Sri Lanka wins rain-hit New Zealand ODI

Updated November 05, 2012 07:25:51

Sri Lanka posted a 14-run victory over New Zealand by Duckworth-Lewis method in the rain-hit second one-day international on Monday morning to gain a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

The day-night match was keenly poised when play was called off due to rain in Pallekele as Sri Lanka was 3 for 118 off 22.5 overs chasing a 251-run target. The hosts were ahead of the D/L par score of 104 at that stage.

Skipper Mahela Jayawardene was unbeaten on 43 with Angelo Mathews (7 not out).

The opening one-dayer was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to rain at the same venue on Thursday.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (37), Kumar Sangakkara (11) and Upul Tharanga (6) were the batsmen dismissed, while Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills and Trent Boult were the wicket-takers.

Opener Dilshan, who also completed 1,000 one-day runs in the year during his 51-ball knock, and Jayawardene added 59 for the third wicket after the hosts lost two wickets for 39 runs.

Skipper Ross Taylor and Bradley-John Watling earlier hit half-centuries to help New Zealand post a competitive total.

Taylor cracked two sixes and seven fours in a brisk 62-ball 72 for his 21st half-century in one-dayers, while Watling made an impressive 55 with six fours for his fourth fifty.

The New Zealand captain added 91 for the fourth wicket with James Franklin (35 not out) before being caught by Mathews in the covers off paceman Nuwan Kulasekara in the 46th over.

Opener Rob Nicol (46) was the other main scorer.

Paceman Lasith Malinga was the most successful bowler, finishing with 2 for 39 off 10 overs.

New Zealand, who was without hard-hitting batsman Brendon McCullum due to a stiff back, lost an early wicket after choosing to bat when opener Tom Latham (2) was bowled by Malinga.

Nicol, dropped on four by Mathews in the slips off Malinga, steadied the innings with an 83-run stand for the second wicket with Watling before being caught by wicketkeeper Sangakkara off seamer Thisara Perera.

Watling fell after completing his half-century, caught by Jayawardene at short mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

The third one-day international will be played in Pallekele on Tuesday.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, sri-lanka, new-zealand

First posted November 05, 2012 07:20:59

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New Zealand ruins Yuvraj's comeback

Updated September 12, 2012 07:29:00

New Zealand pipped India by one run in a thrilling Twenty20 international in Chennai on Tuesday to ruin cancer survivor Yuvraj Singh's return to big-time cricket.

Brendon McCullum smashed 91 off 55 balls as the Kiwis posted 5 for 167 and then restricted the hosts to 4 for 166 despite Virat Kohli's 70 from 41 deliveries and a valiant 34 from Yuvraj.

Yuvraj, who was treated for a rare germ-cell tumour between his lungs earlier this year, bowled two wicket-less overs for 14 runs, took a catch and hit one four and two sixes.

But it was not enough to secure victory for his team as the Black Caps fought back in the final overs to pull off a brilliant win in front of 25,000 disappointed home fans.

"There are mixed emotions," a visibly moved Yuvraj said later.

"We lost a game that we should have won, but for me personally it was a big emotional moment to get on the field.

"I had tears in my eyes when we were fielding, luckily the cameras did not catch it. I think I am timing the ball well and it can only get better from here."

India was cruising at 2 for 120 in the 14th over when left-arm seamer James Franklin turned the match around by having Kohli caught in the deep.

The dismissal put the brakes on the scoring, leaving India needing 13 runs off Franklin's last over.

Franklin bowled Yuvraj with the fourth ball when six more were needed, but new batsman Rohit Sharma could manage only four runs from the last two deliveries.

India captain MS Dhoni was stranded at the non-striker's end on 22 not out.

New Zealand clinched the two-match series, a tune-up for next week's World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, after the opening game was washed out in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

"This win will give us a lot of confidence going into the World T20," New Zealand captain Ross Taylor said.

"Kohli could have taken it away from us, but Franklin really needs a big pat on the back."

Yuvraj, man of the tournament in India's World Cup triumph last year, was recalled to the Twenty20 side despite not having played competitive cricket since November.

