A fractured arm has ruled Brian Lara out of the rest of Trinidad and Tobago’s season. Lara was struck by a rising delivery from fast bowler Lionel Baker on the opening day of T&T’s third-round Carib Beer Series match on Friday against the Leeward Islands and x-rays have shown a bone fracture in his left arm just above the wrist.Lara, who retired from international cricket last April, had his arm placed in a cast and sling.Omar Khan, T&T’s manager, told CMC Sport that Lara would be out of action for approximately eight weeks. “The cast will be on for six weeks before it is removed and then he has to do physiotherapy for a further two weeks, so Brian will be out for about two months in terms of his participation in the Carib Beer Series,” he said.After a century and an unbeaten half-century in a winning effort against Guyana two weeks ago, Lara played through T&T’s further games despite a lingering shoulder injury. He was hit on the arm a few balls after driving Baker for four.”He [Lara] is very disappointed, in fact tears came to his eyes when the doctor came back and revealed that the x-rays revealed the broken bone. It was really disappointing for him,” Khan said.”He really did look forward to competing in this game especially the kind of treatment he has been getting in St Maarten, there has been a tremendous feeling for T&T team and for Brian Lara in particular to be in St Maarten here to play cricket. The people of St Maarten had given him a rousing welcome and he looked forward to participating.”Lara made himself available for T&T this season but said he would step down once the international players returned from their tour of South Africa, to give younger players a chance to develop. With T&T having taken a lead in the Carib Beer Series points table thanks to Lara’s early success with the bat, Khan said the 38-year-old’s absence was a major loss.”It’s a big blow for the team because as you know he has been the mainstay of our batting and he has really come back and led from the front. But that’s how things go, there is nothing to do about it except to be positive [and] the other guys will now get an opportunity to showcase their talent.”
Mithali Raj, India’s captain, reflected on a game that got away after Maria Fahey and Sarah McGlashan set up New Zealand’s third straight victory in the quadrangular tournament. Fahey was dropped twice in her innings of 59 and her wicket early on could have changed things around for India.”We were 20 to 30 runs short of a good score,” said Raj, “but if we had taken those chances that we got off Fahey then probably the lower middle-order would have been exposed to Jhulan [Goswami] much earlier and given us a chance to win.”The beneficiary of the chances, Fahey, herself agreed that Goswami had bowled really accuratly as had the Indian spinners. Goswami’s first spell of seven overs got her three wickets for 18 runs. She claimed a fourth wicket by dismissing Sarah Tsukigawa for 14 and ended with figures of 4 for 26. “After the first two wickets fell my plan was to just build a partnership with [Sarah] McGlashan which worked out for us,” said Fahey.Haidee Tiffen, the New Zealand captain, felt that her side should have won it long before crossing the line. “We bowled really well and it was a pretty good wicket,” she said. “But once the partnership [between Fahey and McGlashan] was broken wickets began to fall, to be honest, to stupid shots and not too bad a bowling.”Tiffen also explained that they brought in Tsukigawa, who took 3 for 33, as late as the 40th over because they had planned to play two spinners in the match. Tsukigawa herself felt that the pitch had less bounce for fast bowlers and that the spinners had bowled well.Hemlata Kala was the only Indian batsman who made any sort of impact on the scoring but without any significant partnerships Kala’s 69 was far too little to boost India to a position through which they could dictate the terms. However, she felt that Tsukigawa was effective only because she was bowling right at the end when the Indian batsmen were going for the runs.”The New Zealand bowling wasn’t too tough but it’s just that everyone has their good days. This was one such day for me.” Kala also agreed with her captain that if chances off Fahey along with some run out attempts had been converted India could have won the gameAfter a two-day break, the fixtures are repeated with India playing England at Chepauk and New Zealand playing Australia at the IIT Chemplast Ground on February 28.
