Andrew Symonds is prepared to employ his medium-pace to help Australia cover the loss of Shane Watson against England on Sunday. Symonds, who has delivered only offspin since returning from arm surgery, hopes to be back to full bowling fitness in time for the match as the team runs through its options after losing an allrounder.Mitchell Johnson is a chance of coming in but if Symonds is able to increase his pace it opens the way for Brad Hodge to return. “I’m not far off,” Symonds said in the Sydney Morning Herald. “With Shane being injured, I think it is just a bit of cushioning for Ricky Ponting if he needs to have someone else to go to for medium-pace in a Powerplay or something, or just wants to change it up a bit.”Watson is due to have a review on his injured left calf and James Hopes, the Queensland allrounder, has been placed on standby in Australia. While Hopes waits for a phone call, Hodge is desperate for a recall after scoring a century against The Netherlands before being squeezed out by Symonds.Hodge has been staying in shape by undergoing a draining exercise program. “It’s pretty much the only way to keep yourself sane when you are running the drinks most of the time,” Hodge said in The Australian. “I just think it’s an important part of training.”You have got to keep yourself mentally ready and quite strong. I am just trying to keep myself as busy and as fit as I possibly can.” If Australia decide to pick Johnson and attack England with four fast bowlers then Hodge will spend more time on the sidelines.”It’s a couple of nervous days ahead,” Hodge said. “I guess the good thing is I have played well over the last two months. The confidence is definitely there. It’s just a matter of seeing which way the side fits best, and hopefully I’ll get a game.”

