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The Australian cricket team has been winning almost every match over the last four years and came to the 8th World Cup in southern Africa as pre-tournament favourites. At the end of it they went home with the trophy, retaining it without losing a single match.Ricky Ponting, who took over captaincy from legendary Steve Waugh last year, led his team from the front in an attacking and inspirational manner, as his team became the first in history to win the World Cup for the third time.They outplayed every opposition they came up against and in every department of the game too, certainly the deserved winners. No matter the toss was won or lost, no matter batted first or bowled first – whatever they did was to perfection and not left to chance. They approached every game with a gung-ho attitude and reaped the harvest.The Australians started off their World Cup campaign under the most trying conditions – just before their first game against Pakistan, champion spinner Shane Warne was sent back home after failing a drug test. Most other teams would not have coped and probably faltered but not the Aussies. They showed tremendous mental strength as they came into the Pakistan game as if nothing had happened, it was `business as usual’ for them.Even when they were in a spot of bother, reduced to 146-5 in the 30th over they never gave up. Andrew Symonds, lucky to be at the Aussie squad in first place, stood up and scored a magnificent 143 not out to lead the charge as Australia accumulated a mammoth 310-8. Next their bowlers got into the act and despite a late Pakistan assault bowled them out for 228 to win by 82 runs.Similarly, in the final against India, they lost both openers after a good start and could have lost more wickets but skipper Ponting and batsman Damien Martyn first made sure there were no further losses. After playing themselves in, both went on a rampage and belted the Indian bowling to every nook and cranny of the Wanderers to pile up a monstrous 359-2, Ponting ending with 140 and Martyn on 88. In every time of trouble, one or other Australian player stood tall to help his team in the most appropriate manner.Another aspect of Australian victories was they excelled in both batting and bowling rather than depending on just one department. Batters did their job and the bowlers did their job. The latter proved, once again, to be the best in the business. Even after losing two main weapons in Shane Warne and Jason Gillespie they never showed the smallest chink in their armour as solace to oppositions.It is often said a genuine fast bowling attack can make captaincy so much easier and Ricky Ponting will be the first one to agree with this. Both Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were simply brilliant and Andy Bichel, coming in for Gillespie, took wickets in a heap and never let the team feel his absence. Most impressive was Brett Lee, the New South Welshman, in the best form of his life to take 22 wickets bowling with utmost fire and pace.All critics agree Australia is indeed one of the best if not the best team in history. The outstanding successes achieved recently suggest that Ricky Ponting is a marvellously astute captain. I would stress this side is so good it really does not need a captain at all!Nearly all players are thinking cricketers; they foresee every move to be made and where to field, how to bat and where to bowl according to the situation. They have gelled well as cohesive unit, which makes them an even stronger opposition. There were so signs of rivalry or tension in them unlike some other teams and each player backed the other as if they were brothers.The Aussies also figured out their opposition players extremely well by focusing on a batsman’s weakness or targeting a weak fielder, extracting mistakes through the added pressure. Their other philosophy was ‘attack being the best form of defence’. Even if the chips were down like in the Super Six match against New Zealand and in the semi-final against Sri Lanka when bowled out for comparatively low scores, they came out to bowl all guns blazing and blasted them with an attacking and positive game plan.The merit of any teams performance must be judged against the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. This applies to players as well when assessing their records, be they batsmen, bowlers or wicketkeepers. Many a false reputation has been achieved against weaker opponents!The acid test of greatness comes when a team must face awkward situations, strong opposition, and especially if a team has some precious players missing.Thus, this Australian team has every right in the world to be called great. Indeed, they are a cut above the rest and are in a league of their own.This World Cup was just a start and as their coach John Buchanan has said ‘we can still improve’; they surely will make life for others more difficult. So it may be best to wish the best of luck to the others in coming years.

