The 2009 ICC Champions Trophy going to be staged in South Africa in the month of September this year - will present £2.4m ($4m) in entire prize money.
The International Cricket Council established the increase from £700,000 ($1.15m) from the earlier tournaments in 2004 and 2006.
Pakistan was set to host the one-day contest in 2008 but the event was switched to South Africa because of security problems regarding the terrorist attacks.
The eight-team competition will start from 22nd September to 5th October.
The Wanderers in Johannesburg and Centurion Park stadiums will host the 14 matches in 15 days as holders Australia protect their title.
England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies make up the other countries concerned as the top-ranked teams battle it out for the title.
ICC head executive Haroon Lorgat said: "The important boost in prize money is just the first of a series of novelty which will mark out the ICC Champions Trophy as a high-value contest for players, audience and our members.
"The new format means eight teams, 15 matches and one prize and as the only worldwide multi-team 50-over cricket battle between ICC Cricket World Cups. It will be an invaluable indicator of form as well as an immense advertisement for our great sport of cricket."
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Muralitharan Thinks for his Back foot in Test Cricket
Muttiah Muralitharan make a strategy to go off from Test cricket after next year's series in opposition to the West Indies.
"That will be my very last Test series," the bowler said. "I am on tenterhooks that's the right time for me because I will be 38 years old by then."
Muralitharan said he will carry on to play one-day and Twenty20 internationals.
"I desire to play T20s and ODI cricket," he said. "I want to play ODI cricket in anticipation of the next World Cup and T20s for a few more years."
Muralitharan made his first Test appearance in 1992 and became the maximum wicket-taker in Tests when he broke Australian Shane Warne's record of 708 wickets in 2007.
He has picked up 770 Test wickets in 127 matches at 22 runs per wicket and could become the first player to take 800 wickets. His 507 wickets in ODIs is also the maximum by a bowler.
Muralitharan was named player of the match Thursday as Sri Lanka won the first limited-over international against Pakistan by 36 runs.
"That will be my very last Test series," the bowler said. "I am on tenterhooks that's the right time for me because I will be 38 years old by then."
Muralitharan said he will carry on to play one-day and Twenty20 internationals.
"I desire to play T20s and ODI cricket," he said. "I want to play ODI cricket in anticipation of the next World Cup and T20s for a few more years."
Muralitharan made his first Test appearance in 1992 and became the maximum wicket-taker in Tests when he broke Australian Shane Warne's record of 708 wickets in 2007.
He has picked up 770 Test wickets in 127 matches at 22 runs per wicket and could become the first player to take 800 wickets. His 507 wickets in ODIs is also the maximum by a bowler.
Muralitharan was named player of the match Thursday as Sri Lanka won the first limited-over international against Pakistan by 36 runs.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Yusuf Patan Speech
The hitter Yusuf Pathan deprived of making any testimonials on the exclusion of his younger brother Irfan Patan from the list of 30-probables for the Champions Trophy. To be held in South Africa in September.
Yusuf was said that Irfan “has not been left out because of his performance.”
In a statement Yusuf said that he didn’t make any remarks on the assortment matters or about Irfan’s prohibiting.
“The remarks credited to me are totally unjustified and erroneous. I was asked to remark on the omission of Irfan Patan from the Champions Trophy probables. To which I clearly statemented, ‘It is not for me to comment on selection matters’ and got up from the press meeting,” said by Yusuf in a statement.
“A couple of people came following me and kept repeating similar question and trying to drag words from my mouth. Even here I said, ‘I have nothing to say’ and made a depart from the venue. I didn’t make any statement on selection matters,” he said.
Yusuf was said that Irfan “has not been left out because of his performance.”
In a statement Yusuf said that he didn’t make any remarks on the assortment matters or about Irfan’s prohibiting.
“The remarks credited to me are totally unjustified and erroneous. I was asked to remark on the omission of Irfan Patan from the Champions Trophy probables. To which I clearly statemented, ‘It is not for me to comment on selection matters’ and got up from the press meeting,” said by Yusuf in a statement.
“A couple of people came following me and kept repeating similar question and trying to drag words from my mouth. Even here I said, ‘I have nothing to say’ and made a depart from the venue. I didn’t make any statement on selection matters,” he said.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Gary Kirsten's Talk
Gary Kirsten View's :
On India's T20 shambles
"I don't think we played that well, to be frank. I sense that we made some inaccuracies. We have recognized the areas where we made the mistakes and we will positively make sure that our groundwork next time around is really built around that. The Indian players have enormous elegance and they play an electrifying brand of cricket, something that I have really enjoyed," said Kirtsen.
On T20 menace to Test cricket
"I just think we need to be watchful. The Twenty20 and the IPL are amazing products and it gives a large amount of funds. It is also tremendously compelling. Test cricket is what the game stands for. It's been something like since from the start and it is the soul of the game," opined Kirtsen.
On India's T20 shambles
"I don't think we played that well, to be frank. I sense that we made some inaccuracies. We have recognized the areas where we made the mistakes and we will positively make sure that our groundwork next time around is really built around that. The Indian players have enormous elegance and they play an electrifying brand of cricket, something that I have really enjoyed," said Kirtsen.
On T20 menace to Test cricket
"I just think we need to be watchful. The Twenty20 and the IPL are amazing products and it gives a large amount of funds. It is also tremendously compelling. Test cricket is what the game stands for. It's been something like since from the start and it is the soul of the game," opined Kirtsen.
Monday, July 27, 2009
ICC Champions Trophy 2009 Schedule
ICC Champions Trophy 2009, South Africa
The ICC Champions Trophy 2009 is a 2nd biggest cricket tournament scheduled to take place in South Africa in September-October 2009. It will be the sixth mini world cricket series. The ICC Champions Trophy 2009 will be contested by 8 Test teams which have been 'seeded' and divided into two groups are A and B.
Group A - India, Pakistan, West Indies and Australia
Group B - South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England
Champions Trophy 2009 Schedule
| September-2009 | |
| Date : Tue 22 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 1st Match, Group B - South Africa v Sri Lanka SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Wed 23 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 2nd Match, Group A - Pakistan v West Indies New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date : Thu 24 Time : 07:30 GMT, 09:30 local | 3rd Match, Group B - South Africa v New Zealand SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Fri 25 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 4th Match, Group B - England v Sri Lanka New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date : Sat 26 Time : 07:30 GMT, 09:30 local | 5th Match, Group A - Australia v West Indies New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date : Sat 26 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 6th Match, Group A - India v Pakistan SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Sun 27 Time : 07:30 GMT, 09:30 local | 7th Match, Group B - New Zealand v Sri Lanka New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date : Sun 27 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 8th Match, Group B - South Africa v England SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Mon 28 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 9th Match, Group A - India v Australia SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Tue 29 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 10th Match, Group B - England v New Zealand New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date : Wed 30 Time : 07:30 GMT, 09:30 local | 11th Match, Group A - Pakistan v Australia SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Wed 30 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 12th Match, Group A - India v West Indies New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| October-2009 | |
| Date : Fri 02 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 1st Semi-Final - A1 v B2 SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date : Sat 03 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | 2nd Semi-Final - B1 v A2 New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date : Mon 05 Time : 12:30 GMT, 14:30 local | Final - TBC v TBC SuperSport Park, Centurion |
Friday, July 24, 2009
Australia to make an ODI tour in India from October 25 this year
Australia will reach their destination at New Delhi on October 21 for a seven-match one day cricket series in opposition to India with Jaipur hosting the statting match on October 25th and the last match programmed in Mumbai on November 11.
The Cricket Board said in a statement that the Australians would be welcomed in the capital city of Delhi on October 21 previous to their departure to Jaipur the next day.
The 2nd match will be battled at Nagpur on October 28th, the 3rd match at the capital city of Delhi on October 31, the 4th match at Mohali on November 2, the 5th cricket battle at Hyderabad on November 5 and pre last match will played at Guwahati on November 8th
The entire matches are Day and Night battles except the Guwahati match it is the only day match in the tour. The Australians will return to their home from Mumbai on November 12.
According to the tour, Australia will arrive at Jaipur on October 22 and have two-day practice before the schedule.
The tour schedule:
October 21: Australia arrives in Delhi.
October 25: 1st ODI at Jaipur (D/N).
October 28: 2nd ODI at Nagpur (D/N
October 31: 3rd ODI at Delhi
November 2: 4th ODI at Mohali (D/N)
November 5: 5th ODI at Hyderabad (D/N)
November 8: 6th ODI at Guwahati.
November 11: 7th ODI at Mumbai (D/N)
November 12: Team departs to their home.
The Cricket Board said in a statement that the Australians would be welcomed in the capital city of Delhi on October 21 previous to their departure to Jaipur the next day.
The 2nd match will be battled at Nagpur on October 28th, the 3rd match at the capital city of Delhi on October 31, the 4th match at Mohali on November 2, the 5th cricket battle at Hyderabad on November 5 and pre last match will played at Guwahati on November 8th
The entire matches are Day and Night battles except the Guwahati match it is the only day match in the tour. The Australians will return to their home from Mumbai on November 12.
According to the tour, Australia will arrive at Jaipur on October 22 and have two-day practice before the schedule.
The tour schedule:
October 21: Australia arrives in Delhi.
October 25: 1st ODI at Jaipur (D/N).
