Melbourne, Jan.

Vinayak Samant (113) scored his maiden first class century, while team partner Rohit Sharma (108) struck his second of the match as Mumbai batted Uttar Pradesh out of the final and virtually assured itself of its 38th Ranji Trophy title.  

Aware that their 157-run first innings lead was enough to win the title in case of a drawn match, Mumbai adopted a safety-first approach and batted on and on till they were all out for 367. With just one day left, UP would require a miracle to chase down the huge target of 525-runs.

Sydney, Jan. 16 : Australian Test opener Phil Jaques has delayed his return to action by a further week after experiencing discomfort in his back during training.

Jaques, who missed the entire Test summer after undergoing surgery for a bulging disc, was due to return to the crease in grade cricket for Sutherland this weekend.

"Phil experienced a small amount of discomfort after a training session during the week, as a result of which his surgeon recommended allowing an extra week for recovery," Cricket NSW said in a statement.

Karachi, Jan. 16 : As Pakistan prepares to host Sri Lanka in a much needed one-day international series, coach Intikhab Alam has said that his side will offer a tough fight to the islanders, and hoped that it continues the winning streak from where it left in the last series against the West Indies.

Alam said that it was very important for Pakistan to win the home series after it swept the three match series against West Indies, 3-0, in November last year.

"It is also important for us to win the series after having done well against the West Indies in Abu Dhabi," The News quoted Alam, as saying.

He asked the Shoaib Malik led squad to play like a cohesive unit, and ensure that the series is pocketed by the home team.

Sydney, Jan. 16: Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath believes that pocket rocket David Warner can eventually replace Matthew Hayden - but needs to be fast-tracked into the New South Wales Sheffield Shield level first.

The pace great endorsed Warner''s Australia limited overs selection but says the cavalier opener should cut his teeth with New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield before being seriously considered as a candidate for the forthcoming Test tour of South Africa.

Melbourne, Jan. 16 : Former Australian batsman Darren Lehmann has withdrawn from the race to coach the England cricket team, and instead, suggested that former team-mate Tom Moody take on the responsibility.

Lehmann, 38, last night said he preferred to concentrate on his first coaching foray with Indian Premier League side Deccan Chargers.

Champion Zimbabwe batsman and Moores'' assistant Andy Flower, ex-South African coach Graham Ford and former England spinner Ashley Giles are among candidates mentioned to steer England.