ICC WorldCup Streaming

Miller, Duminy propel SA to 339

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 05:10:00 +0000

On a supposedly sluggish, two-paced wicket at Seddon Park in Hamilton, even as Zimbabwe's medium pacers chipped away at the mighty South African top order, the gulf of class between the two teams shone through via a mammoth unbeaten 256-run stand between JP Duminy and David Miller that propelled South Africa to 339/4. En-route their record breaking fifth wicket partnership, David Miller scored a 92-ball 138 with the experienced Duminy adding an equally classy, if not obviously brutal, 115.
Coming together in the 21st over at an unforeseen 83/4, the two left-handers took their time in getting their eye in before highlighting Zimbabwe's inexperience in bowling at quality opposition by plundering 96 runs in the final five overs. By the time the death overs came along, Miller and Duminy were picking gaps in the field for fun. The transformation was complete in the 48th over when Miller smashed a Solomon Mire over for 30 runs.
With the exception of Tafadzwa Kamungozi and Sean Williams, Zimbabwe's bowlers succumbed to the Miller-Duminy show by repeatedly erring in their lengths. Such was the brutality of Miller's hitting that of the 9 sixes he hit, two of them merited a ball change. Duminy on the other hand was content on turning the strike over and picking the occasional boundary. The writing for Zimbabwe was on the wall the moment the duo completed their respective fifties.
The score however does not paint the complete picture. Zimbabwe actually started off the better side. After inserting their African neighbours in to bat, Zimbabwe's captain Elton Chigumbura reckoned that the pitch appeared slow, an observation seconded by his opposite number, AB de Villiers. The slowness of the wicket was in evidence as early as the second ball of the South African innings when Quinton de Kock, having gotten into position early, was forced to check his shot.
To their credit, Zimbabwe's new ball bowlers Tinashe Panyangara and Tendai Chatara exploited the slow conditions well. They maintained a wicket to wicket line were ably assisted by skipper Chigumbura's awareness of the pitch conditions which resulted in the second slip moving to short-cover and instantly effecting the dismissal of de Kock. Amla, who started with a trademark flick to a delivery pitched on the fifth stump line, soon played on to reduce South Africa to 21/2 in the 9th over.
Notwithstanding the nature of the wicket, AB de Villiers (25) and Faf du Plessis (24) decided to counter attack the medium pacers by using their feet against them. The duo staged a mini-recovery and even pushed the run-rate above four for the first time before du Plessis was caught down the leg-side off Chigumbura. Leg spinner Kamungozi then got the big fish de Villiers in his first over thanks to a stunning catch near the boundary by Craig Ervine. That was to be Zimbabwe's final celebration in the innings as Duminy and Miller took over.

Live Cricket Score of India vs Pakistan, 4th Match, Pool B at Adelaide, ICC Cricket World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 05:07:00 +0000

Last updated on Sunday, 15 February, 2015, 04:34

Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma put on a 34-run opening stand before the latter fell to Sohail Khan
Virat Kohli was dropped on 3 by Yasir Shah off Shahid Afridi
Kohli and Dhawan steadied India with a brisk stand for the 2nd wicket

WC team preview: Can Pakistan shake off pre-World Cup slump?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 23:02:00 +0000

Pakistan are in Pool B along with India, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and UAE
Pakistan's World Cup opener is against India on February 15

The numbers over the past year suggest that Pakistan have little chance at the 2015 ICC World Cup 2014. They started the 12-month cycle with a 3-2 win in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, rode a victory over India into the final of the Asia Cup but then lost a series in Sri Lanka, 0-3 to Australia and 2-3 to New Zealand in their home base of the United Arab Emirates. With just three wins in their last 11 starts, Pakistan have not had an ideal preparation going into the World Cup.

Then again, have Pakistan ever had ideal preparations? History suggests that when they have their backs to the wall, the mercurial team come up with performances that inspires, mesmerises and leaves the staunchest of critics awestruck. Pakistan cricket has been built around flair and survival instinct.

Pakistan are placed in Group B with India, South Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. They kick start their campaign on February 15 at Adelaide Oval against defending champions India in what promises to become the most-watched match in cricket history. Will this bring the best out of Pakistan and carry them past the quarter-finals? Only time will tell.

Group: Pool B

Captain: Misbah-ul-Haq

Strengths
The bowling unit is easily the team's biggest strength. Despite losing offspinner Saeed Ajmal to the ICC's hardline approach against suspect bowling actions, Pakistan's attack has the promise to do well. Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz give the team a nice blend. Sohail Khan, who many believe is a surprise pick, has been rewarded for being the highest wicket-taker in the Quaid-e-Azam Gold league. Junaid, Wahab and Irfan give the team a potent option of left-arm pace while legspinner Yasir Shah has emerged as a valuable wicket-taking option. Throw in Shahid Afridi and the attack wears a balanced look.

Weaknesses
Their fielding and middle-order batting seem to be in a neck-and-neck race. Younis Khan and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq's conventional approach has not worked out well for the team. Pakistan's fielding will be one of the biggest concerns for the team at the World Cup where the larger grounds can haunt them.

X-factor
The left-handed Haris Sohail's form with the bat makes him a key figure in the line-up. Sohail, 25, appears to have maturity beyond his years in finishing matches strongly and has runs under his belt. He has also chipped in with his bowling. Sohail brings the X-factor in a team which has always been dependent for it on Afridi.

Dark horse
Yasir Shah. Picked on the basis of his Test performances in 2014, he is a genuine spinner. His stocks soared after public accolades from none other than Shane Warne. With his relaxed approach, Yasir brings an old-world charm to his bowling. He is the man oppositions would have to watch out for.

Recent ODI form (last six months)
v Sri Lanka: Lost 2-1 (in Sri Lanka)
v Australia: Lost 3-0 (in UAE)
v New Zealand: Lost 3-2 (in UAE)

What they did in the 2011 World Cup
Pakistan made it to the semi-finals where they were outplayed by India in Mohali, with the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yusuf Raza Gilani in attendance. It was a match which brought the subcontinent to a standstill. Earlier, Pakistan did well to beat Australia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Canada but lost to New Zealand in the Group games. They stormed into the semi-finals by beating West Indies in a one-sided quarter-final in Dhaka.

Squad:
Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Younis Khan, Haris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sohaib Maqsood, Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan and Wahab Riaz.

Fixtures:
February 15, 2015: India vs Pakistan, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
February 21, 2015: Pakistan vs West Indies, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
March 1, 2015: Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, The Gabba, Brisbane
March 4, 2015: Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates, McLean Park, Napier
March 7, 2015: South Africa vs Pakistan, Eden Park, Auckland
March 15, 2015: Pakistan vs Ireland, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

WC team preview: Fifth world title beckons at home for Australia

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:56:00 +0000

If Australia's past form is anything to go by, teams will find it difficult to dislodge them in home conditions.
Despite having very capable bowlers in their ranks, Australia's weak link remains their bowling as a unit.

