It is a moment of pride for me and the whole team to be a part of this 100th win," said Indian captain Mahendra Dhoni.

Dhoni was delighted with the performance of paceman Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, who was named man of the match after picking up 5-75 in the first innings and finishing with 6-122.

"The changes in the side brought in some fresh legs, Sreesanth was fantastic and he used the reverse swing very effectively," added Dhoni.

"The amount of runs we scored on the first day were very important, putting pressure on the Sri Lanka batting side.

"It was important to get some big momentum on our side going into the final Test match. I'm sure the wickets are going to be something different for the fast bowlers and the spinners so let's hope for some exciting cricket."

Meanwhile, Dhoni's counterpart Kumar Sangakkara insisted his side could bounce back and level the series, saying: "Every Test match offers an opportunity to come back.

"The team is hurting right now, they are disappointed with themselves, but we're mentally pretty strong and we want to come back and win the Test match."

India batsmen dominate Sri Lanka

Second Test, Kanpur, day one (close): India 417-2 v Sri Lanka Match scorecard Coverage: Regular score updates plus daily reports on BBC Sport website, plus live television coverage on Sky Sports 1 from 0400 GMT Sehwag hit 18 fours and two sixes in his 16th Test century Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag hit hundreds as India dominated day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka. Gambhir (167) and Sehwag (131), who was dropped in the opening over by Mahela Jayawardene, put on 233 after India won the toss and elected to bat in Kanpur. Muttiah Muralitharan removed both men either side of tea, but Rahul Dravid (85 not out) and Sachin Tendulkar (20 not out) led India to 417-2 at stumps. It was the first time India had made 400 in a day in a Test match. Kumar Sangakkara's depleted attack was hammered around the park as India's top order ensured there was no capitulation as in the first Test in Ahmedabad. Sehwag, 31, was uncharacteristically scratchy in the first hour and was dropped by Jayawardene at first slip before he could get off the mark, before going on to dominate the opening stand. 606: DEBATE After watching some of the second Test this morning I was left incredibly frustrated with Indian cricket, the pitch looks so unbelievably flat DPD He broke the shackles by driving Angelo Mathews for his first boundary in the 12th over and followed that with a pull to the mid-wicket fence in the same over. Sehwag then surged ahead of Gambhir and reached his 16th Test century off just 97 deliveries by turning Muralitharan for a boundary to fine leg. Sehwag hammered Muralitharan for three consecutive boundaries as India sped past the 200 mark in the afternoon session and continued to accumulate runs at breakneck pace before Muralitharan made the breakthrough. Sehwag drove at a delivery with a little more air and picked out Tillakaratne Dilshan at extra cover. "It was a good track to bat on and we capitalised on that," said Sehwag. "I knew they were playing with three spinners so I decided to play out the first few overs when the ball was seaming before hitting out against their slow bowlers. "We will now look to put up a big total and put Sri Lanka under pressure. The wicket should crack up on the third and fourth days and we are confident of taking 20 wickets." The 28-year-old Gambhir, who had provided the early momentum, slowed as he neared his century but got there in style, skipping down the track to hit Rangana Herath for a straight boundary. It was his eighth century, fourth in as many Tests and second in succession after a century in the second innings in Ahmedabad. Together with Dravid, Gambhir added 137 for the second wicket, before Muralitharan pulled off a brilliant caught and bowled for Sri Lanka's second wicket of the day. Dravid reached his half-century - his 58th in Tests - by sweeping Muralitharan for a single and he and Tendulkar played cautiously to finish the day unbeaten. Ajantha Mendis, who took injured fast bowler Dammika Prasad's place in the side, conceded 87 from 19 overs while Herath - the third specialist spinner in Sri Lanka's attack - leaked 91 from 18 overs. Muralitharan, whose form has been questioned of late, finished with figures of 2-100 from 18 overs.