The Chennai fans gave Yuvraj a standing ovation when he was asked to bowl the seventh over of the innings by Dhoni.

Yuvraj conceded four singles in his first over of left-arm spin and then suffered a hard knock in his bowling hand while trying to take a difficult return catch off McCullum in his second.

Having given away 14 runs in his two overs, Yuvraj delighted team-mates and fans as he gleefully caught a skier at cover point to dismiss Franklin.

Further warm applause greeted his arrival at the crease to bat and Yuvraj responded by lofting Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram for sixes.

McCullum led the charge for the Black Caps with 11 boundaries and three sixes before he was bowled by left-arm seamer Irfan Pathan.

McCullum added 90 runs for the third wicket with Kane Williamson (28) after the Black Caps had lost openers Rob Nicol and Martin Guptill by the second over.

Taylor and Oram plundered 21 runs in the last two overs, which proved costly for India in the end.

AFP

Tags: cricket, sport, india

First posted September 12, 2012 07:29:00

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New Zealand coach Wright to resign

Updated May 01, 2012 12:35:42

New Zealand coach John Wright will step down from the national side in August after rejecting an offer to extend his contract, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White said on Tuesday.

In a move White described as "disappointing", he said Wright will leave the Black Caps after the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

"John has been an outstanding servant for cricket in New Zealand over a long time and it is disappointing to lose someone of his calibre," White said in a statement.

"We were keen to see him continue his head coach role, however understand and respect his decision to look for another challenge."

A gritty former opening batsman and one-time India coach, Wright took over a Black Caps outfit in disarray and guided them to the semi-finals of last year's World Cup, as well as a rare Test win over Australia in Hobart.

The statement gave no reason for Wright's departure, although he has reportedly had a tense relationship with Australian John Buchanan, who was appointed NZC's director of cricket in April last year.

"I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other opportunities," Wright said.

No immediate replacement was announced.

"We are keen to fill this critical role as soon as possible but are conscious that we need to take the time to find the right candidate who can take us through to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup," White said.

New Zealand will tour the West Indies in July and early August.

AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, new-zealand

First posted May 01, 2012 12:30:41

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Live blog: Australia v New Zealand

Raman Goraya

Updated December 02, 2011 07:01:54

Welcome to ABC Grandstand's coverage of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand from the Gabba in Brisbane. New Zealand captain Ross Taylor won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia handed shiny, new Baggy Green caps to David Warner, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc.

PLAY ABANDONED - The rain continues and we will not see another ball bowled until tomorrow morning at 10.30am AEDT.

Weather update - It is pouring here at the Gabba. Chances of anymore play today are very grim. If we see no more action today, play will start at 10.30am AEDT (9.30am local) for the rest of the five days.

BAD LIGHT has stopped play a few overs before tea with NZ at 5 for 176. Kerry O'Keeffe suggested they get Shane Warne's teeth out there and they could play until midnight! Alas the players trudge off for an early cuppa. Michael Clarke is particularly disappointed. Possibly because he dropped an easy chance to get rid of Dean Brownlie early in the session.

Mitchell Starc is back into the attack. The Michael Hussey experiment lasted two overs. Starc a bit stiff as he starts a new spell and Vettori finds the boundary twice in his first over back. The Black Cap veteran of 106 Tests is eyeing off a 23rd Test fifty as he moves to 35. He averages 30.27. NZ 5 for 162.

REFERRAL (NOT OUT) - Hussey and the Aussies go up for lbw against Brownlie. Umpire Asad Rauf says not out and is backed up by the UDRS. A good shout but just sliding down leg side. Hussey shows he can be dangerous if he catches you on the crease. Meanwhile, Vettori and Brownlie have put on 50 runs from 100 balls - New Zealand's best partnership of the innings. Black Caps 5 for 149.

Michael Hussey has been thrown the ball by Michael Clarke to give Patterson a break. Dimming light could be an issue. Gentle seamers at best by Mr Cricket. Damien Fleming in the Grandstand box is questioning the field placings by Clarke, particularly the deep point. An easy single for the Kiwis there and Hussey will struggle to build much pressure from one end.

