Beyond the Test World

Challenge is to develop Chinese players in Hong Kong

Cricinfo — 2012-03-18T12:47:49+00:00

By Charlie Burke

Hong Kong's side is made up almost completely of expatriates © ICC/ Barry Chambers

I have been in the role of coach of the Hong Kong national team for about 18 months, and I am the senior coach for the national senior men’s and women’s teams, as well as the Under-19s men’s and women’s teams.

Unlike coaching national teams at the very highest level of international cricket, there’s a fair amount of development work to do. This is something I am really keen on doing. Cricket has been around for about 160 years in Honk Kong, but we still don’t have a lot of local Chinese players. I reckon at the moment we’d be close to having 200-250 local Chinese people playing the game regularly, being part of a team and playing on weekends. About a third of my role, if not more, is taken up by the development side of the game, and that’s something we need to focus on if we are going to become more competitive.

There’s also a fair amount of administration to the role too, but I am fortunate because I have five full-time coaching staff under me. We’ve been able to set up development in schools directly, and emerging squads, and we are working towards creating improved player pathways.

We’ve just employed a Chinese development coordinator, who speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and English. He’s also played a bit of cricket, so he is ideal for the role of developing cricket within the local Chinese community. We’ve worked together pretty closely over the last few months, going to schools and universities, and we’re starting a Chinese Universities competition that will run through the summer in Hong Kong.

I think we have a really good chance to build the game in Hong Kong – it is the only sport in the country that we are ranked in the world’s top twenty at. We need to provide people with the opportunity to play cricket, and that comes down to improving facilities, equipment, resources, and all sorts of things. We need to start getting people of younger ages playing, so it is really important that we focus on junior development.

I'm starting to do well with the bat

Cricinfo — 2012-03-16T16:59:57+00:00

By Calum MacLeod

Calum MacLeod acknowledges his hundred against Oman
© ICC/Ian Jacobs

I have really enjoyed the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier so far and it has obviously being going well from a personal perspective.

My hundred against Oman was my first for Scotland, so I was delighted with that, as it had been a long time coming, so I was very, very pleased with it. It was obviously nice to have my dad here to see it as well, as he was person who inspired me to play as a kid – the school I went to, where Gallic was the first language, really only played football. My dad is a professional photographer and is covering the event for most of the newspapers back home, so I suppose you could say he had a good day at work!

Having really emerged on the scene as a bowler, which helped me get a county contract with Warwickshire in England, I am really enjoying my new role in the team, after a hard period in my career when my bowling action was being investigated. I think that’s probably where some of the emotion came from in my celebration for my first century, as I had to reinvent myself as a player, and I’m starting to do well with my bat.

A great start for Namibia

Cricinfo — 2012-03-13T12:47:30+00:00

By Louis van der Westhuizen

Daryll Cullinan has been working with the Namibian team, helping them prepare for the tournament © ICC/Barry Chambers

Ireland is the strongest team here and it is a great start to the tournament to beat them first up. I saw the ball really well and we had a really good team spirit which helped us in the tense closing overs.

Namibia can be quite an unpredictable team, but when it comes off we can beat anybody. The biggest challenge for us will be to be consistent throughout the event and keep up our performance levels. We have had such great preparation for this event, playing in the South African provincial league and having some specialist training camps, where we have been lucky to receive some coaching from Daryll Cullinan, who is also in the UAE with the team.It is fantastic to be able to call on his experience to focus on specific skills. It has made a real difference to my Twenty20 cricket. On the tracks in Dubai, it is really important to use the crease, and he has strengthened our skill-base.

My focus as a batsman in the team is to clear the ropes as often as possible in the opening overs and push the run-rate up. Twenty20 cricket really suits my game. It is really important to get off to a good start and take advantage of the fielding restrictions. I scored 159 off 79 balls against Kenya in the Africa regional qualifier for this tournament, the highest score in the global qualifying structure to date, which was a great feeling, and I felt I batted really well against Ireland today. Hopefully I can continue this form for the next two weeks.