India v Sri Lanka 1st Test Match: Day one

Test Match Series: India v Sri Lanka
16-11-2009 at Ahmedabad, Day 1 of 5

Close

India won the toss and decided to bat

India 1st Innings 385 for 6 (90.0 overs)

India 1st Innings

			Runs	Balls	4s	6s
Gambhir		b Welegedara	1	10	0	0
Sehwag	lbw	b Welegedara	16	11	3	0
Dravid	not out		177	251	26	1
Tendulkar		b Welegedara	4	3	1	0
Laxman		b Prasad	0	4	0	0
Yuvraj	c Dilshan	b Muralitharan	68	93	13	0
Dhoni	c Jayawardene	b Prasad	110	159	10	1
Harbhajan	not out		2	11	0	0
Extras		2nb 1w 2b 2lb	7
Total		for 6	385	(90.0 ovs)

Bowler O M R W Welegedara 17.0 3 75 3 Prasad 18.0 1 90 2 Mathews 12.0 1 50 0 Muralitharan 23.0 3 90 1 Herath 19.0 1 73 0 Dilshan 1.0 0 3 0

Fall of wicket 14 Gambhir 27 Sehwag 31 Tendulkar 32 Laxman 157 Yuvraj 381 Dhoni

Back to top

Umpires: A L Hill, N J Llong, J J Crowe, A M Saheba
India: Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Tendulkar, Laxman, Yuvraj, Dhoni (C/W), Harbhajan, Mishra, Zaheer, I Sharma
Sri Lanka: Dilshan, Paranavitana, Sangakkara (C), M Jayawardene, Samaraweera, Mathews, Jayawardene (W), Prasad, Herath, Muralitharan, Welegedara

India and Pakistan in different groups for World Cup

--Cricinfo--

	David Morgan: "You can be sure that we at the ICC had learnt from past mistakes" © Getty Images
Related Links News : India to host 2011 World Cup final Series/Tournaments: ICC World Cup Teams: Australia | Bangladesh | Canada | England | India | Ireland | Kenya | Netherlands | New Zealand | Pakistan | South Africa | Sri Lanka | West Indies | Zimbabwe Sites: Cricinfo ICC Site

India and Pakistan, Australia and South Africa find themselves in different groups for the 2011 World Cup. The groupings for the tournament, to be held in the subcontinent, were approved on the second day of the ICC board meeting in Johannesburg. The 14 teams have been divided into two groups of seven.

The competition will be shorter than its 2007 version, with the ICC revealing a new format that will reduce the number of games from 51 to 49, and possibly lessen the duration by at least a week. The 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean was criticised for dragging on too long; it had lasted for six weeks with the 16 participating teams divided into groups of four, and had two teams from each progressing to the Super Eights stage.

"We're on record as saying that we acknowledged that 2007 might have been longer than desired. So we want to take a week off, if not more," Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, said after the meeting. "We wanted to get the balance correct. We had one proviso that we would not have wanted more than two of the subcontinent teams in any one group. The rest depends on where you stand in the rankings and you use the formula that allocates the teams, dependent on your positioning in the ranking tables."

David Morgan, the ICC president, added: "We're already certain that it will be shorter. You can be sure that we at the ICC had learnt from past mistakes. I mean there is no doubt that the ICC World Cup in the Caribbean was unsuccessful in some aspects."

At the meeting, the ICC also lauded the success of the World Cup's miniature version, the ICC Champions Trophy, which had earlier won the endorsement of Ricky Ponting and Daniel Vettori. "I think most experts of the game and the opinion-makers are now convinced the ICC Champions Trophy definitely has a place in the cricket calendar," Morgan said. "It also gives me immense pleasure to say the quality of cricket we have seen in the last 14 days proves that 50-over format can comfortably co-exist with the traditional five-day Test and the short 20-over formats."

Groups for the 2011 World Cup

Group A - Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada, Kenya.

Group B - India, South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands.

Lanka second in Test rankings

--BBC--

	It is the first time Sri Lanka achieved such a high ranking

The Sri Lankan cricket team has reached the second top spot in ICC Test rankings after Australia were defeated by England in the Ashes series on Monday.

It is the first time Sri Lanka achieved such a high rank in international Test rankings, Daily Mirror sports editor Channaka de Silva said.

“This is a unique moment in Sri Lanka’s short history of Test cricket,” president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), DS de Silva told BBC Sandeshaya.

He expressed hope that, if the current form continues, Sri Lankan team will soon achieve the top post in the most prestigious form of cricket.

For being defeated by fifth-placed England in the series, Australia loses eight ratings points and is knocked off top spot for the first time since the current method of ranking was introduced in May 2003.

While South Africa have reached the top spot, India are currently ranked third in the Test cricket world ahead of Australia and England.