The mid-90s marked the arrival of the Australian brand of cricket, and after not making it to the last four of the edition they hosted back in 1992, they began a streak of four consecutive finals out of which they won three successive titles, only to lose it to eventual winners India in 2011. The ICC World Cup returns to their home territory, and Australia would look to give their fans a winning spectacle. There are no aching limbs in the team and under a new captain in either Michael Clarke or George Bailey, the players are raring to go in a bid to win an unprecedented fifth world title.

Group: Pool A

Captain: Michael Clarke/George Bailey

Strengths

Australia bat well and bat deep, and if their past form is anything to go by, teams will find it difficult to dislodge the four-time champions in home conditions. Clarke, Shane Watson, Steven Smith and Brad Haddin remain among the batsmen from the 2011 World Cup, but their experience will be backed up by David Warner and Aaron Finch at the top. The presence of allrounders Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and James Faulkner gives them plenty of lower-order firepower to take them through in crunch situations.

Weaknesses

Despite having very capable bowlers in their ranks, Australia's weak link remains their bowling as a unit. Home conditions will definitely be to their advantage, but the batting Powerplay can get the better of most bowling attacks. While Mitchell Johnson remains their most experienced frontline bowler, opposition teams could put pressure on the inexperienced others, and their lone spinner in Xavier Doherty could be a weak link.

Australia have succeeded under both Clarke and stand-in captain Bailey, but in the off chance that Clarke doesn't regain his fitness, it could also put Australia under pressure without their experienced captain.

X-factor

David Warner. Playing his first World Cup, the stocky left-hander is coming off a superb year in Test cricket and would like to leave an indelible mark on the 2015 edition, much like his predecessor Matthew Hayden did in 2007. Warner's typically aggressive starts can take opposition teams by surprise and a strong Australian middle order can capitalise on that. His ability to score big also gives the team stability.

Dark horse

A format known to be cruel for bowlers can be made game-changing by them as well. Josh Hazlewood had an excellent Test debut against India, but he had put his skills on display in the preceding one-day series against South Africa and emerged as one of the finds of the series for Australia. Hazlewood's five-wicket haul came in a losing cause, but he impressed with his pace and was almost a leaf out of Glenn McGrath's book of accuracy. He put behind a modest ODI debut in 2010, and looks a bowler for the future for Australia.

ODI form guide (last six months)

Australia-South Africa-Zimbabwe tri-series: Lost in final (Away)

v Pakistan: Won 3-0 (Away)

v South Africa: Won 4-1 (Home)

What they did in the 2011 World Cup

Under pressure to make it four championships in a row, Australia began their tournament brightly enough but were bogged down by the conditions in the subcontinent as well as poor form of some of their more influential players. They made it to the quarter-finals with relative ease despite losing to Pakistan and a no-result against Sri Lanka in third place from Group A, but their tournament ended in their next game against India at Ahmedabad. Ricky Ponting, under the pump for his form, scored a backs-to-the-wall hundred, but the bowlers couldn't contain India's run-chase, thus ending their dream sequence of making five consecutive World Cup finals.

Squad

Michael Clarke (capt), George Bailey (v/c), Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin (wk), Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.

Fixtures

February 14 v England, Melbourne

February 21 v Bangladesh, Brisbane

February 28 v New Zealand, Auckland

March 4 v Afghanistan, Perth

March 8 v Sri Lanka, Sydney

March 14 v Scotland, Hobart

Sunil Narine withdraws from World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:51:00 +0000

Narine was reported during CLT20
Narine's withdrawal follows that of Saeed Ajmal, who was officially suspended by the ICC

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Tuesday announced that offspinner Sunil Narine has withdrawn from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 after failing to sufficiently remodel his bowling action that was reported during the Champions League T20 tournament.

Narine, 26, was included in the 15-man squad for the World Cup by the Clive Lloyd-led selection committee despite sitting out of West Indies' tours of India and South Africa. The spinner was reported and suspended for a suspect action during the Champions League T20 in September 2014 while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders. The suspension, however, was limited only to BCCI organised events.

Since the suspension, Narine has undergone intense remedial work on his action with preliminary reports finding all his deliveries to be under the 15-degree flexion restriction. However, Narine opined that he needed more time to be able to bowl confidently with his new action for a sustained period of time.

"Playing for Red Force and winning the NAGICO Super50 has been a big boost, but going in to the World Cup is a little too much too soon and, after consulting the WICB, for both West Indies and my sake we have decided to delay my return to international cricket until I am 100% confident in all that I do."

"Whilst I am very happy with the progress made to date with my action, and I express my thanks to the coaches working with me in Trinidad and Dr Daryl Foster in Perth, Australia, I am withdrawing from the World Cup," the off spinner was quoted as saying by a media release.

Respecting Narine's decision, a WICB spokesperson said that a replacement for the offspinner will be announced soon. "The WICB supports Narine's decision to withdraw from the CWC squad as to risk his exposure to the intensity of the Cricket World Cup would be both unfair to him and the West Indies squad. Narine has taken a positive approach to his remedial work, remains in an optimistic frame of mind and looks forward to returning to international cricket at the earliest opportunity."

Narine's withdrawal follows that of Saeed Ajmal who also cited a similar reasoning after facing an official suspension. The tournament in Australia-New Zealand will get underway on February 14th without the top-2 ODI bowlers.

World Cup Heroes: Matthew Hayden bulldozes opposition in 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:48:00 +0000

Not too many sights in cricket were as intimidating as that of an imposing Matthew Hayden, striding out to take strike. Hayden exemplified a batting style that treated bowlers with utmost disdain. Deft touches and dabs, according to him were for the weaklings. Not that Hayden couldn't, but whyimprovisewhen you can tear the leather off the ball by hitting it in front of the wicket?

In retrospect, it is zany that Hayden, an integral member of the Australian teams in Tests and ODIs, capable of single-handedly demoralizing a bowling attack, made Australia's World Cup squad for the 2007 edition only because Shane Watson picked up an injury and Simon Katich went out of favour in the 2006-07 season. After being part of Australia's World Cup winning squad in 2003, Hayden suffered an alarming dip in form in 2005-06 season and lost his place in the ODI side. Circumstances conspired to bring him back to the team and he gave a timeless reminder of the age old cricketing saying - 'Form is temporary, class is permanent'.

Hayden was the shining light of Australia's batting in yet another undefeated World Cup campaign. Having won the previous two editions of the quadrennial event, the mighty Aussies came to the Caribbean as the overwhelming favourites and left with their fourth trophy, having swept aside all opposition. Hayden was at his bludgeoning best. He warmed up to the event with a 60 and a 29 against associates Scotland and Netherlands respectively. Then, in their final group stage game against perennial heavyweights South Africa in St. Kitts, Hayden blitzed his way to a 66-ball hundred, the fastest in World Cup history, till it was surpassed by Irishman Kevin O'Brien in 2011. The southpaw's onslaught helped Australia post a gargantuan 377/6 in 50 overs, a score that sealed an 83-run win.

