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Unlike Karachi, it was perhaps not England’s day. The ground at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore was green but the pitch absolutely devoid of grass.According to the experts, the ball was expected to come on to the bat and it did so wonderfully well. England made no changes to the team that brought them a thundering victory at Karachi.Pakistan, however, brought in Shahid Afridi and Azhar Mahmood to replace Imran Nazir and Waqar Younis. Afridi was brought in to strengthen the spin department on which Pakistan were depending to win the series.Moin Khan won the toss but contrary to team’s obsession with batting first he opted to field. It was done to offset the bitter experience of dew blamed for Pakistan’s defeat at Karachi.The decision paid off, for the bowlers made good work of England’s strong batting line, ousting the team for 211 runs – an easy total unless a mishap was in the offing. For a magnificent haul of 5 for 40, Shahid Afridi emerged as the star bowler of Pakistan.England opened with Marcus Trescothick and Alec Stewart against Pakistan’s pace attack of the legendary Wasim Akram and young Abdur Razzaq. While runs constantly flowed from Trescothick’s bat, Stewart remained on the defensive.England reached 50 in 10 overs but lost the first wicket at 66 when Alec Stewart was stumped by Moin Khan off Mushtaq Ahmed for 22. Skipper Nasser Hussain joined Trescothick, both of them playing some exciting cricket to record a partnership of 50. They were quite severe against the pacemen but the introduction of spin lowered the run rate considerably.Trescothick was the second batsmen to go after playing an enterprising innings of 65 runs scored in 74 balls. Graeme Hick walked off without showing his mettle. After 30 overs England were 125 for three.Hussain hit two consecutive fours off Shahid Afridi and created some excitement among the spectators. He was lucky when he was dropped twice by Wasim Akram but was eventually stumped by Moin Khan off Shahid Afridi after playing an entertaining innings of 54 runs. England then lost six wickets for 178 runs, ultimately ending the innings at 211 for 9.Shahid Afridi the pinch hitter cum reserve leg spinner who got married during the match at Karachi returned to the side. The honeymoon acted as some sort of a tonic and he became almost unplayable. He virtually ran through the England side claiming five wickets for 40 runs.With Pakistan team in high spirits, a victory target of 212 apparently looked easily manageable.Facing a moderate target, Pakistan were not in any hurry. The team adopted a sensible policy of achieving the target at a slow and steady pace. Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi opened the innings. Not deterred by the England pace duo of Darren Gough and Andrew Caddick they carried the score to 43 in 10 overs.Saeed Anwar was out in the 18th over after playing an invaluable innings of 41 glorious runs and giving Pakistan a wonderful start.Saleem Elahi joined Afridi and the two of them punished the bowlers with strokes all over the ground but at a steady pace. In 20 overs, Shahid Afridi hoisted his individual 50 and 100 of the Pakistan innings. He was out after scoring an enterprising 61, a special point about his innings being that at no stage did he resort to rashness.Yousuf Youhana joined Saleem Elahi and the two of them took Pakistan to the 200 run mark in 43.1 overs. Pakistan now needed only 12 runs in 41 balls. Saleem Elahi who exercised complete command on the game hoisted his 50 with a cover drive to the boundary. A little later he brought victory to Pakistan with a sparkling four to the fine leg region. Pakistan ended up with 214 for 2 thus defeating England by eight wickets.

