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Objective principal Marcus Stuttard defends market junior claims "volatility".

This week, value doubled Petroleum desire on speculation on oil find - despite no information publicly available on the market.

However, Marcus Stuttard, head of the defended on the London Stock Exchange aim market junior of the city as a stable place to do business.

"One of the reasons monitor us the market and share price movements is to ensure that there is known by the company may be disclosed", he said.

It is not within the competency in order to stop any person displaying false rumours on the internet, bulletin boards, but it can - and - report concerns the financial authorities.

"If we suspect any type of abusive behaviour or see any sign of concern we refer to the regulatory body."In some cases we provide information help regulatory agencies to further their investigations.

Mr. Stuttard disputes the idea that there is a widespread problem.

"If there is no a strong level of confidence in the market, then we see the high level of support of investors we."

"Actually, much emphasis has been to try to increase the liquidity on the but.Ce we have a tendency to find growth markets, need more buy and sell orders."

Last year, market combined corporate AIM values totaled of £ 59bn.Toutefois Dynamics raise capital has evolved over the ans.En 2006, £ 9. 6bn was raised by selling, more than £ 5. 7bn in trésorerie.Cependant, calls in the market this year, it was only 800 m £ 5.3 £ 4 in share offers and sales.

Mr. Stuttard believes it is still obliged to wider markets State account success.

"In most markets growth very little has been raised, while we raised a total of £ 5. 5bn.".

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Utilities stocks fail to boost lethargic FTSE 100

Leaping Board winners in wake of Scottish & South were reaching 10.4 percent 332.2 Centrica and National Grid ticking up to 6½ to 590 p.

But the utility companies failed to lift the blue-chip dull swung between gains and losses and ending almost flat.

The FTSE 100 lost 2.73 points investors 5675.16 marked time in advance of the meeting of Federal Reserve hotly awaited next week.

Languish at the head of the losers league table has British Airways, which nose dived 10 to 270.7 percent despite the swinging in the dark. Panmure Gordon analysts have been sticking to their "hold" rating, saying: "Momentum has been strong in the price of shares, powered by revenues, particularly in terms of demand for premium environment improved yields, ATI approval for the transatlantic joint venture with AA and Iberia and planned with Iberia merger".

Minors were also lower with Xstrata losing £ 12.09½ and Rio Tinto excretion 69½p 40½p to £ 40.36.

Having a better day was insurers with Aviva putting on 5.4 398.1 p Goldman Sachs reiterated its "buy belief" on shares.Next Tuesday, Aviva will report its results for the third quarter, which analysts believe will support the case of investment.

"In our opinion, the significance of the number of sales down played b.c market ' is understandable, because they have little bearing on the position of the group, capital dividend paying capacity and resilience in a prolonged low interest rate environment" said broker. "While the body is very focusing market better than expected sales of Aviva markets of Europe and the UK-based show some sustainability gains and that review group or the transition to the Solvency II are not disturbing the underlying transactions.»

Also benefit from a burst of Goldman Sachs was GKN, which rose 3.3% 177.3.Dans a note of the European automotive sector, the broker reiterated its "buy" rating on the manufacturer of parts for cars and planes and raised its price target to 285 p 220 p.

Travelers small caps automobile-related, was flat at 61 automotive dealer p.Le stated that he had seen a solid third quarter through its parts car combined with the increase in sales of new and used vehicles.

Earlier this week, there have been whispers of private investment capital interest in Miss, but Chief Executive, said Friday that they had received no offer.

Among second linings, Hikma Pharmaceuticals seeking particularly healthy, pulling 49½ at 786 p after it struck an agreement with Baxter International, American Society of health care.

Listed on the FTSE 250 Jordan-based undertaking bought Baxter us generic injectibles unit 112 m $, double the size of Hikma US business and giving more 14pc market.

Analysts said the acquisition will position Hikma as the second largest supplier of injectibles to the United States Citigroup.

"Existing expertise Hikma injection and desire of Baxter to divest non-core assets produced an attractive and financially reasonable agreement in our opinion," said the broker who Hikma "medium risk.

Oil and gas services company, hunting, has been on the rise too, breaking 41½ in 644½p .Chasse whose equipment is used in the construction and maintenance of oil, said shale drilling activity and demand for components in the West and to the Brazil he developed able top year-round market expectations.

Their "buy" rating on hunting and raised the prices kept RBS analysts 670 p 630 p.Le Broker target stated that in a context of market improvement, hunting was performing well.

But punters took their money out of the table for Partygaming, sending internet business down 10.8% 251.9 gaming.

Excitation of bidding pushed shares in resources from Berkeley to hereditary 112½p as Russian steel giant, Severstal, approached Berkeley on a possible takeover of uranium, a value on an exploration company 304 million senior dollars.Atout Berkeley is a project of uranium from Salamanca, Espagne.Severstal envisages a cash bid to $2.00 at Berkeley, appearing also in Sydney.

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Graham Thorpe tops England's list in search for new batting coach

When it was announced last week that Hills would be leaving after the second Ashes Test in Adelaide to link up with Australia as their assistant coach, the ECB made it known that it intended to appoint a “high-calibre” replacement.

Thorpe fits the bill following a lengthy and successful playing career in which he scored 6,774 Test runs, and was identified by Andy Flower, the England team director, as a potential member of the backroom team following good reports of his work with the academy squad in Abu Dhabi last winter.

Thorpe will work mainly with the England performance squad this winter in Adelaide and Perth with Graham Gooch continuing in his role as batting coach to the senior side.

Gooch enjoys his part-time role with the England set up which he juggles with media work and commitments with Essex, although Thorpe is likely to emerge as a long-term replacement.