Hayden carried his form to the super-eight stages where he tore down a hapless West Indian attack en-route a 144-ball 158, thus far the highest by an Australian in World Cup history. By his lofty standards, Hayden experienced a minor blip in the middle stages of the drawn out tournament. The 'blip' included scores of 47, 41 and 41 against Bangladesh, England and Sri Lanka as Australia marched towards the knockout stages unopposed. In Australia's final super-eight game against continental rivals, New Zealand, Hayden joined Mark Waugh and Sourav Ganguly in a elite list of players to have scored three centuries before the semi-finals of the World Cup, when he hammered a 100-ball 103 as Australia posted their fifth consecutive 300+ total batting first.

The burly left-hander scored 41 in the semi-final as Australia cantered towards South Africa's paltry total of 149 before his 38 in the final(the second highest score for Australia) was dwarfed by Adam Gilchrist's infamous 'squash ball' innings. For a man, who entered the 06-07 season uncertain about his future in the ODI format, Hayden finished the mega event with mind-boggling numbers.

His 659 runs at 73.22 was 111 more than those accumulated by Mahela Jayawardene, who finished in second place. Hayden became one of only two players to amass more than 600 runs in a World Cup. (Sachin Tendulkar scored 673 in 2003). More importantly, Hayden compiled these runs at a staggering strike-rate of 101.07, hitting more boundaries than any other batsman in the tournament. The only time he let a bowler beat him during the tournament was when teammate Glenn McGrath, 26 wickets at 13.73, pipped him to the player of thetournament award.

Fast and furious: Starc relishing new role

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:44:00 +0000

Mitchell Starc lauds Australia's team effort in their four-wicket win over India

* Starc is relishing his new role as the new strike bowler for Australia in the absence of Mitchell Johnson.

Mitchell Starc, who starred with the ball claiming 6 for 43 against India in Australia's six-wicket victory in the second match of the tri-series, lauded his team's all-round effort at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

"The ball is coming out well and Australia are winning, can't ask for any more," he said after picking up the man of the match award. "I got some swing early on, then the ball started to reverse, I was happy to get a few key wickets," said Starc after the match.

"All the bowlers did a great job. Rohit Sharma was excellent with the bat, but [James] Faulkner did it again. He has done it twice in three nights for us," added Starc.

The fast bowler had played a vital role in Australia's victory over England in the tri-series opener and in the absence of Mitchell Johnson, who is out with an injury, is relishing the role of an opening bowler. "It will be great to have him back but in his absence I like this role. It is great to take wickets while trying to bowl fast and doing my role for the team," he said.

Australian captain George Bailey felt that his team, despite the win, could perform a little better and said that the Finch was unlucky to miss out on a century. In chase of Indias 269, Aaron Finch led the way for the hosts scoring 96.

"We could have been slightly better, but it was a good performance," Bailey said. "We had a couple of good partnerships, especially between [Steve] Smith and Finch. I think Finchy deserved a hundred. Finchy has been in very good touch, he found it hard tonight but he battled it out," he said.

Shane Watson ruled out of Hobart ODI

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:40:00 +0000

Australia are already missing George Bailey and David Warner for the clash in Hobart
Moises Henriques to be flown in as replacement for Shane Watson.

Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson, has been ruled out of Friday's game against England in Hobart due to a sore hamstring. Watson joins teammates George Bailey and David Warner in the sidelines as Australia look to extend their unbeaten streak in the tri-series. Watson watched his teammates practice but did not bat during the team's net session on Thursday.

"Watto (Shane Watson) is a bit tight in the hamstring, so we've to talk to the selectors," stand-in captain Steve Smith told reporters. "He (Watson) bowled this morning but I don't think it's anything too major. It's more of a precautionary measure to make sure he's right for the World Cup," Smith said.

Cricket Australia's chief selector, Rodney Marsh picked Sydney Sixers captain, Moises Henriques as replacement for the injured Watson. His inclusion in the Australian squad has prompted Henriques' last-minute withdrawal from the Sydney derby in the Big Bash League to be held later on Thursday. Marsh however said that Henriques, Shaun Marsh and Cameron White will be allowed to go back and join their Big Bash teams and participate in the semi-finals scheduled for the weekend.

"Moises is one of our leading all-rounders, he has international experience, and in Shane Watson's enforced absence it made perfect sense to draft him in for this match. The intention is to release Moises, along with Cameron White and Shaun Marsh, after the match as it is our expectation that we will have George Bailey, Mitchell Marsh and David Warner available for selection for our match in Sydney on Monday," Rodney said.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, who injured his right hamstring during the Brisbane Test against India, is set to play Sydney grade cricket this weekend in a bid to gain full fitness ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. He has slowly started bowling in the nets and is expected to make a full recovery before the World Cup.

Australia take on England in the fourth ODI of the tri-series at the Blundstone Arena in Hobart having convincingly won both their games so far. In the absence of Warner, Shaun Marsh is likely to open in Hobart, along with Aaron Finch.

David Warner's thuggish on-field behavior has gone too far: Martin Crowe

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:36:00 +0000

David Warner was involved in another on-field verbal altercation, this time with Rohit Sharma
Crowe called on the ICC to get cracking on the 'growing problem' like they have done with match fixing and chucking

David Warner got himself involved in another verbal altercation, a fortnight after voicing out against send-offs in cricket. The latest incident also involving Indian batsman, Rohit Sharma, has had him facing the ire of former New Zealand captain, Martin Crowe, who in his column for ESPNCricinfo has lambasted the Australian and has urged the International Cricket Council to nip this growing trend of 'boorish' on-field behaviour, in the bud.

"There is a growing concern that David Warner's thuggish on-field behaviour has gone too far. Soon one day it will lead to an incident that will sully the game for good," Crowe wrote.

"As Ian Chappell has often said recently, soon enough someone will get king-hit on a cricket field. Warner may just be the one who gets pinned by someone in retaliation. And if it's him who gets hammered, it will be overdue- if wrong."

Warner, in 2013, was suspended for an unprovoked attack on England batsman, Joe Root, has been at the centre of numerous on-field altercations. Most recently, in the first Test of the Australian summer, he was fined 15% of his match-fee for his verbal melee with Varun Aaron. Later in the series, he voiced his support to end send-offs and a toning down of on-field theatrics before letting slip a fortnight later.

Crowe called on the ICC to take a serious look at this growing problem and take steps to curb it, if possible by making an example out of Warner, who he believes, is 'one of the worst'. "Warner can play, but he is the most juvenile cricketer I have ever seen on the field. I don't care how gooe he is: if he continues to show all those watching that he doesn't care, he must be removed, either by Cricket Australia or by the world governing body," Crowe wrote.

According to the former New Zealand captain, behavior like that exhibited by Warner, in the name of 'hard cricket' is destined to bring down the gentleman's game and must be dealt with severely in order to preserve the sport's sanctity, for the generations to follow.

