Chappell and Bravo strike anti-establishment notes

The former Australian captain Ian Chappell has hit out at the ICC saying they have not done enough to save the Test form of the game from dying a slow death.

The former Australian captain Ian Chappell has hit out at the International Cricket Council (ICC) saying they have not done enough to save the Test form of the game from dying a slow death. Writing in a column, Chappell said the calendar drawn up by the ICC was 'a jigsaw puzzle with many missing pieces' and an uncoordinated effort since many countries were organising matches separately.

He also attacked the scheduling of back-to-back tests in a busy calendar. "Those competing in all forms not only face an increased risk of injury but also have to prioritise their exertion levels. The latter could be a clue to the lack of genuine fast bowlers in the game." His comments came just before the ICC announced the fixtures for a shortened Champions Trophy with only eight teams with an increased prize money pool for the event to be held in South Africa from Sept 22-Oct 5.

Meanwhile, the all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has elaborated on the reasons why the West Indies' first choice squad went on strike against the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). Bravo said: "They just do things badly. They send guys on tour two days before a series. Even my club is more organised. "There are times when you go to the airport and your ticket is not there. Then we call Dinanath Ramnarine [head of the players' union] and he will buy a ticket.

"Basically you're left to do a lot for yourself. They keep saying you're a professional unit but do we get treated like a professional team? I don't think so. A lot of the players feel the same way," he said. The WICB has not offered the players a contract since 2005 and put up a second-string side against Bangladesh. They lost the first Test and were in danger of losing the second after slumping to 192 for eight despite gaining a five-run lead.

The Bangladesh bowlers had tormented the batsmen as rain denied an entire session on Sunday evening and yesterday morning. Shakib al Hasan had taken four wickets for 61 while fellow left-arm spinner Enamuel Haque Jr had figures of two for 42. @Email:[e-mail]