Drinks - Halfway through the middle session and New Zealand is 5 for 135. Ryder was the man to go straight after the lunch break. Lyon and Pattinson are bowling in tandem at the moment with Vettori (22) and Brownlie (14) looking to steady the ship for the Black Caps. The tourists desperately need a solid partnership to test an Australian attack missing all-rounder Shane Watson. A little bit of rain came and passed, but it's still fairly gloomy here at the Gabba.

Nathan Lyon is on to replace Peter Siddle at the Stanley St end. Bowling to an off-spinner with plenty of experience in Daniel Vettori. Lyon will be willing to throw it up a bit after producing some good flight before the break. Despite the situation, Vettori and Brownlie are still swinging those bats.

James Pattinson is back into the attack, replacing Mitchell Starc at the Vulture St end. Starc was unlucky not to have another wicket after an inside edge whistled past the lucky Brownlie's off stump.

Dropped catch - Yes, another one! Brownlie again. This time it's a much tougher chance to Warner at point. The New South Welshman threw his hands up but could merely take the pace off a fiercely hit ball. Would have been a third c. Warner b. Starc of the day. Brownlie living a charmed life on 7.

Dropped catch - Captain Michael Clarke grasses a soda at first slip! Another terrible shot, this time by Brownlie, gets a thick top edge straight into Clarke's bread basket but somehow he can't reel it in. That is normally the territory of Shane Watson, who of course is on the sidelines for this Test.

WICKET - Jesse Ryder c. Warner b. Starc 6 (5/96, Brownlie 1*) - listen to the dismissal.

Australia continues its momentum with Starc removing Ryder in the over after lunch. Ryder throws his wicket away with a careless and lazy cut shot straight to Warner at point. Worst than McCullum's dismissal if you can imagine that. Former skipper and very handy batsman Daniel Vettori is here to save the day for the Kiwis?

WICKET - Ross Taylor b. Pattinson 14 (4/93, Ryder 4*) - listen to the dismissal.

It is clearly Australia's session now. The young Vic quick Pattinson (1 for 40) tempts Taylor with a full wide delivery and the Kiwi captain inside edges onto his stumps. Nice piece of bowling by Pattinson. He produced an outside edge, then had a big appeal for lbw denied after Taylor shouldered arms before striking with the sucker ball. One more over before lunch.

Jesse Ryder is the new batsman. Those familiar with his form know he doesn't pull any punches. A terrific striker of the ball as he proved in the warm-up clash against Australia A last week. He gets off the mark with a boundary down the ground off Pattinson.

WICKET - Kane Williamson c. Khawaja b. Lyon 19 (3/78, Taylor 8*) - listen to the dismissal.

Lyon (1 for 13) picks up another wicket for the Aussies as it gets darker at the Gabba. Some nice bounce and turn from the off-spinner. Williamson edges onto his own pad and it balloons up for Khawaja to make amends with the easiest of catches at short leg. Australia has responded very well after a slow start to the morning.

Dropped catch: Usman Khawaja grasses a hot chance at short leg. Pattinson charging in from the Vulture St end, Taylor fends one off his side and Khawaja manages to get a hand on it but can't hold on.

Nathan Lyon is into the attack before lunch. The spinner has never even been to the Gabba. His first delivery is dispatched to the boundary.

WICKET - Brendon McCullum c. Warner b. Starc 34 (2/56, Williamson 5*) - listen to the dismissal.

Mitchell Starc (1 for 14) has his first Test wicket at the end of his fifth over. David Warner also has his first Test catch. They can both thank Brendon McCullum. A terrible shot by the NZ opener, cutting straight to Warner at point. Danger man gone.

We've had a few tech issues to start the day but are slowly finding our here. Sorry about that. Nothing like a bit of opening-day drama.

Brendon McCullum continues to take it to this inexperienced Australian attack. The opener has moved to 34 and his side to 1 for 55.

Audio dismissals - If you missed the latest wicket, you can click the audio link below to relive the action from Grandstand. We will have audio for every dismissal as well as session highlights throughout the day.