First Division

Alfonso Thomas took a timely five-wicket haul to give the Championship pacemakers, Somerset, an outside chance of victory against Yorkshire at Taunton. Having been up against it since the first innings of the match, in which Yorkshire racked up 372, Somerset took complete control of the third day, first by extending their overnight 220 for 9 to a competitive 258, thanks largely to Craig Kieswetter’s unbeaten 67, then by dismissing Yorkshire for 208 in their second innings. Charl Willoughby and Andrew Caddick gave Somerset a dream start by claiming both openers for ducks, then Thomas got stuck into the middle order. Andrew Gale was the lone survivor in the top-order with 58, while Rich Pyrah made 51 from No. 8 to rescue Yorkshire from 104 for 6, but Somerset’s eventual target of 323 is by no means unobtainable – with ten wickets in hand and with Marcus Trescothick at the crease, unbeaten on 11 at the close.Dimitri Mascarenhas produced a captain’s innings of 74 to lift Hampshire into the ascendancy against Durham at Chester-le-Street. The game had been finely balanced on the third morning, not least when Sean Ervine fell for the addition of only three runs to his overnight 46, to leave Hampshire leading by 226 with three wickets standing. But then Mascarenhas got into his stride, striking 13 fours and a six in a 110-ball innings, to add 67 priceless runs. Durham, in reply, stuttered just as they had done in their first innings. Chasing a sizeable 294, they lost wickets at regular intervals, with Shane Bond and Chris Tremlett among the wickets, to close on 186 for 6. Neil McKenzie made 48 and Dale Benkenstein was still there on 46 not out, but with only the tail for company, defeat is looming on Monday.Justin Kemp put to one side the frustrations of two rain-affected days at Canterbury, and struck his first first-class century of the season to boost Kent’s morale against the champions, Sussex. Kemp made 102, having had to strap his pads on in a hurry following three wickets in seven balls for Ragheb Aga. Robert Key fell for 30, then Martin van Jaarsveld and Darren Stevens followed for ducks to reduce Kent to 76 for 4, but James Tredwell continued his allround form with 68, as the pair added 167 for the fifth wicket. They were eventually all out for a healthy 350, with Aga finishing with 4 for 63, and by the close Sussex were well placed for the draw on 57 for 1.Click here to read John Ward’s report on the third day between Lancashire and Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.

Second Division

Derbyshire stormed to an innings-and-95-run victory against a feeble Worcestershire at Chesterfield as Graham Wagg and Rikki Clarke shared seven wickets. The match was over before lunch, with the visitors dispatched for 110 in less than 36 overs. Already one down overnight, it was a procession by Worcestershire from the moment Graham Wagg trapped Steven Moore – who is being chased by Derbyshire – lbw for 9. Wagg continued an outstanding match when he had Graeme Hick caught behind off a flat-footed push, soon followed by Steven Davies. Meanwhile, Clarke, back to bowling action in this match after recovering from a broken thumb, snapped up three cheap wickets, including Vikram Solanki bowled by one that nipped back. The final dismissal of Steve Magoffin, heaving across the line, summed up Worcestershire’s capitulation.Glamorgan were made to follow on at Cardiff after being bowled out for 248 in reply to Warwickshire’s 421, but by the close of the third day they were battling hard for survival on 228 for 4. Their lead was a slender 48, and they might have been better placed had they not lost three wickets for 28 runs after a healthy opening partnership of 71 between Gareth Rees and Matthew Wood. Instead it was left to the captain, David Hemp, and Jamie Dalrymple to rally the rearguard with a fourth-wicket stand of 107. Hemp fell before the close for 56, but Dalrymple remained, unbeaten on 52, to carry the fight into the final day.Stephen Peters guided Northamptonshire past the follow-on at Wantage Road with his first first-class century of the season. He batted for five-and-a-half hours and struck 16 fours in his 122, and without him his team would have been in dire straits. As it is they conceded a sizeable enough first-innings lead of 146, although by the close they had struck back with determination, reducing Gloucestershire to 115 for 4 in their second innings. David Lucas claimed both openers and Johann Louw added Marcus North for a duck, as Gloucs slumped to 58 for 4. But they were bailed out by Hamish Marshall and Chris Taylor, who were unbeaten at stumps in a 57-run stand.Click here for Jamie Alter’s take on the third day at Lord’s between Middlesex and Essex.

Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos has signed with a new agency, as reported by The Daily Record’s Scott Burns.

The lowdown

The Colombian joined Rangers from Finnish outfit HJK Helsinki in 2017 for a fee of just under £1.1m. He penned a contract extension in March 2019, but that £33,000-per-week deal is due to expire in less than 18 months’ time.