October 28: 2nd ODI at Nagpur (D/N
October 31: 3rd ODI at Delhi
November 2: 4th ODI at Mohali (D/N)
November 5: 5th ODI at Hyderabad (D/N)
November 8: 6th ODI at Guwahati.
November 11: 7th ODI at Mumbai (D/N)
November 12: Team departs to their home.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tickets Sale Commence Tomorrow for ICC Champions Trophy
Tickets for the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 in South Africa go on deal tomorrow with prices guarantee immense worth for the spectators.
With tickets to stare at the world’s best cricketers going on issue for as least cost as R35 (US$4.50) and with the majority luxurious ticket for the final attractive just R140 (US$18), this top-class occasion gives the cricket-loving people of South Africa, as well as for the traveling supporters, the possibility to see their players without having to hollow out deep in their pockets.
"The ICC is aware of the requirements to present worth for money to supporters of our immense sport and we feel these ticket prices are enormously levelheaded, said David Richardson, ICC General Manager, Cricket, who attended the ticket launch in Johannesburg today.
"It’s not every day you get to watch the pinnacle players in the world for R35 so this presents a huge occasion for the cricket-loving people of South Africa and in a different place of the world to see the world’s best players in action," he said.
"This is an esteemed occasion with just the peak eight-ranked teams challenging. There is more prize money at stake than ever before, ticket prices have been kept low and yet we are scheduled the matches at two world-class cricket grounds. All this adds up to what we anticipate to be a charming event and a great cricketing show."
The tickets go on for sale at 0900 tomorrow (South Africa time) and can be obtained mainly through the event website at www.iccevents.yahoo.com. Fans can also reserve their tickets through Computicket by telephone on +2783 915 8000 or by plummeting in to any one of Computicket`s offices at hundreds of spots around South Africa. Tickets, including those for the grass banks, can also be purchased straight away from the two stadiums at The Wanderers (Tel: +2711 340 1509) and Centurion (Tel: +2712 663 1005 extn 7).
Ticket sales will be held in three periods. Phase one begins tomorrow (24 July) and consists of all matches in the competition up to 26 September. Phase two begins on 17 August and includes all matches up to 30 September and phase three begins on 21 September and involves tickets for the two semi-finals and the final.
Mr. Richardson said "This short, exhilarating event, with its new format concerning only the top eight-ranked sides in the world competing head to head, should be a unbelievable cricket show to follow on from the others that have already taken place in the ICC’s centennial year.”
"I think that given the excellence of contest and the low prices, ICC Champions Trophy rivals any other major sporting event taking place this year in terms of entertainment value.”
"Credit goes to our commercial and broadcast agreements the ICC Champions Trophy generates important funds for our associates which allow them to grow the game in their own communities, and that gives it additional worth beyond the esteem of the title itself."
For the initial time the ICC CT will feature only the top eight teams in the world in the only global multi-team 50-over-a-side tournament between the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean and the next version of that event, in the Asian sub-continent in two years` time.
Those teams- Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, hosts South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies have been divided into two groups of four teams, with the top two from each group succeeding to the semi-finals arena.
The battle begins on Tuesday 22 September with hosts team South Africa in action in opposition to Sri Lanka in a day-night match at Centurion and it will end with a day-night final at the same venue on Monday 5 October.
The current Champions Australia begins the defence of its ICC CT crown against the West Indies in a repeat of the 2006 final.
That match will take place as a day match at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Saturday 26 September and is part of a blockbuster day of action as, later on, India and Pakistan will go head-to-head in a day-night encounter at Centurion.
The ICC Champions Trophy starts as the ICC Knock-Out in 1998 and was played every two years through to 2006, changing its name for the 2002 version.
The sides to have won the event are South Africa (in Bangladesh, 1998), New Zealand (Kenya, 2000), India and Sri Lanka (joint winners after the final was washed out in Sri Lanka, 2002), the West Indies (England, 2004) and Australia (India, 2006).
With tickets to stare at the world’s best cricketers going on issue for as least cost as R35 (US$4.50) and with the majority luxurious ticket for the final attractive just R140 (US$18), this top-class occasion gives the cricket-loving people of South Africa, as well as for the traveling supporters, the possibility to see their players without having to hollow out deep in their pockets.
"The ICC is aware of the requirements to present worth for money to supporters of our immense sport and we feel these ticket prices are enormously levelheaded, said David Richardson, ICC General Manager, Cricket, who attended the ticket launch in Johannesburg today.
"It’s not every day you get to watch the pinnacle players in the world for R35 so this presents a huge occasion for the cricket-loving people of South Africa and in a different place of the world to see the world’s best players in action," he said.
"This is an esteemed occasion with just the peak eight-ranked teams challenging. There is more prize money at stake than ever before, ticket prices have been kept low and yet we are scheduled the matches at two world-class cricket grounds. All this adds up to what we anticipate to be a charming event and a great cricketing show."
The tickets go on for sale at 0900 tomorrow (South Africa time) and can be obtained mainly through the event website at www.iccevents.yahoo.com. Fans can also reserve their tickets through Computicket by telephone on +2783 915 8000 or by plummeting in to any one of Computicket`s offices at hundreds of spots around South Africa. Tickets, including those for the grass banks, can also be purchased straight away from the two stadiums at The Wanderers (Tel: +2711 340 1509) and Centurion (Tel: +2712 663 1005 extn 7).
Ticket sales will be held in three periods. Phase one begins tomorrow (24 July) and consists of all matches in the competition up to 26 September. Phase two begins on 17 August and includes all matches up to 30 September and phase three begins on 21 September and involves tickets for the two semi-finals and the final.
Mr. Richardson said "This short, exhilarating event, with its new format concerning only the top eight-ranked sides in the world competing head to head, should be a unbelievable cricket show to follow on from the others that have already taken place in the ICC’s centennial year.”
"I think that given the excellence of contest and the low prices, ICC Champions Trophy rivals any other major sporting event taking place this year in terms of entertainment value.”
"Credit goes to our commercial and broadcast agreements the ICC Champions Trophy generates important funds for our associates which allow them to grow the game in their own communities, and that gives it additional worth beyond the esteem of the title itself."
For the initial time the ICC CT will feature only the top eight teams in the world in the only global multi-team 50-over-a-side tournament between the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean and the next version of that event, in the Asian sub-continent in two years` time.
Those teams- Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, hosts South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies have been divided into two groups of four teams, with the top two from each group succeeding to the semi-finals arena.
The battle begins on Tuesday 22 September with hosts team South Africa in action in opposition to Sri Lanka in a day-night match at Centurion and it will end with a day-night final at the same venue on Monday 5 October.
The current Champions Australia begins the defence of its ICC CT crown against the West Indies in a repeat of the 2006 final.
That match will take place as a day match at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Saturday 26 September and is part of a blockbuster day of action as, later on, India and Pakistan will go head-to-head in a day-night encounter at Centurion.
The ICC Champions Trophy starts as the ICC Knock-Out in 1998 and was played every two years through to 2006, changing its name for the 2002 version.
The sides to have won the event are South Africa (in Bangladesh, 1998), New Zealand (Kenya, 2000), India and Sri Lanka (joint winners after the final was washed out in Sri Lanka, 2002), the West Indies (England, 2004) and Australia (India, 2006).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Simon Taufel to carry out colloquium for Indian umpires
Crown ICC privileged group Australian umpire Simon Taufel is to be the major participant in the August 6-12 Umpires colloquium to be organized in Bangalore by the Cricket Board.
All Ranji Trophy and Nationwide Panel umpires from India would be taking part in the seven-day colloquium which will be conducted out by expert from Cricket Australia which has united up with the Indian board on this count up, according to BCCI sources.
Also taking part in the seminar on behalf of CA would be umpires tutor Dennis Burns, its Global Development Manager Ross Turner and Ian Lock.
This is the third year the seminar is episoding after the BCCI's lash with Cricket Australia and "all the Indian umpires are glad", a national panel umpire who has attended the first two seminars said today.
"Earlier it used to be 100 per cent prominence only on the laws of the game.
All Ranji Trophy and Nationwide Panel umpires from India would be taking part in the seven-day colloquium which will be conducted out by expert from Cricket Australia which has united up with the Indian board on this count up, according to BCCI sources.
Also taking part in the seminar on behalf of CA would be umpires tutor Dennis Burns, its Global Development Manager Ross Turner and Ian Lock.
This is the third year the seminar is episoding after the BCCI's lash with Cricket Australia and "all the Indian umpires are glad", a national panel umpire who has attended the first two seminars said today.
"Earlier it used to be 100 per cent prominence only on the laws of the game.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Young West Indies Team
West Indies have included a pair of new players to their 14-member team for the first two ODI Internationals at West Indies in opposition to Bangladesh following the washout 2-0 defeat in the Test series.
While the batting line-up will be boosted up by the enclosure of left-hand batsman Devon Smith, Andre Fletcher and Kieran Powell, the bowling has been equipped with the selection of leg spinner Rawl Lewis and the draftee fast bowler Gavin Tonge.
Smith, who lastly performed in an ODI back in April 2008, in opposition to Sri Lanka at home, was selected for the tour of England in April-May this year. Fletcher, who put back Chadwick Walton as wicketkeeper from the Test squad, was dropped after unsatisfactory performances in the World Twenty20. His 53 in the first match against Australia was followed by 13 and three straight ducks.