Seven years ago, in the semi-final of the 1999 World Cup, South Africa and Australia contested what has widely come to be regarded as the definitive one-day international. A total of 426 runs in two innings, twenty wickets in the day and world-class performances across the board – a match that built to a pulsating finale in which South Africa threw away their place in the World Cup final with what also came to be regarded as the definitive one-day choke.Today, however, South Africa can be called chokers no longer, after burying the ghosts of 1999 with victory in a match even more extraordinary and nail-shredding than its illustrious forebear. Never mind 426 runs in a day, Australia had just posted a world-record 434 for 4 in a single innings – the first 400-plus total in the history of the game – with Ricky Ponting leading the line with an innings of cultured slogging that realised 164 runs of the highest class from just 105 balls. And yet they still lost – by one wicket, with one ball to spare, and with the Wanderers stadium reverting to the sort of Bullring atmosphere on which it forged its intimidating reputation.At the halfway mark of the day, South Africa had been reduced to a near laughing stock. Ponting had been the kingpin as he reprised his World Cup-winning innings on this very ground in 2003, but every one of Australia’s batsmen had taken their pound of flesh as well. Adam Gilchrist lit the blue touchpaper with an open-shouldered onslaught that realised 55 runs from 44 balls; Simon Katich provided a sheet-anchor with a difference as he creamed nine fours and a six in a 90-ball 79, and Mike Hussey – in theory Ponting’s second fiddle in their 158-run stand for the third wicket – hurtled to a 51-ball 81. Australia’s dominance seemed so complete that Andrew Symonds, the most notorious one-day wrecker in their ranks, was not even called upon until the scoreboard read a somewhat surreal 374 for 3.Unsurprisingly, South Africa’s bowlers took a universal pounding. Jacques Kallis disappeared for 70 runs in six overs and as the innings reached its crescendo, a flustered Roger Telemachus conceded 19 runs from four consecutive no-balls. The team had squandered a 2-0 series lead and were staring at a 3-2 defeat, and not for the first time this year, Graeme Smith’s penchant for speaking his mind was looking like backfiring. With the Test series getting underway in four days’ time, the need for a performance of pride had never been more urgent.And so Smith took it upon himself to deliver, responding to his team’s indignity with a brutal innings laced with fury. He made light of the early loss of Boeta Dippenaar, whose anchorman approach would not have been suited to the chase at any rate, and instead found the perfect ally in his former opening partner, Herschelle Gibbs. On a pitch that might have been sent from the Gods, the pair launched South Africa’s response with a scathing stand of 187 from 121 balls, to send the first frissons of anxiety through the Australian dressing-room.
Smith made 90 from just 55 balls, and seemed set to trump Ponting’s 71-ball century when he swatted the spinner, Michael Clarke, to Mike Hussey on the midwicket boundary. But Hussey’s celebrations were manic and betrayed the creeping sense of foreboding that had taken hold of Australia’s players. Just as South Africa had suffered for the absence of Shaun Pollock, so too was Glenn McGrath’s constricting influence being missed. His understudies were simply not up to the task, with Mick Lewis earning an unwanted place in history as his ten overs were spanked for 113 runs – the most expensive analysis in any form of one-day international cricket.Now it was Gibbs who took centre stage. The man who, memorably, dropped the World Cup at Headingley in that 1999 campaign has redeemed himself a hundred times over in the intervening years. But this was to be his crowning glory. With AB de Villiers providing a sparky sidekick, Gibbs carved great chunks out of the asking-rate, bringing up his century from 79 balls and rattling along so briskly that, by the 25-over mark, South Africa had 229 for 2 on the board, and needed a mere 206 to win..Only one contest could compare – the extraordinary C&G Trophy contest between Surrey and Glamorgan in 2002, when Alistair Brown scored 268 out of a total of 438 for 5, only for Glamorgan to track his side all the way with a reply of 429. In both instances, the sheer impossibility of the task galvanised the batting and turned the fielders’ legs to jelly, and with Gibbs on 130, Nathan Bracken at mid-off dropped a sitter off a Lewis full-toss, and could only contemplate his navel as the Bullring roared its approval.It was undeniably the decisive moment of the match. Bracken finished with a creditable 5 for 67, but this faux pas was written all across his features at the post-match presentations. Cashing in superbly, Gibbs hurtled to his 150 from exactly 100 balls, bringing up the landmark with his fifth six of the innings and the 21st of a bedlamic contest. He had reached a glorious 175 from 111 when Lee held onto a scuffed drive at mid-off. The stadium stood in acclaim, but with 136 runs still required and their main source of momentum gone, South Africa had plenty still to do.Kallis and Mark Boucher regrouped with a steady partnership of 28 in six overs, but when the big-hitting Justin Kemp went cheaply, it took a blistering intervention from Johan van der Wath to reignite the chase. He drilled Lewis over long-off for two sixes in an over then added a six and a four in Bracken’s eighth, as the requirement dropped from a tricky 77 from 42 balls to a gettable 36 from 22. He perished as he had lived, holing out to extra cover, and Telemachus followed soon afterwards, but not before he had clubbed an invaluable 12 from six balls.And so it all came down to the final over, just as it had done at Edgbaston all those years ago. Brett Lee had seven runs to defend, and South Africa had two wickets in hand. A blazed four from Andrew Hall seemed to have settled the issue, but in a moment reminiscent of Lance Klusener’s famous aberration, he smeared the very next delivery into the hands of Clarke at mid-on. Two runs needed then, and the No. 11, Makhaya Ntini, on strike. Lee’s best effort was deflected to third man to tie the scores, and it was left to Boucher – with visions of Edgbaston swirling through his head – to seal the deal with a lofted four over mid-on. The most breathtaking game in one-day history had come to a grandstand finish, and all that remained was for the participants to pinch themselves.
