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Scorecard</aVijaykumar Yomahesh's glorious hat-trick killed off England to gloss a performance of pure Indian silk at Cardiff.Tanmay Srivistava may have lost the toss but from then on neither he nor his team put a foot wrong, smothering the England batsmen with suffocating fields, bowling tight lines and then knocking off the 165 required runs inside 30 overs for just one wicket to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in this three-match series.England may be playing for pride only now, but there will be no let-up for them as the teams return to Sophia Gardens tomorrow. It was their batting that let them down today; they were a clear 90 runs shy of a competitive target and the game was pretty much up at the half-way stage. India's openers Uday Kaul and Parveez Aziz promptly confirmed matters with a rollicking stand of 125, showing just how flat the pitch was.Kaul made a polished 58 not out, while Aziz scorched his way to 79 from 55 balls with some sumptuous cover-drives before holing out in the deep going for glory. This was supposed to be a floodlit match, but the lights were needed for just three overs as India well and truly dazzled.While Yomahesh's memorable three-card trick of hostile quality put paid to England's tail, the innings had melted long before under a sultry sun. On a true pitch, the only gremlins were those in England heads, created by India's demon bowling and equally devilish fielding.Frustrated by the lack of scoring opportunities, too many batsmen sent easy catches straight to fielders – that is, when they weren't being blasted out by Ishant Sharma. He used all of his six foot four inches to slam down delivery after nagging delivery and take three wickets, all bowled. Both openers fell to him: Varun Chopra for a duck, bowled through the gate, and he then yorked Moeen Ali (51 for 2). Later he removed England's topscorer Adam Lyth for 36, just as the batsman was looking like he could push England to at least 200.Sharma hunted well with Yomahesh: at the start and end of the innings they really put the skids under England. Yomahesh followed up his destructive three-wicket haul in the opening match with the hat-trick here. Paul Dixey stopped on a cover-drive, Andrew Miller was clean-bowled, and then it was as much as Steven Finn could do to feather through to bring England's misery to an end on 164 and complete only the second one-day international hat-trick at this level, following Luke Wright's example a few years ago.An ecstatic Indian team, who had been chirruping all of England's innings, then whooped around the field for joy. They knew Yomahesh had done something special. They also knew what a strong position they were in, even after just 50 overs. England's bowlers stuck well to their task, and they fielded with application, but despite the game attempt at geeing each other up, they knew their batting hadn't been at the races. India cantered home in style.

MCC has announced a further £1 million investment in ground improvements at Lord’s, less than a year after an $8.2 million refurbishment of the pavilion.The Indoor School and the Mound Stand will benefit from the expenditure. The School will have a new Supergrasse playing surface installed, while the Mound Stand, which was opened in 1987, will have its distinctive marquee-style rook replaced as the existing structure has reached the end of its lifespan.”These projects reflect MCC determination to continue investing in Lord’s, to ensure that our world-famous ground retains its world-class status,” explained Roger Knight, the MCC’s secretary and chief executive. “We want the ground to look at its best both for the coming cricket seasons and, looking further ahead, for the archery competition in the London Olympics of 2012.”Both projects will start at the end of the summer and are expected to be completed by the start of next season.

Andrew Flintoff in action for Lancashire in the Twenty20 Cup© Getty Images

The ECB has confirmed that Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson will be available to play for Lancashire in the Twenty20 Cup finals day this Saturday at Edgbaston (August 7). While the majority of the contracted England players were ordered not to turn out for their counties ahead of the third Test, Flintoff and Anderson, along with Mark Butcher and Simon Jones, have been given the all clear.The ECB stressed the importance of the players having to rest and recuperate after the back-to-back Tests against West Indies, but due to the status of the Twenty20 Cup, they were able to make an exception just this once.The news will please many Lancashire supporters, as well as Warren Hegg, the captain, who was understandably keen to have Flintoff in his ranks for the big day. On the back of a Test-best score of 167, Flintoff played only two Twenty20 matches in the qualifying stage, but still managed to top the averages with 58 from two innings of 85 and 31.”I know there’s nothing Freddie would like more than to play for Lancashire in a big final.” Hegg told the BBC. “It all depends how serious they [the ECB] are about wanting the competition to be a success. This is a big showpiece day for English cricket when they’re trying to get the public’s interest, and it would be great to have the top players like Jimmy and Freddie playing in it.” Well, he has got his wish.Butcher will be available to play for Surrey, although he is struggling to be fit in time for the finals day, as well as the third Test, with a thigh injury. Graham Thorpe, however, will not be available due to a sore achilles.Jones, who was left out of England’s starting XI for the last Test, and then also for Glamorgan’s Championship match against Hampshire, is free to play in their current match at Taunton, the Twenty20 day, and the National League match at Canterbury on Monday, August 9.The finals day includes the two semi-finals, to be fought out between Lancashire and Surrey, last year’s finalists, and then Leicestershire and Glamorgan. The final will be played under the floodlights at 7pm.