"You have to take them out of the game for extended periods. This is the only way it will be dealt with. The more he (Warner) gets away with it, the more others will follow in his pitiful actions. Already we see one or two of his teammates enjoying being close to his hideous energy," Crowe wrote.

"The ICC is doing good things pulling in chuckers and match-fixers. Now they have a new problem brewing and Warner is leading the charge. If chuckers and match-fixers are being shown the door, then so too must verbal abusers be.

"This must not spread to a new generation. But believe me, they are already watching and they are already imitating. In their young, impressionable minds, they think they are copying a hero. On the contrary, they are idolizing a player who seems destined to bring down the gentleman's game."

#AusvInd it's time umps were given power to yellow/red card thuggish appalling behaviour. Warner needs anger management & made example of.
— Martin David Crowe (@MDCroweMentor) January 18, 2015

Yuvraj to play for MCC in Dubai

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:31:00 +0000

Yuvraj Singh will return to MCC to join up with their T20 side for the Emirates tournament on March 20.
Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry are also part of the MCC team, which will be led by Nick Compton.

Yuvraj Singh, the out-of-favour India allrounder, has been selected to play for MCC in the Emirates T20 tournament which will take place in Dubai on March 20. Lancashire will face Yorkshire in the first semi-final in the morning while MCC will line up against Sussex in the afternoon game. The final will be held on the same evening.

Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry are also part of the MCC team, which will be led by Nick Compton. Nepal captain Paras Khadka also features in the MCC team. Among the squad members, Yuvraj and Khadka will only play in the T20 matches while the rest of the players will also take part in the the Champions County match against Yorkshire, which acts as a curtain raiser for the English county season.

Yuvraj last played for India in the final of the World T20 2014 against Sri Lanka, which the MS Dhoni-led side lost by six wickets. Yuvraj also played for the Rest of the World XI against MCC in the Bicentenary match at Lord's last summer. He scored 132 off 134 balls in that game but his effort was overshadowed by Aaron Finch, whose explosive 181* powered MCC to a comfortable victory.

"I am very excited about being part of the squad for this tournament, and I'd like to thank MCC for offering me the chance to play out in Dubai again. There are some great players in the squad so we stand a good chance of winning the competition. I've got fond memories of playing against MCC in the Lord's Bicentenary match last year and I'm delighted to be involved with the club again," said Yuvraj about his inclusion.

MCC Head of Cricket John Stephenson said: "I'm very happy to have secured Yuvraj for this tournament. His record speaks for itself and the fact that he has agreed to be involved speaks volumes for the competition's status in cricket. I'm sure he will provide plenty of entertainment for the crowd and I'm looking forward to seeing him in MCC colours."

MCC squad: Nick Compton (Middlesex, captain), Alastair Cook (Essex), Michael Carberry (Hampshire), James Hildreth (Somerset), Zafar Ansari (Surrey), Daryl Mitchell (Worcestershire), Sam Billings (Kent), Matt Dunn (Surrey), Chris Rushworth (Durham), Graham Onions (Durham), Adam Riley (Kent), Paras Khadka (Nepal - for T20 matches only), Yuvraj Singh (India - for T20 matches only).

Bailey hopes to end form slump

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:28:00 +0000

George Bailey has been leading Australia in absence of injured Michael Clarke.
Bailey will bat up the order against India on Monday.

George Bailey has one fifty to his name in his last ten ODIs for Australia. While his team has excelled in the ongoing tri-series that also involves England and India, he has been found struggling for runs. In the absence of regular captain Michael Clarke, Bailey has been leading the side and if his slump continues, his position in the playing XI during the World Cup that starts next month will be in danger.

Bailey knows the consequences of his regular failures with the bat but points out the fact that Australia's top order has been in good form and he comes to bat quite late in the innings which gives him little time to settle and he, invariably, ends up playing the role of a finisher.

"If I'm not scoring runs and they pick him (Michael Clarke), that's fine, that's the nature of the game. It'll sound a bit silly but I think we've been batting really well as a group, so in terms of my role I've been coming in a touch later than when I was scoring big runs," he said. "So I feel like I'm batting as well as I ever have, it's just a matter of getting some balls in the middle. But hopefully we continue batting as well as we are at the top of the order and that role continues to be a finishing role at the end."

However, despite his struggles, the 32-year-old is looking forward to captaining the side against India on Monday which also happens to be Australia Day. "It's a very enjoyable thing to do, to captain your country. Tomorrow will be fun, captaining on Australia Day, that will be a real buzz. And you are scoring runs and you are not scoring runs - then you get picked or you don't. It's a really basic equation," he said.

Allrounder Shane Watson has been ruled out of the India game meaning Bailey can move up the order and spend more time in the middle to get back in touch. Mitchell Marsh, who is available for selection after attaining full fitness, might find a place in the playing XI.

"I will probably get to bat higher up with Watson being out, however our line-up's structure will remain much the same as the other day," said Bailey. "I think the spinner will play, Xavier Doherty will come back in and we're just finalising which quicks we're going to go with. Mitchell Marsh has pulled up really well. He has a good chance and if playing he'll be expected to bowl."

However, Mitchell Johnson has been ruled out as he is being saved for the final of the tri-series to be played on February 1. Australia have already qualified for the final after winning all three of their games of the series."I faced Mitchell Johnson last night and that's never pleasant, so his pace was still pretty good. He's had another hit out today. He's going reasonably well. I don't think he'll play tomorrow and he'll be building up for Perth," he said.

Morgan eyes confidence boosting win over India

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:23:00 +0000

Morgan is banking on the recent form of Steven Finn and Ian Bell for the crucial game against India.
With not much success before the start of the tri-series, England are eyeing much-needed momentum before the World Cup.

Hungry to get back to winning form, England captain Eoin Morgan is looking at the do-or-die tri-series tie against India as one that will build up the side's momentum ahead of the World Cup if they go on to win the game on Friday.

After handsomely beating India in their previous encounter, England's final round-robin fixture against Mahendra Singh Dhoni's team in Perth is a virtual semifinal as the winners go onto play Australia in the final on Sunday at the same venue.

"The guys are in high spirits. Yes, we did take a lot of confidence from that game and I think that performance has been a long time coming. We've put in a lot of work over the last year or so with very little reward," Morgan told reporters on the eve of the match.

The pitch at the WACA traditionally favours the fast bowlers and is bouncy. England, with one of the better fast-bowling attacks in the world, will fancy their chances against India's batting order which is going through form and injury-based issues in the tri-series.

Things are slowly falling in place for England, who have just six wins from their last 20 ODIs. Steven Finn, with a five-wicket haul against India and Ian Bell scoring an impressive 141 from 125 balls against Australia have given England a momentum that they'd like to carry forward with a win ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

"So an individual performance like Steven Finn put in was brilliant. Since then Ian Bell has put in a fantastic performance (against Australia) so things are starting to come together and I think a win tomorrow would give us huge confidence and build momentum for us ahead of the World Cup. I think it is important to win this game given the lack of success we've had before this tour. We've built a confidence in our preparation, in the game in Brisbane and in performances leading into the start of this series. So as momentum and confidence goes I think it's quite a big game," Morgan said.

