Sporting digest: Cricket

CRICKET

Aravinda de Silva, the Sri Lankan vice-captain, will replace Carl Hooper as Kent's overseas professional for the forthcoming season. The middle- order batsman is the first Sri Lankan Test player to be offered a contract by an English county.

Salim Malik, the Pakistan captain, is considering legal action against the Australian newspaper which alleged he offered bribes to two Australians to lose a Test last year.

TOUR MATCH (Nelson, NZ): New Zealand Academy XI 120 and 126 (C Matthews 4-23). South Africa 165 and 85 for 2 (A Hudson 52no). South Africa won by 8 wickets.

TOUR MATCH (Wanganui, NZ): New Zealand Selection 327 and 220 for 6 dec (A Jones 66); Sri Lanka 192 and 155 for 5. Match drawn.

CENTENARY WOMEN'S TEST (Christchurch, NZ Second Day): New Zealand 323 for 9 dec (E Drumm 161no); Australia 171 for 3 (B Clark 76).