Cricketers relax on off day
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Source: IANS
Jaipur: Upbeat Pakistani players hit the pool Wednesday to relax after winning against Sri Lankathe night before, while the islanders left for Mumbai and some England cricketers for Delhi for a round of golf as others just chilled out here on their off day.
England play world champions Australia at the Sawai Man Singh Stadiumhere Saturday.
The Indian cricketers have already left Jaipur for their homes after beating England by four wickets here Sunday. They will reassemble in Ahmedabad for their match against the West Indies Oct 26.
The win for Pakistan is all the more significant as they are a badly depleted side. Opening ball bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammed Asif have been sent back to Pakistan after failing dope tests while original captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is serving a four-match ban for bringing "the game into disrepute".
"The players are having a swimming session. But there will be no practice today as it is an off day," Pakistan team manager Talat Ali told IANS.
Pakistan's next match is against New Zealand in Mohali Oct 25.
The Sri Lankans' reached Mumbai by noon Wednesday, an off day for them too.
"We have reached Mumbai and today is the team's off day," Sri Lanka team manager Michael Tissera told IANS over the phone from Mumbai.
While in Mumbai, the Sri Lankans would watch Wednesday's Australia-West Indies match closely as the Cricket Club of India (CCI) pitch has come under severe attack for low scores.
regards sahil khanπ
Sri Lanka has to play New Zealand at the same venue Friday in another day night game.