Batting holes exposed: Ponting

“We’re losing wickets in patches as well and we haven’t got partnerships at the top of the order, and that’s something we need when the World Cup comes around,” said Ponting. Shoaib, one of the world’s fastest bowlers, struck four times as Australia slumped from 44 for one to 83 for six.

The three-match series, including two games played under a closed roof at Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium, attracted only 40,000 spectators, prompting speculation over the future of the winter cricket concept in Australia.

A three-game winter series played against South Africa in Melbourne two years ago drew almost 95,000 fans. “We would have liked more people to attend but we’ll weigh all of that up (the success of the series) after we’ve done some market research,” Australian Cricket Board chief executive James Sutherland told reporters.

“I don’t think the (soccer) World Cup has helped.”

Pak bar Shoaib from speed contest

KARACHI: Pakistani cricket authorities have barred paceman Shoaib Akhtar from taking part in the ‘world’s fastest bowler’ competition in India later this year.

A spokesman for Pakistan Cricket Control Board (PCB) did not give a reason but said Shoaib could not participate in such competitions without the board’s permission and in no case before the World Cup next year.

“There is no question of Shoaib Akhtar joining the proposed competition before the World Cup,” spokesman Khalid Butt said. “Even after the World Cup his appearance will be subject to the approval by the Board.” PCB’s refusal came amid a military standoff between Pakistan and India over the disputed Kashmir region. The organisers of the fastest bowlers’ competition, International Management Group (IMG), said on Wednesday Shoaib and Australia’s Brett Lee — currently the fastest bowlers in the game — had agreed to take part. Eight other bowlers will also participate in the event, IMG in Mumbai said in a release. Shoaib, 26, was clocked at 161 km (100.6 miles) an hour in April, a fraction over the 100 miles per hour mark, during a one-day game against New Zealand at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Lee had been clocked at 99.4 miles an hour against South Africa in Cape Town earlier in the year. The International Cricket Council has, however, said such feats would remain unofficial.”Shoaib is a valuable asset of Pakistan and he cannot be allowed to appear in any competition without the proper permission of the Board,” Butt said.

(Reuters)