According to Transfermarkt, the £11.7m-rated Morelos is Rangers’ second-most valuable asset behind £12.6m-rated Ryan Kent.

The latest

As per The Daily Record, Morelos has parted company with World In Motion, the agency which negotiated his move to Rangers.

He is now represented by Footfeel and Echo Sports, whose biggest clients are Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.

They will be ‘rolling out the red carpet’ for Morelos and trying to generate buzz through social media, while Burns wrote that the news is a ‘concern’ for Rangers ahead of the expiry of the 25-year-old’s contract.

The agency have the required connections to secure a dream move for the Colombian to one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The verdict

Morelos has been open about his desire to take what he feels is the next step in his career. Back in September, he said that he hoped ‘the opportunity to leave will be given’ after Rangers failed to reach an agreement with interested parties (via The Daily Record).

It could hurt to lose the 25-year-old, who is Rangers’ top scorer this season with 19 goals in all competitions and who brings a ‘brave’ mentality, according to Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose.

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In the short-term, Giovanni van Bronckhorst will just hope that this latest twist doesn’t prove to be a distraction as he prepares his players for the second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie against Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night.

In other news, this Rangers man is attracting Championship interest.

Scorecard

Justin Langer has scored the most runs for the Warriors © Getty Images

Justin Langer became Western Australia’s highest run-scorer as he and Chris Rogers reached unbeaten fifties to leave the Warriors strongly placed against Tasmania heading into the final day.Dan Marsh pummelled his way to 117 not out, and although George Bailey and Michael Di Venuto contributed half-centuries, Adam Voges still had the option of forcing the follow-on.Instead, he watched as Langer nudged past his friend Tom Moody’s 8853 career runs in a forthright opening stand with Rogers which left them 314 ahead and set for the push for outright points.The pair wasted no time laying into Tasmania’s attack as they brought up their hundred stand in the 25th over.Steve Magoffin added three wickets to pick up his third five-wicket haul in first-class matches as Tasmania were dismissed for 343.Marsh batted well with the tail to help put up some resistance and his century included ten fours and a six.

Irvine Romaine, the Bermuda captain © Getty Images

Ryan Steede, the medium-pacer and Kwame Tucker, the wicketkeeper, are the two notable omissions of Bermuda’s squad for the World Cricket League to be held in Kenya later this month.Both players have been retained in Bermuda’s reserves, although there are still concerns as to whether Tucker is fit enough to serve as the main reserve wicketkeeper. Jekon Edness, the 23-year-old wicketkeeper, has also named in the reseves should Tucker not prove fit enough.Bermuda are currently training for the tournament in Trinidad and depart for Kenya on January 24. Saleem Mukuddem, Stefan Kelly and Stephen Outerbridge – each of whom missed their side’s week-long preparation in Trinidad through injury – are all included.Full squad
Irvine Romaine (capt), Dean Minors (wk), Clay Smith, Stephen Outerbridge, OJ Pitcher, David Hemp, Janeiro Tucker, Lionel Cann, Malachi Jones, Delyone Borden, Saleem Mukuddem, Kevin Hurdle, Dwayne Leverock, Stefan Kelly, Arthur Pitcher Jnr.