Gooch worked closely with opener Alastair Cook last summer and helped him back to form in the final Test against Pakistan, when he scored a century which saved his place in the side. But he had less success with Kevin Pietersen, whose form has slumped over the past two years.

Thorpe endured highs and lows as a Test player with a very public divorce and periods when he appeared unhappy in an England shirt. He may well be able to empathise with Pietersen, who appears to be a player in need of an emotional crutch. Last week he made the astonishing admission that he may be on a downward spiral, a state of mind which presents a major challenge to the England coaching staff as they plot their Ashes campaign.

“I am 30 years old now,” said Pietersen. “I have probably got to the top of the fence and am on the way down now.”

The ECB was aware that Hills wanted to return to Australia and that may well have played a part in the decision not to involve him fully with the senior team with an Ashes series looming. It will also hope that appointing a coach with Thorpe’s playing experience will help to silence any criticism of losing one of its senior coaches to their Australian rivals during an Ashes series.

Thorpe was linked with the job as head of the ECB’s development programme in Loughborough recently, a position that was eventually filled by Tim Boon.

It is thought that the ECB instead earmarked Thorpe for the batting role, a job that builds on his recent experience.

After retiring from Test cricket in 2005 Thorpe moved to Australia, where he worked as an assistant coach at state side New South Wales, returning to Surrey in November 2008 as batting coach.

If Thorpe moves to the ECB it will solve a tricky problem for Surrey, who made 20 members of staff redundant last month following a poor summer of ticket sales.

It is thought that Chris Adams, the Surrey director of cricket, was told to trim his coaching staff, leaving the positions of Thorpe and assistant coach Ian Salisbury under threat.

Thorpe was largely confined to working with Surrey’s second team last year during a difficult season for a county going through a major rebuilding period.

Golden Graham: Thorpe’s international career in numbers

6,744
Number of Test-match runs that Thorpe had made for England by the time he retired in 2005, playing exactly100 games.

48.2
His batting average in Test matches in Australia, during two unsuccessful Ashes tours (1994-95 and 1998-99).

200
Thorpe’s highest score in Test cricket, made against New Zealand in Christchurch in March 2002. In all, he made 16 hundreds.

3
Number of full-time coaching posts Thorpe has held – New South Wales batting coach and assistant coach, and Surrey batting coach.

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The ashes of 2010: four things England must unravel before facing the Australia in Brisbane

Taking 20 ATMs is never easy in Australia and England will be at least twice if they want to win the series. The WACA was once the fastest tone in the world. It is always faster than most while carrying the rebound, with its long trampoline and invite the fast launchers - including Steve Finn - things too short. As Stuart Broad said the other day, you will need to Bowl fuller than you think. Recently, Darren Pattinson (remember the Headingley 2008 review), take eight wickets in a race against the Western Australia it full pitch of off-strain and leaving the tone to do the rest.

Bowling England must demonstrate patience and step WA frustated.Batteurs well know the surface and leave balls on length, safe in knowing that they will spend on the stem.

Britain must also find bowling are better equipped to Bowl in the Fremantle Doctor here, strong wind transforms in the afternoon Perth all refroidir.Graeme Swann is an obvious candidate, but the sewing launchers must know the challenges as well.

Stay in control against short things

Hook or step hook?Judging by the amount of short balls Graham Gooch, consultant frappeurs team is low Ping Strauss and the greater part of the order at the top of the page in the nets, England expect obviously get a peppering of Mitchell Johnson and co, which were far too polite to England last year.

Adelaide separated patterns test here mostly have major limitations of square window, therefore hooks off top tip miscued tend to be intercepted instead of sailing for six.Pour on hooking up, they should commit themselves fully to shot, something not clear in the practice of plea yesterday while Matt Prior (left) and Paul Collingwood, were both taken after duffing their kicked traction.

Hook or duck was an Enigma to the teams from England before here and that is never easy to resolve.Boulevards rarely change their spots, unless they hold out, while the duckers attract many short balls anyway.

Keep the image control is the key, which is what has been practicing Gooch, mainly of Strauss.Mais losing control and your window follow soon.

Pietersen must restore confidence.

Obtain again Kevin Pietersen the passes.Pour those who met Pietersen, it is difficult to imagine him on trust, but this is what happened after a relatively 18 mois.Andy Flower fallow and Andrew Strauss have applied the salute to his ego, while his bat was mark big tracks are the only effective remedy.

Strauss, says Pietersen (left) is it strikes in nets, as well as it has always been but watch him practice, insecurity is eveident in its position, what appears to be much broader than when it first announced himself to the Australians in 2005.

Lowering your centre of gravity is logical for a large size as Pietersen man, but he seems to be leaving the G-force drag as other mortals.

It is believed that his stay with her coach school, Graham Ford in South Africa last month have ironed out some parasites that were made in his game.

But the technique is still less reason for the failure to the vacillante.Pietersen mind is his confidence in himself restored and to remember why he has chosen to England to prove himself on the world stage in first place.

No Bowl winner match Swann in soil

It is essential to strike a balance between the use of Graeme Swann as an attacking melon and a defensive.

Attack of four men, Swann (left) is for Bowl many overs, but to manage effectively could prove more challenging Andrew Strauss as captain.

Shane Warne desired bowling periods, attrition, but so far in his career as a test, Swann seems better with short sharper prospérer.Il prefers also go to ATMs, which is what England need to keep, but on hot days when the land went to sleep, the temptation might be to him to block until the end.

Like most launchers, spinners get tired (their wrists and fingers including spinning) .Jauger point where should emerge in Swann, is what the Strauss must do if his main spinner and the potential game-winner must remain an effective wicket-taker at the end of the day.