"It's vitally important we adapt to conditions tomorrow. It's going to be a little bit different to everywhere we do play on this tour. But the guys are really looking forward to it. It's a place where you come and play and really look forward to it - one of those iconic grounds where you want to do well," he said.

Hafeez, Younis included in Pakistan WC squad; Gul misses out

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:21:00 +0000

Mohammad Hafeez, despite having failed the unofficial bowling action test in Chennai recently, has been picked in the Pakistan squad for ICC Cricket World Cup, 2015. Pacers, Umar Gul and Bilawal Bhatti, who are yet to fully recover from injuries, have been left out of the side, while Younis Khan has made it to the final fifteen.

Gul underwent an operation last May in Melbourne after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury and has struggled to touch top fitness and bowling form since completing the rehabilitation period. He suffered a recurrence of the knee injury last year after being called up for the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka in the UAE and was not considered for the Tests.

Nasir Jamshed and Sohail Tanvir, who played against New Zealand recently, have also been axed from the side. The other players from the squad that played NZ who are not a part of the WC squad are Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Zulfiqar Babar.

There was a surprise call-up for Sohail Khan, the 30-year-old pacer from Malakand. Khan had last represented his country in Zimbabwe in 2011. The right-armer, however, bowled himself into contention following some strong performances in domestic cricket, including a haul of 6/46 a day before the squad was announced.

There were also call-ups for Shoaib Maqsood, Junaid Khan and Ehsan Adil - the three had missed the series against NZ due to injuries. Young allrounder, Harris Sohail's ODI form against New Zealand last month has earned him a maiden World Cup berth, while wicketkeeper-batsman Sarfraz Ahmed's 2014 run of good scores in all formats has been rewarded too.

The PCB selectors have named five fast bowlers - Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz - and Yasir Shah as the specialist spinner to back-up Shahid Afridi.

"This is the best possible squad from the available resources, and the selectors believe it has the requisite talent and skill-set to recapture the World Cup Down Under after 22 years," said chief selector Moin Khan. "My request to all Pakistanis is to back the national team in its quest for glory.

Four factors were of prime import for selectors: Suitability to play in conditions in Australia and New Zealand; performance in international contests; performance in domestic cricket and preference to the choices suggested by captain and head coach, Team Pakistan. Of the selected squad of 15, eight have played in the last World Cup, while the remaining seven have been picked after their recent form impressed the selectors. This makes it a pretty decent blend of experience and youth," Khan added.

"Despite a recent poor run of form in limited-overs cricket, in my mind, theres no doubt on the capability of this side to excelling in the World Cup. It indeed is a formidable unit, with the potential and natural flair to perform well at the ICCs premier global showpiece event. And if the boys hit form individually and as combinations and peak at the right time, this bunch has the capacity to go all the way to the winners' podium."

Pakistan Squad for World Cup:

Misbah ul Haq(c), Ahmed Shehzad, Shoaib Maqsood, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Harris Sohail, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed(wk), Shahid Afridi, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan, Ehsan Adil, Sohail Khan, Wahab Riaz.

de Villiers is the most valuable cricketer on the planet: Gilchrist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:19:00 +0000

AB is the most valuable cricketer in the planet
2015 ICC Cricket World Cup will be very exciting

Heaping lavish praise on South Africa's ODI captain, AB de Villiers, former Australian wicket-keeper batsman and three time World Cup winner, Adam Gilchrist, has branded the Protea skipper as the "most valuable cricketer on the planet". In an exclusive TV interview with International Cricket Council (ICC), the legendary keeper also shared his excitement at the 2015 World Cup, being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, after a span of 23 years.

With 1085 runs from 31 World Cup games, Gilchrist is sixth in the list of the highest run-scorers in ODIs premier tournament. He has also accounted for as many as 52 dismissals (45 ct + 7 st), making him the most successful wicket-keeper in the history of the tournament. His performance is reflected in him being part of three Australian World Cup triumphs (1999, 2003 and 2007). Heaping praise on de Villiers, Gilchrist said:

"de Villiers is the most valuable cricketer on the planet. His versatility is extraordinary and he is amazing to watch. He's so inventive, he can play a touch game or a power game. Then, he can also keep wickets. He's also one of the best fielders in the world and recently has taken some wickets when he had a bowl. And he leads his team very well, so, I think he's the most valuable cricketer around."

Sharing his excitement over Australia and New Zealand hosting the prestigious tournament, Gilchrist felt the conditions in both countries would play a big role in the success of the tournament. "I think next month's tournament is going to be really exciting. Conditions, particularly in Australia, are going to be conducive to high scores, entertaining cricket and flamboyant play.

"In New Zealand, there are more result-based wickets on offer, as there's normally a bit in them for the bowlers. The batsmen might struggle a bit more over there, but I think were going to see an exciting and a close tournament," he said.

Harking back on his playing days, Gilchrist, who was part of three Australian triumphs, recalled fond memories from each edition of the prestigious tournament. "They were all very different (tournaments)," he said. "In 1999 (in England), we just scraped through. We lost two of our first three games and one slip-up and we knew we were out of the tournament. So, we were on a knifes edge, including the famous tied semi-final (against South Africa). It was close.

"In 2003 (in South Africa), again we were a little bit shaky early on, but we got it right. We had a few close calls where a number of games went right down to the wire and it took some flashes of individual brilliance to get us over the line. We ended up winning undefeated, but it was a lot closer than that.

"In 2007 (in the West Indies), we just dominated. Guys like Glenn McGrath and Matthew Hayden were taking opponents out of play, so that was probably the cruisier tournament. Not without hard work or commitment, but certainly there was a bit more of a relaxed view certainly compared to the other two. All three tournaments were very individual in their own right, but they were all wonderful memories," he signed off.

Bangladesh include Soumya Sarkar in World Cup squad

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:13:00 +0000

All rounder Soumya Sarkar has been in good form in domestic cricket
Bangladesh have included four pacers

Bangladesh have named their 15-man squad for ICC Cricket World Cup, 2015. Fast bowler Mashrafe Mortaza has been named as the skipper with Shakib Al Hasan named his deputy. The squad also includes all-rounder Soumya Sarkar who has played just one ODI previously. Sarkar has been in good form in domestic cricket recently which strengthened his case.

The World Cup will be played in Australia and New Zealand where the pitches generally favour pace bowlers more than spin. Bangladesh have four fast bowlers in the squad - Mortaza, Rubel Hossain, Taskin Ahmed and Al-Amin Hossain.

Abdur Razzak, the experienced left-arm spinner was omitted and is currently nursing a hamstring injury. Bangladesh are placed in Group A in the tournament along with Australia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Scotland, New Zealand and England. They play their first match against Afghanistan on February 18 but will also be playing two warm-up games before that.