Jonathan Trott’s superb all-round show guided Otago to a thrilling one-run victory in their State Shield one-day match against Northern Districts at the Westpac Park in Hamilton. Trott scored 114 and ran though the middle-order claiming 4 wickets off his seven overs. Batting first, Otago were three wickets down for 72 runs when Neil Broom joined Trott at the wicket. The two put on a massive partnership of 190 runs, an Otago record for all wickets against all teams, for the fourth wicket until Broom was dismissed for 93 off as many balls. They struck 25 boundaries and two sixes between them. Otago finished with 276 for four off their 50 overs.In reply, Northern Districts got off to a disastrous start losing their first three wickets for 24 runs. James Marshall, the captain, and Daniel Flynn held the innings together with a partnership of 123 runs when Trott took 4 crucial wickets to set Northern Districts to 230 for eight. Despite some late order resistance, Northern Districts were bowled out for 275 when Graeme Aldridge was run-out off the last ball. James Marshall top-scored for his team with 93. For Otago, Warren Charles McSkimming and James McMillan finished with two wickets each. First-class cricket was suspended at the oval last season after a pitch debacle when New Zealand played a FICA world 11.Canterbury embarrassed the home team at Eden Park’s outer oval, skittling them for 100 after Richard Jones, the Auckland captain, won the toss and elected to bat. Leighton Burtt, the debutant, ripped through the brittle Auckland batting taking 5 for 26 from 7.1 overs. Rob Nicol battled hard for 36 but received no support. In reply Michael Papps (43) and Shannan Stewart (37) put on 83 for the first wicket as Canterbury cruised past the target in 21.4 overs. Craig McMillan was not out 11 at the end.High-flying Wellington posted an imposing 270 for 7 when they met neighbours Central Districts at the Basin Reserve. Central couldn’t match it, falling to 220 all out. Jesse Ryder (61), Michael Parlane (51), his brother Neal (41) and Chris Nevin all contributed as the home team piled up the runs. Chasing, Central were looking good while Mathew Sinclair (64) and Geoff Barnett (57) were at the crease, but once they both fell to Luke Woodcock, Central faltered. From 193 for 3 Central slumped to 209 for 9 and the game was as good as won. Iain O’Brien was the chief destroyer with 5 for 43, while Woodcock took 4 for 36 from his 10 overs.

Gone: Darren Lehmann walks across his stumps and is bowled by Shoaib Akhtar at Perth© Getty Images

Darren Lehmann’s international career is almost certainly over after he was dropped for the five-match one-day series against New Zealand. While Lehmann, who missed Australia’s last Test against Pakistan and struggled during the VB Series, was dumped after 117 ODIs, Matthew Hayden was retained in the 14-man squad despite being overlooked for the finals against Pakistan.Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said Lehmann, who was 35 on Saturday, had been a fine team man in a tribute that read like a last goodbye. “Darren has been a wonderful player for Australia over a long period of time,” he said. “Throughout his career, his performances have been first class, which has been a telling factor in the team’s terrific run of success.”However, Lehmann was told by Hohns last night that he was still a chance of regaining a Test place. Hohns said Lehmann’s recent form, including 89 runs in six VB Series innings, was a concern and it was time to start looking to the future. “Unfortunately it’s one of those tough calls, but it is time for us to move forward,” he said. “His unofficial role as a leader amongst the squad has been outstanding. He has been a fine team man.”Mike Hussey, the Western Australia batsman, has earned a recall after playing one match against India last summer while James Hopes, the Queensland allrounder, replaced the injured Shane Watson. Watson suffered a side strain in the second VB Series final and is also a doubtful starter for the Test squad, which will be named later this month. It is Lehmann’s final hope for an international reprieve.Lehmann said Hohns told him it was time to move on as Australia look towards the 2007 World Cup. “I really understand that,” Lehmann said. “If [my international career is] over, it’s over – there is nothing I can do about it.”The end for Lehmann, a dual World Cup winner, began on the tour of India last year when he offered his Test place to Michael Clarke, and continued with a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the fourth Test at Mumbai. On his return to Australia the glare intensified on and off the field as he gave evidence in the David Hookes manslaughter trial, released his biography and stuttered with the bat.An 81 against New Zealand on his home ground at Adelaide was the brightest innings of a Test summer where he was twice shocked by Shoaib Akhtar – he was bowled behind his legs at Perth and popped a catch to short leg at the MCG – and dropped for Sydney. Teammates and supporters offered him the respect of someone who had reached 100 Tests instead of a talented batsman who had played 27 matches and only sealed a regular spot on the 2003 West Indies tour.Desperate for a first Ashes Tour, Lehmann needed a strong VB Series to remind selectors of his stock, but he was again troubled by owning too many shots. Two fifties against New Zealand in December held up his season of struggle and his worst dismissal was to a first-ball reverse sweep in the opening final against Pakistan.Hussey has been rewarded for seasons of consistency, although he has been at his most prolific in English county cricket, and has scored 362 runs at 40.22 in the 2004-05 ING Cup. “We feel that if given the opportunity he could do a very good job for Australia, particularly in the middle order,” Hohns said. “He impressed us when making his one-day debut in Perth last summer and we said at the time that he had certainly put his case forward for future selections.”Hohns said Hopes, the 26-year-old Australia A player, was an exciting prospect who he had kept his eyes on. “Like Watson, he can perform a variety of roles for us,” Hohns said. “He has put some excellent performances on the board for Queensland throughout the year and we feel that this opportunity will fast-track his development.” The opening one-day match is at Wellington on February 19, but the teams will play the first international Twenty20 game at Auckland next Thursday.Australia Ricky Ponting (capt), Adam Gilchrist (wk), Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hogg, James Hopes, Michael Hussey, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Andrew Symonds.