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The Ashes 2010 countdown: Top 50 moments of England in Australia

No.42 (Oct 14): Bodyline v Bradman

Don Bradman’s brilliance continued in 1930 in England, when he made 131 at Trent Bridge, 254 at Lord’s, a Test record 334 at Headingley, and 232 at the Oval, as Australia captured the Ashes 2-1. He averaged 139.14 in the series, and England felt they needed something to neutralise him for when they returned to Australia in 1932-33. The tactic MCC captain Douglas Jardine devised was called ‘Leg Theory’, or ‘Bodyline’ as it became known. Bowlers pitched short and aimed at the batsman’s body, with a posse of fielders around the bat on the leg side waiting for a catch. It was to become the most controversial Ashes series of all ...

No.43 (Oct 13): The Don Shows Who's Boss

Enter the Don! A certrain Mr Bradman made his Test debut in the 1928-29 Ashes series, but failed to prevent a 4-1 England win. The tourists were led by the adventurous Percy Chapman. Bradman made his Ashes debut in the first Test at Brisbane, after playing only nine first-class matches. The 20 year-old managed just 18 and one, and was relegated to 12th man for the next match. It was the only time he was dropped by Australia. The Boy from Bowral returned for the third Test at Melbourne, and made 79 and 112. He was the youngest player, at that time, to score a Test century. The rest, as they say ... The bat Bradman used on his debut was sold two years ago for about £65,000.

No.44 (Oct 14): Herbie Goes Bananas After 4-1 Win

After Warwick Armstrong led his tourists to a 3-0 win in 1921, England might have hoped a change of Australia captain would offer them respite. Alas, Herbie Collins took over to lead the Australians to another crushing win (4-1) in 1924-25. This was in spite of Herbert Sutcliffe scoring four hundreds and Jack Hobbs three, and Maurice Tate taking 38 wickets, 14 more than his closest rival. Australia's greater strength in depth proved key, however. England ended their sequence of 13 Ashes Tests without victory by winning at Melbourne, and it was at this stage that the series broke into its regular four-year pattern.

No.45 (Oct 15): England Crushed By Big Ship

The Ashes were put on hold during the First World War, and did not resume until 1920-21. Australia were led by the imposing Warwick Armstrong, who was known as 'The Big Ship'. The hosts won emphatically at Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney to inflict the first Ashes whitewash in a five-Test series. Jack Hobbs scored two centuries for England, but Australia's charge was led by Herbert Collins (who scored the most number of runs in the series, 557) and leg-spinner Arthur Mailey, who took 36 wickets. Armstrong also averaged 77, with three hundreds.

No.46 (Oct 16): Hobbs Masters Aussie Attack

England crashed to a 4-1 defeat in 1907-08 and also lost to the touring Australians in 1909. No one gave them much chance in 1911-12, particularly when they lost the first Test at Sydney thanks, in part, to Victor Trumper's 113, and 12 wickets for leg-spinner Herbert 'Ranji' Hordern. The Australians had not accounted for Surrey's Jack Hobbs, 'The Master', however, and he reeled off his first Ashes centuries - three of them, in successive wins: 126 not out at Melbourne, 187 at Adelaide and 178, again at Melbourne. The tourists also took the fifth Test, back at Sydney, to win the series 4-1.

No.47 (Oct 17): Plum Victory Down Under

England's fortunes had changed by the 1903-04 series, losing four series to Australia in a row. It was at this point that the term, 'the Ashes', caught on. Pelham Warner, the England captain known as Plum, talked about reclaiming them before departing that winter. His men, viewed as underdogs, answered his call, taking the series in Australia 3-2. In the first Test at Sydney, RE 'Tip' Foster struck 287, a Test record for the time, and still the highest score by a debutant, to help England win by five wickets. Plum Warner also managed Douglas Jardine's England side in Australia in 1932-33, famously objecting to the Bodyline / Leg Theory tactics that helped subdue Don Bradman and defeat the Australians.

No.48 (Oct 18): Ashes Are Born

After England's legendary defeat at the Oval on Aug 29, 1882, and that famous obituary in The Sporting Times, Ivo Bligh left for Australia with his side to attain their revenge. On the trip, Bligh and the amateurs in his party stayed at Rupertswood, a stately home at Sunbury in Victoria. Rupertswood was the home of Sir William Clarke, a wealthy landowner, and his wife is said to have asked that a bail – believed to have been used in the third match of the series – be burnt, the remains then poured into a terracotta urn and given to Bligh. England won the series 2-1, although the Ashes stayed at Rupertswood until 1927 before being taken to Lord's.

No.49 (Oct 19): The Demon Strikes

Test cricket's first hat-trick was taken by Australia's Fred 'The Demon' Spofforth. The third Test encounter between Australia and England began two days into 1879, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, after the sides had won a Test each in the winter of 1876-77. Spofforth's hat-trick reduced England to 113 all out in the first innings. He took six for 48, and then made 39 as Australia established a lead of 143. He was once again the destroyer in the second innings, taking seven for 62, and his side went on to win by 10 wickets. Spofforth was the man England - including WG Grace - dreaded facing. He was tall, quick, fiendishly accurate and, after he leapt dramatically into the crease, he could make the ball cut and swerve. In 1881 he is said to have travelled 400 miles by horseback to play in a minor match in Australia, in which he took all 20 wickets - all bowled. He later played for Derbyshire and Yorkshire.