The following media release has been issued by the ICC, through the tournament’s media relations manager. It aims to clarify what can and cannot be taken in to venuesWhy have certain items been prohibited and restricted from being taken into the stadia?
The safety and security of everyone at the stadia on Match Day is of paramount importance. Fans must be able to enjoy the game in the safest and most comfortable surroundings. Likewise those who are working at the venue must be able to do so in similar circumstances.What are the Prohibited items for ICC CWC 2007?
They are:
Firearms, knives, dangerous and imitation weapons
Explosives, incendiary devices, fireworks and flares
Alcohol, illegal drugs or narcotics
Cans, tins, or PET (plastic) bottles of any size or description, other than insect repellent or sun screen
Mace or pepper spray
Megaphones, compressed air or gas-operated horns
Flag polesWhat are the Restricted items for ICC CWC 2007?
A: They are:
Aerosol cans – which are not permitted, other than those containing deodorant, prescription medication or insect repellent
Animals – only guide-dogs permitted
Bands and musical instruments – which are permitted with written permission from the appropriate Local Organising Committee
Banners & flags – which are permitted up to a maximum size of 1.5 x 1m (5′ x 3′) provided that, in the opinion of CWC 2007, they are not vulgar, political, racial, discriminatory, sexual in nature, or display advertising which may in any way impinge or will be in conflict with the rights of the partners/sponsors/suppliers/vendors of the event (in any language) or deemed to be offensive to other spectators
Cooler boxes – these are permitted provided they are not larger than 12″X12″x12″; must be soft and collapsible; no hard or rigid cooler boxes of any size are permitted
Glass containers – are not permitted, other than those containing perfume, prescription medication or insect repellent
Radios – small transistor radios with ear – or headphones are permitted
Umbrellas – only collapsible personal umbrellas are permitted. Large umbrellas (e.g. golf, beach) are not permitted
Any other objects or items or substances that may be deemed in the discretion of ICC CWC WI 2007 Inc. to be offensive, disruptive, dangerous or likely to infringe any party’s rights or any party’s safety or security or any dangerous article or substance not referred to above.What’s the difference in the two lists – those things which are prohibited and those which are restricted?
Prohibited items cannot be taken into a stadium at all – unless officially authorised – while restricted items can be taken in under various conditions. A number of items on the prohibited line-up are customarily banned for air travel and at world-games events, such as the Olympics, and therefore the public would be familiar with many of them, including weapons, firearms, explosives and alcohol.In the latter case, there is an ICC policy which prevents alcohol from being brought into any ICC match, which has been in effect for some time and was implemented in the Caribbean during last year’s home series. As a Full Member of ICC, the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) must abide with this regulation.Alcohol is sold by concessionaires within the grounds.Why have flag poles been banned when they have been allowed in the past?
What’s important to note here is that, while flag poles are not allowed, flags of a particular dimension are permitted to be brought into a stadium and CWC welcomes that. It adds to the atmosphere to see fans openly supporting their respective teams. Flags can be a maximum size of 1.5 x 1 metres or 5 ft x 3 ft each.However flags on poles could disrupt the view of other spectators and the poles themselves are potentially dangerous and can cause an obstruction.Is it true that fans cannot bring coolers to CWC matches?
No, this is not true. Coolers are a restricted item – not prohibited. Fans can bring them once they adhere to the relevant guidelines. Coolers must be soft and collapsible and a maximum size of 12″X12″x12″.They can contain food, fruit, snacks etc. and provided they don’t bring in glass containers or tins or PET bottles, drinks too. It should also be noted that water can be brought in a PET bottle provided the top is removed.These types of coolers are acceptable as they will be able to fit under seats and not impede anyone walking through rows of seats.What about umbrellas, can they be brought to CWC matches?
Collapsible, personal umbrellas can be brought. However, large umbrellas – for example, beach umbrellas – cannot be brought to CWC matches.Is it true that musical instruments cannot be brought to CWC matches?
Musical instruments and items of cultural expression – such as conch shells and shak-shaks – can be taken to CWC matches as long as persons secure permission the Local Organising Committees (LOC).Anyone who wants to take any musical instrument to a CWC match must get written permission from the LOC in the Host Venue where the particular match is being played.Has the enforcement of the list of Prohibited & Restricted Items affect the traditional atmosphere at CWC matches across the Caribbean?
To date those in attendance at matches have definitely created the usual party atmosphere. There are thousands of people at each match and it is important, especially in such a crowded and festive environment, that the necessary precautions are taken to ensure maximum safety and security for all patrons.How can fans find out more about the Prohibited & Restricted Items?
Fans can contact the Local Organising Committees in the Host Venues. The list is also available at Ticket Centres and is displayed at the grounds. In addition, the list is included in packages containing match tickets so that persons attending CWC games will be able to become familiar with the regulations. –Editors note:
The official name of the tournament is the “ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007”. The following versions of the Event name are also acceptable:
ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 (preferred use)
ICC Cricket World Cup
ICC CWC 2007 (in prose or paragraph context only)
CWC 2007 (in prose or paragraph context only)

Ricky Ponting believes Brad Hogg will play a key role when Australia take on South Africa in Wednesday’s semi-final in St Lucia. Hogg, the left-arm wrist spinner, took 4 for 29 as Australia thrashed New Zealand by 215 runs in Grenada and only Glenn McGrath (22) is ahead of Hogg’s 19 wickets in the tournament.”South Africa probably won’t play a spinner in their side,” Ponting said. “Those conditions and the way our spin bowlers are going, probably give us a bit of an edge.”Ponting also said New Zealand were fooling nobody but themselves in their attempts to downplay the defeat. Stephen Fleming tried to minimise the impact of the largest loss inflicted upon a Test nation at the World Cup, saying his side would just “wipe it off”.”I’d rather be in our dressing room than theirs,” Ponting said. “I’m sure they will be having all sorts of meetings over the next few days to talk about today’s game.”If they don’t think that’s going to affect them at all, then how is any psychological edge ever gained in any game? If we don’t take something out of today’s game, nobody ever can. We’ve just beaten New Zealand by 215 runs in a World Cup game, so they’ve got a lot of thinking to do.”Fleming said the one positive was they did not waste a good performance. “We haven’t wasted anything at all really, so we’re just going to get up, wipe it off and look forward,” he said. “Now it comes down to two games, and if we start analysing too much we won’t look forward to what is coming up – we have an opportunity to win two games for the World Cup.”Australia’s imposing total of 348 for 6, against a New Zealand side missing Shane Bond and Jacob Oram, was built around Matthew Hayden’s 103 and half-centuries for Ponting and Shane Watson.”We knew they’d have a weakened attack going into the game,” Ponting said. “We knew if we kept our partnership going we’d get a lot of bad balls.

