Cricket

Kent's Martin van Jaarsveld improvises a shot in front of the Durham wicketkeeper Phil Mustard at The Riverside

Kent 301-4 Durham 218: Van Jaarsveld fends off Harmison to end Durham's defence

Runs are coming as readily to Martin van Jaarsveld right now as tennis matches to Roger Federer. Yesterday, unfazed by Steve Harmison's high-velocity efforts to keep alive Durham's defence of the Friends Provident Trophy, the South African batsman continued his prolific form to power Kent to their first 50-over final since 1997.

Inside Cricket

Mandela comment secures Zimbabwe Twenty20 pull-out

Saturday, 5 July 2008

Nine words from Nelson Mandela were instrumental in saving the World Twenty20 for England yesterday and averted cataclysm in the international game. As Zimbabwe agreed to withdraw from the tournament rather than lose a vote after tortuous negotiations entered a third day, it emerged that delegates at the International Cricket Council's board meeting had been deeply influenced by the brief intervention of South Africa's former president.

South Africa 339-4 Middlesex: Smith fails to show his credentials while Amla shines again

Saturday, 5 July 2008

The good news for South Africa is their captain, Graeme Smith, appears to have recovered from the hamstring injury that threatened his participation in Thursday's first Test against England. The bad news is he is horribly out of form.

Lure of IPL sees England squad play for time over signing central contracts

Saturday, 5 July 2008

England's preparations for the Test series against South Africa have been disrupted by a dispute about central contracts and the Indian Premier League. With the first Test at Lord's only five days away, players are refusing to be pushed into signing new deals, not due to begin until September, by next week.

Speed kills: countdown to the first Test

Saturday, 5 July 2008

Spectators love watching it, as does a fielding side when it has a couple in its team, but nobody, absolutely nobody can honestly say that they enjoy facing fast bowling. Standing at the crease, alone, on a fast bouncy pitch wearing simple and not hugely effective protective gear as a big, strong angry-looking young man sprints towards you with the sole aim of hurling hard, red bone-breaking ball at your head at 90mph plus is a terrifying experience.

Out! Zimbabwe 'stands down from World Twenty20'

Friday, 4 July 2008

Zimbabwe have agreed to skip next year's World Twenty20 in England to avert demands that the African nation be suspended because of Robert Mugabe's government, the International Cricket Council said.

Flintoff comeback delayed as England opt for stability

Friday, 4 July 2008

The sizeable shadow of Andrew Flintoff will hang large over the England dressing room during next week's first Test against South Africa. Flintoff was omitted from Lord's as England named an unchanged squad, a decision that will, fitness permitting, result in Michael Vaughan's side becoming the first Test team to field the same 11 players for six consecutive matches.