Cricket: Yousuf misses out

THE PAKISTAN batsman Yousuf Youhana has been ruled out of the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand at Old Trafford tomorrow with a hamstring injury. The in-form 24-year-old, who has averaged 53.66 in four matches, batted in the nets yesterday, but coach Mushtaq Mohammad said he was unlikely to be risked.

"I feel we can manage with the same combination that beat Zimbabwe last week," said Mushtaq. "But we may have to play him if we reach the final."

Nottinghamshire have defended their actions in the face of claims that they ruined the "carnival of cricket" spirit at Saturday's World Cup semi- final between New Zealand and India. Trent Bridge officials were criticised for a series of tannoy announcements in which fans were told not to stand or make "excessive noise".

"We had complaints from people who had spent a lot of money on tickets and their day was being spoilt by what was going on," the Nottinghamshire chief executive, Mark Arthur, said. "We felt it was important that we at least tried to do something in their interests. We were only asking for people to show some consideration for others."