Back in the fold: Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson, the uncapped Somerset fast bowler, is the one newname in England’s squad of 12 for the second npower Test againstZimbabwe, which starts at Chester-le-Street on Thursday (June 5).Johnson replaces Matthew Hoggard from the side that won the firstTest, at Lord’s, by an innings inside three days. Hoggard injured hisknee earlier this week playing for Yorkshire in the C&G Trophy. JamesKirtley, 12th man at Lord’s, retains his place in the squad, and the lastplace in the starting XI probably lies between those two. Johnson mightjust edge it by virtue of his better batting credentials – earlier thisyear he smote his maiden first-class century.Johnson, who’s now 28, has been close to England selection before: after a good 1995 season with his then-county Middlesex, he was chosen for the winter tour of South Africa, but had to pull out with back trouble. He was also called up fortwo Tests of the 2001 Ashes series, but missed out when the teamwas named, and toured India in 2001-02 without making the Test side.David Graveney, England’s chairman of selectors, said: “RichardJohnson has been in our plans for a while and has been selected nowthat he is fully fit again after suffering from a groin strain earlier inthe season. He is in good form and is a bowler who is capable of 90mphpace and making the ball swing.”The only other absentee from the squad called up for Lord’s is AndyFlintoff, who is still unable to bowl after injuring his shoulder. But heshowed yesterday that he can still bat, hammering a rapid 154 forLancashire against Kent at Canterbury.Graveney explained: “Andrew Flintoff is back playing for Lancashire asa batsman and we will continue to monitor his fitness. But we did notconsider him for this Test match as we feel that he is not yet ready forthe rigours of a five-day game.”Flintoff’s replacement, Anthony McGrath, is set to retain his place after apromising debut at Lord’s – he scored 69 and took three wickets -even though he picked up a side injury that will restrict his bowling.Either Johnson or Kirtley will be winning his first cap, but the focus onThursday will be on another Test debutant. The Riverside ground atChester-le-Street in Durham will be England’s first new Test venue for101 years – since Sheffield’s Bramall Lane in 1902. England lost thatgame to Australia and never played in Sheffield again, but theRiverside, with its clean stands and room to breathe, should have amuch rosier future.England Squad Marcus Trescothick (Somerset), Michael Vaughan (Yorkshire),Mark Butcher (Surrey), Nasser Hussain (capt, Essex), Robert Key (Kent), Alec Stewart (wkt, Surrey), Anthony McGrath (Yorkshire), Ashley Giles (Warwickshire),Richard Johnson (Somerset), Stephen Harmison (Durham), James Anderson (Lancashire), James Kirtley (Sussex).

National Bank coasted to a six-wicket win over Pakistan Customs in thePatron’s Trophy Grade-I tie at Jinnah Stadium in Gujranwala Saturday.A defiant knock of 103 from all-rounder Azhar Shafiq was not enough tosave the defending champions from going to last season’s runners-up,says a message here. National Bank, who were set a target of 147, werewell served by Pakistan captain Waqar Younis who slammed 64 off 65deliveries while batting at No 4.Waqar and Akhtar Sarfraz (21 not out) added 63 for the fourth wicketafter National Bank had lost three for 53. Earlier, Customs were ableto muster another 70 before being all out for 309 with the left-handedAzhar Shafiq scoring 53 of them to complete a well-deserved century,having resumed at 53.National Bank’s target would have been much smaller had Azhar Shafiqnot put on 53 for the last wicket with Tabish Nawab (7). Azhar battedfor three minutes short of four hours and faced 180 deliveries. Thechief destroyer on the final day was lanky international pacemanShabbir Ahmed three of the last four wickets. He finished with fivefor 72 in 23 overs.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side continued their incredibly impressive run of form on Saturday afternoon, with the Magpies running out comfortable 2-0 winners over Brentford in west London.

The victory now makes it seven fixtures unbeaten for the 44-year-old’s outfit – with four of these coming as wins – not to mention seeing the club climb to 14th place in the Premier League standings, four points clear of the relegation zone.

As is perhaps to be expected after such a result, there were a number of Newcastle players who turned in highly impressive performances at the Brentford Community Stadium, with Ryan Fraser, Joe Willock and Fabian Schar all having stormers against Thomas Frank’s side.

However, it was undoubtedly the display of the resurgent Joelinton that stood out most on Saturday afternoon, as the Brazilian continued his incredible renaissance as a part of Howe’s midfield three.

Won 11 duels

Indeed, over his 90 minutes on the pitch against Brentford, the £13.5m-rated man was once again imperious in the middle of the park, enjoying 61 touches of the ball, completing 31 passes – one of which was key – taking two shots at the opposition goal, completing one dribble and finding his man with his one attempted long ball – not to mention bagging Newcastle’s opener with a brilliant back-post header.

However, it was not just in an attacking capacity that the £80k-per-week forward impressed, as the 25-year-old also won 11 of his 19 duels, made four clearances, four tackles, won three fouls and blocked one shot.

These returns saw the player who Callum Willson dubbed “unreal” receive an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.7, while 90min awarded the £40m signing a nine in their own player ratings.