Powell, 19, who call over from the small island of Nevis, has been pleased for the performance he has shown in National competitions. He has the status of being a clean protester of the ball and was part of the West Indies team for the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. He scored 253 runs at 42.16, with a strike rate of 124, which made him the second-highest scorer in the tournament.
Another steady performer on the domestic track has been the 26-year-old Tonge. He has executed well with the ball for Leeward Islands, and is also a helpful lower-order batsman.
Ryan Austin, Tino Best, Ryan Hinds, Kevin McClean, and Omar Phillips were among the players who missed out from the Test squad.
The first two ODIs will be played at Windsor Park in Dominica on July 26 and 28. St Kitts will host the third and final match on July 31, as well as the only Twenty20 international two days later.
Team of Caribbean’s: Floyd Reifer (caption), Darren Sammy, David Bernard, Travis Dowlin, Andre Fletcher (wk), Rawl Lewis, Nikita Miller, Nelon Pascal, Kieran Powell, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge.
While the batting line-up will be boosted up by the enclosure of left-hand batsman Devon Smith, Andre Fletcher and Kieran Powell, the bowling has been equipped with the selection of leg spinner Rawl Lewis and the draftee fast bowler Gavin Tonge.
Smith, who lastly performed in an ODI back in April 2008, in opposition to Sri Lanka at home, was selected for the tour of England in April-May this year. Fletcher, who put back Chadwick Walton as wicketkeeper from the Test squad, was dropped after unsatisfactory performances in the World Twenty20. His 53 in the first match against Australia was followed by 13 and three straight ducks.
Powell, 19, who call over from the small island of Nevis, has been pleased for the performance he has shown in National competitions. He has the status of being a clean protester of the ball and was part of the West Indies team for the 2008 Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia. He scored 253 runs at 42.16, with a strike rate of 124, which made him the second-highest scorer in the tournament.
Another steady performer on the domestic track has been the 26-year-old Tonge. He has executed well with the ball for Leeward Islands, and is also a helpful lower-order batsman.
Ryan Austin, Tino Best, Ryan Hinds, Kevin McClean, and Omar Phillips were among the players who missed out from the Test squad.
The first two ODIs will be played at Windsor Park in Dominica on July 26 and 28. St Kitts will host the third and final match on July 31, as well as the only Twenty20 international two days later.
Team of Caribbean’s: Floyd Reifer (caption), Darren Sammy, David Bernard, Travis Dowlin, Andre Fletcher (wk), Rawl Lewis, Nikita Miller, Nelon Pascal, Kieran Powell, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith, Devon Thomas, Gavin Tonge.
Monday, July 20, 2009
English Mans Victory in 75 yeas
History was going to be recorded any way on Monday on the final day of the second cricket battle of Ashes test between England and Australia at the great Lord’s ground.
England was planning to end 75 years of vainness against its oldest and most appreciated opponent on its most historic ground. Australia’s mission was to crash the record for the highest flourishing final innings run-chase in 132 years of test cricket.
England got what it wanted, and in the approach most fans would have asked for. Andrew Flintoff, a much-loved all-rounder who pronounced last week that he will go away from test cricket at the end of this five-match series, had a supporter crowd noisy as he charged in from the end dominated by Lord’s famous pavilion to shatter Australia’s hopes.
In his first over he ended the 185-run sixth wicket stand that had become a real peril to England’s hopes, inducing Brad Haddin to edge the ball to slip-fielder Paul Collingwood for 80.
Every ball bowled by Flintoff undertakes fresh drama as he exposed the wickets and the bodies of Australia’s batsmen, hitting Michael Clarke on the shoulder.
Flintoff bowled 10 six-ball overs unchanged, a lengthy task for a big man who has suffered continuously with injury. He bowled tail-enders Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle to end with five wickets in his last test match at Lord’s.
Flintoff found a fine, different, bowling partner Graeme Swann. The spinner struck in his first over, Hitting Clarke for a magnificent 136. Swann ended the match when he bowled Mitchell Johnson, who had produced Australia’s best batting of the morning, for a well-struck and spirited 63.
Australia fell short of its decisive target but still recorded its own highest-ever final innings score and the best ever in a test match at Lord’s.
England’s first success over Australia in eight matches means it leads the series, which it must win to recover the Ashes trophy, 1-0 with three games to go.
A challenge between well-matched but unsound teams, neither as strong as when they last met in England four years ago, seems unlikely to be resolute before the final match at the Oval, London next month.
Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, accepted that “England were much the better team and deserved to win. We were outplayed from the first ball until the end.”
He chose not to repeat complaints about the doubtful umpiring decisions that cost Australia three of its top four batsmen in the final innings.
The choice of Flintoff as Man of the Match was basically sentimental, taking one of the few enduring opportunities to festoon a national hero.
Andrew Strauss, the England captain, had set the tone for the victory from the start with his first-day innings of 161, batting his team into a leading position that it never consequently lost.
England’s anxieties ahead of the next match in Birmingham, starting on July 30 are with the fitness of key players. Kevin Pietersen, the star batsman who missed much of the early season with an Achilles ligament problem, looked uncomfortable throughout and must be a doubt.
Flintoff was optimistic about his probability of playing the remaining three matches, saying that while he had felt some soreness while bowling, “I’ve played in discomfort for most of my career.” Australia’s impenetrabilities appear more fundamental. It’s most skilled fast bowler Brett Lee is expected to return after absenting the first two matches because of injury. What nobody would have predicted before the series started is that this could be at the expense of Johnson. The left-armer from Queensland is almost certainly the best No. 8 batsman in the world, but is deteriorating in his primary task as spearhead of the fast bowling. Johnson accepted an average of more than five runs per over at Lord’s and his mistakenness gave England flying starts in both innings. Philip Hughes, the draftee opener, also has to find an answer to an evident weakness against the fast short-pitched ball Flintoff’s stock-in-trade that gives him little extent for footwork. Here Australia has two difficulties not wanting to hold back a vibrantly original talent and the absence of a reserve top-order batsman in a wildly chosen tour squad.
England was planning to end 75 years of vainness against its oldest and most appreciated opponent on its most historic ground. Australia’s mission was to crash the record for the highest flourishing final innings run-chase in 132 years of test cricket.
England got what it wanted, and in the approach most fans would have asked for. Andrew Flintoff, a much-loved all-rounder who pronounced last week that he will go away from test cricket at the end of this five-match series, had a supporter crowd noisy as he charged in from the end dominated by Lord’s famous pavilion to shatter Australia’s hopes.
In his first over he ended the 185-run sixth wicket stand that had become a real peril to England’s hopes, inducing Brad Haddin to edge the ball to slip-fielder Paul Collingwood for 80.
Every ball bowled by Flintoff undertakes fresh drama as he exposed the wickets and the bodies of Australia’s batsmen, hitting Michael Clarke on the shoulder.
Flintoff bowled 10 six-ball overs unchanged, a lengthy task for a big man who has suffered continuously with injury. He bowled tail-enders Nathan Hauritz and Peter Siddle to end with five wickets in his last test match at Lord’s.
Flintoff found a fine, different, bowling partner Graeme Swann. The spinner struck in his first over, Hitting Clarke for a magnificent 136. Swann ended the match when he bowled Mitchell Johnson, who had produced Australia’s best batting of the morning, for a well-struck and spirited 63.
Australia fell short of its decisive target but still recorded its own highest-ever final innings score and the best ever in a test match at Lord’s.
England’s first success over Australia in eight matches means it leads the series, which it must win to recover the Ashes trophy, 1-0 with three games to go.
A challenge between well-matched but unsound teams, neither as strong as when they last met in England four years ago, seems unlikely to be resolute before the final match at the Oval, London next month.
Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, accepted that “England were much the better team and deserved to win. We were outplayed from the first ball until the end.”
He chose not to repeat complaints about the doubtful umpiring decisions that cost Australia three of its top four batsmen in the final innings.
The choice of Flintoff as Man of the Match was basically sentimental, taking one of the few enduring opportunities to festoon a national hero.
Andrew Strauss, the England captain, had set the tone for the victory from the start with his first-day innings of 161, batting his team into a leading position that it never consequently lost.
England’s anxieties ahead of the next match in Birmingham, starting on July 30 are with the fitness of key players. Kevin Pietersen, the star batsman who missed much of the early season with an Achilles ligament problem, looked uncomfortable throughout and must be a doubt.
Flintoff was optimistic about his probability of playing the remaining three matches, saying that while he had felt some soreness while bowling, “I’ve played in discomfort for most of my career.” Australia’s impenetrabilities appear more fundamental. It’s most skilled fast bowler Brett Lee is expected to return after absenting the first two matches because of injury. What nobody would have predicted before the series started is that this could be at the expense of Johnson. The left-armer from Queensland is almost certainly the best No. 8 batsman in the world, but is deteriorating in his primary task as spearhead of the fast bowling. Johnson accepted an average of more than five runs per over at Lord’s and his mistakenness gave England flying starts in both innings. Philip Hughes, the draftee opener, also has to find an answer to an evident weakness against the fast short-pitched ball Flintoff’s stock-in-trade that gives him little extent for footwork. Here Australia has two difficulties not wanting to hold back a vibrantly original talent and the absence of a reserve top-order batsman in a wildly chosen tour squad.