Guernsey hope to host WCL

Alan Gardner — 2012-02-29T11:43:00+00:00

Guernsey captain Stuart Le Provost believes the Channel Island could be in line to host the 2014 edition of World Cricket League Division Five. Guernsey secured their place in the division by finishing third out of six teams - the top two teams were promoted, while the bottom two drop down.

Cayman Islands were the other team to remain in Division Five but the Caribbean nation has just two cricket pitches. Guernsey, meanwhile, has hosted four ICC tournaments since becoming an Associate nation in 2008.

"Generally what the ICC try and do is try and give it to one of those sides so they can plan for the future," Le Prevost told the BBC. "If they can get it in place early hopefully we've got a good chance."

Singapore, the 2012 hosts, claimed the Division Five title after beating Malaysia by nine wickets in a one-sided final; both sides had already been promoted to Division Four. Guernsey secured third place with a narrow one-run win in their play-off against Cayman Islands, while Bahrain beat Argentina to condemn the South Americans to last place.

Malaysia stay top after tense win

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-22T17:17:36+00:00

Malaysia stayed top of the table in the World Cricket League Division Five after a tense four-run victory against Guernsey in a match that seesawed, at the Kallang Ground in Singapore. A poor finish meant Malaysia ended with 194. Guernsey were on track in their chase at 109 for 3, but five wickets fell in ten overs, three to medium-pacer Hiran Brahman Ralalage, and Malaysia seemed to have sealed victory. There was to be yet another twist: Nos. 9 and 10, Jamie Nussbaumer and Stuart Bisson, strung together a partnership and got Guernsey to within six runs of the target with seven balls remaining, before Bisson was run out. Nussbaumer managed two off the first ball of the final over but was bowled by Ralalage with the second to give Malaysia the win.

Ross Kneller's 47, and contributions from GH Smit and Jeremy Frith, seemed to have put Guernsey on the way to a third win in the tournament, but Ralalage's 4 for 28 was the deciding factor in keeping Malaysia's 100% record in the tournament intact. Malaysia had seemed set for a bigger total after most of the top order got starts. A flurry of wickets saw them slip to 115 for 5, but Suresh Navaratnam got 31 at No. 7 to revive the innings. Another collapse towards the end meant Malaysia were bowled out in their 50 overs. Medium-pacer Nussbaumer took 3 for 27 in his 10 overs. His heroics with the bat were almost enough to complete the job for Guernsey.

Irish coach honoured by ICC

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-22T17:11:44+00:00

The Irish coach behind international stars including Eoin Morgan, Kevin O’Brien and George Dockrell has been honoured by the ICC.

Brian O’Rourke, 41, has been given an ICC Outstanding Contribution to Cricket Coaching award after 17 years working with Leinster during which time may of Ireland’s finest players have gained from his guidance. One of his more significant impacts was to persuade Dockrell to switch from medium-pace to left-arm spin.

"It's a fantastic honour not just for me personally but also Irish cricket,” he said. “There's a real buzz in the country about cricket at the moment, and the game is clearly on the rise. The numbers of coaches and participants are growing significantly, and there's still a lot of talent out there to be unearthed. There are a lot of opportunities now for young cricketers and I'm confident that Ireland will continue to be a major player on the world circuit for generations to come."

O’Rourke has also coached all Ireland’s age-group sides from Under-15 to Under-19, taking charge of U-19 World Cup campaigns in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

National development manager Tim Simmonite praised O'Rourke’s role in Irish cricket. "Brían continues to play a key role in the creation of future coaches as part of a much greater workforce,” he said. “He is a proud and passionate man, and Ireland would simply not be where it is on the world cricket stage without him.

"Brian’s record, achievements and abilities speak for themselves and I'm delighted that he has achieved recognition through this prestigious award - he fully deserves this accolade."

Wins for Malaysia, Guernsey and Cayman Islands

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-21T17:15:08+00:00

Argentina slipped to their third straight defeat, going down by 29 runs to Guernsey in a rain-affected match at Padang, which was eventually reduced to 29 overs a side. The start was delayed by rain and the Argentina opening bowlers, led by Pablo Ryan, made early inroads, taking two top-order wickets to reduce Guernsey to 53 for 4. The complexion of the innings changed when Ross Kneller came out and blasted 86 off 54 balls, with six sixes. He took the score to 213 for 7 after rain reduced the game to 42 overs a side. It was reduced further to 29, following another rain interruption when Argentina were struggling at 54 for 3. Grant Dugmore top scored with 42 but lacked support as Guernsey, led by David Hooper, chipped away at the wickets.