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Indeed, it is difficult to argue with this rating, as Joelinton once again stole the show in the heart of the Newcastle team on Saturday, reinforcing Wilson’s further statement regarding his teammate – that “he’s a joke” in his new-found position.

In other news: Howe could finally replace Yohan Cabaye at NUFC with “wonderful” £27m-rated magician

Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGrant Elliot collected 4 for 15 to rip through Karachi Kings’ top order•PSL

Grant Elliott picked up his second consecutive Man-of-the-Match award, helping Quetta Gladiators become the first team to seal a spot in PSL playoffs following their five-wicket win against Karachi Kings in Sharjah.Elliott followed up his 3 for 25 against Islamabad United on Thursday with a career-best 4 for 15, carving through Karachi’s top order and restricting the team to a below-par 126 for 9. Karachi’s captain Shoaib Malik top-scored with 45, but nobody else made more than 23, as Elliott struck at regular intervals to thwart any momentum Karachi hoped of building. Anwar Ali, Zulfiqar Babar, Aizaz Cheema and Mohammad Nabi snared a scalp apiece, as Quetta were left needing just over six an over in their chase.Ahmed Shehzad ensured Quetta aced the small chase without any major worry, as his 27-ball 41 guided the team home inside 19 overs. Karachi kept striking blows at various points, but did not have enough left to defend with, as handy knocks from Kevin Pietersen (26) and Sarfraz Ahmed (29) lifted Quetta to their fifth win of the season.

	Sophia Gardens opened for business after the redevelopment … Glamorgan took on Gloucestershire last Friday © Getty Images

Former England captain Mike Atherton has called into doubt the ECB’s decision to award an Ashes Test next year to the redeveloped Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.The rebuilt ground – which Glamorgan now refer to as the Swalec Stadium after selling the naming rights – only has a capacity of 16,000, smaller than any of the traditional venues which were all sold out in 2005. The ECB’s decision was based on commercial factors, with Cardiff guaranteeing a greater income, even if not more spectators, than grounds like Old Trafford.”The Swalec Stadium has a capacity of 16,000, but look at Australia and you’ve got capacities of 50,000, 60,000, even 100,000,” Atherton said. “To my mind the first Ashes Test should be, and could be, a game that you could sell out many times over the 16,000 capacity here, so I question the ECB’s policy of increasing the number of international grounds.”The ECB’s decision to add new venues to the existing number of international grounds has caused concern, with fears that the reduction in guaranteed matches as the load is spread thinner might place the futures of some of them in doubt.”You have to ask whether a better policy would be to reduce the number of Test match grounds, but increase the capacity and availability for people to buy tickets to watch Ashes cricket,” Atherton said. “By doing that you’d be able to reduce the price of tickets and make it more affordable for families.”While he described the new-look ground, which staged its first match on Friday night, as “functional”, he added that it looked “terrific compared with the old Sophia Gardens.”

Jayantha Dharmadasa, the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, has expressed disappointment at the withdrawal of Rumesh Ratnayake as assistant coach of the Sri Lankan team.Ratnayake, the former Sri Lankan fast bowler, had signed a four-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket nearly a month ago to become assistant coach, replacing the outgoing coach Trevor Penney. But in a complete u-turn Ratnayake has stated in a letter that he is unable to accept the position due to family commitments.”I am very disappointed with Rumesh’s decision. We have been trying to get his services for the past two years and when he decided to sign with us to become assistant coach we were extremely happy,” said Dharmadasa. “We have been criticised for not contracting former cricketers for the job of coach. This is what we get in return when we try to open the doors for them.”Dharmadasa said that he had great difficulty in getting Ratnayake released from his present position as development officer of the Asian Cricket Council of which Dharmadasa is the chairman. He said that Trevor Bayliss, who has signed a two-year contract with SLC to become Sri Lanka’s next head coach, will be given the opportunity to find a suitable assistant.

New Zealand’s prolonged break from international cricket is good news for some © AFP

New Zealand’s lack of cricket in coming months may not be an ideal situation for many, but Daniel Vettori is unlikely to be arguing about it.The Black Caps are not scheduled to play any international cricket till October, when they take part in the Champions Trophy in India and that break allows Vettori ample time to successfully recover from a stress fracture of the back.Vettori arrived back in New Zealand earlier this week, having had to cut short a county contract with Warwickshire after just one game due to his injury and he now begins the long road back to full fitness.”It’s just the process it has been in the past of resting and once the pain subsides I can get back into rehab,” Vettori told the . “I’m fortunate there’s no international cricket till October and I’m confident of being back for the Champions Trophy.” New Zealand cricket said recently they expect Vettori to resume training in approximately 12 weeks, which would give him another month before the start of the Champions Trophy to regain fitness.Having broken down once already with a stress fracture of the back – in 2000 which eventually compelled him to remodel his action – Vettori said he was aware that it might be something similar during his first game for Warwickshire.”I’ve grown accustomed to a bit of pain but it got a little sorer in England and I thought I needed to do something about it.”New Zealand open their Champions Trophy campaign against South Africa on October 16 in Mumbai in a difficult group which also includes Pakistan.