Friday, July 17, 2009
USA plans for Premier League of Cricket
The United States wants to commence a privileged Twenty20 cricket competition within two years along the lines of the money-spinning Indian Premier League featuring big-name players like England batsman Kevin Pietersen.
The USA Cricket Association hopes "top-class international cricket" will finally take root in the country by beginning the first skilled competition, the USA Premier League.
The first steps were taken on Thursday by fascinating suggestions from potential coordinator, sponsors and broadcasters in a country where American football and baseball are the main sports casted there.
The USACA wants to unlock the sport's prospective in a "massive market" and use the revenues from the new league to help stretch cricket across the U.S. and form a competitive international team.
"With the propagation of Twenty20 cricket to international level we feel an American spectators is more proficient at accepting that format rather than the longer more standard version of the game," USACA management secretary John Aaron told The Associated Press by telephone. "There is positively a solid fan base there for those who want to see world-class cricket without leaving the US on exclusive trips.
"We are trying to make the US a cricket intention for teams and players."
Aaron said the league will start "no later than 2011." Planning has already begun with leading sports broadcaster ESPN, which has channels in the U.S. and throughout the world.
It is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and the USACA expectation from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will help to catch the attention of cricket fans to the country's only international standard ground, which is in the state.
"We want to make it a family thing," Aaron said.The IPL has taken cricket-mad India by storm and engrossed top players from around the world, although the second edition of the six-week competition was moved to South Africa in April after organizers failed to obtain security approval.
The IPL's city franchises offer big paychecks to attract big-name Indian and foreign stars, paying England duo Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff record salaries of US$1.55 million each at the last player mart.
They are the same sort of players coveted by the USAPL.
"With the commercialization of the game there would be enough funds to attract some of the best players in the world," Aaron said.
Rushmans, an international sports event management company based in England, has been prearranged as commercial consultant.
"This course will enable us to consider all the proposals on the table and select the ideas and form the partnerships which are most advantageous to USACA, to the enlargement of cricket in the USA and to the partners themselves," commercial adviser Nigel Rushman said.
Organizers hope to build on the open ardor for cricket in expatriate communities from the Caribbean, the Asian subcontinent and other traditional cricket playing nations like England.
Rushman said the United States is the world's second biggest Internet cricket market, with the 2007 World Cup attracting 1.15 billion hits, just behind India.
"With the right associates, the USA can host a world-class Premier League which will fill grounds and attract massive television and online spectators," Rushman said.
"That is good news for the future of the sport in the USA and the growth of cricket worldwide."
Prospective partners, corporate sponsors, stratagem experts, broadcasters and merchandise retailers must make formal proposals by Aug. 7.
The USA Cricket Association hopes "top-class international cricket" will finally take root in the country by beginning the first skilled competition, the USA Premier League.
The first steps were taken on Thursday by fascinating suggestions from potential coordinator, sponsors and broadcasters in a country where American football and baseball are the main sports casted there.
The USACA wants to unlock the sport's prospective in a "massive market" and use the revenues from the new league to help stretch cricket across the U.S. and form a competitive international team.
"With the propagation of Twenty20 cricket to international level we feel an American spectators is more proficient at accepting that format rather than the longer more standard version of the game," USACA management secretary John Aaron told The Associated Press by telephone. "There is positively a solid fan base there for those who want to see world-class cricket without leaving the US on exclusive trips.
"We are trying to make the US a cricket intention for teams and players."
Aaron said the league will start "no later than 2011." Planning has already begun with leading sports broadcaster ESPN, which has channels in the U.S. and throughout the world.
It is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and the USACA expectation from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will help to catch the attention of cricket fans to the country's only international standard ground, which is in the state.
"We want to make it a family thing," Aaron said.The IPL has taken cricket-mad India by storm and engrossed top players from around the world, although the second edition of the six-week competition was moved to South Africa in April after organizers failed to obtain security approval.
The IPL's city franchises offer big paychecks to attract big-name Indian and foreign stars, paying England duo Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff record salaries of US$1.55 million each at the last player mart.
They are the same sort of players coveted by the USAPL.
"With the commercialization of the game there would be enough funds to attract some of the best players in the world," Aaron said.
Rushmans, an international sports event management company based in England, has been prearranged as commercial consultant.
"This course will enable us to consider all the proposals on the table and select the ideas and form the partnerships which are most advantageous to USACA, to the enlargement of cricket in the USA and to the partners themselves," commercial adviser Nigel Rushman said.
Organizers hope to build on the open ardor for cricket in expatriate communities from the Caribbean, the Asian subcontinent and other traditional cricket playing nations like England.
Rushman said the United States is the world's second biggest Internet cricket market, with the 2007 World Cup attracting 1.15 billion hits, just behind India.
"With the right associates, the USA can host a world-class Premier League which will fill grounds and attract massive television and online spectators," Rushman said.
"That is good news for the future of the sport in the USA and the growth of cricket worldwide."
Prospective partners, corporate sponsors, stratagem experts, broadcasters and merchandise retailers must make formal proposals by Aug. 7.
USA plans for Premier League of Cricket
The United States wants to commence a privileged Twenty20 cricket competition within two years along the lines of the money-spinning Indian Premier League featuring big-name players like England batsman Kevin Pietersen.
The USA Cricket Association hopes "top-class international cricket" will finally take root in the country by beginning the first skilled competition, the USA Premier League.
The first steps were taken on Thursday by fascinating suggestions from potential coordinator, sponsors and broadcasters in a country where American football and baseball are the main sports casted there.
The USACA wants to unlock the sport's prospective in a "massive market" and use the revenues from the new league to help stretch cricket across the U.S. and form a competitive international team.
"With the propagation of Twenty20 cricket to international level we feel an American spectators is more proficient at accepting that format rather than the longer more standard version of the game," USACA management secretary John Aaron told The Associated Press by telephone. "There is positively a solid fan base there for those who want to see world-class cricket without leaving the US on exclusive trips.
"We are trying to make the US a cricket intention for teams and players."
Aaron said the league will start "no later than 2011." Planning has already begun with leading sports broadcaster ESPN, which has channels in the U.S. and throughout the world.
It is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and the USACA expectation from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will help to catch the attention of cricket fans to the country's only international standard ground, which is in the state.
"We want to make it a family thing," Aaron said.The IPL has taken cricket-mad India by storm and engrossed top players from around the world, although the second edition of the six-week competition was moved to South Africa in April after organizers failed to obtain security approval.
The IPL's city franchises offer big paychecks to attract big-name Indian and foreign stars, paying England duo Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff record salaries of US$1.55 million each at the last player mart.
They are the same sort of players coveted by the USAPL.
"With the commercialization of the game there would be enough funds to attract some of the best players in the world," Aaron said.
Rushmans, an international sports event management company based in England, has been prearranged as commercial consultant.
"This course will enable us to consider all the proposals on the table and select the ideas and form the partnerships which are most advantageous to USACA, to the enlargement of cricket in the USA and to the partners themselves," commercial adviser Nigel Rushman said.
Organizers hope to build on the open ardor for cricket in expatriate communities from the Caribbean, the Asian subcontinent and other traditional cricket playing nations like England.
Rushman said the United States is the world's second biggest Internet cricket market, with the 2007 World Cup attracting 1.15 billion hits, just behind India.
"With the right associates, the USA can host a world-class Premier League which will fill grounds and attract massive television and online spectators," Rushman said.
"That is good news for the future of the sport in the USA and the growth of cricket worldwide."
Prospective partners, corporate sponsors, stratagem experts, broadcasters and merchandise retailers must make formal proposals by Aug. 7.
The USA Cricket Association hopes "top-class international cricket" will finally take root in the country by beginning the first skilled competition, the USA Premier League.
The first steps were taken on Thursday by fascinating suggestions from potential coordinator, sponsors and broadcasters in a country where American football and baseball are the main sports casted there.
The USACA wants to unlock the sport's prospective in a "massive market" and use the revenues from the new league to help stretch cricket across the U.S. and form a competitive international team.
"With the propagation of Twenty20 cricket to international level we feel an American spectators is more proficient at accepting that format rather than the longer more standard version of the game," USACA management secretary John Aaron told The Associated Press by telephone. "There is positively a solid fan base there for those who want to see world-class cricket without leaving the US on exclusive trips.
"We are trying to make the US a cricket intention for teams and players."
Aaron said the league will start "no later than 2011." Planning has already begun with leading sports broadcaster ESPN, which has channels in the U.S. and throughout the world.
It is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and the USACA expectation from Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will help to catch the attention of cricket fans to the country's only international standard ground, which is in the state.
"We want to make it a family thing," Aaron said.The IPL has taken cricket-mad India by storm and engrossed top players from around the world, although the second edition of the six-week competition was moved to South Africa in April after organizers failed to obtain security approval.
The IPL's city franchises offer big paychecks to attract big-name Indian and foreign stars, paying England duo Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff record salaries of US$1.55 million each at the last player mart.
They are the same sort of players coveted by the USAPL.
"With the commercialization of the game there would be enough funds to attract some of the best players in the world," Aaron said.
Rushmans, an international sports event management company based in England, has been prearranged as commercial consultant.
"This course will enable us to consider all the proposals on the table and select the ideas and form the partnerships which are most advantageous to USACA, to the enlargement of cricket in the USA and to the partners themselves," commercial adviser Nigel Rushman said.
