Briefly Cricket

Shakib Al Hasan became the first Bangladesh cricketer to be signed by an English county after Worcestershire roped...

Shakib signs up for Worcestershire

London: Shakib Al Hasan became the first Bangladesh cricketer to be signed by an English county after Worcestershire roped him as their overseas recruit for next year. The 22-year-old Shakib will join the club after the completion of Bangladeshs tour to England in mid-July 2010,subject to completion of visa arrangements. I have been following his progress for some time and it is clear to me that he is a very good player, Wocestershire Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes,said.

Not selling Lords name: MCC

London: The MCC has fiercely denied claims that the club is selling naming rights to Lords to help fund a proposed 400 million redevelopment of the ground. But it also insisted that the ECB must guarantee a number of international fixtures for the project to go ahead. Keith Bradshaw,the MCC chief executive,had been quoted in The Times on Tuesday night as saying: That securing naming rights is obviously an option but you reach a point at which you do not want to sell your soul.

Gayle heads home

Melbourne: West Indies captain Chris Gayle is doubtful for the first Test against Australia starting November 26 after he suddenly left for Jamaica on Wednesday to be with his ailing mother. Gayle will miss the four-day tour match against Queensland starting on Wednesday,West Indies only practice game before the three match Test series. Vice captain Denesh Ramdin will lead West Indies in Gayles absence,said a statement from WICB. West Indies manager Joel Garner said they were hopeful about Gayles return before the opening Test.

Vishy bats for Test cricket

Bangalore: Former India captain Gundappa Viswanath has asked the ICC not to undermine Test cricket and promote the five-day game,which has been in vogue since 1877. Test cricket is what cricket is about. It tests the players skill. It is a different ball game altogether. It is the real cricket in which all players would want show their prowess. I want ICC to think about vigorously promoting Test cricket, said Viswanath.