Yusuf Abdullah, the South African pace bowler, will be joining the King's XI Punjab squad to replace the injured West Indies pace bowler Jerome Taylor for the upcoming second season of the IPL.

Speaking on this, an elated Abdullah said, “I'm quite excited about the upcoming challenge. The IPL is in town and this is a good opportunity for me, hopefully I can do well.”

Wellington (New Zealand), Apr. 6: Indian cricketer and former captain Rahul Dravid has broken the world record for the most number of catches in test matches by an outfielder.

When Dravid helped to dismiss the New Zealand batsman, Tim McIntosh, in Wellington, it was his 182nd catch in a test career going back to 1996, reports the BBC.

Dravid''s landmark was reached on the fourth day of India''s third Test match against New Zealand at Wellington.

The previous record holder was Mark Waugh of Australia.

Wellington, Apr. 6 : Staring down the barrel of a 600-plus run chase in the third test against India, New Zealand coach Andy Moles has asked his batsmen to concentrate on saving the test on a playable pitch rather than trying to be heroes and win it.

The world record chase is 418-7 by the West Indies against Australia in Antigua in 2003 and New Zealand''s best is 324-5 against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994.

London, Apr. 5 : Taking a u-turn from his ‘never play for New Zealand again’ stance, retired Kiwi pacer Shane Bond has expressed desire to don the Black Cap once again.

Bond, who is training hard to get into shape, is planning a return to first class cricket for Canterbury next season.

The fiery fast bowler, whom batsman across the world feared facing, had joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) two years ago, halting his international career abruptly.

Karachi, Apr. 5 : Pakistan selectors have made it clear that players who have joined the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL), would not be considered for the national squad even if they terminate their contract with the league.

“We wanted clarifications on whether we could consider the ICL players who have made themselves available for national selection. But we have been told by the cricket board they can’t be considered at this stage,” The Dawn quoted one of the selector, as saying.

Wellington, Apr 5 : New Zealand coach Andy Moles has rubbished suggestions that Jeetan Patel should be picked regardless of whether a pitch favours spinners or seamers.

"We always look at the surface first and the team is selected based on that. Jeetan bowled really well in Napier and there's no doubting that when the wicket suits two spinners, we are lucky to have someone of his quality ready to play," Moles told Sunday News.