“Our batting has been excellent and it’s getting better at the crucial part of this tour. It’s a really exciting time.”Fleming said his side was totally outplayed. “Once again, we’ve gone for more than 340,” he said. “It is a concern. It happened twice in New Zealand, and again here. If you keep going for that many runs, the flip side is at some point you are going to get bundled out cheaply.”However, Fleming is confident Bond and Oram will be back for the semi-final against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. “We are a dangerous side,” he said. “We can play like we did today, or we can play a semi-final and chase down 350. We are even more dangerous now that we have two games to win.”Asked if South Africa could beat Australia Fleming replied: “I do and that’s because it’s a one-off game. It could be the toss, Australia have a bad day or Herschelle Gibbs plays extremely well. There are so many factors in one day cricket.”

Brett Lee is hopeful that the ankle trouble that forced him to miss the World Cup will help him play at the highest level for longer. Lee expects to be bowling within two months and hopes to play in Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign in September.”Having a bit of a layoff is good for the body,” he told . “I’ve missed a little bit of time with cricket. I had 19 months when I was on the sideline carrying the drinks [in 2004-05], and now this. Although I’m 30 I still feel like I’m 27 as far as bowling age. The body still feels really young.”Lee injured his ankle while training during the Chappell-Hadlee Series in New Zealand in February and underwent surgery to remove bone fragments and scar tissue from his ankle and have his ligaments reattached. “The ankle’s good – it’s been about three weeks since the operation now and it’s full steam ahead,” Lee said in .”I’m back doing cardio work, I’m not back running as yet, that will be early next month. In July, I should be back bowling. There’s no reason why I won’t be playing the next match Australia does.”With the cancellation of the Zimbabwe tour, Australia’s next engagement is the Twenty20 competition in South Africa. It is hardly the World Cup, but Lee will simply be glad to be back on the field after a frustrating few months.”Initially it took me a while to get over the disappointment of missing the World Cup,” Lee told . “Once I pushed that aside, I definitely know that this is going to help me long-term. I see it putting another year and a half hopefully on my career. It gives a chance for my muscles and bones to relax and get a bit of time off. I want to be the fittest I’ve ever been, and there’s no reason why I can’t be.”

Andy Atkinson, the ICC’s pitch consultant, has slammed those who argue against importing soil to try to improve the poor quality of the pitches at the National Sports Centre.Atkinson is of the opinion that the only way the surface can be raised to a standard to allow full ODIs to be played is for soil to be brought in from overseas, but that idea has been attacked by the United Bermuda Party and local farmers, who maintain the government would be recklessly endangering the environment if they allowed such a plan.”If you want pitches that last longer than a day and are capable of hosting international games in the future, then importing high-quality soil is the only answer and all the controversy being stirred up at the moment seems like a bunch of political claptrap to me,” Atkinson, who has been reviewing the square at the venue since 2004, told The Royal Gazette.”The square at the Sports Centre is good enough for club cricket, but when you’re talking about ODIs or longer games then I’m afraid it’s a no-go.”Ina report he submitted last year, Atkinson concluded that there was no local soil available which could withstand the demands of international cricket.And in May Richard Done, the ICC’s high performance manager, warned that Bermuda faced not being able to stage any ODIs on the island unless remedial action was taken, and that could lead to them forfeiting their status as an ODI-playing nation.”The soil in Bermuda, no matter where you look, is just not strong enough, it’s too sandy and won’t hold together,” Atkinson continued. “There are no short cuts. Soil can be imported safely and has been in other countries. As long as you are strict about sterilising it at it’s place of origin as well as when it arrives in Bermuda then there won’t be a problem.”I cannot understand what all the fuss is about. I’ve tried everything that I know and I’ve been preparing pitches all over the world for the best part of 30 years. If you want to build a house, you’ve got to make sure it is built properly and with the right materials, otherwise it will fall down.”I don’t mean to upset people but I can only give my honest opinion and no matter what anybody else tells you, the soil is just not good enough.”