Zimbabwe bt Bangladesh by 69 runs

Third one-day international, Bulawayo:
Zimbabwe 323-7 (50 overs) bt Bangladesh 254 (44.2 overs) by 69 runs
Match scorecard

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Masakadza attempts a sweep shot during his 112-ball innings

Hamilton Masakadza hit a maiden one-day century as Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 69 runs in the third match of their series in Bulawayo.

Masakadza made 102 and shared a fourth-wicket stand of 142 with Brendan Taylor, who was run out for 94.

Elton Chigumbura weighed in with five sixes in his unbeaten 61 off 33 balls as the home side totalled 323-7.

Seamer Tawanda Mupariwa and spinner Ray Price then took three wickets each as as Bangladesh were bowled out for 254.

Despite the defeat, Bangladesh lead the series 2-1.

But the home side will go into the final two games in positive mood after piling up their highest limited overs total against a Test-playing nation.

Masakadza's hundred was his first for Zimbabwe since 2001, when he became the then youngest player in history to make a century in his debut Test by hitting 119 against West Indies aged just 17 years and 354 days.

"I've been waiting for this for a long time. I've been close a few times but today I finally came through.

"The greatest feeling is that I wanted to do well for the team and we won the game," he said afterwards.

Bangladesh never looked likely to chase down such a huge target after losing their first four wickets with only 39 on the board.

Raqibul Hasan made 78 before being bowled by Masakadza, who also took two catches, and Mahbulbul Alam hit three sixes in one over off spinner Malcolm Waller in making 59 off 43 balls, his highest score for Bangladesh.

But they were all out in the 45th over when Mupariwa (3-32) had Mahbulbul caught by Mark Vermeulen.

"We didn't bowl well and we didn't field well. It was a very difficult day for us," skipper Shakib Al Hasan commented.

Saina Nehwal in quarter finals

--BBC--

Nehwal also became the first Indian to win a Super series tournament Shuttler Saina Nehwal has become the first Indian woman to enter the quarter-finals of the World Badminton Championship being played in India. Nehwal beat 10th seed Petya Nedelcheva of Bulgaria 18-21, 21-18, 21-10 in a match which lasted 57 minutes. She recently won the Indonesian Open badminton title and became the first Indian to win a Super series tourney. Nehwal, now ranked eighth in the world, was the first Indian woman to reach the singles quarter-finals at the Olympics. In a thrilling match in front of a home crowd in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, Nehwal lost the opening game against Nedelcheva, but bounced back. The sixth seed Indian will now take on the second seed Chinese Lin Wang in the quarter finals. The 19-year-old shuttler hails from the northern state of Haryana. Nehwal is also the first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships.

Pakistan in a 52-run victory in Twenty20 international in Colombo.

--BBC--

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Afridi (centre) led from the front as Pakistan romped home

A Sri Lanka batting collapse helped Pakistan to a 52-run victory in their Twenty20 international in Colombo.

Pakistan opener Kamran Akmal was bowled by the first ball of the match but his partner Imran Nazir made 40.

Shahid Afridi, leading Pakistan for the first time, smashed 50 off 37 balls as his side finished on 172-5.

Sri Lanka looked well set at 100-3 but lost their last seven wickets for 20 runs as Saeed Ajmal (3-18) and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (3-19) did the damage.

The result will be some consolation for Pakistan at the end of a tour which saw them lose the three-Test series 2-0, while they were beaten 3-2 in the one-day international series.

It was the teams' first Twenty20 encounter since Pakistan won the World Twenty20 final at Lord's in June, after which captain Younus Khan announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals.

606: DEBATE Pakistan played much better cricket today and as a SL fan I salute them for being able to come back hard to win three matches in a row Bath Maruwa

Afridi passed his first test as skipper by winning the toss and deciding to bat first, but despite the early loss of Akmal, he and Nazir kept the scoreboard ticking over to give the tourists a total to defend, while veteran spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was wicketless.

In reply, fellow veteran Sanath Jayasuriya gave Sri Lanka a good start with 23 from 17 balls.

But although they had selected seven batsmen, Sri Lanka's collapse began when Ajmal bowled captain Kumar Sangakkara for 38.

As the required run-rate crept up from the improbable to the nigh-impossible, the home side lost their last five wickets for five runs.

Afridi, who claimed the wicket of Chamara Kapugedera and also ran out Angelo Mathews with a direct hit, saw his side triumph with 11 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka now host New Zealand in two Tests, two Twenty20 internationals and an ODI tri-series also featuring India - while Pakistan are not in action until the Champions Trophy in September.

