Cricket: Nottinghamshire sack Hemmings again

EDDIE HEMMINGS, the former England off-spinner, has been sacked by Nottinghamshire for the second time in his career.

Hemmings, who was released by the county at the end of a successful 13- year playing spell in 1992,has now been relieved of his duties as bowling coach at Trent Bridge after just 18 months. Nottinghamshire have stated that major differences of opinion led to them terminating their agreement with the former Test player.

It is understood that Hemmings, always one to express forthright views, has had disagreements with several of the county's senior bowlers.

Hemmings said: "Things haven't worked out as planned and this is best for all concerned. I have worked as a freelance coach with a number of counties before and I hope to do so again."

The chairman of cricket, Stuart Foster, said: "We are grateful to Eddie for his contribution and hope that he finds another position in the game."

Sri Lanka beat Hampshire by five wickets in their rain-affected three- day tour game at Southampton. Chandika Hathurusingha scored an unbeaten 108 while Mahela Jayawardena just missed out on a century when he was dismissed for 90 just after tea.

Hampshire made 347 for 8 on the first day, while the whole of the second day was washed out by rain.

Sri Lanka's opening batsman Russel Arnold had a morning he will want to forget - he was dismissed twice for nought. In the first innings he was out to the fifth ball he received before the contrived declaration at 39 for 4, and he failed to score in the second.