For the second consecutive match torrential rain has forced Worcestershire to abandon a Championship game without a ball bowled. This time the clash against Lancashire has been called off on the first day after further rain lashed New Road. Worcestershire are now bracing themselves for their home season being a write-off if the ground floods for a second time.The band of heavy and thundery rain moved slowly up the country overnight and came to a standstill over the Midlands. The umpires called off play well before the scheduled 11am start and later in the afternoon news came through that the whole match was off.A statement said: “Due to severe weather and a warning from the environment agency about the impending flooding of Worcestershire’s ground it has been decided to abandoned the County Championship match against Lancashire.””Another flood would probably put us out of action for the remainder of the season,” Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton told Cricinfo earlier. “There are not any flood warnings out for the River Severn or the River Teme but we are monitoring them closely. We are not expecting the ground to flood but clearly it becomes a possibility the longer the rain stays around.”A decision to stage the current Championship match was taken by Worcestershire, Lancashire and the ECB on Monday and Newton says that even if they had relocated to another venue it wouldn’t have helped them in this situation.”No ground in Worcestershire, or the country, could cope with this rain,” he said. “There would have been no point moving to an outground because they don’t have the same level of covering and hard-standing areas to take the rain.”We could have staged a full day of cricket here yesterday without any problems. The ground was fully prepared and up to standard but there is nothing we can do about the rain. And another month of this is forecast.”The ECB now face a potentially difficult situation after their decision last week to order a replay of the match against Kent later this month. It has set a precedent and Lancashire, along with Yorkshire and Hampshire, have already registered their protest at the ruling. It has gone before an ECB appeals panel and the outcome is still awaited, but this further torrential rain will put more issues on the table.

Kapil Dev has challenged the Indian board (BCCI) to remove him from his position as chairman of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for associating with the Indian Cricket League (ICL). The ICL was launched by the Essel Group a few months ago and intends to organise a Twenty20 tournament in October.Kapil, who joined the ICL’s executive board as its chairman and was sent a letter from the BCCI on the issue, told an Indian news channel, “I have already sent my reply to them. They can remove me from the NCA if they want to.”They only wanted me to contribute to the game of cricket, and when I am doing so they cannot challenge me. If I can do something for the game and the young cricketers through the Indian Cricket League, I will not budge.”Kapil also reacted to the BCCI decision concerning pensions for players joining ICL. “I did not go to them asking for pension, and if they want to stop it, what can I do? Let them stop it.”Kapil, India’s only World Cup-winning captain, didn’t know what made the BCCI see a potential rival in the ICL.”Why do they see ICL as a parallel or rebel body? The BCCI is trying to promote the game in India and if somebody else is pumping in more money why is it a problem with them?”This league can help the BCCI only. This can help Indian cricket and shape so many careers. What is BCCI’s problem?”Speaking to the same channel, Niranjan Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, made it clear that players like Kapil would have to make a choice. “We have decided not to recognise ICL in our Working Committee meeting as no state association was in its favour. We don’t want to promote anybody who wants to be a parallel body. We have a policy and there will not be any re-think on this.”Kiran More, another former player to join the ICL, had resigned from his post as secretary of the Baroda Cricket Association.