Organizers hope to build on the open ardor for cricket in expatriate communities from the Caribbean, the Asian subcontinent and other traditional cricket playing nations like England.
Rushman said the United States is the world's second biggest Internet cricket market, with the 2007 World Cup attracting 1.15 billion hits, just behind India.
"With the right associates, the USA can host a world-class Premier League which will fill grounds and attract massive television and online spectators," Rushman said.
"That is good news for the future of the sport in the USA and the growth of cricket worldwide."
Prospective partners, corporate sponsors, stratagem experts, broadcasters and merchandise retailers must make formal proposals by Aug. 7.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Strauss Ton Smashed Aussies
Skipper Andrew Strauss made his fabulous 18th Test ton to show England's progress in the second npower Ashes challenge at Lord's.
Strauss fêted his century from the one before the last ball in pre tea session but for the loss of four wickets in the two hours either side of the second interval undermined a striking start.
England created their highest opening stand in opposition to Australia for 18 years to take indict of the first half of the day but they were fastened back at 302 for four when Paul Collingwood lamely picked out mid-on off infrequent left-arm spinner Michael Clarke.
Star batsman Kevin Pietersen corroded at the start of the evening session when a thin notch off Peter Siddle carried all the way through to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Just as in Cardiff, where England snuck out of the back door with a draw, their failure to convert starts snowed under them as Ravi Bopara was outfoxed by Australia's bowler Ben Hilfenhaus.
But Strauss at least completed the century count in the series 1-4 with his unbeaten 119, after Cook fell five short.
The 196-run opening stand was eventually concluded by erratic left-armer Johnson with a full length delivery won a straightforward leg before appeal.
Bu the first-wicket coalition stand for the best start to a Lord's Test against the Australians and was the highest anywhere against them from the time when Michael Atherton and Graham Gooch's 203 in Adelaide in 1990-91.
To multifarious Australia's anguish, they lost spinner Nathan Hauritz from their attack after a return opportunity from Strauss made a confusion of his bowling hand, in addition to carrying a miscarrying Mitchell Johnson.
The entire momentum rally from escaping out of Cardiff with a draw appeared to have been carried down the M4 as Strauss' team conquered the morning after winning the toss.
Buoyed by key all-rounder Andrew Flintoff passing a fitness test on his wearisome right knee, England went through the morning session safe and sound.
Strauss fêted his century from the one before the last ball in pre tea session but for the loss of four wickets in the two hours either side of the second interval undermined a striking start.
England created their highest opening stand in opposition to Australia for 18 years to take indict of the first half of the day but they were fastened back at 302 for four when Paul Collingwood lamely picked out mid-on off infrequent left-arm spinner Michael Clarke.
Star batsman Kevin Pietersen corroded at the start of the evening session when a thin notch off Peter Siddle carried all the way through to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.
Just as in Cardiff, where England snuck out of the back door with a draw, their failure to convert starts snowed under them as Ravi Bopara was outfoxed by Australia's bowler Ben Hilfenhaus.
But Strauss at least completed the century count in the series 1-4 with his unbeaten 119, after Cook fell five short.
The 196-run opening stand was eventually concluded by erratic left-armer Johnson with a full length delivery won a straightforward leg before appeal.
Bu the first-wicket coalition stand for the best start to a Lord's Test against the Australians and was the highest anywhere against them from the time when Michael Atherton and Graham Gooch's 203 in Adelaide in 1990-91.
To multifarious Australia's anguish, they lost spinner Nathan Hauritz from their attack after a return opportunity from Strauss made a confusion of his bowling hand, in addition to carrying a miscarrying Mitchell Johnson.
The entire momentum rally from escaping out of Cardiff with a draw appeared to have been carried down the M4 as Strauss' team conquered the morning after winning the toss.
Buoyed by key all-rounder Andrew Flintoff passing a fitness test on his wearisome right knee, England went through the morning session safe and sound.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Pakistan Venue Problems
Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, has unused to prohibiting Tuesday's conference in Mumbai that inveterate that India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will host the 2011 World Cup matches that were at first allocated to Pakistan. He also called for additional talks expected at bringing back some of the World Cup games to Pakistan.
Pakistan had been provoked to the meeting of the World Cup Central Organising Committee but the PCB skipped it, though it deputed Zakir Khan, its director, to concentrate the ICC event's logo instigate ceremony.
"No, we did not prohibit the meeting," Butt told AFP. "Since it is a legal matter we do not want to make remark on that, but I can tell you that we are still trying to solve the matter through talks."
Butt strained that the PCB was still trying to resolve the problem without proceedings, though the board had commenced legal measures after Pakistan had been stripped of the World Cup matches following the terrorist strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March. "We are absolutely trying to solve the affair out of court and I am going to meet the ICC president soon," Butt said.
The ICC has sustained that Pakistan cannot host matches in the 2011 tournament because of security anxiety but the PCB would be recognized as hosts and retain fees from its original allocation of 14 matches.
At the meeting on Tuesday, it was also reaffirmed that the World Cup secretariat would stay in Mumbai and not been shifted back to Lahore. A civil court in Lahore has given a stay order until July 30 against the relocation after the PCB issued a legal notice on the matter. "I would not like to remark on the value of the decisions made Tuesday because it's a legal issue," PCB legal consultant Taffazul Rizvi said, "but keeping the central office in Mumbai is tantamount to contempt of court and will be brought to the knowledge of the court."
Pakistan had been provoked to the meeting of the World Cup Central Organising Committee but the PCB skipped it, though it deputed Zakir Khan, its director, to concentrate the ICC event's logo instigate ceremony.
"No, we did not prohibit the meeting," Butt told AFP. "Since it is a legal matter we do not want to make remark on that, but I can tell you that we are still trying to solve the matter through talks."
Butt strained that the PCB was still trying to resolve the problem without proceedings, though the board had commenced legal measures after Pakistan had been stripped of the World Cup matches following the terrorist strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore in March. "We are absolutely trying to solve the affair out of court and I am going to meet the ICC president soon," Butt said.
The ICC has sustained that Pakistan cannot host matches in the 2011 tournament because of security anxiety but the PCB would be recognized as hosts and retain fees from its original allocation of 14 matches.
At the meeting on Tuesday, it was also reaffirmed that the World Cup secretariat would stay in Mumbai and not been shifted back to Lahore. A civil court in Lahore has given a stay order until July 30 against the relocation after the PCB issued a legal notice on the matter. "I would not like to remark on the value of the decisions made Tuesday because it's a legal issue," PCB legal consultant Taffazul Rizvi said, "but keeping the central office in Mumbai is tantamount to contempt of court and will be brought to the knowledge of the court."
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Historic Win For Bangladesh
The Bangladesh team lead by an terrific five-wicket winning performance from the off spinner Mahmudullah, Bangladesh recorded its first Test victory in a foreign country with a 95-run win over the West Indies side which warped to 181 all out in its second innings of the first Test at Arnos Vale.
Set of a target of 277 to win for the West Indies. The run chase was never sensibly on as Bangladeshi spinners pressured it into surrender and clutch out a significant defeat.
Mahmudullah pulled out up a bowling performance of 5-51 from 15 overs as Bangladesh got its only second Test victory. The previous victory was being against the Zimbabwe at their home ground. That the team it beat was a quickly planned bunch of cricketers gathered the night before the Test did not matter to the Bangladeshis. That the initially selected squad of regular players took industrial action was of little concern to the young and motivated team.
In spite of a flexible half century from the caribeeian all rounder, David Bernard Jr, the home side folded in 70.1 overs with no other batsman being able to get past 19 runs mark.
Bangladesh commenced the final day on 321-5 and was quickly discharged with its last five wickets falling for only 18 runs and the innings ended on 345. Darren Sammy (30.1-6-70-5) picked up his second career five-wicket haul to allow the Windies a possibility to chase victory.
They had the limit of 80 overs to achieve 277 but lost both openers Dale Richards and Omar Phillips for 14 each in post lunch session, which was taken to 66-2.
In pre lunch session, Mahmudullah struck three significant blows to leave the home side stagger at 82-5. First the debutant spinner trapped captain Floyd Reifer leg before for 19, and then had Travis Dowlin caught by Imrul Kayes also for 19 and wicketkeeper, Chadwick Walton, like Reifer, went leg before for 10.
There was a interlude of fight between Bernard, who made an impressive unbeaten 52 and Darren Sammy who was the third batsman to pass on 19. At 119, left arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan struck as Sammy essayed an uncontrolled gashed stroke and was caught by Shahadat Hossain at point.
Bernard, who perilously faced 134 deliveries and hit five insignificant fours, then found an ally in Nikita Miller (5) who resisted for 17.2 overs but Mohammad Ashraful broke the 32-run joint venture when Miller edged to wicketkeeper, Mushfiqur Rahim. The enduring three wickets were floored in the next 12.3 overs and the Bangladeshis went berserk in celebration even ripping out the stump cameras as they romped, embraced and screeched in understandable gladness at their historic success.
Mahmudullah returned to secure his third lbw victim and Kemar Roach made three from six balls before he nicked to Mushfiqur. The ninth wicket fell in the 66th over and Shakib formalized the victory when he found stranded Tino Best (9) plumb in front.