No.50 (Oct 20): Where It All Began

The first Test match was staged between Australia (actually a Grand Combined Melbourne and Sydney XI) and England. It began on March 15, 1877 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It was timeless, and Australia won by 45 runs. David Gregory was Australia’s captain, while James Lillywhite led England. The tourists’ Alfred Shaw bowled the first ball, Allen Hill took the first wicket, and Australia’s Charles Bannerman (a native of Kent who moved to New South Wales) became the first centurion, making 165 in the first innings of the match. England’s Henry Jupp, from Surrey, was the only other player to score 50 in the Test, making 63 in the first innings, but he could not prevent Australia winning by 45 runs.

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India v Australia: Australia hold precarious lead going into day five

Determined: Australia's Ricky Ponting collides with Harbhajan Singh on his way to making a resolute 72 Photo: AFP

Indian spinners Pragyan Ojha and Harbhajan Singh shared five wickets as Australia struggled to 202 for seven at stumps Tuesday, an overall lead of 185 with one day remaining in a delicately poised second and final test.

After conceding a 17-run first-innings lead to India, Australia raced to 58 in 16 overs before losing three top-order batsmen in quick succession. A determined Ricky Ponting (72) figured in useful half-century stands with Michael Hussey (20) and Tim Paine (23) to bolster the middle order.

Openers Shane Watson (31) and Simon Katich (24) had started well, but the advent of the spinners pegged the visiting side back.

Watson was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Ojha, missing a half-century for the first time on the tour.

He scored a century in each innings (115 and 104) of a three-day practice game in Chandigarh. He then struck 126 and 56 in the first test at Mohali, where Australia lost by one wicket, and followed it up with 57 in the first innings here.

Watson's dismissal was followed by two more wickets in the space of seven runs.

Katich was caught behind by Mahendra Singh Dhoni off Harbhajan, while Clarke was stumped by Dhoni off Ojha as the batsman stretched out to reach a delivery that dipped sharply.

The pace bowlers started to get some reverse swing later in the innings. Left-armer Zaheer Khan removed Ponting after the Australian captain had struck one six and seven fours, while Paine (23) fell to Sreesanth just six runs later.

Ojha returned 3-57 and Harbhajan had 2-63 as India chased its first victory at the Bangalore venue since 1995.

Earlier, Sachin Tendulkar completed his sixth test double-century to guide India to 486 for five before India had a dramatic late collapse.

Resuming at 435 for five, India progressed to 486 before losing five wickets for nine runs and being dismissed for 495 on in reply to Australia's 478.

Tendulkar, who was on 191 at stumps on Monday, was first out, dragging a delivery from rookie paceman Peter George onto his stumps. His magnificent 214 was laced with 22 boundaries and two sixes.

Skipper Dhoni made 30 in 87 minutes, but Harbhajan, Zaheer and Sreesanth failed to deliver.

The lanky George, who also accounted for the wicket of Zaheer, combined with others to restrict the Indians.

Nathan Hauritz took two wickets in five balls as he dismissed Dhoni and last-man Sreesanth. Dhoni was caught at slip as he tried to drive a delivery from the spinner, while Sreesanth was trapped lbw.

Watson accounted for Harbhajan, who gave a simple catch to Ponting at mid-wicket.

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Former England batsman Graham Thorpe named ECB national batting coach

The 41-year-old, who had an 18-year first-class career with Surrey and scored 6,744 runs in 100 Tests for his country, has since returned to his former county side as batting coach.

In his new role he will replace Australian Dene Hills, who has had two years in the role which involves coaching batsmen within the England development programme and Lions and performance (EPP) squads.

Thorpe, who begins his new role next month, said: "I am very grateful to Surrey for giving me the chance to develop my coaching career and wish Chris Adams and all the players the best of luck next season.

"It will be hard to leave Surrey but this is a fantastic opportunity for me to help prepare the next generation of England batsmen by working with EPP, England Lions and England age-group squads and I am really looking forward to the challenge."

ECB performance director David Parsons said: "Graham has a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach and he will play a vital role working with some of the very best young batsmen in the game and ensuring they are able to excel when they make the step up to the full international side.

"He was very impressive when he worked with England Lions in the UAE earlier this year and both the players and management team held him in extremely high regard. We are very pleased to be welcoming him on a full-time basis.

"I would like to thank Dene Hills for his contribution over the last two years. We are very grateful for his hard work with the England performance programme and wish him well for the future."

Hills, who is to take up a position with Cricket Australia, added: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my role with the ECB and am genuinely sorry that my time with them has come to an end. I would like to thank David Parsons and the team at the National Cricket Performance Centre for making my time here so rewarding.

"I am looking forward to returning to Australia and having the opportunity to continue my coaching career."

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India v Australia: Sachin Tendulkar leads hosts to 2-0 Test series whitewash

Debutant Cheteshwar Pujara also rose to the occasion, posting 72 on a testing final-day pitch to set India on course to achieve their victory target of 207.

Australia's bowlers struggled against the free-scoring Indian batsmen, with Nathan Hauritz managing just one second-innings wicket while rival spinners Harbhajan Singh and Pragyan Ojha collected six wickets apiece in the match.

The defeat means Australia will head into their next Test assignment, the Ashes, ranked lower than opponents England after falling to fifth place in the ICC Test standings.

India dominated the final day completely once they bowled Australia out for 223 in the second innings and set themselves a target of 207 for victory, on the back of their slender 17-run lead in the first innings.

Zaheer Khan started the proceedings well for the tourists by adding two more wickets to his overnight scalp of Ricky Ponting, while Sreesanth got his second wicket when he bowled Ben Hilfenhaus off his pads.

In reply, India started strongly with Murali Vijay and Pujara scoring at a brisk pace and soon overcame the early loss of Virender Sehwag (seven), who was caught behind by Tim Paine off Hilfenhaus.