Chief selector Faruque Ahmed made it clear that Bangladesh are looking at beating Scotland and Afghanistan and then trying for an upset against the bigger teams. "Every selector wants to build a team that will win the World Cup. We also want to do that but our style is to set a realistic target. We have to win at least two of those matches to have any practical chance of making it to the next round. We have considered form and who can sustain in those conditions," said Faruque.

"We wanted seasoned campaigners although we haven't picked Razzak. (Elias) Sunny is a seasoned campaigner who has been playing in top domestic tournaments for the last 10 years.But he did not get chances because of Razzak. Now he is in better form. Also, we thought Razzak's fielding could be an issue," reasoned Faruque and also explained the decision to recall batsman Nasir Hossain who was dropped for the series against Zimbabwe recently.

"The return of Nasir will add depth in our batting.Soumya (Sarkar) is a utility player who can bat at the top order and his medium-pace bowling also can be handy in Australia-New Zealand. We have picked three left-arm spinners in the past, and we have been successful against middle and lower-ranking teams," added Faruque.

Bangladesh World Cup squad: Tamim Iqbal, Anamul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Mominul Haque, Shakib Al Hasan (vc), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Taskin Ahmed, Al-Amin Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Arafat Sunny, Taijul Islam

Saeed Ajmal picked to play one-day games against Kenya

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:10:00 +0000

Saeed Ajmal has been picked to play one-day games for Pakistan 'A' against Kenya, before he travels for his final biomechanics test in Chennai this month.

Saeed Ajmal has been picked by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to play one-day games for Pakistan 'A' against Kenya. He is expected to travel to Chennai to undergo biomechanic tests this month.

An official of the board said on Thursday that Ajmal will feature in a couple of games against Kenya, since it was not an international series. "It is a representative series, so he will play in the last two matches against Kenya and one or two practice games against them in Lahore," Shakil Sheikh, a member of PCB's Board of Governors said onGeo Super channel.

He confirmed that it had been decided to send both Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) accredited laboratory in Chennai. "Hafeez will go this week to Chennai directly from Dubai for his informal test and is waiting for his visa. Ajmal will travel from from Lahore after playing the Kenya matches," Sheikh said.

He said that the plan was to send Ajmal during the last week of December for an official biomechanics test that will decide whether he can be cleared to take part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.

"Most probably he will go on December 30th to Chennai. It can be done. There are regulations which allow participating teams to seek extra time for some players to decide whether they can play in the World Cup or not," Sheikh summed up.

Virender Sehwag: We were superstitious while playing Pakistan in the World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 22:01:00 +0000

At a promotional event, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambir, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar discussed the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 and India Pakistan clashes.

Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar sat down for a promotional event, 'Agenda Aaj Tak 2014', and discussed the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 in Australia-New Zealand. The conversation meandered across favourites for the World Cup before settling down on a candid discussion about India-Pakistan World Cup matches.

Picking his favourite for the title, Gambhir said, "It is not possible to predict who will win the World Cup but may be we can predict the top four. In cricket, it depends on that day. My heart says India will win, but I think Australia will be the favourites since it is happening in their own backyard."

Sehwag and Wasim Akram, however, named South Africa as the top favourites, despite their chokers tag, as they believed the conditions Down Under would suit the Proteas.

On asked if MS Dhoni could help India retain the Cup, Gambhir said, "Individually, Dhoni can't win you a World Cup. I always believed that it's a team which wins you a World Cup. Dhoni is someone who handles pressure well and doesn't create panic."

Meanwhile, former Pakistan speedster, Shoaib Akhtar, believed that both India and Pakistan had the ingredients to win the big prize. "If Pakistan can show daredevilry and India can show the right attitude then either of the two teams can win the World Cup. The major factor for India is that they now have three fast bowlers who can bowl at 140km, but they need to be fit," he said.

Talking about Pakistan's poor record against India in the World Cup, Akhtar said the players always took unnecessary pressure when playing India in a World Cup, something his former skipper, Wasim Akram seconded. "I have always wondered as a player and as a captain why we lose against India in World Cup and I think it is the pressure which affects the performance," Akram said.

Sharing his view, Virender Sehwag, member of two Indian wins against Pakistan in World Cups (2003, 2011), said: "I played in two World Cups and I can say that we were superstitious while playing Pakistan and used to say that we will lose. In fact in 2011, we kept saying we will lose in quarters, semifinals and finals."

Sehwag and Gambhir, however had different takes on handling pressure of playing in a World Cup. "As a cricketer, pressure is always there. It won't matter if the World Cup is in Australia or India," Gambhir said.

True to his persona, Sehwag added, "Pressure depends on individuals. My job was always to give a good start and not to play the entire 50 overs. It was to make maximum runs and make it easy for the other batsmen to follow. So it depends on individuals."

India and Pakistan will face each other in their opening match of the quadrennial event in Adelaide on February 15.

Injured Junaid to miss NZ ODIs, in doubt for World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:44:00 +0000

A hamstring injury suffered in a camp in Lahore has ruled Junaid Khan out of Pakistan's two-ODI series against New Zealand.
Bilawal Bhatti has been named as his replacement in the 15-man squad.
If Junaid fails to regain full fitness, Bhatti will replace him in the World Cup as well.

Pakistan fast bowler Junaid Khan has been ruled out of the two-match ODI series against New Zealand and has been replaced by allrounder Bilawal Bhatti in the squad. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board, the 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during a short conditioning camp ahead of the World Cup in Lahore last week. Junaid will not leave with the team on Tuesday night to New Zealand, where Pakistan play two ODIs against the co-hosts.

The PCB said that Junaid had still not made a full recovery from the hamstring injury he picked up during the camp and will not be leaving with the team on Tuesday night. "Junaid has been replaced by Bilawal who will be playing the two one-day internationals in New Zealand and two warm-up games prior to the World Cup," a board official told PTI. "If Junaid recovers fitness, he will join the World Cup squad," Pakistan's chief selector Moin Khan said.

Junaid complained of pain in the right thigh and elbow after a fall during the conditioning camp on January 15. "On re-examining Junaid's condition, Pakistan's physiotherapist Brad Robinson and PCB's head of medical and sports sciences Dr Sohail Saleem concurred that he had not recovered sufficiently from the traction injury of the nerve in the posterior right thigh and recommended recuperation at the NCA," the PCB was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. "Subsequently the left-arm fast bowler was withdrawn from the New Zealand tour."

If Junaid fails to regain full fitness for the World Cup, Bhatti could replace him in the final 15-man squad. "The chairman (Shaharyar Khan) has considered and approved the request of the skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to include Bilawal Bhatti in the team under the condition that Bilawal Bhatti will play all scheduled matches in New Zealand," Moin said. "The decision for his selection will be considered in accordance with his performance as to whether he may continue or be replaced. It is, however, clarified that if Junaid Khan regains fitness, he will join the World Cup squad as announced on January 7, 2015."