IPL reveals 2010 schedule changes

--BBC--

Deccan Chargers beat Bangalore in the 2009 IPL fi Next year's Indian Premier League will start a month earlier than the 2009 programme, organisers have announced. The eight-team Twenty20 competition will start on 12 March and staged over 45 days, with one match being added to the schedule, a third place play-off. It was revealed the competition will expand to 10 teams for 2011, when a fresh player auction will take place. Each team will be allowed a maximum of 10 foreign players, and can field four of them at a time. Any overseas player involved in the competition will have to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from their home board to participate in the IPL. 606: DEBATE Discuss Indian Cricket on 606 "This means that players will have to respect their country's commitments under the International Cricket Council's future tours programme," said League commissioner Lalit Modi. "The IPL respect the sanctity of the FTP (Future Tours Programme) - and players, both current and retired, would have to obtain NOCs for two years in order to close the loop of players refusing to sign contracts with the boards." Players from the unauthorised Indian Cricket League, who have returned to mainstream cricket under the amnesty scheme, will be allowed to play to play in the IPL, subject to approval of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which is expected next week. The transfer window will be open from 15 December to 5 January, and four teams - the Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab - have chosen to play home games at a different venue in addition to their usual home base. The 2009 IPL tournament was played in South Africa, for security reasons, and Modi said they would be using the services of the International Cricket Council's anti-corruption and security unit to ensure the smooth running of the event.

Sangakkara hits ton in drawn Test

Third Test, Colombo, day five:
Sri Lanka 233 & 391-4 drew with Pakistan 299 & 425-9dec
Match scorecard

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It was Sangakkara's first century as captain in his third Test in charge

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara scored a superb unbeaten 130 but the third and final Test against Pakistan in Colombo petered out to a draw.

The Sri Lankans were attempting a world record target of 492 to seal their first 3-0 whitewash over Pakistan.

They resumed on 183-3 and Sangakkara extended his partnership with Thilan Samaraweera to 122 before sharing an unbroken 114 with Angelo Mathews.

With 101 needed from the final 15 overs and light fading, a draw was agreed.

Pakistan, seeking their first Test win since January 2007 stretching back 11 matches, opted for Umar Gul to begin the proceedings.

He struggled to find his rhythm, however, and Sangakkara punished him some sweetly timed drives through the off-side.

The elegant left-hander would have added to his seven boundaries had the outfield not been slow.

Samaraweera, who needed treatment for cramp in the first over after lunch, was dismissed by a Saeed Amjal doosra which he edged through to keeper Kamran Akmal.

Mathew appeared to signal Sri Lankan intent with a six followed by a four in an Amjal over, which also recorded the century partnership.

606: DEBATE Don't understand as to why they didn't play on, a stupid decision between the captains to draw the match, but overall a very good series AmirMir

That left 113 needed from 19 overs, but shortly afterwards at the drinks interval the home side called for an end to the contest.

Meanwhile Samaraweera was named in a 15-man squad for the one-day series beginning on 30 July.

The 32-year-old, who suffered a bullet wound in his thigh when the team bus was attacked in Lahore in March, last played a one-day international in November 2005.

Left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas, who retired from Test cricket at the end of this match, was overlooked along with the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan, who is awaiting the results of a report on his fractured finger.

Sri Lanka stun Pakistan in opener

--BBC--

First Test, Galle (day four):
Sri Lanka 292 & 217 beat Pakistan 342 & 117 by 50 runs
Match scorecard

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The Sri Lankans celebrate the crucial wicket of Misbah-ul Haq

Spinner Rangana Herath grabbed four wickets as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 50 runs to win the first Test in Galle.

Pakistan started the fourth day needing just 97 to overhaul Sri Lanka's target of 168 with eight wickets to spare.

But spells by paceman Thilan Thushara and left-arm spinner Herath left the visitors struggling at 80-6 within the day's first seven overs.

And Ajantha Mendis claimed two late wickets as Sri Lanka wrapped up an impressive victory.

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said: "We never expected it to happen so quickly. I think the way Rangana (Herath) and Thilan (Thushara) bowled was just spot on.

"I think until today Pakistan outplayed us and today in the morning we showed a lot of heart and character."