The pair defied the early help for Australia's bowlers and took India to 73 for two at lunch, with both batsmen unbeaten on 29.

In all, they added 72 runs in 13 overs before a bowling change after the interval did the trick for Australia as first-innings centurion Vijay, who batted confidently for his 37 off 45 balls, was trapped leg before by Watson.

Tendulkar got off the mark with a boundary and in the next over India inched past 100 with an overthrow.

Pujara brought up his maiden Test half-century soon after by pulling Watson to the mid-wicket boundary and by the 22nd over the victory target was down to 92.

Thereafter the debutant from Rajkot executed some attractive shots on both sides of the wicket. He was particularly aggressive against Hauritz, whose first three overs went for 30.

However, after making 72 from 89 balls, he was foxed by the spinner in his next over with a delivery which held its line after pitching and disturbed the off stump, bringing an end to his 57-run partnership with Tendulkar for the third wicket.

The exit of Pujara, whose innings was studded with seven fours, brought local boy Dravid to the middle. The veteran of 144 Tests played some delectable cover drives and quickly found his rhythm, after his first-innings single-digit score.

Tendulkar switched gears just before tea and hit Hauritz for two consecutive sixes over long on to bring the target down to 22 in the final session.

The duo took the team closer to the finishing line immediately after the break with some beautiful boundaries and quick singles as Tendulkar helped himself to another half-century.

Dravid remained unbeaten on 21 and together they added 61 runs in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand.

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ICC close investigation into Oval one-day international between England and Pakistan

The probe by the ICC's anti-corruption and security unit (ACSU) was triggered in response to a report by the Sun newspaper, which claimed it had evidence showing bookmakers knew details of the Pakistan innings before the Sept 17 match had begun.

A statement from the ICC today read: "Following extensive investigations into allegations about the one-day international between England and Pakistan at The Oval in London on 17 September, the ACSU has verified all the available information and concluded that there was no compelling evidence to suspect individual players or support staff.

"The investigation is now complete but if new and corroborating evidence comes to light then clearly the ACSU will re-open the matter."

Pakistan won the match by 23 runs following a batting collapse sparked by a stellar spell of bowling by Umar Gul.

"I had always said we played fairly and I had full confidence in my players, I am happy our position has been vindicated," Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan captain, said.

"We tried to remain focused on the cricket in England and won two matches in the one-day series. I am happy this issue is now behind us and we can now concentrate on the series against South Africa," he said.

Coach Waqar Younis said it was high time Pakistan cricket got some good news.

"The news of the investigation was disturbing so I am happy it is over now," he added.

After the match, Pakistan Cricket Board president Ijaz Butt accused Andrew Strauss' team of accepting money to lose it, accusations he withdrew when the England and Wales Cricket Board threatened legal action.

The investigation came amid a difficult tour for Pakistan which saw three of their players - Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif - suspended by the ICC following accusations of spot-fixing in the Lord's Test.

The three players, who deny any wrongdoing, have appealed their provisional suspensions, and an independent hearing will take place in Doha on Oct 30 and 31.

The ICC have now give the PCB 30 days to conduct a review into player integrity.

The statement continued: "If the PCB fails to carry out the above to the satisfaction of the board within the next 30 days, the board will consider what further action (including, if appropriate, sanctions) is required in the circumstances."

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ICC give green light to Test league

The proposals, given the green light at the ICC board meeting which concluded in Dubai today, would see the top four teams qualify for Test play-offs every four years.

A statement from the ICC today read: "These recommendations seek to give exciting content and context for international cricket within the Future Tours Programme (FTP) after 2012."

The board have suggested the first play-offs be held in 2013.

The board also recommended a one-day league, beginning in April next year and running on a similar four-year cycle, to exist separately from the World Cup.

Under the proposals, the World Cup will be reduced to 10 teams from 2015, while the World Twenty20 will be expanded to 16 from 2012.

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat said: "Restructuring international cricket is a significant strategic challenge and one that must be dealt with. We have now agreed in principle to exciting and far-reaching proposals to tackle this most important issue.

"Achieving balance and unanimous agreement is not easy but we have responded well to a strategic priority to restructure international cricket.

"The proposals, especially introducing more meaningful context, means we now have the potential to follow international cricket that is even more exciting."

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India v Australia: Sachin Tendulkar salutes team effort after Test series whitewash

India completed a clean sweep by winning the second Test in Bangalore by seven wickets.

Tendulkar played a crucial role in the victory by notching up an unbeaten 53 on the back of a first-innings double-century.

The multiple record holder was also involved in match-winning partnerships with Cheteshwar Pujara (72) and Rahul Dravid (21 not out).

In all Tendulkar scored 403 runs in the two Tests and his effort was acknowledged with the man of the match and man of the series awards.

However, he remained as humble as ever and gave credit to his team-mates - with a special mention for Ishant Sharma, whose three-wicket burst in the second innings and defiant tail-end vigil helped India win the first Test in Mohali by a whisker.

"I would like to congratulate the whole team, starting from Laxman and Zaheer Khan who helped us win. I must also mention Ishant Sharma's contribution in the first Test," Tendulkar said.

"Pujara showed tremendous character and his partnership with Vijay was a very crucial one," said the winner of this year's International Cricket Council Cricketer of the Year award.

"This series was a fantastic one. Normally, there is not much of a crowd for Test cricket but I must thank the Bangaloreans for coming out. You guys made the victory sweeter," he said.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised the efforts of his bowlers on batsman-friendly pitches.

"As a captain I keep losing tosses which means the bowlers have to come in and bowl on flat tracks. But they have bowled really well," Dhoni said.

On Australia losing both the Tests despite notching up scores in excess of 400 in their first innings, Dhoni said: "In India you can just lose a Test in two sessions. You need to play well in all the five days."