Shakib, who captained the side in place of the injured Mashrafe Mortaza, proved an able and shrewdness leader and supported with 3-39 from 28.1 overs.
The series now moves to Grenada for the final Test before the three-match ODI Series and a one-off Twenty20 International in Dominica and St Kitts.
Set of a target of 277 to win for the West Indies. The run chase was never sensibly on as Bangladeshi spinners pressured it into surrender and clutch out a significant defeat.
Mahmudullah pulled out up a bowling performance of 5-51 from 15 overs as Bangladesh got its only second Test victory. The previous victory was being against the Zimbabwe at their home ground. That the team it beat was a quickly planned bunch of cricketers gathered the night before the Test did not matter to the Bangladeshis. That the initially selected squad of regular players took industrial action was of little concern to the young and motivated team.
In spite of a flexible half century from the caribeeian all rounder, David Bernard Jr, the home side folded in 70.1 overs with no other batsman being able to get past 19 runs mark.
Bangladesh commenced the final day on 321-5 and was quickly discharged with its last five wickets falling for only 18 runs and the innings ended on 345. Darren Sammy (30.1-6-70-5) picked up his second career five-wicket haul to allow the Windies a possibility to chase victory.
They had the limit of 80 overs to achieve 277 but lost both openers Dale Richards and Omar Phillips for 14 each in post lunch session, which was taken to 66-2.
In pre lunch session, Mahmudullah struck three significant blows to leave the home side stagger at 82-5. First the debutant spinner trapped captain Floyd Reifer leg before for 19, and then had Travis Dowlin caught by Imrul Kayes also for 19 and wicketkeeper, Chadwick Walton, like Reifer, went leg before for 10.
There was a interlude of fight between Bernard, who made an impressive unbeaten 52 and Darren Sammy who was the third batsman to pass on 19. At 119, left arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan struck as Sammy essayed an uncontrolled gashed stroke and was caught by Shahadat Hossain at point.
Bernard, who perilously faced 134 deliveries and hit five insignificant fours, then found an ally in Nikita Miller (5) who resisted for 17.2 overs but Mohammad Ashraful broke the 32-run joint venture when Miller edged to wicketkeeper, Mushfiqur Rahim. The enduring three wickets were floored in the next 12.3 overs and the Bangladeshis went berserk in celebration even ripping out the stump cameras as they romped, embraced and screeched in understandable gladness at their historic success.
Mahmudullah returned to secure his third lbw victim and Kemar Roach made three from six balls before he nicked to Mushfiqur. The ninth wicket fell in the 66th over and Shakib formalized the victory when he found stranded Tino Best (9) plumb in front.
Shakib, who captained the side in place of the injured Mashrafe Mortaza, proved an able and shrewdness leader and supported with 3-39 from 28.1 overs.
The series now moves to Grenada for the final Test before the three-match ODI Series and a one-off Twenty20 International in Dominica and St Kitts.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Pakistan's All round show of Cricket
Fawad Alam, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal twisted an unexpected spin on the second day at the P Sara Oval, with Pakistan dominating as entirely as they had been dominated on the day one. Led by outstanding spells from Gul and an outstanding century on first appearance from Fawad, Pakistan healthier from a catastrophic first innings, restricted their shortfall to 150, and, by the conclusion of the day two, had wiped off the outstanding runs and moved to the lead, losing only one wicket in the course of the match.
When the day began, Sri Lanka was so far in front it seemed almost expected that they would set right their record of never having won a home series against Pakistan. However, so meticulously did Pakistan be in charge of all three sessions that Sri Lanka will have scratchy thoughts about chasing a firm fourth-innings target on a tiresome pitch? So far Pakistan had set all the wrong records in this series, but they did the right thing here: Fawad's stubborn yet confident effort made him the 10th Pakistan batsman to achieve a century on debut, but the first to do so in a foreign country. Thanks to that endeavor and the remarkable bowling display, Pakistan can dream about chasing another record: only once have they won a Test after surrendering a larger first-innings deficit - against New Zealand in Wellington in 2003, when they stalked by 170 but ultimately won by seven wickets.
There were question marks being raised about Pakistan's dedication after there surrender in the series so far, but as is their wont, they hit back just when their likelihood had been written off. The pitch stayed as a pretty good one for batting, although the bounce had moderated, but Pakistan relied on dangerous spells of reverse swing, supported by steady spin and an encouraging bit of fielding, to initiate an astounding recovery, and then continued it with an absolutely close controlled and decisive batting effort.
The morning session has been dominated by Gul. He was completely monotonous in Galle, but here he was back, reverting to his original action instead of trying to hide the ball with both hands. He generated late swing, bowled at a rapid tempo, and maintained tremendous control over line and length of the deliveries. He also bowled the ball that says the Pakistan's comeback, slipping in a quick delivery from round the wicket that crashed through Kumar Sangakkara's resistance. Sangakkara had progressed with composure to 87 and looked good for many more, but that delivery was an vigorous affirmation of the fact that Pakistan were back in the game. That's accurately how it turned out, as Sri Lanka lost five wickets after that for just 52 runs.
Gul got plenty of prop up from Ajmal, who bowled steadily through the day and finished with worthy bowling figures of 4 for 87. The pitch didn't help him much, but Ajmal maintained brilliant control, rarely giving the batsmen easy scoring opportunities. He also had some help from umpire Daryl Harper, who adjudged Tillakaratne Dilshan caught behind wicket though ball made no contact with bat, it’s a mistake which helps Pakistan very much.
It was a day when almost everything went in favor for Pakistan, with even the fielding has been better. The day started with a superb direct throw from Mohammad Aamer that found Thilan Samaraweera short of his crease for the run out. And when Gul came back for a second spell before lunch break, Sri Lanka's depression aggravated, as he struck twice in consecutive balls. Nuwan Kulasekara drove hard to slip, while Rangana Herath was caught-and-bowled as he tried to play a drive, thus humanizing Gul's post lunch figures of 3 for 15 from eight overs.
Angelo Mathews presented some fight after being grant a stay of execution in the slips on 4, but that was hardly enough to stop the rampaging Pakistanis. With the shortage controlled to handy scope, their batsmen then set about making further in a row into Sri Lanka's clutch on the game.
Khurram Manzoor and Fawad did that by adding 85 for the first wicket, looking unruffled at most times on a pitch that had lost most of its pace. Kulasekara, the first-innings demolisher, didn't get much dangle, while the short of pace meant both batsmen had adequate time to regulate their strokes.
Fawad's inclination to shuffle had been his downfall in the first innings, and while he sustained to use that practice in the second innings, he was fast enough to work the ball on the leg side every time the bowlers embattled on his pads. The most imposing feature of his batting, though, was his outlook. He was secure in defense, never looked disturbed down by the huge deficit, and worked the ball away extraordinarily against both fast and spin. Nothing confirmed his nature better than the way he tackled the 90s - on 92, he stepped back and hauled Rangana Herath high over midwicket for the maximum; then he stepped back and hit the ball behind point for a couple of runs to get to his first century.
It contained only six fours and a six, but yet came off just 151 balls, representing just how well he worked the ball around the wicket. His fastener run-scoring was the arc between backward point and mid-off, as he drove the ball confidently off both front and back foot, selecting the gaps and ensuring that there were never long defense sessions in the bating.
Younis had a close shave for leg before wicket when he is on 4 - replays showed the ball had strike pad before hitting the bat - but he slowly got into his channel, timing the ball sweetly down the ground and giving the bowlers a tension.
When the day began, Sri Lanka was so far in front it seemed almost expected that they would set right their record of never having won a home series against Pakistan. However, so meticulously did Pakistan be in charge of all three sessions that Sri Lanka will have scratchy thoughts about chasing a firm fourth-innings target on a tiresome pitch? So far Pakistan had set all the wrong records in this series, but they did the right thing here: Fawad's stubborn yet confident effort made him the 10th Pakistan batsman to achieve a century on debut, but the first to do so in a foreign country. Thanks to that endeavor and the remarkable bowling display, Pakistan can dream about chasing another record: only once have they won a Test after surrendering a larger first-innings deficit - against New Zealand in Wellington in 2003, when they stalked by 170 but ultimately won by seven wickets.
There were question marks being raised about Pakistan's dedication after there surrender in the series so far, but as is their wont, they hit back just when their likelihood had been written off. The pitch stayed as a pretty good one for batting, although the bounce had moderated, but Pakistan relied on dangerous spells of reverse swing, supported by steady spin and an encouraging bit of fielding, to initiate an astounding recovery, and then continued it with an absolutely close controlled and decisive batting effort.
The morning session has been dominated by Gul. He was completely monotonous in Galle, but here he was back, reverting to his original action instead of trying to hide the ball with both hands. He generated late swing, bowled at a rapid tempo, and maintained tremendous control over line and length of the deliveries. He also bowled the ball that says the Pakistan's comeback, slipping in a quick delivery from round the wicket that crashed through Kumar Sangakkara's resistance. Sangakkara had progressed with composure to 87 and looked good for many more, but that delivery was an vigorous affirmation of the fact that Pakistan were back in the game. That's accurately how it turned out, as Sri Lanka lost five wickets after that for just 52 runs.