Pakistan had been hot favourites to clinch the series opener after three days of domination with a century by Mohammad Yousuf guiding his side to a 50-run lead after the first innings.

Starting the fourth day on 71-2, all looked promising until Herath and Thushara created havoc with the ball.

Yousuf was trapped leg before for 12 from the first ball from Herath, closely followed two deliveries later with other overnight batsman Salman Butt also falling to Herath.

It was then Thushara's turn to swing into action, removing Shoaib Malik for a duck - caught behind by Tillakaratne Dilshan - and a leg before bringing an early end to Kamran Akmal.

With 89 runs needed for victory and four wickets remaining, there was still hope for Pakistan with vice-captain Misbah-ul Haq at the crease, but he was brilliantly run out by Dilshan after only adding seven.

Mendis grabbed two more victims, while man-of-the-match Herath returned to finish off the dispirited Pakistan innings and end with figures of four for 15 from 11.3 overs.

The win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series, the first between the two countries since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore on 3 March.

To compound matters for Pakistan, they were fined for failing to maintain a suitable over-rate, skipper Younus Khan penalised 10% of his match fee and his colleagues punished with a 5% penalty.

Pakistan skipper Younis Khan praised his opposing skipper. "Sangakkara was fantastic," he said. "He knew Yousuf was struggling with the spinner and suddenly we were under pressure.

"But we still have two test matches. If we play to our potential we will square the series or even win the series."

The second Test begins in Colombo on Saturday.

Federer makes Grand Slam history at Wimbledon

By STEPHEN WILSON, AP Sports Writer Stephen Wilson, Ap Sports Writer – Mon Jul 6, 4:42 am ET

WIMBLEDON, England – From his front row seat in the Royal Box, Pete Sampras watched as Roger Federer broke his record for most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis history.

After Federer overcame Andy Roddick in a marathon, five-set serving duel Sunday for his sixth Wimbledon title and 15th Grand Slam championship, Sampras was left with no doubt about who is the greatest male player of all time.

"I have to give it to him," said Sampras, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who never thought his record of 14 major titles would be surpassed so soon. "He's won all the majors. He's won 15 now. He's going to win a few more here. So in my book he is (the greatest)."

The issue will always generate debate and argument, especially in trying to compare players of different generations, such as Rod Laver and Bill Tilden. But there is no denying that Federer has firmly cemented himself as the finest player of the generation and, at age 27, the favorite for other major titles to come.

"It's not really one of those goals you set as a little boy, but, man, it's been quite a career and quite a month," said Federer, who completed a career Grand Slam by winning his first French Open a month ago. "It feels amazing, but this is not why I'm playing tennis to break all sort of different records. But it's definitely one of the greatest ones to have."

It took 4 hours, 16 minutes, five sets and 77 games for Federer to secure the record Sunday in another epic Wimbledon final. Federer served a career-high 50 aces and overcame the resilient Roddick 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 — the longest match and longest fifth set in Grand Slam final history in terms of games.

After going 0-6 on break points, Federer finally broke the American in the 30th game of the fifth set — with Roddick shanking a forehand on the first match point.

"It's staggering that I've been able to play so well for so many years now and stay injury-free," said Federer, who won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2003. "I'm happy I broke the record here because this is always the tournament that meant the most to me. It definitely feels like coming full circle, starting it here and ending it here."

Sampras flew in from California on Sunday, making his first appearance at the All England Club since playing this tournament for the last time in 2002. He arrived in the Royal Box after the third game of the match. Accompanied by his wife, Bridgette Wilson, he sat next to Spanish great Manolo Santana and a few seats from Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg. When Federer walked from his changeover chair to the service line, he gestured to Sampras in greeting.

"In a way, I still feel like we share (the record) because he was such a wonderful champion," Federer said. "He still has one up against me here at Wimbledon. It's nice that he shows appreciation for what I'm doing."

Federer is the third player to win six Wimbledon championships — Sampras and William Renshaw each won seven.

"He's a stud," Sampras said. "He's only 27. He'll contend here for many years, and the U.S. Open, and all the majors. If he just keeps it going and stays healthy, he could go to 18, 19, potentially.The guy, he's a legend. Now he's an icon."

It's been quite a turnaround for Federer from a year ago, when he lost his title and aura of invincibility to Rafael Nadal in a classic final that ended in near darkness at 9-7 in the fifth set.