Rival captain Ricky Ponting admitted that India outplayed them in the series.

"We have played reasonably good Test cricket but we were outplayed," he said.

"We needed to get a few early wickets today, we got one but Pujara and (Murali) Vijay batted well," he said.

On the positives for the visitors from the tour, Ponting said: "(Ben) Hilfenhaus and (Mitchell) Johnson have been good. (Shane) Watson has been good."

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Ricky Ponting slams 'uninformed' Shane Warne over criticisms of field placings in Test loss

Field of screams: Ricky Ponting (left) and Nathan Hauritz discuss field positions against India Photo: AP

The former leg-spinner blasted Ponting for what he perceived to be an unhelpful field for Nathan Hauritz during the last game of the two-match series, which India won 2-0 after triumphing in the contest by seven wickets.

Warne wrote on Twitter: ''How the hell can Hauritz bowl to this field?? Feeling for Hauritz, terrible!! What are these tactics? Sorry Ricky but what are you doing?''

The 41 year-old appeared frustrated with Ponting's field placements during Hauritz's opening spell, when he was brought on in the ninth over with India at 47 for one in their chase of 207.

The off-spinner bowled to a prominently leg-side field with players placed at deep point, long-on and long-off, slip, short-leg and leg slip.

But Ponting insisted the field was the bowler's choice: ''Every field that Nathan's had to bowl with since he's been here is at his request, it's the fields that he wants to bowl to," said the Australia skipper.

''Unfortunately it doesn't appear that Shane would take the time to ask anyone about that.

''Warne's got his opinion out in the public at the moment, and it's a personal opinion. Different people say things at different times, we don't always agree with all of them, that's life I guess.

''It would be nice if they were a bit more informed before they made some of their comments though.''

Hauritz conceded 22 runs in his first two overs, and was immediately removed from attack by a worried Ponting. Hauritz ultimately returned figures of one for 76 in 12 overs.

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Personal tragedy pushes Yorkshire's Steve Patterson to marathon fund-raiser

"Some people will be wondering what would possess me to do that at this time of year, but it is something that means a lot to me," Patterson said.

"I had a tragic time with my family last year when I lost a couple of my cousins within a month and it was a very tough time for my family.

"My cousins were in the process of raising money for the British Lung Foundation because they'd lost a friend themselves to a lung problem and after a bit of time we decided as a family that, in their memory, we would take on that responsibility to raise what they never got the opportunity to do.

The Hull-born 26-year-old has set up his own fund-raising website, and has appealed for sponsorship. "The eldest of my cousins was 27 years old when she died we decided that our target should be £27,000," Patterson said.

"I had to contribute something myself. It had to be out of season and decided the New York Marathon would be a great opportunity and experience and opted for that."

"Have a read of my story, you don't have to necessarily sponsor me, it explains a bit more detail of what happened and why I'm raising this money. If you read it and think it's a valuable cause they would be very welcome to donate."

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The Ashes 2010: Kevin Pietersen is a disruptive influence, says John Buchanan

Disruptive influence? Kevin Pietersen is a divisive figure who could disrupt the England camp, according to former Australia coach John Buchanan Photo: PA

Pietersen has assumed the role as Australia's favourite target as the Ashes series looms with Buchanan's comments following similar swipes from Ricky Ponting, who last week described him as a the vulnerable link in the England side.

Buchanan, who worked on a consultancy basis for a week with the England and Wales Cricket Board last summer, has previous history of criticising Pietersen, describing him as a "man apart" and selfish for refusing to bat at No 4 during the Ashes series of 2006-07.

Pietersen's image as a loner jars with the Australian team ethic and Buchanan, who makes his comments in the next issue of the Wisden Cricketer, clearly feels his barren run of form in Test cricket is a potential pressure point for Ponting and his men to exploit when the Ashes series begins in Brisbane on Nov 25.

"They [England] seem to have a new mental toughness and they are more consistent, except for the odd glitch, which is mainly Kevin Pietersen," Buchanan said. "He is a quality player and he could be an incredible strength for them but, if he's not scoring runs, he could become a major problem for the batting line-up and the entire team. Andy Flower has been trying to work on that.

"Pietersen hasn't done himself or the team any favours with his recent twittering. Two of the things that will be tested in Australia are strength and unity and clearly he hasn't understood his role within the team yet. He has the potential to be an individualist and fragmentary. It needs to be managed by Strauss and Flower."

Buchanan had envisaged a more long-term role with the ECB when he arrived in England this summer but later claimed they couldn't afford his fees. Public criticism of England's leading talent may not be the best way to gain future employment but he is clearly impressed with the management of Strauss and Flower, claiming they can make the team the best in the world.

"The future looks very healthy and I believe England can be world leaders within the next three years," he said. "The pathways and people they have in place could see them overtake the rest of the world."

Buchanan goaded England by asking them to give Australia "a contest" during the whitewash of four years ago but senses a different result this time, providing they remain united.

"None of them has any experience of winning in Australia," he said. "Playing overseas is very different and they have yet to prove they can do it over a five-Test series in Australia.

"At some point doubts will start to creep into their heads and it is all about how they deal with them. They need to retain this spirit and sense of purpose.

"England teams in the past would often be beaten before the Test started. They didn't believe in themselves, even when they were ahead, but they are better at handling that now. The top four, Strauss, Cook, Trott and Pietersen, will be England's most important players. That is where the series will be decided. Whoever wins the battle of the top fours will win the series."