Gul got plenty of prop up from Ajmal, who bowled steadily through the day and finished with worthy bowling figures of 4 for 87. The pitch didn't help him much, but Ajmal maintained brilliant control, rarely giving the batsmen easy scoring opportunities. He also had some help from umpire Daryl Harper, who adjudged Tillakaratne Dilshan caught behind wicket though ball made no contact with bat, it’s a mistake which helps Pakistan very much.
It was a day when almost everything went in favor for Pakistan, with even the fielding has been better. The day started with a superb direct throw from Mohammad Aamer that found Thilan Samaraweera short of his crease for the run out. And when Gul came back for a second spell before lunch break, Sri Lanka's depression aggravated, as he struck twice in consecutive balls. Nuwan Kulasekara drove hard to slip, while Rangana Herath was caught-and-bowled as he tried to play a drive, thus humanizing Gul's post lunch figures of 3 for 15 from eight overs.
Angelo Mathews presented some fight after being grant a stay of execution in the slips on 4, but that was hardly enough to stop the rampaging Pakistanis. With the shortage controlled to handy scope, their batsmen then set about making further in a row into Sri Lanka's clutch on the game.
Khurram Manzoor and Fawad did that by adding 85 for the first wicket, looking unruffled at most times on a pitch that had lost most of its pace. Kulasekara, the first-innings demolisher, didn't get much dangle, while the short of pace meant both batsmen had adequate time to regulate their strokes.
Fawad's inclination to shuffle had been his downfall in the first innings, and while he sustained to use that practice in the second innings, he was fast enough to work the ball on the leg side every time the bowlers embattled on his pads. The most imposing feature of his batting, though, was his outlook. He was secure in defense, never looked disturbed down by the huge deficit, and worked the ball away extraordinarily against both fast and spin. Nothing confirmed his nature better than the way he tackled the 90s - on 92, he stepped back and hauled Rangana Herath high over midwicket for the maximum; then he stepped back and hit the ball behind point for a couple of runs to get to his first century.
It contained only six fours and a six, but yet came off just 151 balls, representing just how well he worked the ball around the wicket. His fastener run-scoring was the arc between backward point and mid-off, as he drove the ball confidently off both front and back foot, selecting the gaps and ensuring that there were never long defense sessions in the bating.
Younis had a close shave for leg before wicket when he is on 4 - replays showed the ball had strike pad before hitting the bat - but he slowly got into his channel, timing the ball sweetly down the ground and giving the bowlers a tension.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Four Day Test Cricket?
International Cricket Council Head David Morgan has coded that four-day Test matches could turn out to be a reality as the principal organization looks for ways of maintaining test cricket's esteem.
David Morgan said that "The panel of the ICC is determined to ensure that Test match cricket is seen as the altitude of our great game of Cricket.
"We require better over-rates, better pitches that give a good sense of balance between bat and ball and we need to reflect on day-night Test match cricket.The concern is the color of the ball and the eminence of the ball. It would be a pity if day-night Test match cricket had to be played with a white ball and, for that reason, coloured clothing in the ball.
"Another thinking that many people have, that we are examining, is whether Test match cricket can be played over four days instead of five days."
The ICC panel met last month and accepted harsher penalties on slow over-rates and penalties for poor pitches and they have also been examining the possibility of special coloured balls and day/night Test cricket.
"I would be very astounded if within a year you haven't seen some noteworthy changes in test cricket," He additionally said. "Over rates, pitches, day-night Tests.By the time you will see for yourself changes that have occurred in Test cricket."
Supposed to be for four-day Tests be agreed to go-ahead, ways of escalating the overs bowled for each day would have to be looked at even though it would at least bring international cricket back into procession with the cricket played at first-class all around the world.
David Morgan said that "The panel of the ICC is determined to ensure that Test match cricket is seen as the altitude of our great game of Cricket.
"We require better over-rates, better pitches that give a good sense of balance between bat and ball and we need to reflect on day-night Test match cricket.The concern is the color of the ball and the eminence of the ball. It would be a pity if day-night Test match cricket had to be played with a white ball and, for that reason, coloured clothing in the ball.
"Another thinking that many people have, that we are examining, is whether Test match cricket can be played over four days instead of five days."
The ICC panel met last month and accepted harsher penalties on slow over-rates and penalties for poor pitches and they have also been examining the possibility of special coloured balls and day/night Test cricket.
"I would be very astounded if within a year you haven't seen some noteworthy changes in test cricket," He additionally said. "Over rates, pitches, day-night Tests.By the time you will see for yourself changes that have occurred in Test cricket."
Supposed to be for four-day Tests be agreed to go-ahead, ways of escalating the overs bowled for each day would have to be looked at even though it would at least bring international cricket back into procession with the cricket played at first-class all around the world.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
West Indies players stay away from Bangladesh
West Indies' home series in opposition to Bangladesh, to be commence on Thursday with the first Test has been unnerved into turmoil following a prohibit declaration by the West Indies Players' Association (WIPA). A statement from WIPA head Dinanath Ramnarine said the players would stay away from the series "with abrupt effect" for the reason that of a long-running contract based disagreement with the home board.
Ramnarine said the verdict to stay away from the series came after the most recent discussion with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) botched to determine several issues, counting the payment indenture. "The players have performed their last four competitions without a contract," Ramnarine said. "They are now being asked to play their fifth successive series without a contract, which is highly objectionable."
"When a player ringed me last week and asked what was the situation with regards to his hurt while playing cricket for the West Indies in the just finished Twenty20 World Cup, my reply was that was there was no on paper contract in place and consequently any action that would have to be taken would have to be taken in that circumstance. Professional sportsmen should not be allowed to play any sport that has such a high hazard without the essential fortification."
Promising information from the West Indies say that a second-string West Indian squad has landed in St Vincent, where the first Test is scheduled to start tomorrow. When contacted, Ramnarine said he hadn't heard the acknowledgement from the WICB and could not remark at this stage. Tony Howard, the WICB's cricket operations officer, also told “I had not heard of such any progress, but that a announcement would be released on the position of the series.
WICB president Julian Hunte, conversely, was positive the series would go in front as premeditated. "As far as we are concerned the game will be on Thursday," he told Reuters.
Rabeed Imam, the Bangladesh Cricket Board's media manager, told that as far as they were concerned this was a domestic problem of the WICB and their players and that Bangladesh were paying attention on the match tomorrow and had been preparaing in view of that.
This is not the first time in recent memory that the players and WICB have been involved in a stand-off. Earlier this year West Indies' bounce tour of England was almost severely undermined after it emerged five superior players had exposed to withdraw from the series to play in the IPL. That calamity was averted, only for more talk of a embargo of the fifth and final ODI between West Indies and England after Chris Gayle designated his team may not take the field if unsolved issues with the WICB remained unresolved. That too was averted.
A related heated discussion arose in 2008 previous to the Australia's tour of the West Indies. Several higher West Indian players considered moving back from the first two Tests of the series to play in the IPL games, but returned after the WICB permitted them to skip a pre-series preparation camp.
The last time West Indies players in reality took action, ten players - including the captain Brian Lara - stay away from the 2005 tour of Sri Lanka against a backdrop of unparalleled debate and uncertainty. A harsh, lengthened problem between the WICB and the players' association over sponsorship led to the tardy withdrawal of ten of the original squad of 13, including Lara, Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan. Replacement players were called up for the Test matches, which West Indies finished up losing the series to Lankans to a loss of 2-0.
Ramnarine said the verdict to stay away from the series came after the most recent discussion with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) botched to determine several issues, counting the payment indenture. "The players have performed their last four competitions without a contract," Ramnarine said. "They are now being asked to play their fifth successive series without a contract, which is highly objectionable."
"When a player ringed me last week and asked what was the situation with regards to his hurt while playing cricket for the West Indies in the just finished Twenty20 World Cup, my reply was that was there was no on paper contract in place and consequently any action that would have to be taken would have to be taken in that circumstance. Professional sportsmen should not be allowed to play any sport that has such a high hazard without the essential fortification."
Promising information from the West Indies say that a second-string West Indian squad has landed in St Vincent, where the first Test is scheduled to start tomorrow. When contacted, Ramnarine said he hadn't heard the acknowledgement from the WICB and could not remark at this stage. Tony Howard, the WICB's cricket operations officer, also told “I had not heard of such any progress, but that a announcement would be released on the position of the series.
WICB president Julian Hunte, conversely, was positive the series would go in front as premeditated. "As far as we are concerned the game will be on Thursday," he told Reuters.
Rabeed Imam, the Bangladesh Cricket Board's media manager, told that as far as they were concerned this was a domestic problem of the WICB and their players and that Bangladesh were paying attention on the match tomorrow and had been preparaing in view of that.
This is not the first time in recent memory that the players and WICB have been involved in a stand-off. Earlier this year West Indies' bounce tour of England was almost severely undermined after it emerged five superior players had exposed to withdraw from the series to play in the IPL. That calamity was averted, only for more talk of a embargo of the fifth and final ODI between West Indies and England after Chris Gayle designated his team may not take the field if unsolved issues with the WICB remained unresolved. That too was averted.
A related heated discussion arose in 2008 previous to the Australia's tour of the West Indies. Several higher West Indian players considered moving back from the first two Tests of the series to play in the IPL games, but returned after the WICB permitted them to skip a pre-series preparation camp.
