Briefly Cricket

Some of former West Indies captain Brian Laras stolen cricketing memorabilia and other valuables worth 1million have been recovered...

Laras valuables recovered

Port of Spain: Some of former West Indies captain Brian Laras stolen cricketing memorabilia and other valuables worth 1million have been recovered by the Trinidad Police,who have arrested seven men in connection with the theft at his home here. Media reports said the police recovered a laptop,an autographed cricket bat and batting pads from the men after raiding a house here on Tuesday. Laras home was burgled last week when the former batsman was asleep.

Surrey look for IPL tie-up

London: After Hampshire,it could be Surreys turn to become the second English county to tie up with an IPL franchise as Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders are reportedly keen to forge an alliance with them. The Times said Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon is in India for talks with IPL franchisees and has got feelers from the Daredevils and KKR for a tie-up. Any deal is more likely to be a straightforward pairing of two clubs rather than wider global branding, the report said.

Objections to Saeeds presence

Karachi: Abdul Raquib,who accompanied the Pakistan cricket team to New Zealand and Australia as manager,has objected to the presence of his predecessor Yawar Saeed in the six-member inquiry committee to probe the sides disastrous show Down Under. Raquib has told the PCB chief operating officer Wasim Bari,who heads the inquiry committee,that Yawar should not be on the committee.

We can adapt well: Vettori

Christchurch: After the ODI whitewash against Bangladesh,New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said his side was confident of making the switch from the limited-overs version to Test cricket seamlessly as they prepare for the first Test in Hamilton starting on Monday. Its just the nature of international cricket,good players are able to adapt from whatever form of the game you are playing in at the time, Vettori said. Its the way cricket is going so if you want to be a good player youve got to turn up and expect to perform no matter what the discipline is.

Afghanistan maintain form

Dubai: Afghanistan continued their superb form in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifiers,sealing a 29-run victory over USA to maintain their unbeaten run and secure passage to the Super Fours. After the early loss of Mohammad Shahzad,Afghanistans top five rallied to post 135 for 4. Shapoor Zadrans miserly opening spell pegged USA back in the first five overs,and once again Hamid Hassan was in the wickets,picking up three in another emphatic win.