Murali shines

LONDON: Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan restored some of his country’s pride with a seven-wicket haul for Lancashire.

Bowling in the county championship for the first time, Murali’ claimed seven for 44 off 34.5 overs at Southport as Warwickshire collapsed from 137 for one to 271 all out.

“He could get wickets on glass, but on this pitch, it was harder than it looked,” said Lancashire coach Dav Whatmore.

No cricket talk

LONDON: Cricket discussions at home are barred in Zimbabwe’s leading cricket family. But the Flowers are celebrating a reunion at the World Cup.

Two brothers, Andy and Grant Flower, are playing in the World Cup and their parents are following the team as usual. Two other London-based siblings are utilising a rare opportunity to complete a family reunion at Zimbabwe’s matches.

Father Bill and mother Jean have gone on several tours to support the Zimbabwe team but this is something special.

“The team’s producing its best World Cup show ever and we are all enjoying being present as Zimbabwe is creating history,” Bill Flower said.

“Besides, this is one rare occasion that my wife will allow cricket being discussed at family reunions. She banned it five years ago.”

Jean Flower explained why.

“Small cricket talk usually expands into an all-enveloping discussion at our house and that was why it got banned,” she said.

Smoky screens

ISLAMABAD: Tobacco companies are having a field day with viewers across Pakistan glued to TV sets playing out the World Cup cricket mania.

Commercials boasting the power, freedom and style of smokers are bouncing off the TV sets as quick as runs and catches are being taken by the world’s best teams in live telecasts from the jam-packed cricket stadiums in England.

Promotion of smoking is not illegal in Pakistan, and cigarette manufacturers have doled out big money for space on government- run TV, newspapers and even in restaurants to turn the cricket festival into an advertising event.