AustraliaAdam Gilchrist c Hall b Telemachus 55 (97 for 1) Simon Katich c Telemachus b Ntini 79 (216 for 2) Uppercut to third manMike Hussey c Ntini b Hall 81 (374 for 3) Full toss swatted to long-onRicky Ponting c Dippenaar b Telemachus 164 (407 for 4) Blazing cover-drive plucked above head on boundarySouth AfricaBoeta Dippenaar b Bracken 1 (3 for 1) Dragged onto off stumpGraeme Smith c Hussey b Clarke 90 (190 for 2) Swatted to deep midwicketAB de Villiers c Clarke b Bracken 14 (284 for 3) Heaved to cow cornerHerschelle Gibbs c Lee b Symonds 175 (299 for 4) Chipped drive to long-offJacques Kallis c&b Symonds 20 (327 for 5) Diving return catch off firm driveJustin Kemp c Martyn b Bracken 13 (355 for 6) Toe-ended wide delivery to backward pointJohan van der Wath c Ponting b Bracken 35 (399 for 7) Holed out to extra coverRoger Telemachus c Hussey b Bracken 12 (423 for 8) Spooned drive, brilliant sprawling catchAndrew Hall c Clarke b Lee 7 (433 for 9) Slap to mid-on
A gritty, unbeaten 203 from Shivnarine Chanderpaul and a more flamboyant 213 from Wavell Hinds guided West Indies to 543 for 5 before they declared late on the second day at the Bourda.But if Chanderpaul had led by example with the bat, his decision to declare in fading light as soon as he had flicked Nicky Boje for four to bring up his double hundred was an error. South Africa’s openers faced just two balls in the gloom before they were heading back to the pavilion with broad grins on their faces. It was an inevitable end, and it was hard to see why West Indies had not just batted through to the close and added to Graeme Smith’s frustration.On a pluperfect batting track and in front of another good crowd, West Indies had made steady rather than spectacular progress, with the run rate never climbing above three an over. In fairness to South Africa, they looked more on the ball than they had yesterday, but on this batsman-friendly surface it made little difference.Overnight rain left the playing area too damp for a prompt start, but when play resumed an hour late it was fairly clear that the bowlers were in for another long day. Both Chanderpaul and Wavell Hinds started circumspectly, Hinds taking 20 minutes to add to his overnight 188. A taunt of “Boring, Wavell, that’s boring,” from Graeme Smith in the slips only stirred him and thereafter he got back into his stride, bringing up his double hundred with a punch behind square on the off. He then played the shot of the match, a classical straight drive off the disappointing Makhaya Ntini.Chanderpaul began the brighter, flicking the second ball he faced for four, but displayed remarkable concentration in his shot selection, happy to duck bouncers and leave any temptation outside his off stump. He punished anything on his legs as well as unleashing a few sumptuous drives through the covers.