Bermuda Under-19s recorded a narrow 13-run win over Canada and, in doing so, have qualified for next year’s U-19 World Cup. Bermuda set Canada 195 to win from their 50 overs but they slipped to 181 for 9, with Malachi Jones picking up 3 for 37.After being asked to bat on a bright sunny day in Toronto, Bermuda got off to a solid start before Kevin James (3 for 23) and Arsalan Qadir (3 for 24) began to make inroads. From 35 without loss, Bermuda slumped to 57 for 4, and it was a fifth-wicket partnership of 46 between Khiry Furbert, the wicketkeeper, and Malachi Jones (33 from 49) which began their recovery.The real rescue hero though was Stefan Kelly, the allrounder, who ended unbeaten on 52 from 55, adding a crucial 79 for the seventh wicket with Furbert. With Canada boasting a powerful batting lineup, 195 was most gettable. Ruvindu Gunasekera began in sublime fashion with 31 off 42 balls, including five fours, and he was given good support by Chris Manohar (40 off 70), with whom he put on 55 in 13 overs.It was lucky 13 for Bermuda, as the partnership was broken in that over, and the combination of off Tamauri Tucker (2 for 17) and Jones (3 for 37), saw Canada stumble to 90 for 5, and suddenly Bermuda looked to be in control.Rustum Bhatti threatened to take the game away from Bermuda but he was left stranded on 64 to spark Bermudan celebrations.********The other match at the Maple Leaf South-West ground was another close affair as Cayman Islands Under-19s secured a narrow two-wicket win against Bahamas Under-19s.Chasing 213, Cayman Islands were coasting to victory with captain Ramon Sealy leading the chase with 66 off 77 balls, an innings which included 11 boundaries. However, they lost their way, losing four quick wickets for 15 runs and the score read 152 for 5. Robert Hewitt held the chase together with an unbeaten 25 and in the company of Corey Cato, the ninth wicket pair added 28 to attain the target. They had Mr Extras to thank as well as Bahamas conceded a whopping 42, including 31 wides.Earlier, Sealy won the toss and sent Bahamas in to bat and the openers responded with a stand of 66, with Jonathan Barry scoring 58. Jerry Jesubatham and captain Gregory Taylor then chipped in with 41 and 30 respectively to push the score to 212. Cayman Islands too struggled to contain the extras as the bowlers sent down 26 wides, conceding 38 extras in all.

Rafiqul Alam, Bangladesh’s newly-appointed chairman of selectors, has said pumping more money into domestic cricket is the easiest way to improve the game at that level.”I rather think that if domestic cricket is spruced with more money, competition will go up and there will be more close matches,” Alam told the ,a Dhaka-based newspaper. “The first-class competition [National Cricket League] should be taken seriously by all concerned,” he said.The Bangladesh board has set up a ten-member committee to review the structure of the domestic game as it feels the weakness of domestic cricket is hampering Bangladesh’s performance at the international level.Alam, who replaced Faruque Ahmed in the selection panel, outlined the goals for his two-year tenure. “My personal point of view is that we should have a short-term goal and that should last three to four years, if not more.” He said Bangladesh had shown considerable improvement in one-dayers over the past few years and should continue to build on the positive work to progress further.The side also has the potential to do well in Tests, according to Alam, and should aim at pushing the game to the fifth day and getting more draws out of their opponents.”We have pushed teams like Pakistan [in 2003], done well in West Indies [in 2004] and almost won against Australia here in Fatullah last year,” he said.Alam played two one-dayers during the tour of Sri Lanka in 1986. He was also a match-referee with the board and has been involved in coaching as well.

Cricket Australia (CA) has welcomed the federal government’s illicit substances policy, which was announced today, as being coherent with Australian cricket’s own anticipated approach.”Our concern is to achieve the appropriate balance between player welfare/rehabilitation; and deterring cricketers from using illicit substances,” said James Sutherland, CA’s chief executive. “We have also wanted a policy which is specific to cricket’s circumstances and needs”.Sutherland said CA consulted with numerous stakeholders for over a year in preparation for a cricket policy on illegal substances. This included working with medical experts, talking with government officials and extensive consultaion with players and their association, the Australian Cricketers’ Association. CA also studied other sports.Sutherland said the standards supporting CA’s proposed approach had been agreed with a wide range of parties, though a few details were yet to be finalised.The Australian goverment is expected to put in A$21 million per year for the next four years to test athletes and is confident major sports will sign up.