WICKET - Martin Guptill: c. Haddin b. Siddle 13 (1/44, McCullum 28*) - listen to the dismissal.

Siddle's switch to the Stanley St end has worked a treat. The honest toiler lures Guptill into a drive and finds the outside edge to 'keeper Brad Haddin. Much-needed breakthrough for the Aussies.

Mitchell Starc is into the attack replacing Siddle at the Vulture St end. No surprise it's another eventful start. Troubles McCullum with one jagging back and then another that beats the outside edge. McCullum duly replied with a lovely on-drive.

Conditions: Overcast day here in Brisbane. Makes a nice change for the humid mornings we've had over the past week. Pitch, as expected, a tad slow with what Kerry O'Keeffe describes as "trampoline" bounce. But, no doubt it will flatten out later in the day and will be good for batting if NZ can overcome the early test.

5th over - Pattinson fancies his chances against Guptill. Beating the outside edge a couple of time again with some nice movement through the air and off the deck. Tempts him with a wide one at the end of the over and Guptill gets a top edge for four over gully.

4th over - Siddle bowling to three slips, gully, point and third man but it doesn't stop McCullum freeing the arm and going hard at the ball. Another boundary fizzes past third man. Siddle can't afford that much width.

3rd over - Pattinson finds his rhythm and beats the outside edge twice. Martin Guptill also survived a run-out scare after a little mix-up with is partner. NZ 0 for 22.

2nd over - Peter Siddle from the Vulture St end also starts a tad wayward with a wide.

1st over - McCullum lives up to his name and belts the 21-year-old Victorian for three boundaries in his first Test over plus a wide. New Zealand off to a flyer at 0 for 13.

We are underway in the first Test of the summer. James Pattinson has been thrown the ripe cherry in his first Test and is bowling to Kiwi master blaster Brendon McCullum.

Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 01, 2011 11:01:42

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Australia v New Zealand: Live Streaming

Updated December 01, 2011 15:42:53

Listen to Grandstand's live coverage of day one of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at The Gabba.

The Black Caps were 5 for 176 at tea, which was called early because of bad light.

Australia squad: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Phillip Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc

New Zealand squad: Ross Taylor (capt), Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Jesse Ryder, Dean Brownlie, Daniel Vettori, Reece Young, Doug Bracewell, Tim Southee, Chris Martin

Tags: cricket

First posted December 01, 2011 10:33:06

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Day Three Blog: Australia v New Zealand

Raman Goraya

Updated December 03, 2011 19:45:43

Welcome to ABC Grandstand's coverage of the third day of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand from the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia has taken a first-innings lead on the back of a Michael Clarke century.

STUMPS DAY THREE - New Zealand 295 & 1-10 trails Australia (427, M Clarke 139) by 122 runs

Australia's day, no question. Delivered with the bat, albeit luckily due to some poor New Zealand catching, and then struck late to back the Black Caps right up against the wall. Full stumps wrap, audio summaries and interviews to follow soon.

WICKET - Brendon McCullum c. Ponting b. Pattinson 1 (1-10, Guptill 7*) - listen to the dismissal.
Huge wicket for Australia. Pattinson is getting up to 150km/hr and he lands one at a great line and length and McCullum edges straight to the safe hands of Ponting at second slip. The young Victorian is fired up he almost follows McCullum to the sheds.

5.20pm - Victorian new-ball pair James Pattinson and Peter Siddle are charging in. Pattinson in particular is relishing this late afternoon opportunity and has had the better of Martin Guptill who has been a bit late on the ball.

CHANGE OF INNINGS - AUSTRALIA 427 (M Clarke 139, B Haddin 80, R Ponting 78) LEADS NEW ZEALAND BY 132 RUNS

Looks like the New Zealand top order will have to face up to a tricky 25 minutes, assuming the light holds out. It's been Australia's day with Michael Clarke's crucial century being the centrepiece. The captain shared in 86, 60 and 108-run stands with Ponting, Hussey and Haddin respectively. Haddin kicked on without him, putting on 44 runs for the ninth wicket with Mitchell Starc after tea.