Hinds fell shortly after lunch aiming an expansive off drive at Charl Langeveldt and a relieved Mark Boucher taking a straightforward catch. He had made 213, exactly 200 more than he was on when Herschelle Gibbs dropped him yesterday morning. It was a supreme display of stamina, concentration and skill.There was no respite for the South Africans as one Hinds was replaced by another, Ryan, who started uncertainly but slowly found his grove. He added 116 with his captain before on 47 he aimed a drive at a flighted ball from Boje but only edged straight to Jacques Kallis at first slip. If Hinds had played well enough to deserve his fifty, Boje had earned the wicket with his perseverance on an unhelpful surface.As Chanderpaul pressed on, Narsingh Deonarine, the fifth left-hander in the top seven and another making his debut, survived a jittery start and a hostile welcome from Andre Nel and gradually found his touch. The run rate continued to fall as the ball grew soft, and a message came out from Bennett King, the coach, to get things moving.Then came Chanderpaul’s moment of triumph, which nobody would begrudge him in the difficult circumstances surrounding this match. The shame was that seconds later it was followed by the declaration which was so badly timed.How they were outWest IndiesSmith c Boucher b Nel 11 (24 for 1) Regulation edge, pouched one-handed in front of first slip.Ganga c Boucher b Nel 0 (24 for 2) Pushed at a wide one, simple catch at knee-height.Pagon c Kallis b Nel 35 (106 for 3) Early on a defensive push, skewed to silly mid-off.W Hinds c Boucher b Langeveldt 213 (390 for 4) Loose off drive edged to wicketkeeper.R Hinds c Kallis b Boje 48 (506 for 5) Edged attempted drive of flighted ball straight to first slip.
North Zone 254 for 8 (Dharmani 73, Powar 3-56) v West Zone Scorecard Dinesh Mongia won the toss on the opening day of the crucial Duleep Trophy tie at Dharmasala, but North Zone didn’t have much to cheer about thereafter. West Zone had the better of the first day’s play, restricting North to 254 for 8.Munaf Patel nailed Aakash Chopra and Gautam Gambhir early, and reduced North to 21 for 2. Pankaj Dharmani held things together with a dogged 73 and stitched together some useful partnerships with the middle order. Dinesh Mongia (25), Mithun Manhas (21) and Sangram Singh (34) managed to get starts, but none kicked on to a sizeable score.Dharmani fell for 73, trapped lbw by Sairaj Bahutule, but the tail put up some good resistance with Joginder Sharma (33) and Sarandeep Singh (23) chipping in with valuable contributions. Apart form Munaf, West Zone depended on their spinners to do the damage. Bahutule finished with 2 for 45, while Ramesh Powar was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 56, enhancing his chances of being picked as a replacement for Harbhajan Singh on India’s tour to Pakistan.
Although the expression “Decision Day for England” has been used with monotonously repetitive regularity over the last week, there is no doubting today’s qualifications for such a tag.The World Cup technical committee is meeting in Johannesburg to decide whether England should play their World Cup Pool A match against Zimbabwe in Harare. The England and Wales Cricket Board hope that new evidence will persuade the committee that death threats received from an organisation called the “Sons and Daughters of Zimbabwe” cannot be dismissed as a hoax, as claimed by the Deputy Commissioner of South African Police, Andre Pruis.He said that the organisation was not known to pose a serious threat and that he received several such letters himself on a personal basis. However, it was later revealed that the organisation was known to Interpol.There appears to be little sympathy for England’s cause outside the country. Indeed, two of the Boards’ top brass, Jagmohan Dalmiya (India) and Percy Sonn (South Africa) have gone well beyond the mere unsympathetic in adding their respective verbal fusillades.Dalmiya suggested that far from just forfeiting the match if they don’t play in Harare, England should actually be docked an additional four points for failing to do so. In a letter to International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed, he stated: “The ICC should come to a firm and final decision whether Zimbabwe is a safe country or not for playing World Cup matches.”If Zimbabwe is not a safe country, then shift all the matches from there. But if it is safe, award full points to Zimbabwe for the England match and levy a penalty of four minus points on England.”Meanwhile the president of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, Percy Sonn, has now been called to account by his own organisation. Sonn, who some observers claimed was drunk at the game between India and Holland at Paarl, was heard to launch into a tirade about English cricket in front of ECB chairman David Morgan, who was attending the game as Sonn’s guest.The UCBSA chief executive Gerald Majola is planning to talk to Sonn about the alleged incident. The ECB has maintained a dignified silence.”I have spoken with Percy and he will get the opportunity to discuss the matter with the UCB general council in the next few days,” said Majola. “Until that discussion has taken place, it is inappropriate for the UCB to make any further comment on the issue.”Sonn later apologised for his behaviour, in response to requests from several South African politicians.Sonn said in a statement: “I realise that my conduct at Boland Park on Wednesday fell short of standards which people find acceptable for a person in my position and, if I offended anyone with my behaviour, I sincerely apologise.”Earlier this week Sonn told a press conference that South Africa might boycott this summer’s tour of England in retaliation for the ECB’s refusal to honour their World Cup fixture in Zimbabwe on security grounds.It is against this unedifying background that the technical committee will decide whether to abandon England’s match on safety grounds and split the points between the countries, relocate the game or hand the points to Zimbabwe.It is not just millions of pounds that are riding on the decision. So, it seems, is almost an entire summer programme of international cricket in England.