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ICC gives Pakistan Cricket Board 30 days to clamp down on corruption

Back track: the PCB has agreed not to make public comments regarding match-fixing after Ijaz Butt's clumsy accusations against England Photo: REUTERS

The PCB has signed a letter to the International Cricket Council agreeing to a series of steps to improve its handling of corruption issues.

Clarke, in his role as chairman of the ICC's Pakistan Task Force, persuaded the PCB to agree to a strict set of measures which will bring it in line with the rest of the cricketing world.

The PCB has agreed to implement an anti-corruption education programme for players and officials as well as not make public comments regarding match-fixing issues, a clear reference to Ijaz Butt's clumsy accusations against England.

A statement from the ICC hinted at sanctions against the PCB if it failed to adhere to the new guidelines and the ICC's increased involvement in the running of Pakistan cricket could be the first phase of a formal takeover of a dysfunctional board.

The ICC has cleared players and officials from England and Pakistan of any alleged fixing during a recent one-day international at the Brit Insurance Oval. The match was subject of an ICC investigation following a tip-off from the Sun newspaper. However, according to sources, the ICC anti-corruption police unearthed links to other ongoing fixing scandals during the course of their investigation into those allegations.

"We have stressed, without any comment on the present case, that we will not tolerate any form of corruption in cricket and that we will work tirelessly to root out those who have acted in a way which brings cricket into disrepute," Sharad Pawar, the chairman of the ICC, said.

"The matter of integrity is non-negotiable. Integrity and honesty are the bedrock of our game and ICC will protect that foundation stone with everything at its disposal."

The Pakistan players accused of spot-fixing during the Lord's Test against England – Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt – will face an appeal hearing in Qatar on Oct 30.

The ICC meeting in Dubai on Wednesday also rubber-stamped proposals for a Test championship, which will result in the top four teams in the rankings system playing-off in a semi-final and final. The first tournament is due to take place in 2013 with Lord's a likely venue.

An extensive restructuring of international cricket also includes the formation of a one-day league with a final to mirror the Test championship and a reduction in the number of teams participating in the 50-over World Cup. That tournament has long been perceived to be overblown and from 2014 onwards will be contested by only 10 teams, four fewer than now. The carrot for smaller associate nations is increased places on offer for the World Twenty20, which will be expanded from 12 to 16 sides.

"Restructuring international cricket is a significant strategic challenge and one that must be dealt with," said Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive. "We have now agreed in principle to exciting and far reaching proposals to tackle this important issue."

The ICC has also decided to remain based in Dubai after considering moving back to London.

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The Ashes 2010: Australia captain Ricky Ponting's world turned upside down by India

It was Sachin Tendulkar who administered the latest blow to Australia's self-esteem, stroking an unbeaten half-century to seal India's 2-0 series win. From the moment when Ponting was lbw to the excellent Zaheer Khan, late on Tuesday evening, the Bangalore Test had always looked to be heading India's way.

Their comfortable seven-wicket margin made it a routine victory by comparison with the last-ditch drama of Mohali, where Australian substitute fielder Steven Smith could have won the match with a direct hit from 15 yards.

Wednesday's result was another disappointment for Ponting, whose record as captain in India now stands at seven Tests, five defeats and two draws. Ironically, a broken thumb forced him out of most of the 2004 tour – the only time in the last 30 years when Australia have won a series there – and it was Adam Gilchrist who carried the Aussies over "the final frontier".

Speaking after the match, Ponting identified faults in every department of Australia's cricket. Their batting, he said, should not have been brushed aside so easily in the second innings, while the seamers had failed to match Zaheer in the dark arts of reverse-swing.

Most worryingly of all, Nathan Hauritz's off-spin was spanked all over the place, yielding the alarming figures of 12-0-76-1. It was a bleak day for Hauritz, if not quite as grim as Bryce McGain's one and only Test against South Africa, when the leg-spinner returned 18-2-149-0.

Australia's failure to find a spinner with even a fraction of Shane Warne's ability is the biggest single reason for Ashes optimism, especially when Graeme Swann seems to improve with each match.

Yet Warne has sympathy for his successors' plight. "How the hell can Hauritz bowl to this field?" he wrote on his Twitter page on Wednesday morning. "What are these tactics? Sorry Ricky but what are you doing?"

"Those are the fields [Hauritz] wants to bowl to," a frustrated Ponting returned on Wednesday night. "Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that Shane would take the time to ask anyone about that."

While the disagreement was relatively low-key, it may be symptomatic of growing disquiet in Australia about Ponting's record as captain. On the two biggest tours – England and India – his tally stands at four defeats from four Test series.

With the exception of the Hauritz debate, this Test probably had less to say about Australia's Ashes prospects than the last one. We already knew that they tend to struggle in subcontinental conditions, which are about as different from their own high-bouncing pitches as it is possible to get.

What was new in Mohali was the mental frailty that allowed the Indians to recover from 124 for eight to overhaul a target of 216. In his playing days, Warne always used to say that the Poms would crumble under pressure. But on the evidence of last year's denouement at the Brit Oval, it is now Ponting's mob who are flaking out at key moments.

Australia's tumble down the rankings ladder began just over a year ago, with that seismic defeat in South London. Since then, they have dropped more points against Pakistan and now India.

But that's where it will stop. Even in the unlikely event that England win the Ashes 5-0, Australia's ranking cannot get any worse for years to come, as there is a big gap between the five major Test teams and the others who make up the numbers.

Not that it is much consolation for a team who are used to lording it over all comers. Backdated records show that Australia have held an effective monopoly over Test cricket. If the rankings system had existed back between 1995 and 2009, they would have spent all but eight months at the top.

There are few things in sport more fascinating than the decline of a dynasty. Now, as results fall away around him, Ponting finds himself cast in an unenviable role: the last emperor of Australian cricket.

