Misbah-ul-Haq and other ODI specialists train at Chepauk

Pakistan's ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq along with six others had two hour training session at the Chepauk here Thursday.

Misbah and his mates, who have been picked only for the 50-over format, arrived here this morning and came for the training session at around 2 pm in the afternoon. 

The players had a productive net session at the adjacent 'B' ground of the main stadium. The ODI specialists are expected to practice here tomorrow also.

Rashid Latif, Moin Khan for iconic status to Indo-Pak series

Former Pakistan captains Rashid Latif and Moin Khan on Thursday urged the ICC to give India-Pakistan series the iconic status. "The response to this ongoing short series and the way the people followed the first T20 match in Bangalore, it is a clear indication that the ICC needs to give iconic status to Indo-Pak matches," Latif told PTI.

"The ICC needs to keep a window open for Indo-Pak series in its FTP with special status after taking both boards into confidence. That is the only way cricket relations between Pakistan and India will not be affected by the political scenario," Latif added. 

'What was wrong with you?' Ishant Sharma asks Kamran Akmal

Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal and Indian pacer Ishant Sharma, who were fined after a verbal duel in the first T20 international at Bangalore, have buried the hatchet and are now the best of friends, according to a leading Pakistani newspaper.

'The Express' newspaper reported Thursday that after the match, Sharma had gone to the Pakistan dressing room and sorted things out with Kamran. "Sharma went to the Pakistan dressing room after the match and addressing Kamran asked him 'Paaji tuhanu ki ho gaya si' (Brother what happened to you)," the report said. 

Brett Lee faces disciplinary hearing

Veteran Brett Lee faces a disciplinary hearing after criticising the New South Wales cricket administration and its chief executive David Gilbert, Cricket Australia said on Friday.

Lee is in trouble over reported comments claiming that Anthony Stuart had lost his job as New South Wales coach because he was made the scapegoat for the alleged deficiencies of Gilbert and the Cricket NSW hierarchy

"I think the blame for a lot of things has been unfairly dumped on Anthony Stuart," Lee had told the Sydney Morning Herald last week.

Australia thrash Sri Lanka to seal Test series

Australia humiliated an ailing Sri Lanka by an innings and 201 runs to wrap up the series midway through the third day of the second Test in Melbourne on Friday.
Trailing by 304 runs on the first innings, a battered Sri Lanka surrendered for 103 for seven off 24.2 overs with Kumar Sangakkara retiring hurt and out for the rest of the tour.
Prasanna Jayawardene and Chanaka Welegedara were also unable to bat because of injuries.

We are ready to go for the kill: Mohammed Hafeez

Pakistan captain Mohammed Hafeez feels that their ability to perform under pressure has helped them to win the first T20 match.

According to Hafeez, if the players can show the same intent on the field on Friday, they can win the two-match T20 series.

“The way the team bounced back in both batting and bowling was amazing. The boys showed a lot of character. Bangalore win gave us a lot of confidence and our morale is high. Actually, the boys were able to enjoy the pressure and that’s the reason behind such a great performance. We will try to continue that tomorrow as well,” Hafeez told a media conference on Thursday.