Hampshire have suspended Zac Morris for three games after he pleaded guilty to a drunk and disorderly charge.The left-arm bowler, a former England U19 player, was arrested by police after being spotted urinating on a roundabout in Southampton. He was fined £120 and £55 costs.”We have warned him about the future and told him his behaviour must improve,” Tim Tremlett, Hampshire’s director of cricket, said. “We told all the players at the start of the season that such incidents will not be tolerated.”
The Saudi PIF have changed Newcastle United forever, with their investment handing a generation of supporters memories that will no doubt last a lifetime.
Their spending in the transfer market may have been excessive in certain stages, but it’s handed Eddie Howe the platform he’s needed for success on Tyneside.
He led the side to the Carabao Cup last season, subsequently winning their first trophy in 56 years, something which would have been unthinkable under the previous ownership group.
Their consistent finishes in the top five of the Premier League have led to numerous Champions League campaigns, which has seen the Magpies come up against the best Europe has to offer.
However, the January transfer window could present another opportunity for the board to flex their muscles and invest once again into the first-team squad.
Newcastle enter talks to sign former PL sensation
Ahead of the January transfer window, Newcastle have no doubt been targeting added defensive reinforcements amid the recent injury struggles facing the Magpies.
Tarik Muharemovic, who plays for Serie A side Sassuolo, has been firmly on their radar over the last few weeks, but a transfer battle for his signature could well be on the cards.
Juventus are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old’s services, but it’s currently unclear how much the Bosnian youngster could cost in the winter window.
However, the midfield department could also be subject to investment, with Ruben Neves a player who the Magpies are interested in completing a move for.
According to TEAMtalk, Howe’s men have already reached out to Al Hilal over a move for the Portuguese international who wants a return to the Premier League.
The report also states that the Magpies could hold an advantage in the race for the 28-year-old’s signature, given their links to the Saudi Pro League through their current owners.
Why Neves could be Newcastle’s next Guimaraes
Spending big money on a midfielder in January hasn’t been alien to Newcastle, as seen by the £40m move to land Bruno Guimaraes back in the winter window in 2022.
Such a move was one of the first pieces of huge business conducted by the hierarchy after their takeover, with the deal still standing as one of their best to date.
The Brazilian has now racked up 178 appearances for the Magpies in the last four years, often being the shining light in the club’s recent success across various competitions.
Guimaraes has also been in fine form throughout the early stages of 2025/26, as seen by his tally of five goals and two assists in his first 15 league games of the season.
However, the board could replicate a move for the 28-year-old with a move for Neves in the weeks ahead – a deal that could prove to be a really shrewd piece of business.
The former Wolves star has previously spent five years in England’s top-flight, subsequently having the tools to provide a superb experienced option at the heart of the side.
His stats from his current season in Saudi Arabia showcase his talents, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly a man who would improve the options at Howe’s disposal.
Ruben Neves – stats in 2025/26
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
9
Goals scored
4
Passes completed
91%
Chances created
1.4
Touches per game
97
Times dispossessed
0
Duels won
67%
Recoveries made
5.1
Stats via FotMob
He’s currently boasting a 91% pass completion rate in the Middle East, whilst averaging 71 passes per 90 – with both ranking him in the top 5% of all players in the division.
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Both tallies highlight his incredible ability with the ball at his feet, something which Guimaraes has become known for during his own spell at St James’ Park.
However, out of possession, Neves has been just as impressive, as seen by his tally of 1.1 tackles won and 59% duels won – subsequently offering a dominant presence.
Other tallies, such as 67% aerials won and 5.1 recoveries made per 90, also showcase his all-round talent – leading to huge praise being directed his way as a result.