With Sunday's triumph, Federer reclaimed the No. 1 ranking he surrendered last August to Nadal, who missed this year's tournament because of knee problems.

"Of course, I would have loved to play him again," Federer said. "You never know how he would have played. He had the injury. Tennis moves very quickly. I'm happy at least I became No. 1 in the world by winning the tournament, not just by him not playing at all. It's supposed to be that you win big matches, big tournaments. That's how you get back to (No. 1)."

Some people were writing off Federer after he lost to Nadal in the Australian Open final and broke down in tears during the trophy ceremony. Federer continued to struggle early in the season before winning the French Open. Now he's the third man in 40 years to win the French and Wimbledon in the same year, joining Borg and Nadal.

"This year is crazy," Federer said. "Things didn't look so good when I lost in the final of the Australian Open, which was still just an unbelievable result. But to come through and battle back and win Paris and now Wimbledon back-to-back, something Bjorn did a couple of times, it's amazing."

Playing in his record 20th Grand Slam final and sixth in a row, Federer beat Roddick for the third time in the Wimbledon championship match, adding to his victories in 2004 and '05. He extended his overall mastery over the American to 19-2, including 8-0 at Grand Slams.

"He's a true champion," said the 26-year-old Roddick, the 2003 U.S. Open winner. "He deserves everything he gets."

Turning to Sampras, Roddick said, "Sorry, Pete. I tried to hold him off."

Roddick later withdrew from the U.S. Davis Cup team's quarterfinal at Croatia, citing a right hip flexor injury. The U.S. Tennis Association announced Monday that Roddick was hurt during his loss to Federer.

Roddick slipped and tumbled to the grass in the eighth game of the fourth set. He stayed down for a few moments, then rose, grimacing, and toweled off.

He is being replaced on the U.S. Davis Cup team by Mardy Fish. Croatia hosts the U.S. on clay at Porec, Croatia, starting Friday.

The statistics from Sunday's match were astounding: Federer's 50 aces were one short of the Wimbledon record held by Ivo Karlovic. Federer had a total of 107 winners, compared with 38 unforced errors. Roddick had 27 aces, 74 winners and 33 unforced mistakes.

The match started to turn Federer's way when he saved four break points in the second-set tiebreaker. Down 2-6, he ran off six straight points to avoid going down 2-0 in sets.

Roddick missed a relatively easy high backhand volley on the fourth break point. But even after dropping the third set, Roddick didn't let up. He broke once in the fourth set to even the match.

The fifth set went back-and-forth with the players slugging huge serves at each other, offering few chances to break. Finally, serving in the 30th game with Federer ahead 15-14, Roddick blinked. He misplayed a forehand to set up match point. After a contest featuring so many brilliant shots, Roddick missed badly on another forehand to end it.

"This match was different from last year's final with Nadal," Federer said. "I just said to myself, 'I'm exactly where I want to be at 13-13 in the fifth set. You're a few minutes from winning.' I saw it in a positive way. I believed right to the end."

Rain ends Windies hopes of a draw

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A deluge meant the covers were not off for long

West Indies were denied the chance to snatch a draw in the one-day series with India after the fourth match in St Lucia was washed out by rain.

An earlier downpour had already seen the contest delayed and then reduced to 49 overs a side.

But the Windies, who went into the game 2-1 down, only faced 45 balls before the match was called off.

Windies skipper Chris Gayle was out for a duck, edging Ishant Sharma to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Runako Morton and Ramnaresh Sarwan had both reached 12 not out when play was stopped by a downpour.

The rain eventually stopped, but with too much water in the outfield the game was abandoned.

Muralitharan blow for Sri Lanka

Muralitharan suffered a knee injury during practice on Thursday Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will miss the first Test with Pakistan after hurting his knee while fielding during a practice session on Thursday. Off-spinner Suraj Kaluhalmulla and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath have been brought in as replacements. Security is high in Sri Lanka with the Galle Test coming four months after a terror attack on the team in Pakistan. The two countries are scheduled to play five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match after the three-Test series. Sri Lanka (from): Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Suraj Mohamed, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dhammika Prasad, Kaushal Silva, Suranga Lakmal. Pakistan (from): Younus Khan (capt), Salman Butt, Khurram, Manzoor, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamer, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rauf, Fawad Alam, Faisal Iqbal.

