December 31, 2004 (Friday) Cricket: Many of the world's leading cricket teams have pledged money for the humanitarian effort in South-East Asia: The English cricket team have personally pledged £15,000, with the Professional Cricketers' Association adding a further £5,000 The Australian cricket team donated their prize money from the Melbourne test match South Africa's cricket board, Cricket South Africa will make a donation, together with the sponsors of their test series against England The Board of Control for Cricket in India has agreed to give Rs10million (£120,000), with the Indian cricket team donating their fees from their next One Day International Bangladesh have agreed to donate the gate receipts from their forthcoming series at home against Zimbabwe, estimated to be US$10,000 The Federation of International Cricketers' Associations has proposed a one-day match on 11 or 12 January to raise more funds. All teams have supported the proposal, although English, South African, Bangladeshi and Zimabwean players are likely to be unavailable because of ongoing tour commitments. The ICC is likely to endorse any such game. (Cricinfo) In the UK's New Year's Honours, Matthew Pinsent is knighted; Kelly Holmes and Tanni Grey-Thompson become Dames. Other Olympians and sportspeople are also recognised. (BBC) College football bowl games: The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeat the Alabama Crimson Tide 20–16 in the Music City Bowl. (ESPN) The Arizona State Sun Devils defeat the Purdue Boilermakers 27–23 in a back-and-forth matchup in the Sun Bowl. (ESPN) The Louisville Cardinals defeat the Boise State Broncos 44–40 in the Liberty Bowl, ending the Broncos' 22-game winning streak. (ESPN) The Miami Hurricanes defeat the Florida Gators 27–10 in the Peach Bowl. (ESPN) December 30, 2004 (Thursday) Cricket: South Africa hold out in the final day of the second Test against England to secure a draw, bringing to an end England's eight-game winning streak. The final score: England 139 & 570–9 dec, South Africa 332 & 290–8; bad light stops play with 15 overs remaining. England are the only team to remain unbeaten at Test cricket throughout 2004 – winning 11 times, drawing twice. (BBC) College football bowl games: The Boston College Eagles defeat the North Carolina Tar Heels, 37–24, in the Continental Tire Bowl. (ESPN) The Navy Midshipmen complete their first 10-win season since 1905 by defeating the New Mexico Lobos 34–19 in the Emerald Bowl. (ESPN) The Texas Tech Red Raiders upset the Cal Golden Bears 45–31 in the