England enjoyed probably their best day so far in the Under-19 Test series against the West Indies at Trent Bridge, finishing the day only 103 runs behind the tourists with seven wickets left.Hero of the day was undoubtedly Durham left-hander Gary Pratt. He hit a composed 188 in almost five and a half hours on the second day of the Second Test.It was his second under-19 Test hundred, following on from his 114 against India in Hyderabad last January.Pratt, who hit 29 fours in his 258-ball innings, was out caught behind as he played under a wide, full-length ball from Jamaican fast bowler Jermaine Lawson.That was six overs from the close, which arrived with England on 313 for threeand Kadeer Ali on 56 in reply to West Indies’ 416 for nine declared.Pratt and his opening partner Joe Sayers, of Yorkshire, defied some vehement West Indies appealing that brought one rebuke from Test umpire Peter Willey during their opening stand of 116.The partnership ended when Sayers lobbed Lawson for a simple catch to mid-wicket and was out for 45.In the morning session, Lancashire seamer Kyle Hogg put aside his heritage to take three West Indian wickets in four balls as they tumbled from 400 for six to 416 for nine.For Hogg’s grandfather is the great West Indies spinner Sonny Ramadhin, whobowled 81.2 overs to take five for 135 in the second innings against England onthis same ground 51 years ago.Ramadhin’s daughter married Lancashire bowler Willie Hogg and the result wasyoung Kyle.He failed as nightwatchman when he played on to Lawson, but he is on ahat-trick when West Indies bat again.

Chelsea travelled to St James Park on Saturday lunchtime to face Newcastle United, and came away with a point to show for it. The West Londoners played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Eddie Howe’s men, showing good character to earn a point despite being 2-0 down at half-time.

It was a tough start to the game for the reigning Club World Cup champions. Nick Woltemade scored twice inside the first 20 minutes, and it certainly felt like both goals could have been prevented. The first came from some sloppy defending, and the second was a well-worked free kick.

After a disappointing first 45 minutes, Enzo Maresca’s side came back out for the second half and dominated Newcastle for most of it. They had nine shots in the second period and scored twice. The first was a wonderful free-kick from captain Reece James in the 49th minute.

Chelsea’s equaliser came from Joao Pedro with just under 25 minutes to go. It was an intelligent piece of work from the Brazilian, who turned Malick Thiaw with a clever header, before keeping his composure in the one-on-one against Aaron Ramsdale and scoring.

The Blues couldn’t find a winner, but a point away to Newcastle from 2-0 down is still impressive. It was also another step closer to Cole Palmer’s full return.

How Palmer fared against Newcastle

With each passing game, Chelsea star Palmer gets closer to full fitness. Last weekend, he scored for the first time since his return and started a second consecutive Premier League game, on what was an overcast Saturday lunchtime at St James’ Park.

It was certainly not the easiest game against the Magpies for Palmer. His side were outplayed in the first half, and he struggled for much involvement, through no fault of his own. His second-half showing was better, with more involvement, but he was certainly not at his best.

That was noted by Bobby Vincent, senior Chelsea writer for Football London. He gave the England star a 5/10 rating for his efforts, and described it as a “frustrating” afternoon’s work for Palmer.

Indeed, the stats somewhat show that he was not at his fluid best in the North East. Palmer only had 49 touches, a lower number than you may expect in 79 minutes. He still created a chance and made four recoveries.

Palmer will certainly get back to his best before long. However, he was outshone against Newcastle by a Chelsea teammate who was excellent.

Chelsea’s standout player at St James’ Park

It was not Palmer’s finest performance, but when they needed him most, club captain Reece James stood up for the count. Playing in midfield before moving to full-back later in the game, the Englishman had some standout moments across the 90 minutes.

Of course, his free kick, which started the comeback, was a pivotal contribution. The Blues skipper was a good 25 yards away from goal, but lifted his strike over the Newcastle wall, before it crashed in off the woodwork.

His work was not done there, though. At the other end of the pitch, Chelsea’s number 24 made a goal-saving tackle on Harvey Barnes. The winger had been slipped through and seemed certain to score, but James came out of nowhere to slide in and dispossess him.

Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Chelsea insights Explore deeper Chelsea match analysis: subscribe to the newsletter for player ratings, tactical breakdowns and stat-driven takes on performances like Reece James’ impact and Cole Palmer’s return, giving you clearer understanding of the club’s form. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for deeper Chelsea insights Explore deeper Chelsea match analysis: subscribe to the newsletter for player ratings, tactical breakdowns and stat-driven takes on performances like Reece James’ impact and Cole Palmer’s return, giving you clearer understanding of the club’s form.

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Such a wonderful performance earned an 8/10 rating from Vincent. The numbers back up such a high rating, with James having 64 touches of the ball, winning 100% of his tackles, and completing 84% of his passes.

