Manjrekar returns with century

Cricket

Sanjay Manjrekar returned to action with a century for the Indian tourists against British Universities at Fenner's yesterday. Playing for the first time since damaging an ankle in the first Test against England, he made 101 in 138 balls as India scored 391 for 5.

"It's good to be back on the cricket field again and although the ankle is still weak, from now on it is a mental thing," said Manjrekar, who is expected to replace Ajay Jadeja in the third Test at Trent Bridge next week. However, Jadeja may have complicated matters for the Indian selectors by scoring an unbeaten 95 from 108 balls.

The most spectacular batting of the day came from tour captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who cracked three huge sixes and seven fours in his 73. There was also a half-century for Vikram Rathore.

The Yorkshire captain, David Byas, is determined that his side will rekindle their County Championship hopes against Worcestershire at New Road today. But he knows that his team, knocked off the top by Kent in the last round of matches, will have to improve against a Midlands side who, although third bottom, have hit their best form of the season.

"After losing to Leicestershire at Bradford where we did not play well, it is very important to get back to winning ways if we are to stay in touch with the leaders," said Byas, whose side now has an opportunity to climb back to the top of the table, because leaders Kent have no game this week.

"Although we are placed second we have played a match more than most of our rivals so we must pick up points now."

He is helped by the fact that the home side are without their reliable seamer Phil Newport, who has a calf strain. The youngster Scott Ellis is in line for a debut. But the Worcestershire coach, David Houghton, remains optimistic: "We have worked hard to get into a winning role and it's important that we keep it going now."

Warwickshire are awaiting a fitness report on the England opener Nick Knight before finalising their squad for the game against Middlesex at Lord's.