WICKET - Nathan Lyon c. Brownlie b. Southee 5 (Australia 427, Starc 32*) - listen to the dismissal.
That's the end of the innings. Lyon plays an uppish drive and it is caught by Dean Brownlie in the covers.

WICKET - Brad Haddin c. Martin b. Guptill 80 (9-418, Starc 28*) - listen to the dismissal.
Haddin in a hurry to try and get to three figures and extend the Aussie lead - which is now 123. The Aussie keeper goes after Guptill and is caught on the long on boundary. The hosts may get some time to have a crack at the NZ top order before stumps but bad light is looming again.

4.25pm - Australia 8-401, leads by 106 runs. Starc having a bit of fun with the bat on debut after being dropped on 0. Tail doing enough for Australia as Brad Haddin (71) entertains ideas of a century. It would be his first since the opening Test of the Ashes at the Gabba last year.

DROPPED CATCH - Oh dear. Mitchell Starc is dropped by Taylor low down at first slip. Bracewell should have had two in three balls. In fact he could have had a lot more this innings. Starc thought it was a catch and took off for the change rooms. The Kiwis half-heartedly attempt to run him out but as @jimmaxcricket correctly points out you can not be dismissed on misapprehension.

WICKET - James Pattinson c. Taylor b. Bracewell 12 (8-374, Haddin 64*) - listen to the dismissal.
Bracewell is back into the attack and picks up a much-deserved wicket. Pattinson chases a short, wide delivery and Taylor holds on above his head. If the Black Caps can keep this lead under three figures they are still a fighting chance.

3.45pm - A short break as NZ keeper Reece Young comes back with 12 stitches in his moosh and a helmet. Wise choice. A very unlikely 30 overs still to be bowled today.

HALF CENTURY - BRAD HADDIN - listen to the milestone.
Australia's keeper-batsman brings up 50 with a terrific six that lands about 15-20 rows back at wide long on. A very clean strike that cannoned off the bat. A determined innings by Haddin. He has two Test 50s in consecutive innings now to silence a few of those calls for Matthew Wade to replace him.

3.20pm - We hear wicketkeeper Reece Young is getting stitched up and should be out on the field soon after the ball hit him in the mouth. McCullum is currently keeping without any pads.

WICKET - Peter Siddle c. Taylor b. Vettori 0 (7-345, Haddin 47*) - listen to the dismissal.
New Zealand has saved itself plenty of frustration by dismissing the handy Siddle for a duck. Vettori had an lbw referral denied but gets his man three balls later, curving the ball in, spinning it away and Siddle puts out the cue and gifts the Kiwi captain the grab at first slip. Good fight back by the tourists after tea.

WICKET - Michael Clarke c. Southee b. Martin 139 (6-345, Haddin 47*) - listen to the dismissal.
Clarke is gone in the first over after tea trying to pull a short ball from Martin. He gets a top-edges and Southee keep his cool and takes the catch behind square. Tremendous innings and perfect start to the summer for captain Clarke. He rode his luck but put the big score on the board Australia needed.

2.25pm - Young has been forced off to get some more treatment. Luckily the Black Caps have Brendon McCullum at their disposal. Still, not an easy task for a fieldsman to suddenly get behind the wickets - especially if Vettori continues to extract that type of bounce.

2.15pm - Bit of a lengthy, injury time-out for New Zealand keeper Reece Young who has copped one in the face behind the stumps. Meanwhile, not a lot working for the New Zealanders so Kane Williamson has been tossed the rock. Interesting action. Some may say a questionable action. Doesn't seem to be troubling this pair at 5 for 325.

If you missed the interview with Sam Loxton aired during the lunch break here it is. We'll have the full package online soon.

AUSTRALIA LEADS - Australia is 5 for 302 after passing New Zealand's first innings total of 295. Michael Clarke (114) and Brad Haddin (29) rode out a few tough spells with the new ball and are starting to punish the Kiwi attack. Tim Southee is not moving the ball as much as his captain Ross Taylor would like and Chris Martin has been either too straight or too wide. The sun is out and the pitch is perfect for batting.