Junaid made a successful return to domestic cricket in the recent five-team one-day tournament earlier this year after being out of action since last September when he hurt his knee in a practice session prior to the ODI series against Australia. Junaid's 23-year-old replacement Bilawal has played just two Tests and eight one-day internationals and was ignored for the final 15-member World Cup squad.

There are question marks over fitness of other Pakistan players ahead of the mega event, including captain Misbah-ul-Haq which could mean that the selectors might look to announce a few more replacements in the squad. Pakistan play two ODIs in New Zealand on January 31 in Wellington and February 3 in Napier. They play two World Cup warm-up games on February 9 against Bangladesh and February 11 against England, both in Sydney. Pakistan open their campaign against India on February 15 at the Adelaide Oval.

Michael Clarke confident of playing in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:42:00 +0000

Michael Clarke is hopeful of playing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, after he had to undergo a surgery on his torn hamstring.
The 33-year-old set alarm bells ringing with a warning that the injury sustained during the first Test against India at Adelaide could cut short his stellar cricketing life.

Australian captain, Michael Clarke, is confident of making a return to international cricket, after he underwent a surgery on his torn hamstring. The 33-year-old set alarm bells ringing with a stark warning that the injury sustained during the first Test against India in Adelaide could cut short his stellar cricketing life.

However, in an upbeat column for Sydney's Daily Telegraph, Clarke gave a positive assessment, a week after the operation.

"The biggest thing for me is getting back on the field for the World Cup. I have been told by medical staff that I am in as good a condition as I can be a week after undergoing the surgery," Clarke said of the tournament that starts in Australia and New Zealand in mid-February.

"There is no swelling and no pain when I walk. I can't wait to begin stage two of the rehab process which involves starting to run again," he added.

He offered strong support to fellow veterans, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Chris Rogers, who have come under pressure for weak performances since the start of the four-Test series against India, this month. With Australia leading India 2-0 ahead of the third Test in Melbourne on Friday, he also backed them for the 2015 Ashes squad to face England.

"It's crucial to have experienced guys like these in a team when you're bringing through youngsters. I hope all three of them are on the plane to England for next year's Ashes series. They bring so much more to the table than just their batting," Clarke summed up.

Miller replaces Narine in Windies WC squad

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:40:00 +0000

Nikita Miller replaced Sunil Narine who withdrew from the squad
Narine has not been under any cloud of official sanction from the ICC.

Left-arm spinner Nikita Miller was called up by the West Indies for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on Thursday to replace Sunil Narine who withdrew from the squad.Miller, 32, has featured in 45 one-day internationals, taking 40 wickets with a best of 4-43 against Zimbabwe. His last appearance for the West Indies in a one-dayer was in March last year against England.

Narine withdrew from the squad on Tuesday, citing the need for more time to confidently bowl for sustained periods with his new action.The Trinidadian's action had been deemed on two occasions during the Indian Champions League T20 tournament last September to be illegal.

However, he has not been under any cloud of official sanction from the International Cricket Council.

The World Cup commences on February 14 with West Indies playing their opening match two days later against Ireland in Nelson in New Zealand.They will also play South Africa, defending champions India, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.

Revised West Indies World Cup squad:

Jason Holder (capt), Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Nikita Miller, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.

Jayasuriya unhappy with SL's WC preparations

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 16:04:00 +0000

Sri Lanka's chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya, is unimpressed with the progress of the national team ahead of the 2015 World Cup that starts next month. Sri Lanka have lost the ongoing seven-ODI series against New Zealand 4-1 with a game to go.

"I am not very happy the way things are going out there in New Zealand," Jayasuriya was quoted as saying by The Nation. "There are areas to be improved and in the next few weeks I hope we can sort them out. I am not 100 percent happy as there are aspects to improve every day. The only good thing is that we are playing in New Zealand and against the same opposition whom we will meet in our opening match of the World Cup."

Since their arrival in New Zealand in December last year, Sri Lanka have been at the receiving end of a 2-0 Test series whitewash followed by another defeat in the seven-ODI series. However, Jayasuriya tried putting a positive spin on the situation saying these are testing conditions for the side and they will fare better during the World Cup because of the familiarity.

"It's a good advantage for us to play here in these conditions which are tough. We have almost two months here playing Tests and ODIs to settle down and to play against the same country is a big advantage," he said.

Jayasuriya is especially concerned about the inexperienced bowling department that has allowed the opposition to recover from pressure situations. "The bowling department is an area of concern. They need to plan themselves on things they should do when it comes to a crunch situation," he said. "We lack experience in our bowling at the moment in the absence of Lasith Malinga which is huge. (Nuwan) Kulasekera and (Suranga) Lakmal have come back from injuries and bowling alright."

Sri Lanka are feeling the absence of paceman Lasith Malinga who is recovering from injuries. Jayasuriya revealed that Malinga has started bowling and looks all set to be fit in time before the big-ticket event. "Lasith started to bowl about 30 balls yesterday and today also he was bowling. He has shown no signs of discomfort and he will be increasing his workload gradually. I think he will be alright for the World Cup," he said.

Sri Lanka start their World Cup campaign taking on co-hosts New Zealand in the opening game on February 14 in Christchurch.

© ICC WorldCup Streaming

Vettori confident of good show in World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:57:00 +0000

Daniel Vettori has become the most-capped New Zealand player with 280 ODIs.
Vettori's eocnomy rate in the current series against Sri Lanka is 3.67.

After missing most of 2012 and 2013 with injury, Daniel Vettori is enjoying his time back with the team this season and his performances have made New Zealand complete. During the sixth ODI against Sri Lanka at Dunedin, Vettori featured in his 280th ODI for New Zealand, becoming the most-capped New Zealand player and he was given a special presentation by Stephen Boock, New Zealand cricket president. The previous record was held by former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who had 279 ODI appearances .

Vettori is the leading wicket-taker in ODIs for New Zealand and he needs just 11 wickets to reach the 300-wicket mark in ODIs. In early 2013, Vettori had declined a central contract in order to be fit for the 2015 World Cup. He said the main concern for him was to get through the amount of cricket that was been played. "It's been nearly four months of nearly non-stop cricket, I've played a lot of games and bowled a lot of overs and I'm feeling pretty good, the body's feeling good, there haven't been any niggles, and with still a fair amount of cricket to go including the World Cup, I'm fairly confident I'll get through it," he said.

When asked about how he felt about the milestones that he has accumulated in his career, Vettori said, "To play for such a long period of time and to put those milestones together is pleasing, particularly as a spin bowler in New Zealand, where conditions aren't always conducive to bowling spin because of the grounds and the nature of the wickets, so to be able to hold the record for Test matches and ODIs is very pleasing."

The main battle in the New Zealand team is for the spinner's slot and it is between Vettori and Nathan McCullum. Vettori has played in four games but has not taken a wicket yet in the series against Sri Lanka. However, he has contained the flow of runs nicely by going at an economy rate of just 3.67.