James key stats vs. Newcastle

Stat

Number

Touches

64

Pass accuracy

84%

Passes completed

41/49

Duels won

3

Tackles won

2/2

Goals

1

Stats from Sofascore

It would not be too far-fetched to suggest that the Cobham academy graduate is Chelsea’s best player. Of course, you have the likes of Palmer in Maresca’s squad, but James is incredibly versatile, exceptional on the ball, and a true leader, offering quality at both ends of the pitch.

His goal-saving tackle and his free-kick were essentially worth two goals, which shows how he can influence matches with vital moments at both ends, something that Palmer cannot do as an attacking player.

As football content creator Lyes Bouzidi said, the 26-year-old is “out of this world.” He offers so much to the Chelsea side and is a key player for a multitude of reasons. James could be considered their best player, especially after his all-round contributions against the Magpies.

Related Chelsea's "terrible" signing has been an even bigger waste than Gittens

Chelsea have a player who has massively struggled to prove his worth at Stamford Bridge.

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Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

	Adam Gilchrist smashed the fastest century of the tournament (file photo) © Getty Images

Adam Gilchrist ignited the DY Patil Stadium with the fastest century of the tournament as the Deccan Chargers raced to their first win. The battle between the two bottom-ranked teams was a no-contest once Gilchrist teed off, and Deccan charged to an emphatic ten-wicket victory in the first major game at the stadium.Andrew Symonds had got a century off 47 deliveries the previous game but Gilchrist needed only 42 as he decimated the weak Mumbai Indians’ attack on a small ground. The intent was aggressive right from the word go, and Gilchrist made use of short deliveries in the first over from Ashish Nehra, dispatching one over square leg and the other through cover point.Pulls and cuts were played with ease as Mumbai’s quicker bowlers erred in their length, and after six fours, Gilchrist hit his first six, lofting Sanath Jayasuriya over deep midwicket. Siddharth Chitnis, the off-break bowler making his Twenty20 debut, was spared by going only for 12 in the last Powerplay over, but Shaun Pollock, leading Mumbai in Harbhajan Singh’s absence, was taken apart once the field restrictions were off.Gilchrist savagely pulled Pollock over the deep backward square-leg boundary for consecutive sixes, the first bringing up his first Twenty20 fifty. The shot that followed pierced the off-side boundary, and Gilchrist then nonchalantly moved across the stumps to launch one over long leg, making it 23 for the over.Abhishek Nayar’s arrival was greeted with three sixes, the third over midwicket brought up the hundred, and more astonishing was the fact that he had reached the mark as early as on the stroke of the tenth over. From then on, victory was just a formality, and Deccan reached their target with 48 balls to spare, both indication of the fury that had been unleashed. At the other end, VVS Laxman scored just 37 in a stand of 155, easily the highest of the tournament. Mumbai might have been at the receiving end, but the home crowd too cheered what had been an enthralling innings. Ninety-six of Gilchrist’s 109 came through boundaries, making it a busy day for the Deccan cheerleaders, who were sporting a new outfit.A new home ground and a new captain surely didn’t bring about a turn of fortunes for Mumbai, and Deccan justified Laxman’s decision to field first by restricting them to 154. Laxman’s captaincy had come under the hammer after three consecutive losses, but on Sunday he was right on the ball. He was quick to shuffle around his bowlers, who to their credit, backed up their captain’s decision with some good bowling.It was only the string of 30s from the middle order that helped Mumbai reach 154. Pollock made a run-a-ball 31 to revive the innings, but it was the quickfire 34s from Nayar and Dwayne Bravo that ensured the Mumbai bowlers had a decent total to defend.Jayasuriya and Luke Ronchi had failed to make an impression in earlier games, and they were kept quiet once again, despite the short boundaries, by RP Singh and Nuwan Zoysa. Ronchi hit three fours, but fell attempting to slash a wide delivery angled across from RP, edging straight to Laxman at slip.Sanjay Bangar was brought on in the fourth over, perhaps to help Zoysa change ends, and Ajinkya Rahane, another Twenty20 debutant, pulled straight into the hands of Pragyan Ojha at deep square leg. The next move from Laxman though was a masterstroke. Shahid Afridi was brought on in the final over of the Powerplay, and he had Robin Uthappa caught behind. At the end of six overs, Mumbai were tottering at 27 for 3.Jayasuriya had made only 4 off his first ten deliveries, and one pitched short from Zoysa fetched him his first boundary, which came off his 14th. But, once again Afridi did the damage, Jayasuriya got a top edge as he tried to power a googly through the leg side. The onus was then on Pollock to hold the innings together, but he too couldn’t stay till the end.Nayar smashed three sixes in his 19-ball innings, as 45 runs came in the overs 14 to 16. But he top-edged to Gilchrist while trying to hook Zoysa. Bravo too managed to find the gaps, and was out for 34 off the last ball of the innings as Mumbai finished on 154. However, with the form Gilchrist was in, even 254 would have been tough to defend for Mumbai, who now have four losses after four games, and sorely need Sachin Tendulkar to return.