Scorecard
An efficient bowling display from Zimbabwe, led by Sean Ervine, against Rockingham-Mandurah was overshadowed by another batting collapse and the news that Douglas Hondo is a serious doubt for the opening Test next Thursday at Perth.Hondo, Zimbabwe’s third-choice seamer behind Heath Streak and Andy Blignaut, strained his thumb yesterday and was unable to bowl at all today. However, Ervine did his chances no harm by kick-starting Zimbabwe’s fightback with five wickets against the Rockingham-Mandurah team, who were bolstered by four fringe Western Australian players.Ervine, who smashed 41 in Zimbabwe’s first innings, grabbed 5 for 37 from 15 overs as Rockingham-Mandurah capitulated to 123 in front of a crowd of about 200 at Settlers Hill. Luke Ronchi saved his side from even more blushes with an entertaining 44 on the bowler-friendly pitch, but he was one of only three batsmen to make double figures.With a slender lead of 26, Zimbabwe’s fragile batting line-up was again exposed in their second innings as they slumped to 107 for 6 at the close. Craig Wishart (32*) ensured they still had some sort of advantage – a lead of 133 runs, but with only four wickets left and Hondo unable to bat.Day One Bulletin

Making responsible fifties, Kiran Powar and Tanveer Jabbar saw Goa through to a four-wicket win in their Ranji one-day match against Andhra Pradesh at Visakhapatnam on Monday.Winning the toss, Andhra Pradesh opted to take first strike. None of their batsmen could make a significant score, however, and they found themselves bowled out for only 175 in 33 overs of a 35-over innings. Skipper MSK Prasad top-scored, making 37 off 35 balls. For Goa, SK Miskin took 4-46.Chasing 176, Goa got there comfortably in 31.2 overs. This was due largely to the fifties from Powar and Jabbar. Powar made 51 off 46 balls, while Jabbar scored 40 off 39. The openers – SV Kamat and SM Asnodkar – also contributed, making 33 and 27 respectively.

Hoggard: 5-28 Photo © AllSport

With Leicestershire having it all to do with only 53 runs to defend theywere unable to get the early breakthrough that they desperately wanted.Phil Defreitas, along with Jimmy Ormond opened the bowling attack andneither created chances.Infact, it was only when Kumble came into the attack did things start tohappen. He had the left handed Craven caught behind when the score was on27. Just two runs later Defreitas picked up the prize wicket of Vaughan whowas given out L.B.W by umpire Benson.Darren Lehmann fresh from his Championship century against Leicestershireearlier on in the week, continued to enjoy his good run of form and lookedintent on finishing the game as quickly as possible. He hit two consecutivefours in one over off the bowling of Kumble and in the 14th over he hit thewinning runs to give Yorkshire a very easy victory.Yorkshire’s professional attitude and approach towards the game was of thehighest standard and its back to the drawing board for the LeicestershireFoxes!