LEEDS, 2 July 2003 — England captain Michael Vaughan was frustrated yesterday after rain cut short his best One-Day International innings of the season, against Zimbabwe, on his Headingley home ground.
Vaughan, recalled to the team after a back injury kept him out of England’s six wicket win against South Africa at The Oval on Saturday, was 35 not out when rain forced the triangular series match to be abandoned.
As the fixture had already been reduced to 25 overs per side, the minimum required for a positive outcome to be achieved, the final stoppage meant under International Cricket Council rules the match was declared a no-result. England were 81 for four, after losing the toss, with Vaughan having faced 44 balls including three fours. Together with his Yorkshire colleague Anthony McGrath (15 not out off 22 balls), Vaughan stabilized England’s innings in an unbroken stand of 49 after his team had collapsed to 32 for four in the ninth over.
“That’s the most disappointing part of it,” Vaughan said of the finish. “But the umpires had no option under the rules as they stand.” Reflecting on his innings, Vaughan added: “I felt good out there. The last few weeks every little mistake I’ve been making has cost me my wicket,” explained the 28-year-old right-hander, whose previous One-Day International best this season was the 29 he made against Pakistan at Lord’s.
“I just tried to control the innings. Mags (McGrath) and myself were just setting ourselves targets. I felt if we could set them between 120-140 it would be very competitive.” Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who took two for 13 in a four over opening spell, was also annoyed by the outcome.
“We probably would not have played that match today because more showers were forecast. But in a case like today, when say it’s a passing shower and the forecast behind is good, I think the umpires should be allowed to use their discretion and that is something that should be looked at,” the fast bowler added.
Yesterday’s no-result saw England and Zimbabwe awarded three points each. That left both teams on nine points, three ahead of South Africa. But Zimbabwe topped the table because of their four-wicket win over England at Trent Bridge in the series opener last Thursday. Not that Streak was taking a place in the July 12 Lord’s final for granted.
“We definitely need at least one more win,” the former Hampshire quick insisted.
England play South Africa in the next triangular match, a day night fixture, at Old Trafford tomorrow.
Pakistan Seek Full Cricketing
Ties With India
In Islamabad, the head of Pakistan’s Cricket Board (PCB) yesterday down played India’s decision of sending its junior team to Pakistan, saying it would do little to restore broken ties between the two Asian cricketing giants.
“Our demand remains that India’s Test-team (senior) must tour Pakistan first to restore the cricket relations (between Pakistan and India),” Lt. General Tauqeer Zia told reporters.
Except for international tournaments, the two cricket teams have not played each other since 2001 as India barred its team to visit Pakistan citing political and military tension with Pakistan.