Football Doctor Raj Chohan has previously been singing his praises, even claiming that the former Wolves star is now “the most underrated player in world football”.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the midfielder could cost this winter, but it’s certainly a move that would bolster the squad and strengthen the club’s chances of success.
If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by Guimaraes on Tyneside, he will certainly become a fan-favourite and have the chance to add further silverware to his resume.
Not just Willock: Howe must drop Newcastle star who lost the ball 25 times
Newcastle United secured their place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup with a win against Fulham last night.
As Shahid Afridi conceded the match from Habib Bank Limited’s (HBL) dressing-room balcony, the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) team, post the handshakes with the umpires and the departing batsmen, formed a huddle in the middle. No wild celebrations, no hugs, no team officials running onto the field to congratulate the team. It was for a good two minutes or so that Mohammad Hafeez, SNGPL’s captain, spoke to his young team on a job well done. It was only after the verdict that there was a roar from the middle and plenty joined in at the boundary line.With the prize ceremony out of the way, Hafeez was quick to point out that the success was all a team-effort. There was no Afridi, Danish Kaneria, Hasan Raza or Abdur Rehman, They did have Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq, who may have won them the final but according to Hafeez, the team owed much to the young guns that had carried them to the final after a convincing loss in the first match of the season.”We started really badly,” Hafeez told Cricinfo. “Losing our first match of the season [to PIA] was not the ideal of starts to the season. However, our young boys lifted their spirits from then onwards and here we are.”It has been a total team effort. Our batsmen scored runs when it was required. Our bowlers took wickets where it was necessary. We all backed each other and stood up for one another. We were short on big names [Misbah was away on international duty] but the likes of Umar Akmal and Khurram Shehzad made it possible for the team to reach the final.”SNGPL impressive first-innings effort laid the foundations of the draw. Put into bat in overcast conditions, the team was guided past the 250-mark thanks to Hafeez and Misbah but then Adnan Akmal, the young wicketkeeper, scored a resilient 55 to enable his side to reach 351.”Adnan played a very, very useful knock. It was a prime example of our players delivering when it was of the utmost importance. We were five down for under 250 and without Adnan’s effort, taking such a big first-innings lead would not have been possible.”Satisfied with his own performance – he scored 69 in the first innings after three consecutive centuries during the last three matches – Hafeez was quick to praise Misbah, the Man of the Final.”The return of Misbah made all the difference. He made a useful contribution in the first-innings and carried us to a decent score. However, second innings we were in a bit of a stutter at 14 for 3. What followed was simply amazing and to keep scoring runs the way he is doing is simply amazing.”Obviously I would have loved to add a fourth consecutive century to my name, but winning the league with such a young team is something. I am more thrilled holding this trophy then having four centuries to my name.”
West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director Deryck Murray lashed players’ behaviour as the Carib Beer Challenge Final ended yesterday at Guaracara Park.The hot-tempered match – that Trinidad and Tobago won by 49 runs over Barbados – saw repeated acrimonious verbal exchanges between opposing players, and Murray believes the authorities should move swiftly to tackle the problem.”Here are the two best teams in the region, role models for our cricket in the future. We need in the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players’ Association to address that issue and ensure that it doesn’t happen again,” said Murray, a former West Indies wicket-keeper/batsman and current president of the T&T Cricket Board.Barbados captain Ryan Hinds, and his team-mates Floyd Reifer and Dwayne Smith were all summoned to a meeting — before yesterday’s fourth day — by match referee Clarence Shaffralli for behavioural infractions during the game.Shaffralli’s findings are expected to be handed over to the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).Murray, who played on West Indies World Cup-winning teams in 1975 and 1979, expressed sympathy for umpires Billy Doctrove and Norman Malcolm, suggesting that their job was made tougher because of the conduct of some of the players.”I don’t think I have ever played or been a spectator at a game where the umpires’ job has been made so difficult, and I think in fairness, I have to say that it’s unacceptable for West Indies cricket to put our umpires under the kind of pressure they were,” said the 63-year-old Murray.”There were seven incidents reported to the match referee and that again is not taking into account the other incidents that were not reported,” Murray added.Murray played 62 Tests and 26 One-Day International (ODI) matches for the West Indies between 1963 and 1980 and took over as TTCB president in October 2005.