India left with unanswered questions after Sydney wash-out

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:55:00 +0000

The washout in Sydney kept India afloat in the tri-series, but it meant the questions over their fickle batting went unanswered.
Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu's dismissals raised more doubts over the team's batting, an area they are banking on ahead of the World Cup.

India may have come out the happier of the two sides after the fifth one-dayer of the Carlton Mid tri-series in Sydney was rained out but during the 16 overs on Monday, the glaring questions that hovered over their top-order turned into massive headaches.

With the bowlers showing that they could be a big problem, India already had their plates full ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup. Two of the four batsmen who were lucky or unlucky to bat in the penultimate league game only added to the problems today, leaving MS Dhoni and Co. with big decisions to make.

Shikhar Dhawan has contributed little next to nothing in three ODIs while Ambati Rayudu seems all at sea about his role in the side. Both failed in testing conditions on Monday, adding more substance to questions about their spots.

Having invited India to bat on a morning marred by rain, Australia bowled 16 overs before bad weather forced the umpires to call the game off. The teams were robbed off match practice but split points meant India kept alive their chances of progressing to the next stage and playing Australia in the final. Their game against England on January 30 will now be a virtual semifinal.

Just over an hour's play was possible in Sydney, but it was enough to compound the defending World Cup champions' woes.

Shikhar Dhawan understandably took a cautious approach and picked runs when the bowlers erred in line. However, his vigil lasted only 13 deliveries. Dhawan is now becoming concomitant with edging behind the stumps. The left-hander, once again, flirted with a delivery outside off-stump and edged it to first slip. Scores of 2, 1 and 8 are not what India would have hoped for from a batsman who is expected to replicate Virender Sehwags blazing approach.

Dhawans scores before the tri-series read 91, 79 and 113. Three successive failures doesn't necessarily mean a batsman is woefully out of form but Dhawan looks a mere shadow of the player he has been. His confidence has taken a battering and, against quality opposition in overseas conditions, he has become a liability.

Unlike Ajinkya Rahane or Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan cannot be moved down the order and that could work against the 29-year-old. Add to this, Dhawan's form when India visited New Zealand early last year (32, 12, 28, 9) and it becomes clear why Dhawan is everyone's favourite for the axe.

The other aspect that has made India's World Cup build up all the more irksome is their inability to figure out what to do with Rayudu. The fact that Virat Kohli 'gave him the chance that should have been given to him 10 years ago'is touching for sure but with a World Cup in sight, is it right to persist with having him at the crucial No.3 spot? Especially when India boast of the worlds best No. 3 at the moment.

Rayudu was used more as a pinch-hitter on Monday, perhaps keeping in mind that rain would have an effect on the outcome. And although he hit a couple of lusty blows, it was clear that being quick off the blocks is not one of his strong points. India have players like Suresh Raina to play in such manner, should the need arise. Rayudu slammed two fours and a six during his 24-ball cameo before he was out, trying to hoick Mitchell Marsh out of the ground.

Moving him down the order would pose other problems for India. Rayudu is not known for his big hits and he could throw a spanner in India's works during the death overs should he be batting then. When India played England in a one-off T20I in September last year, MS Dhoni refused to give Rayudu the strike as he appeared to have doubted the Baroda batsman's finishing capabilities. India will be keen on avoiding a similar situation during the World Cup. So then, would the side be looking at dropping Rayudu from the side? That would allow a more-solid Ajinkya Rahane to drop down to No. 3 with Dhawan and Rohit Sharma opening. India could also be looking at getting Rayudu ready for any eventuality. While they see him more as a batsman who can drop anchor, India could also be making sure that Rayudu is ready to wield the long-handle should the situation crop up.

India's experimentation in the tri-series has unfortunately left them with more issues to address. With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel not getting their chance in today's game, the side would now be in a quandary about what to do in their must-win game against England. Should they give Patel and Jadeja another go in the XI? Should Dhawan and Rayudu get one last chance? Or should India go with an in-form and tested combination?

MS Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher do not have much time to find the right answers.

Misbah aims to rewrite history

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:47:00 +0000

Pakistan start their World Cup campaign against India, a team they have never beaten at the showpiece event.
Misbah believes that the team is well prepared for the quadrennial event.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has promised the fans that they would play their best cricket during the ICC World Cup, hoping to beat India there. Pakistan have never beaten India at the World Cup and start their campaign against them on February 15 in Adelaide.

"We know how important this match is and we are going with a clear mind that we want to change history and beat India in a World Cup," Misbah said while addressing the media briefly at the national cricket academy in Lahore before the team left for the airport to embark on their World Cup campaign on Tuesday.

"We are focused for the match and the players are going to play with lot of passion and commitment to try to win the match," he added.

Misbah believes that the team is well prepared for the quadrennial event. "In a few hours we will be leaving for the World Cup and I think we have our best possible preparations for the World Cup and we are going with a positive mindset and try to win every match and the World Cup," he said.

"We have only one thing in mind that is to play our best cricket in this event because we know how closely the World Cup is followed by everyone and the expectations attached with our team. Every team has the backing of its nation and it comes well prepared to win the World Cup so it is going to be a tough challenge but I think we have the resources to meet this challenge," he said.

Pakistan is slated to play two warm up matches and two one-day internationals in New Zealand before moving to Australia and Misbah, who has already announced the World Cup will be his final one-day international event, said the team would have nearly three and half weeks to acclimatise to the conditions in the host countries. "We are going there nearly three and half weeks in advance to acclimatise and get used to wickets and that is good enough and we have the resources to deal with every situation," he said.

Shahid Afridi signs for Northamptonshire

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:39:00 +0000

Afridi will play for Northamptonshire in the first six rounds 2015 T20 Blast competition.
He has also played county cricket for Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Kent and Hampshire.

Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi is to play for Northamptonshire in the first six rounds of English cricket's 2015 T20 Blast competition, the Midlands county announced on Monday. One of the most spectacular hitters of a cricket ball the game has known, the 34-year-old Afridi -- nicknamed 'Boom Boom' for his dynamism with the bat -- holds the record for the most sixes in one-day internationals with 342 hits to his credit.

Renowned for his rapid run-scoring, Afridi - also an effective legspinner -- has a strike-rate of 116.29 from 389 ODIs and 145.29 from 77 T20I games for Pakistan. "He doesn't need a big introduction. He is one of the top one-day cricketers of the last decade," Northamptonshire coach David Ripley told BBC Radio Northampton.

"I think we were in the right place at the right time to get a bit of dialogue going," the former Northamptonshire wicketkeeper added. "It's a very exciting signing. It's for the start of the competition so hopefully we can come out of the blocks quickly.

"We might not be able to finance another player further down the line, but we haven't given up hope on that."

Afridi, who has also played county cricket for Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Kent and Hampshire, has said he will retire from ODI cricket following this year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which starts next month. Northamptonshire, who won English county cricket's T20 title in 2013, hope to have Afridi available in time for their opening match of this season's competition, away to Durham on May 15.