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Ricky Ponting: it takes five good days to win a test match

Published: 12:03PM BST 14 Oct 2010

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/sportvideo/cricketvideo/8063583/Ponting-it-takes-five-days-to-win-a-test-match.html

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Bangladesh secure historic win against New Zealand

Batting first, the Tigers set a competitive target of 242 thanks largely to skipper Shakib Al Hasan's superb 106 off 113 deliveries.

In reply, the New Zealand top order crumbled and despite Kane Williamson's 108 off 132 balls giving the visitors hope, Bangladesh held their nerve to bundle their opponents out for 232.

Bangladesh got off to a forgettable start, losing three key wickets within the first eight overs.

Shahriar Nafees was out to a golden duck from the second delivery of the day, new man Junaid Siddique (17) then fell in the fifth over, while Raqibul Hasan (six) departed in the eighth, becoming Hamish Bennett's first ODI victim.

With the hosts reeling at 44 for three, Shakib took the reigns with gusto, smashing a boundary off his first ball. He held fort for Bangladesh - hitting 11 fours and a six - and was part of three 50-plus partnerships along the way.

Imrul Kayes (37), Mushfiqur Rahim (13) and Mahmudullah (37) offered useful support to their captain, but with Shakib's dismissal in the 43rd over, no batsman could contribute much, the last four wickets falling for just 35 runs.

In response, New Zealand too lost three wickets within eight overs, with BJ Watling (six) the first to go followed by Brendon McCullum (21), who was brilliantly caught and bowled by Shafiul Islam, and Ross Taylor (three), caught at deep square leg by Islam off Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Wickets fell at regular intervals for the Black Caps, Aaron Redmond trapped lbw by Shakib in the 17th over, ending a 33-run stand, with captain Daniel Vettori joining him in the pavilion three overs later.

Grant Elliott (22) and Williamson brought the New Zealand batting back to life with a 70-run sixth-wicket partnership, but the former threw his wicket away in the 37th over, a high top edge well caught by Abdur Razzak.

Williamson battled through cramps to give his side a fighting chance, hitting six boundaries and two sixes en route to becoming the youngest New Zealander to score a one-day century.

The match went right down to the wire in the final few overs, with some wild slogs and a brilliant direct-hit run out (Nathan McCullum out for 33), before two catches ended the New Zealand effort.

Evergreen India veteran Sachin Tendulkar has returned to the top of the Test batsmen rankings for the first time since 2002 after his sparkling run of recent form.

Tendulkar's man-of-the-match display in the second Test against Australia this week was enough to secure him the number one spot eight years after he last occupied it.

The 37-year-old's 214 and unbeaten 53 inspired India to a seven-wicket win over the tourists and secured a 2-0 victory in the series. He jumped from fourth to edge out Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and compatriot Virender Sehwag and top the ratings for the ninth time in his career.

His first spell at the top came in November 1994.

South Africa's Dale Steyn remains the leading Test bowler with England's Graeme Swann second.

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England's Ian Bell insists Australia remain Ashes favourites

“The first Test in India could have gone either way, Australia might have won it and if they had the series would not have been quite as bad as it looks,” Bell said.

“Playing in India is completely different to playing in Australia. Even though Australia will come back disappointed it will have no reflection on what we do in Australia.

“They didn’t lose a Test at home last year so they will still have the confidence of playing at home. They know how to win at home.

“I still believe, and I’m sure a lot of people do, that Australia have got to be favourites playing at home.

“They have come off the back off some real harsh results playing in England recently, but that’s playing in England in different conditions with a different ball. It’s a completely different game.

“We will have to adjust our game plans as well from playing in England and try to play an Aussie brand of cricket out there.”

England had no answer to Australia’s aggressive brand of cricket four years ago but Ponting is now captain of a side in transition.

Seven members of the side who tormented England four years ago — Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee — have since retired from Test cricket. Bell is one of seven survivors from that series who will depart for Australia two weeks today.

“The team I played against in 2005 and again in 2006-07 was arguably one of the best teams of all time,” Bell said.

“It was a hell of a lesson early in my Test career to play them at home. This Australia team has different personnel, it’s a younger side and less experienced than the one I started against. But they will still have that Australian aggression. That’s also important for us. When we have played well we have played quite aggressive cricket as well.

“Last time we went to Australia believing that we could win. That got closed down very quickly and by the end we were getting annihilated.

“The last time we only had two or three who had played there, so we had minimal experience of what it took to play in Australia.

“Now have got seven guys who know what it takes to play in Australia. We have a match-winner in Kevin Pietersen and we have a bowling attack that is starting to emerge together nicely as it did in 2005.

"There are some nice signs but it counts for nothing when you get over there. The first day at Brisbane is where it all matters.”

Four years ago England played only one first-class match before the first Test and were under-prepared. This time they will play Western Australia, South Australia and Australia A before the first Test starts on November 25.

“Four years ago we went straight to Australia from an ICC Champions Trophy so we only had a couple of weeks of preparation,” Bell said.

“This time we are there for a month and the three warm-up games will be like three Test matches because you know that they just want to beat you every time.”

Somerset have emerged as favourites to sign seamer Gemaal Hussain, who has joined the exodus of senior players from Gloucestershire.

Hussain, 27, was the leading wicket-taker in this year’s County Championship second division with 67 but has turned down the offer of a contract extension from Gloucestershire.

Somerset, who have already signed paceman Steve Kirby from Gloucestershire, are believed to be close to completing the signing of Hussain though Hampshire have also made an approach for him.

Gloucestershire have also lost former Zimbabwe international seamer Anthony Ireland to Middlesex and Ireland batsman Will Porterfield to Warwickshire.

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