At the Indian Association Ground, Cayman Islands coasted to an eight-wicket win over Bahrain in another rain-affected encounter. Bahrain were put in to bat, and like Guernsey, were struggling at the start before they were revived by the middle order. Adil Hanif made a patient 56 off 86 balls to steady the innings, before Tahir Dar made an unbeaten 60 off 50 balls to take the score past 200. He hit six sixes in his knock. Rain intervened 17 overs into the chase, when Cayman Islands proceeded steadily to 50 for 1. However, Duckworth Lewis reduced the game to 21 overs, leaving Cayman Islands needing 30 off the last four. Ramon Sealy and Omar Willis ensured they reached the target with three balls to spare.

Malaysia recorded their third-straight win, beating hosts and neighbours Singapore by 27 runs at the Kallang Ground. Malaysia's opening duo, R Madhavan and Shafiq Sharif, made half-centuries but the rest of the batsmen failed to measure up, stumbling to a combined bowling effort. Sharif fell for 48, but Madhavan remained unbeaten on 77, off 141 balls. The next highest score was 13. Chasing 185, Singapore were in trouble at 117 for 5 in 30 overs when rain interrupted play. Their target was reduced to 161 from 39, and they eventually folded up for 133.

Guernsey rout Bahrain in quick time

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-18T11:51:43+00:00

A match that could have gone 100 overs was finished in 26.4 at The Padang. Bahrain were shot out for 49 in 13.5 overs by Guernsey, who completed the chase in 12.5 overs with nine wickets in hand. Jamie Nussbaumer opened the bowling and took 5 for 19 in six overs for Guernsey, while David Hooper claimed 3 for 1 in his only over. GH Smit was the only Guernsey batsman to fall during the chase.

The players had to toil for much longer at at theIndian Association Ground, where Malaysia beat Argentina by 47 runs on the D/L method. Malaysia batted first and made a brisk start - their openers adding 50 in 8.5 overs. Shafiq Sharif top scored with 61 but the rest of the batsmen did not contribute substantially. Malaysiya's total had been boosted to 210 by 39 extras conceded by Argentina's bowlers when rain ended the innings after 44.5 overs. Argentina were set a target of 162 in 29 overs but their chase was derailed by three run-outs that reduced them to 63 for 4. They were eventually restricted to 114 for 7. Hian Ralalage completed a fine all-round performance for Malaysia, following up his 31 off 34 balls with figures of 6-2-16-1.

Singapore won another rain-hit contest at Kallang Ground, beating Cayman Islands by 80 runs on the D/L method. Singapore's top and middle-order batsmen made useful contributions to reach 141 for 3 in 34 overs, when rain interrupted the innings. Chetan Suryawanshi's 42 off 43 balls was the best score. The revised target for Cayman Islands was 203 in 32 overs and they were restricted to 122 for 8. The top order collapsed and they were 58 for 6 before Conroy Wright scored 46 to lead his team past 100. Mulewa Dharmichand took 3 for 12 in five overs for Singapore.

Bermuda wicketkeeper Minors retires

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-17T11:50:02+00:00

Dean Minors, the Bermuda wicketkeeper, has announced his retirement from all cricket after being dropped from the squad for the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in UAE next month.

Minors, 42, had earlier been lured out of retirement by Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) to bolster the national team ahead of last July's Americas Division One Twenty20 Tournament in Florida. However, he had told the BCB that he couldn't commit to training because of his day job as a teacher.

Hemp to lead Bermuda

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-13T19:10:49+00:00

David Hemp, the former Glamorgan and Warwickshire batsman, will again lead Bermuda as they attempt to reach a global one-day tournament at the World Twenty20 Qualifiers in UAE next month.

