LONDON: Ace Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble is all set for his second stint in the English county after signing up to play for Leicestershire. The 28-year-old Karnataka spinner will replace Australian speedster Michael Kasprowicz at Leicestershire.

Kumble, who was the highest wicket-taker for the 1995 season playing for Northamptonshire, has been given a one-year contract, Leicestershire's cricket manager Jack Birkenshaw said yesterday. Birkenshaw said Kumble's induction should balance the blow of losing England left-arm paceman Alan Mullally.

Kumble has taken 239 wickets from 53 Tests at an average of 27.83. He was recently dropped from the India team due to poor form.

Meanwhile, Kumble's Australian counterpart Shane Warne will play county cricket next year for Hampshire. Warne, man-of-the-match in the World Cup final in June, is expected to receive 150,000 pound sterling for the year.

Mohammedan Sporting enter semis

HALDIA, WEST BENGAL: Mohammedan Sportingreached the semi-final of the Airlines Gold Cup Football Championship from Group B edging past fancied Tollygunge Aggragami 1-0 at the Durgachak Stadium here today. Mohammedan Sporting striker Najmul Haq scored the all important goal five minutes before the long whistle.

Meghalaya lads book berth in final

NEW DELHI: Government Boys High School, Meghalaya edged out Khamason Government High School, Manipur 2-1 in a battle of nippy north-eastern sides to enter the final of the junior section in the Subroto Mukherjee Cup All-India Inter-School Football Tournament here today.

Holding the upperhand during the first-half skirmishes, Lekini Suping gave the Meghalaya school the 18th minute lead before Lambok Rymbai consolidated with a 26th minute effort. Khamson fought back to some extent on change of ends with AR Wungshungmi reducing the margin in the 34th minute.

In the sub-junior boys tournament, St John's School, Ranchi clinched a semi-final berth by defeating Mynkem Christian High School, Meghalaya2-1 on tie-breaker after a goalless regulation and extra-time.

Churchill Bros rally to hold Salgaocar

MARGAO: Down by a first half goal, last year's runners-up Churchill Bros fought back to hold defending champions Salgaocar to a one-all draw in an exciting match of the second edition of the Director's Special Professional League here today.

Salgaocar, without their key players Bruno Coutinho, Robert Fernandes, Jules Alberto and Alvito, controlled the mid-field and harassed the rival defence which was marshalled well by defender Osumanu Husseni who thwarted their moves.

Salgaocar shot into the lead in the 30th minute through Francis Coelho, from a cross by Denis Cabral from the right. Oscar Honda who came in place of Somatai Shaiza in the second half found the equaliser for Churchill in the 48th minute through Marcus Carvalho.

With this draw, Churchill Bros heads the table with 8 points from 4 matches. Salgaocar is behind them with 7 points from 3 matches.