South Africa wrapped up a nine wicket victory over Australia in Melbourne yesterday to clinch their three match series.
The Proteas had few problems in reaching 183 for the loss of only Graeme Smith, who fell lbw to Nathan Hauritz for 75.
That left Neil McKenzie and Hashim Amla to see South Africa home and condemn Australia to their first home series defeat in 16 years. It was also the visitors’ first ever series win in Australia.
PHOTO: AP
The home side now face the prospect of a whitewash, having lost the first Test in Perth. The final Test begins in Sydney on Saturday.
BANGLADESH V SRI LANKA
Muttiah Muralitharan grabbed two quick wickets to push Sri Lanka closer to a big victory over Bangladesh on the fourth day of the opening Test yesterday.
The off-spinner dismissed Junaid Siddique and Raqibul Hasan in his four overs as Bangladesh struggled to reach 150-4 in their second innings at tea, chasing an unlikely 521-run target.
Skipper Mohammad Ashraful was unbeaten on 23 at the break, while Mehrab Hossain had yet to open his account.
Sri Lanka, resuming at 291-4, added 114 in the morning session before declaring their second innings closed at 405-6. Skipper Mahela Jayawardene top-scored with a superb 166, his 24th Test century.
The hosts then suffered a setback in the eighth over when Imrul Kayes (13) was run out after adding 40 for the opening wicket with Tamim Iqbal.
Sri Lanka tightened their grip over the match in the afternoon session with three wickets, with Muralitharan taking two and seamer Dammika Prasad one.
In related news, cricketers can be tested out of competition for the first time under a new anti-doping code announced on Monday by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The rules, revised after amendments to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code and unanimously approved by the ICC Board, will come into effect tomorrow.
Until now, dope tests have been conducted only in ICC events such as the World Cup.
The sport’s governing body began testing at its events in 2002 and became a WADA signatory two years ago.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
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