Bopara was a lone highlight for England in the World Cup © Getty Images

Ravi Bopara, the England allrounder, is in doubt for England’s one-day series against West Indies after injuring his thigh during Essex’s drawn match against Middlesex at Lord’s on Sunday.Bopara, 22, was one of few highlights for England during their disastrous World Cup in the Caribbean, hitting 52 in his fifth one-dayer to take England to the brink of a brilliant win over Sri Lanka in the Super Eights. He remains very much part of England’s plans to rebuild their one-day squad, but his absence will further complicate the selectors’ plans following the absence of Andrew Flintoff.Bopara has been in excellent form so far this season, too, recently notching 229 against Northamptonshire – his career-best.England’s one-day squad is due to be announced on Friday.

James Anderson bowled well in India but hasn’t played © Getty Images

England have not had much good news on the injury front of late, but a glimmer of light has emerged with James Anderson making a significant stride in his recovery from a stress fracture of the back.Anderson has been wearing a back brace for the last six weeks to aid his rehabilitation and has now progress significantly enough for it to be removed. Dave Roberts, the physiotherapist coordinating Anderson’s recovery, told the Lancashire website: “He has had another scan and it showed that the injury has healed enough for him to take off the brace and to start the next stage.”He is into his first week of rehab, and while he needs to take things slowly, there is hope that he will be able to start bowling again in three or four weeks.”Anderson has been out of action all summer after he returned from England’s tour of India where he began to feel discomfort during the one-day series. It was a bitter blow for Anderson who had shown a return to something near his best form when he played a key role in England’s victory at Mumbai to level the Test series. He is still unlikely to play any international cricket this summer but his Ashes prospects are now looking brighter.His Lancashire team-mates Andrew Flintoff and Glen Chapple are also on the injury list and missing the current one-day series against Sri Lanka. Chapple was selected in the original squad but picked up an abdominal strain against Ireland and returned to Old Trafford for treatment.

Wasim Akram led Pakistan on their last tour of India© Getty Images

Pakistan will tour India to play three Tests and five one-day internationals in February 2005, just days after completing a gruelling three-month stint in Australia. According to Shaharyar Khan, the Pakistan Cricket Board chairman, final dates and venues will be decided after consulting with the Board of Control for Cricket in India.The reported Shaharyar, a former diplomat, as saying: “People from both the countries came together when India toured us and now people from Pakistan will go to India and a lot of friendship will develop.”Pakistan revised their international programme recently, asking Sri Lanka to tour in October as opposed to February-March next year so that they could accommodate the Indian tour. According to sources, the three Tests are likely to be played first, starting on February 25. Pakistan will go into the five-day games just a fortnight after completing their engagements in the VB Series in Australia.The PCB has also agreed in principle to play India in a one-off one-dayer on November 13, as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the BCCI. Pakistan last toured India for a Test series in early 1999, drawing the two-Test series 1-1, but also winning a match at Eden Gardens which formed part of the Asian Test Championship.