Roof stays open, Federer wins to start Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — The new roof wasn't tested. Roger Federer was — briefly.

The retractable roof stayed open Monday at Wimbledon, and Federer fell behind early in the opening match on Centre Court before charging past Yen-hsun Lu of Taiwan, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2.

In his first match since winning the French Open, Federer failed to convert his first four break-point chances, then lost serve to trail 3-2. But he immediately broke back, broke again in the final game of the opening set and dominated from there.

"I'm very happy with my first round," Federer said. "I thought it was a very solid performance."

Seeking his sixth Wimbledon title, Federer won for the 41st time in his past 42 matches at the All England Club. The lone loss came in last year's final to Rafael Nadal, a match hailed by some as the sport's best ever.

The tournament began in cloudy but dry weather. When it rains, the translucent roof on the 87-year-old stadium will be closed so play can continue.

"I guess the moment will come that I'll play indoors here," Federer said. "But you don't really hope for it during the match."

The No. 2-seeded Federer is a strong favorite to win his 15th major title, which would break the record he shares with Pete Sampras.

Advancing on the women's side were 2002-03 champion Serena Williams and 2004 winner Maria Sharapova. No. 17 James Blake was the first seeded player eliminated, but fellow Americans Mardy Fish and Vince Spadea advanced. No. 4-seeded Novak Djokovic also won.

Federer made his entrance sporting a sleek new white warmup outfit with gold trim that included a jacket with a turned-up collar, a vest, slacks and two-toned shoes. The crowd roared when he appeared, and he responded with a wave and smile.

There were more cheers — and a few whistles of approval — when he removed his jacket to reveal the vest.

"Kind of a little bit more modern look — a bit more military jacket this time, but obviously staying true to Wimbledon with the white colors," Federer said. "I hope people like it."

By the time the match started, Federer had stripped down to shorts and a short-sleeve shirt. He was assigned to play the first match on Centre Court after defending champion Nadal withdrew Friday because of sore knees.

"Rafa deserves it obviously more than I do this year," Federer said. "But somebody had to do it, so I'm very happy that they chose me. It gets your heart beating, that's for sure."

After being broken early, Federer held every service game. He finished with 10 unforced errors and hit 42 winners from all over the court.

One winner was a running backhand from several steps beyond the sideline, which he ripped up the line into the corner to win the point. It was a spectacular shot even by Federer's standards, and the stoic Swiss celebrated with a raised fist as the crowd roared.

Playing second on Centre Court was Serena Williams, who lost only nine points on her serve and beat qualifier Neuza Silva 6-1, 7-5. The No. 2-seeded Williams, runner-up to her sister Venus a year ago, improved to 5-5 since starting the year 21-2.

"I could have played a ton better, especially on key points," Williams said. "That's a usual feeling for me from first round to the finals. I'm really insatiable. I always want more."

Sharapova won the final four games of the first set and beat qualifier Viktoriya Kutuzova 7-5, 6-4.

"She's a very aggressive player," Sharapova said. "She went for many shots very freely and loosely, and I was just trying to hold on."

Sharapova, making a comeback from shoulder surgery last October, saved a set point in the opening set with a forehand winner and later shook off two awkward spills behind the baseline.

Blake failed to convert a set point in the third set, squandered a 5-love lead in the ensuing tiebreaker and lost to Andreas Seppi 7-5, 6-4, 7-6 (5). Blake also was eliminated in the first round at the French Open last month.

"I still feel like I can play with anyone in the world, but it's just for some reason lately it has been very inconsistent," Blake said. "I know I still have the ability. It's just frustrating, because it's happening at big tournaments where I'm having my not-so-good performances."

No. 28-seeded Fish never lost serve and led 6-3, 6-2, 4-1 when Sergio Roitman retired with a right shoulder injury. Roitman, ranked 124th, fell to 0-12 in Grand Slam matches.

"There's nothing that I can do about it," Roitman said. "It's not that I'm not going to sleep at night because of that."

The 34-year-old Spadea, who has been eliminated in the first round at Wimbledon nine times, defeated Paul Capdeville 6-0, 6-4, 7-5.

Surprise French Open runner-up Robin Soderling, seeded 13th, hit 31 aces and beat Gilles Muller 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-1, 6-2. Djokovic needed more than 3 1/2 hours to beat Julien Benneteau 6-7 (8), 7-6 (1), 6-2, 6-4.