DROPPED CATCH - Unbelievably, Michael Clarke (105) is now on his fourth life. The captain goes hard at a wide delivery but edges it straight to Jesse Ryder who can't hold on at third slip. Ryder got both hands to it above his head but it had too much pace off the bat. The unlucky Bracewell misses out on Clarke's scalp for an incredible third time this innings.

1.00pm - The latest on #getskullontwitter courtesy of Alister Nicholson:

CENTURY - MICHAEL CLARKE - listen to the milestone.
Clarke brings up his 17th Test century, fourth against New Zealand and third as Australian captain with a boundary in the first over after lunch. It has been a vital knock in the context of the match. Clarke should have been out on 23 and 85 but he has made the most of those free passes to take Australia towards the lead. His 100 comes off 167 balls and has included 14 fours and one six. Happy memories for the 30-year-old in Brisbane. He scored 141 in his first Test on Australia soil at the Gabba against the Black Caps in 2004. This time its his first century on home soil as captain.

WICKET - Michael Hussey c. Ryder b. Vettori 15 (5-237, Clarke 85*) - listen to the dismissal.
Suddenly it is all happening at the Gabba. The ball after Clarke is dropped, Hussey is nabbed at bat pad. Vettori gets the crucial wicket by exploiting the bounce in this deck much like Nathan Lyon managed in the first innings. Hussey gets a fat edge onto the flap of his pad and pops up straight to Ryder. The partnership was 60. The under-pressure Brad Haddin comes to the crease.

DROPPED CATCH - New Zealand wicketkeeper Reece Young has given Michael Clarke yet another life by dropping an inside edge off Doug Bracewell. Looked to move late after hitting the edge but Young, usually very safe with the gloves, didn't track it and it hits the grass. Another chance to get rid of the captain goes begging.

11.05am - Grandstand's Kerry O'Keeffe says veteran spinner Daniel Vettori (0 for 32) is not offering enough for the tourists. He is economical but lacks an attacking edge. Kerry says the left-armer is not turning his orthodox delivery and is relying mainly on change of pace, which is unlikely to beat accomplished players like Clarke and Hussey. Can New Zealand get another breakthrough?

11.00am - Australia 4 for 217, Clarke on 66 and Hussey 14. These two have New Zealand's first innings total in their sights. They've racked up a partnership of 40 in 12 overs since the departure of Ponting for 78.

10.27am - HALF CENTURY MICHAEL CLARKE - listen to the milestone.

Clarke brings up his 50. Dances down the pitch and sends Daniel Vettori's first delivery flying over the long on boundary. The Australian skipper looks determined to take advantage of that life he had on lucky 23 yesterday. Six fours and one six in his 95-ball knock.

10.25pm - DRINKS - Australia 4 for 190, trail by 105 runs. The Black Caps have removed Ponting but Australia's scoring rate remains good thanks to the fine fettle of captain Michael Clarke who is 48 not out. Michael Hussey has faced just nine balls for his 5.

WICKET - Ricky Ponting lbw. Martin 78 (4-177, Clarke 40*) - listen to the dismissal.

Just when Ponting looks like breaking that two-year drought without a Test ton, he is undone by a nice piece of bowling by Chris Martin (2 for 49). Ponting calls for a referral. Sliding down leg was the only question mark but the original decision stands. The 36-year-old has been dismissed lbw in four of his last five outs.

9.57am - The players observed a minute's silence before play this morning for Australian cricketing great Sam Loxton, who died aged 90 overnight.

9.45am - Chris Martin and Tim Southee opening the bowling for New Zealand and getting the ball to move through the air. Ponting and Clarke jumping around a little bit as they get their eye in for this important first session.

9.25am - Good morning and welcome to what promises to be an exciting day of Test cricket. Australia resumes at 3 for 154 with Ricky Ponting (67 not out) eyeing a much-needed Test century. Alongside him is Aussie skipper Michael Clarke on 28.

Join us for updates throughout the day including all the wickets and session wraps.

Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 03, 2011 10:35:17

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