Michael Clarke was both disappointed and pleased after missing out on what would have been a ninth Test hundred by two runs. The batsman's knock helped prop up Australia's modest 214 on day one of the first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba, Brisbane. Clarke's innings was a rare highlight for the side as New Zealand's Tim Southee returned with figures of 4-63 in just his third Test. "If you had have told me I was going to get 98 this morning I would have been happy," Clarke said. "But getting that close, though, and the way Stuey Clark hung in there for me, I'm disappointed I didn't make a 100."
But the vice captain said his bowlers could do well on a green top that has been underprepared due to rain. "There was a bit of seam there, a bit more grass on the wicket than what we've been used to," he said. South Africa posted 441-9 before reducing Bangladesh to 33-3 at tea on the second day of the second Test in Bloemfontein. Earlier, the home side lost four wickets for 38 runs before Ashwell Prince (59 no) helped steer them to a sizeable total.
Sri Lanka had little trouble capitalising on Zimbabwe's batting capitulation, reaching their target in a little over 33 overs to win the first one-dayer by six wickets in Harare. The hosts lost their last seven wickets for three runs to be bowled out for 127 by the spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis. * Agencies
