We can beat England even without follow-on: SA coach

We can beat England even without follow-on, says SA coach

South Africa will be pressing hard for victory on the final day of the first Test against England even if they fail to enforce the follow-on on a deteriorating pitch, coach Eric Simons said.

England closed the fourth day on 374 for 7, still 21 short of saving the follow-on after South Africa made 594 for five in their first innings.

"I don't think we have to enforce the follow-on to win -- there might be two bites at the cherry," Simons said.

"The wicket is getting really difficult. If England go one run past us, it's still a long day, it's 105 overs."

Asked whether the pitch was deteriorating, he replied: "Incredibly."

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was dismissed off the final ball of the day which trapped him lbw after keeping low.

"That really gives us a sniff now," Simons said.

"If we set England a target of course we could risk losing the game. We'll make a prudent decision based on the wicket."

Kapil Dev offers prayers at Vaishnodevi

Legendary cricketer Kapil Dev on Sunday offered prayers at the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir.

The former all-rounder, accompanied by wife Romi, participated in special aarti and paid obeisance at the cave shrine this morning, the officials of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board said in Jammu.

Kapil's visit follows on the heels of other celebrity trips to the holy shrine recently.

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, his wife, and actress Sonali Bendre had come for darshan on July 21. Sushmita Sen and her adopted daughter Ria had offered prayers at the cave shrine in June end.

So far 13 tinsel stars have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine in past six months, the official said.

Sir Richard Hadlee appointed to new selection position

New Zealand's greatest cricketer, Sir Richard Hadlee, has been appointed to a new position on a restructured national selection panel.

Hadlee, formerly chairman of selectors, was named selection manager of a panel which will include newly appointed national coach John Bracewell.

Bracewell, a former Test off-spinner and contemporary of Hadlee, was appointed New Zealand coach on July 3, replacing Denis Aberhart. The new selection format, announced by New Zealand Cricket, awards Bracewell the right of veto on all team selections.

Bracewell, who has recently enjoyed success as coach of the English county Gloucestershire, hinted strongly earlier this month he was not prepared to be a bystander in selection debates.

He said he could not be expected to accept accountability for the performances of a team he had not chosen.

The interim selection panel will be headed by Hadlee and will initially include acting national coach Ashley Ross.

Ross will lead the New Zealand team on a tour to India in October, before Bracewell takes up his coaching role in December. He is then expected to give up his selection position to the incoming coach.

The panel will include two selectors who have yet to be appointed. Serving selectors Ross Dykes and Brian McKechnie are known to have reapplied for their positions.

Hadlee, who took 431 wickets and scored more than 3,000 runs in 86 Test matches, said the panel alteration would not affect his responsibilities.

"The role doesn't change at all," he said. "The role of chairman has simply been discontinued.

"The role is now that of selection manager and I will be operating as I have in the past."

Anger as Mugabe stays in control of Zimbabwe cricket

Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe was re-elected official patron of his national cricket union Harare on Saturday for an eighth consecutive year.

However, despite being unopposed at a crowded Zimbabwe Cricket Union, there were dissenters at the meeting.

"If we continue with Mr. Mugabe, then protests and disruptions will continue," said watching white businessman Roger Stringer.

"His appointment is a political one and there should be a change away from that."

He thought Mugabe's position as patron "encouraged public dissent and disruptions".

Stringer, who runs a computer company, said he was voicing the concerns felt my any people.

But ZCU chairman Peter Chingoka defended the election.

"The head of state's patronage is purely ceremonial and he plays no part in our policies or direction. You are entitled to your opinion but you must also respect our position."

At the World Cup in southern Africa earlier this year, Zimbabwe players Andy Flower and Henry Olonga won worldwide praise by donning black armbands to mourn what they called "the death of democracy" in their country.

Both men have since retired from international cricket and left the country after the tournament.