Bermuda have not appeared at a top-level event since the 2006-07 World Cup after which the game has suffered from some difficult times. David Moore, the current coach, has challenged this group of players to make the most of their opportunity in the UAE. Just two sides from the 16-team event will qualify for the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka during September and October.

"The squad that has been picked provides a good balance for the challenges and nuances of the T20 game," Moore said. "The squad selected provides a wide number of bowling options while still allowing a strong batting group. All players have been committed to the task of improving fitness and skill during the training period.

"The program is coming together so that the player's fitness and skill will be peaking at the right time for the tournament. It is now up to all players to take the opportunity that they have been given to perform at the highest Associate level and give the team the best possible opportunity to qualify for the World T20."

Squad David Hemp (capt), Jason Anderson, Lionel Cann, Fiqre Crockwell, Terryn Fray, Joshua Gilbert, Stefan Kelly, Kamau Leverock, Stephen Outerbridge, Justin Pitcher, Samuel Robinson, Dion Stovell, Janeiro Tucker, Rodney Trott

Sarel Burger to captain Namibia

Firdose Moonda — 2012-02-07T17:54:28+00:00

Sarel Burger will lead Namibia in the World Twenty20 Qualifier in the UAE in March. Raymond van Schoor, was named vice-captain in the 14-man squad announced by Cricket Namibia. The squad will also include four non-travelling reserves.

Among the newer faces in the squad are Gerhard Erasmus, Ian Opperman, Hendrik Geldenhuys and Zhivago Groenewald - these four players have seven List A matches among them.

Sixteen Associate and Affiliate teams will compete in the 72-match qualifying tournament, for two available spots in the World Twenty20, slated to be held in Sri Lanka later this year. Namibia have been drawn in Group B of the qualifiers, along with Ireland, Kenya, Scotland, Uganda, Oman, Italy and USA.

Squad Sarel Burger (capt), Raymond Van Schoor (vice-capt), Ewald Steenkamp, Louis van der Westhuizen, Craig Williams, Gerrie Snyman, Nicholaas Scholtz, Gerhard Erasmus, Ian Opperman, Christi Viljoen, Bernard Scholtz, Louis Klazinga, Hendrik Geldenhuys, Zhivago Groenewald

Reserves Bredell Wessels, Pikkie Ya France, Gj Dippenaar, Christopher Coombe

PNG appoint Peter Anderson as coach

Andrew McGlashan — 2012-02-07T17:53:34+00:00

Papua New Guinea have appointed former Queensland and South Australia wicketkeeper Peter Anderson as their new coach. Anderson replaces Brad Hogg, who resigned as coach of PNG following his recall to the Australian T20 side.

Anderson's first-class career spanned eight years from 1986 to 1994. He made 1399 runs from 56 matches, averaging 17.93, and effected 172 dismissals. Cricket PNG general manager Greg Campbell said the team was looking for a long-term coach. The big assignment ahead is the World T20 Qualifier in March.

"We're coming into a very important and exciting time for Cricket PNG right now, and needed someone will to spend vast periods of time with the team," Campbell said. We've been blessed in recent times to have the both Brad Hogg and Andy Bichel working with the team, but given their reputations in the cricket world, they would always have opportunities knocking at the door. With Peter, we know we're going to get 100% and the vision and attributes he brings to the team will be great for the boys."

Anderson has been coaching local clubs in Queensland over the last six years and has also been working with wicketkeepers in the ICC Pacific region.

"I think Peter will be a great addition to our coaching staff, with many years playing and coaching behind him, I feel we have picked the right man to take us to the next level," Cricket PNG chairman Mick Nades said. "As a board, we congratulate him on his appointment, and look forward to moving forward together."

Anderson will join the PNG team in Canberra next month.

Ireland map out path to Tests

Martin Williamson — 2012-01-24T12:53:47+00:00

550892 © PA

Cricket Ireland has set out its strategy to bring full Test status by 2020. Targets include an increase in the number of people playing the game in Ireland to 50,000, reaching eighth in the world rankings and establishing a domestic first-class structure.

A number of commercial deals have been secured, allowing Ireland to unveil their strategic plan to 2015 and target their ultimate ambition of securing Test status. As part of that process Cricket Ireland want to have three first-class teams in place by 2015.

