31.   They go into the day-night contest, billed as the high point of the preliminary league, lacking hard-core match practice.

32.   This is despite the fact Waqar is keen for match practice after being out of top cricket with two stress fractures in his back.

33.   These tournaments provide players with beneficial match practice in advance of the championships and the grass-court circuit afterwards.

34.   Though Ferrero showed no signs of his recent injury, his lack of match practice betrayed him at two important moments in the match.

35.   This is despite the fact Waqar is keen for match practice after being out of top cricket with two stress fractures in the back.

36.   Walsh said the rain had cost his tourists much needed match practice.

37.   Yang Ying had received a bye in the first round so was lacking match practice yet she had her chance for she led by two games to one.

38.   Lanky fast bowler Mohammad Akram seems almost certain to be chosen for his first Test in Australia, despite his lack of match practice.

39.   Sampras, short of match practice, was due to lead the United States against the Netherlands, but he was forced to pull out.

40.   Serena Williams is short of match practice but would still provide a test if they met in the final, Hingis said.