Briefly Cricket

Squad: Shakib Al Hasan (c),Mushfiqur Rahim (wk),Tamim Iqbal,Imrul Kayes,Zunaed Siddique,Mohammad Ashraful,Roqibul Hassan,Mahmud Ullah,Shahriar Nafees,Shahadat Hossain,Rubel Hossain,Enamul Haque (Jr),Mahbubul Alam,Shafiul Islam.

SA bank on pacy pitch

Johannesburg: South Africa will bank on home advantage and a quick pitch against England as they look to level the series in the final Test at the Wanderers. South Africa must win to avoid successive home series defeats,following last year’s loss to Australia. The pitch at Cape Town became slower as the match went on making the new ball a crucial period of each innings. However,the expectation is that the surface at Johannesburg will offer something for the quicks throughout.

England selectors happy

London: With England heading into the final Test against South Africa with a 1-0 lead the selectors are feeling vindicated in their choices for this tour,after the original squad raised some eyebrows. England sent just the six specialist batsmen on the trip and the inclusion of all six in the line-up for the three Tests so far has provoked much debate. “We came out here,and people were questioning some of the selections,” national selector Geoff Miller said.

Aaron Bird reported

Melbourne: Australian Aaron Bird has been reported for a “doubtful action” and will undergo an analysis of his bowling at the country’s Institute of Sport in Canberra within the next 21 days. “Cricket Australia has advised that NSW bowler Aaron Bird has been reported under its Doubtful Bowling Action Procedures,” CA said in a statement.

Akram flays Pak team

Karachi: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram on Monday came down heavily on Mohammad Yousuf’s men,saying they lack skill,passion and mental fitness. “The present Pakistan side lacks these traits. When the seniors are creating problems for the team and getting out after making only few runs then why not include youngsters as they will serve for at least two decades,” Akram said.

Butt meets Pawar

Karachi: PCB chairman Ejaz Butt returned home after holding meetings with Sharad Pawar and Haroon Lorgat. Butt was in Dhaka for the 2011 World Cup logo unveiling ceremony. “I had two very constructive meetings with Pawar and Lorgat which will bring good news for Pakistan cricket. I also spoke about the World Cup and Pakistan’s role and share from the tournament,” said Butt.