Warren Deutrom, Ireland's chief executive, said: "We have set ourselves a very clear long-term ambition - to become a full Test nation by 2020, nothing less. This is not a dreamy aspiration but a real ambition founded on the playing talent being developed on this island, the growing passion and profile of the game here, a sustained and proven track record of achievement on and off the field and a clear roadmap set out by us for how to get there."

Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, has also agreed a two-year extension to his contract which will take him through to at least the end of Ireland's World Cup qualifying campaign late next year.

Cricket Ireland has offered a record 23 professional contracts to players, in three categories, for 2012, a development Simmons says is vital for their continued improvement.

"A key part of our success to date has been the move to professionalism," Simmons said. "With so many players on full or part-time contracts we now have a structure supporting the senior squad to make sure we can maintain our competitiveness on the international stage."

Initiatives to swell participation numbers to 50,000 will include the establishment of regional academies; a Get Into Cricket scheme which will seek to attract six to 12-year-olds to take up the game in clubs and schools; a Better Clubs Initiative, which will encourage clubs to improve their facilities; and the Cricket Ireland national awards which will recognise contributions ranging from players to volunteers.

"Our commitment to the game at grassroots level will hopefully make a real difference on the ground," Deutrom said. "We want to give as much attention to the domestic game as we have to the international teams in the last four years."

Big room for Canadian improvement

Cricinfo — 2012-01-16T12:17:39+00:00

On Canadian website sportsnet, Nigel Reed is less than impressed with the way Canada have played so far in the Caribbean Twenty20. Despite bright starts in both their Group A games in Antigua, the momentum deserted them at crucial times resulting in heavy defeats to both the Windward and Leeward Islands.

Taking a chance is one thing. Poor choice of shot or execution is quite another. Sadly a fair few Canadian batsmen have fallen in the latter category. I lost count of the number of players who threw away their wickets because of bad shots rather than being beaten by the skill of a bowler.
It didn't have to be like this. Technically Canada does not rank among the best in the world but I would like to think there are enough decent players on duty to at least be competitive in the Caribbean. The fact is if you choose to bat and fail the game is virtually over as a contest before the run chase begins

Canada must improve or the ramifications could be costly. Ian Bishop, the former West Indies fast bowler, openly questioned Canada's participation following a second thumping defeat. At the same time Bishop recognizes Canada has to play better teams more frequently to get better. Is that a chicken or an egg I hear?

MPs join campaign to honour Frederick Heather

Cricinfo — 2012-01-13T10:00:13+00:00

As many as 22 former and current Members of Parliament and seven senators have written letters of endorsement to induct Frederick Heather into the 2012 Canada Sports Hall of Fame. Heather, who played a major role in the growth and development of cricket in Canada, moved to the country from England in 1921 and died in Toronto in 1976. Heather is being nominated in the Builder’s category for the Sports Hall of Fame – the category recognises “outstanding contribution to Canadian sport as a leader, administrator, official, coach, business leader, and media or in other roles.”

Upon retiring as a player, Heather took to umpiring and also became an administrator, as a secretary for two clubs, a founding member and first secretary-treasurer of the Toronto District Cricket Umpire’s Association and the first secretary of the Canadian Umpire’s Control Board. He began umpiring in 1929 and was Canada’s longest-serving umpire when he retired. He was also appointed to several international assignments, including the inaugural first-class match in Canada held against the MCC. Heather also started a school for cricket umpires and started a junior cricket league in Toronto, which led to the formation of 18 junior clubs that included more than 300 players.

“The support and praise for Heather’s contributions as a builder of Canadian cricket have been overwhelming with a total of 43 written endorsements,” a press release stated. “There are Olympic medalists, CEOs, mayors, and authors who have joined the effort to have cricket recognised in Canada. Heather’s contributions to cricket can be read on the Cricket Canada website. Unfortunately, Canada does not have a cricket hall of fame, although Heather was inducted into the US Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

“Our Members of Parliament promote that 2012 be the year Canadians are inspired by Heather’s outstanding achievements, through his inclusion to Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.”