Scorecard

Robert Key powers towards his second hundred of the match© Getty Images

Robert Key’s second hundred of the match guided Kent to an easy nine-wicket win over the New Zealanders at Canterbury, and handed England’s selectors a reminder than he remains a genuine contender for a place in the Test side.Key accelerated after a cautious start, racing from fifty to his hundred in only 43 balls, bring up his 126-ball hundred with a cracking pull for four to midwicket off part-time spinner Mark Richardson.Kent could have swept to a ten-wicket win, but they lost David Fulton within sight of the finishing line when, shortly after lunch, he tried to hit Richardson over the top and was well stumped by Brendon McCullum for 67 (174 for 1).None of New Zealand’s main bowlers looked at all threatening, although they approached the match more as a limb-loosener than any fully-fledged workout.”I sensed that they had one eye on next week during our run-chase,” explained John Bracewell, New Zealand’s coach. “It must be tough when your big game is around the corner to lift yourself in a county game.”Shane Bond wasn’t brought into the firing line at all in Kent’s second innings, and shortly after the game Bracewell confirmed that he would not be fit to play at Lord’s.Bracewell was keen not to attach too much importance to the defeat at Canterbury. “We haven’t had a lot of practice outdoors so while we came into the match trying to win it, we have been beaten by a side which put it together on the day. We came to win in Test cricket and no-one is going to remember if we win the Test series that we lost to Kent.”

Zimbabwe cricket continues to struggle for survival at the top level. The retirement of Andy Flower decimates the team for a start, while Henry Olonga and Guy Whittall were both forced to retire for various reasons. Since our last issue Alistair Campbell has also announced his retirement.CONTENTS

• Sharjah: Zimbabwe v Pakistan – scorecard and assessment
• Guy Whittall: interview, part 2
• Andy Flower – biography, first-class record, Test record, ODI record
• National League semi-finals
• PG Timbers Vigne Cup semi-final
• Letters

Campbell explained that his hand had been forced by the selectors, having been told that he would not be considered for either Sharjah or the England tour. The convener of selectors, Ali Shah, said that the reason was the player’s attitude, that he had failed to attend practices or excuse himself both during and after the World Cup.Campbell promised us an interview before departing with Guy Whittall to take part in the double-wicket competition in the West Indies, as replacements for Heath Streak and Grant Flower who were called up to Sharjah at short notice. Unfortunately, phone calls made at the appropriate time received no answer, so that has not been possible. It is disappointing that both he and Shah should blame each other for lack of communication about the matter. Zimbabwe cricket needs players and administrators to take the initiative in solving problems.On Thursday Zimbabwe played a new-look Pakistan side in Sharjah. They lost convincingly but at least were not humiliated, except perhaps when Pakistan hit 70 runs off the final four overs of their innings. Perhaps it was as good as could be expected. It was mainly the experienced Pakistani players – Rashid Latif, Abdur Razzaq and Younis Khan – who did the damage. The best performances for Zimbabwe were a fifty from Doug Marillier, opening the innings, and good bowling by Heath Streak, who however did his team no favours by refusing to bat himself until victory was impossible. An assessment of that match is included.This week we pay tribute to the great career of Andy Flower. His biography has been updated, as have his detailed career records in first-class, Test and one-day cricket.Next week the Logan Cup starts up again, suspended since October. Matches begin next Friday, and we include news from the four provinces ahead of those games. There are three more rounds, which will take us to the end of April and the tour to England.

Rain at Kidderminster denied Durham an opportunity to wrap up a three-day win after skittling Worcestershire for 147 in their second innings.All-rounder Danny Law took 5 for 52 and claimed match figures of 8 for 130 to set his side a short-haul target of 115 for their second success of the season in the CricInfo Championship.They would have had 48 overs to complete the job on Saturday but an untimely break in the weather probably allowed Worcestershire a stay of execution.Law has been the major difference between the teams, not only with his bowling but with an explosive 64 in 81 balls which earned Durham a first innings lead of 33.This was close to being decisive when Law took 3 for 18 in 6.3 overs before Worcestershire could wipe out the deficit. Philip Weston was lbw in his second over and Graeme Hick and Vikram Solanki later gave catches to wicketkeeper Andrew Pratt within three balls.Anurag Singh, as he did in the first innings, survived an early collapse and reached a well-deserved 57 – his second half-century in the Championship since moving from Warwickshire last winter.Nicky Hatch terminated a fifth-wicket stand of 60 by bowling Paul Pollard and Singh was caught at second slip by Martin Love in the following over from Law.Steve Rhodes became Law’s last victim in the match and only Stuart Lampitt resisted with an unbeaten 23 before the last two wickets went to James Brinkley.It was a happy reunion for Brinkley with former teammates. The Scotland international took 3 for 19 in the innings and 6 for 77 in the match.