The last time West Indies players in reality took action, ten players - including the captain Brian Lara - stay away from the 2005 tour of Sri Lanka against a backdrop of unparalleled debate and uncertainty. A harsh, lengthened problem between the WICB and the players' association over sponsorship led to the tardy withdrawal of ten of the original squad of 13, including Lara, Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh Sarwan. Replacement players were called up for the Test matches, which West Indies finished up losing the series to Lankans to a loss of 2-0.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Venue problems for ICC
The International Cricket Council has acknowledged its decision to take 2011 World Cup cricket battles out of Pakistan for the reason of security problems regarding the terrorist activities like bomb blasting and many others.
The 2011 World Cup was a major conversation issue throughout the second day of its Board meeting at Lord's.
They also took the verdict to shift the 2010 Under-19 World Cup from Kenya on the road to New Zealand.
“The IDI Board confirmed in its advance conclusion that matches in the contest will not be played in Pakistan and asked the four host countries to come in concert to determine where the matches originally set to take place in Pakistan should now take place," ICC President David Morgan said.
“The Central Organizing Committee has been asked to come back to the Board as soon as probable with an approval, and once the Board has that then it will conclude the locations for those games.
“The Board remains loyal to resolve this problem as soon as possible as there is a vital need to press on with preparations for the ICC’s flagship event, now less than two years to go.”
On the pronouncement to move the Under-19 World Cup from Kenya to New Zealand, ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat added:
“We have been effective with Kenya to check their advancement towards enactment the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup for some time, with visits to the locations allocated for matches and standard reports to the ICC Board.
“Inopportunely, the conclusion reached was that the quantity of work still to be done to get lots of the venues ready was such that retaining Kenya as a host represented too great a risk to the successful dramatization of the event.
“It is a difficult conclusion to have reached and an unfortunate one from the perspectives of both the ICC and Cricket Kenya, but with only just eight months to go before the scheduled start, we could not progress on the basis of on tenterhooks that the whole thing would be complete next February.
“The ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup is the chief contour event in the ICC’s development calendar. Coverage of the matches is broadcast all around the world and it would be a recognized stepping stone for the young players to accommodate to the full international standard level.
“By way of examples, seeing as the latest edition of the tournament, in Malaysia in February/March 2008, India’s Virat Kohli, Wayne Parnell of South Africa and New Zealand’s Tim Southee have all moved out on to play for their countries.
“We expect Kenya will be able to host the ICC events in the future and we are gratifying to New Zealand Cricket for its put forward to stage the tournament. It did so effectively in 2002 and we look forward to it doing so again in 2010.”
The 2011 World Cup was a major conversation issue throughout the second day of its Board meeting at Lord's.
They also took the verdict to shift the 2010 Under-19 World Cup from Kenya on the road to New Zealand.
“The IDI Board confirmed in its advance conclusion that matches in the contest will not be played in Pakistan and asked the four host countries to come in concert to determine where the matches originally set to take place in Pakistan should now take place," ICC President David Morgan said.
“The Central Organizing Committee has been asked to come back to the Board as soon as probable with an approval, and once the Board has that then it will conclude the locations for those games.
“The Board remains loyal to resolve this problem as soon as possible as there is a vital need to press on with preparations for the ICC’s flagship event, now less than two years to go.”
On the pronouncement to move the Under-19 World Cup from Kenya to New Zealand, ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat added:
“We have been effective with Kenya to check their advancement towards enactment the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup for some time, with visits to the locations allocated for matches and standard reports to the ICC Board.
“Inopportunely, the conclusion reached was that the quantity of work still to be done to get lots of the venues ready was such that retaining Kenya as a host represented too great a risk to the successful dramatization of the event.
“It is a difficult conclusion to have reached and an unfortunate one from the perspectives of both the ICC and Cricket Kenya, but with only just eight months to go before the scheduled start, we could not progress on the basis of on tenterhooks that the whole thing would be complete next February.
“The ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup is the chief contour event in the ICC’s development calendar. Coverage of the matches is broadcast all around the world and it would be a recognized stepping stone for the young players to accommodate to the full international standard level.
“By way of examples, seeing as the latest edition of the tournament, in Malaysia in February/March 2008, India’s Virat Kohli, Wayne Parnell of South Africa and New Zealand’s Tim Southee have all moved out on to play for their countries.
“We expect Kenya will be able to host the ICC events in the future and we are gratifying to New Zealand Cricket for its put forward to stage the tournament. It did so effectively in 2002 and we look forward to it doing so again in 2010.”
Monday, July 06, 2009
Probable Men In Blues For ICC Champions Trophy 2009
The BCCI has chosen thirty players as probable men in blues intended for the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 at a gathering held at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai on Monday.
Experienced players including Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag were integrated in the squad along with the 16-man squad currently touring the West Indies for the competition to be made in South Africa in September later this year.
The List of probable Men In Blues:
- M S Dhoni
- Virender Sehwag
- Gautam Gambhir
- Yuvraj Singh
- Rohit Sharma
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Rahul Dravid
- Suresh Raina
- Yusuf Pathan
- Abhishek Nayar
- Ishant Sharma
- Zaheer Khan
- R P Singh
- Praveen Kumar
- Harbhajan Singh
- Pragyan Ojha
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Dinesh Karthik
- Munaf Patel
- R Ashwin
- M Vijay
- Amit Mishra
- Ajinkya Rahane
- Dhawal Kulkarni
- S Badrinath
- Ashish Nehra
- Virat Kohli
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar Singh
- Wridhiman Saha
- Pankaj Singh
Friday, July 03, 2009
South Africa make a place for ICC Champions Trophy
South Africa will mass the 2009 Champions Trophy in Johannesburg and Centurion commencing from September 24 and concluding on October 5, Cricket South Africa has established this. The conclusion was taken after a teleconference during which the CSA board agreed the ICC's monetary terms to host the contest.
"The CSA Board's assessment to agree to the financial model from the ICC to host the ICC Champions Trophy means that South Africa has yet an additional gem in its crown of hosting a most important international sports event," CSA chief Gerald Majola said. "The authentication of Supersport Park and Liberty Life Wanderers as the two venues of this contest is just reward for the terrific cricket events that they have hosted over the past decade."
The Champions Trophy was at first planned to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but it was tardy to 2009 because of troubles concerning the security. In February 2009, the ICC removed the tournament from Pakistan because of security concerns and said that Sri Lanka, which was the preserve venue, would be the host. However, in March, the ICC's head executive’s board suggested that the Champions Trophy be shifted to South Africa following concerns over weather conditions in Sri Lanka in September.
"The CSA Board's assessment to agree to the financial model from the ICC to host the ICC Champions Trophy means that South Africa has yet an additional gem in its crown of hosting a most important international sports event," CSA chief Gerald Majola said. "The authentication of Supersport Park and Liberty Life Wanderers as the two venues of this contest is just reward for the terrific cricket events that they have hosted over the past decade."
The Champions Trophy was at first planned to be held in Pakistan in 2008 but it was tardy to 2009 because of troubles concerning the security. In February 2009, the ICC removed the tournament from Pakistan because of security concerns and said that Sri Lanka, which was the preserve venue, would be the host. However, in March, the ICC's head executive’s board suggested that the Champions Trophy be shifted to South Africa following concerns over weather conditions in Sri Lanka in September.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
The New Cricket Ranks
Gautam Gambhir is country's uppermost ranked Test batsman at number three position and off spinner Harbhajan Singh, at sixth, is the highest placed Indian bowler in the hottest ICC rankings issued on Thursday.
Gambhir, the Delhi Left-hander with 847 rating points is the only Indian to number in the top 10 batsmen's chart, followed by the Little Master Sachin Tendulkar in 13th position, VVS Laxman in 15th position and the Master Blaster Virender Sehwag in 20th position.
In the bowlers' table, Harbhajan is the distinct Indian in top 10, followed by The Pacer Zaheer Khan in 11th position and Ishant Sharma in 20th position.
In the team ranking, India with 117 points is placed in third behind top ranked Australia with 128 points and South Africa with 119 points.
In the meantime Pakistan, currently in sixth position, will go into their three-Test series in opposition to Sri Lanka preparatory at Galle on Saturday targeting the fourth position, replacing the Lankans.
A 1-0 or 2-1 series win for Younus Khan's team will be adequate to position it on 105 ratings points alongside Sri Lanka but in front of Kumar Sangakkara's team when the ratings are considered beyond the decimal point.
Currently, Younus is the number one batsman in this format, will be aiming to become the 25th batsman in record to achieve the 900-point mark.
The 31-year-old right-handed batsman is just 20 points petite of becoming the second Pakistan batsman following Mohammad Yousuf to achieve the extraordinary distinction.
Gambhir, the Delhi Left-hander with 847 rating points is the only Indian to number in the top 10 batsmen's chart, followed by the Little Master Sachin Tendulkar in 13th position, VVS Laxman in 15th position and the Master Blaster Virender Sehwag in 20th position.
In the bowlers' table, Harbhajan is the distinct Indian in top 10, followed by The Pacer Zaheer Khan in 11th position and Ishant Sharma in 20th position.
In the team ranking, India with 117 points is placed in third behind top ranked Australia with 128 points and South Africa with 119 points.
In the meantime Pakistan, currently in sixth position, will go into their three-Test series in opposition to Sri Lanka preparatory at Galle on Saturday targeting the fourth position, replacing the Lankans.
A 1-0 or 2-1 series win for Younus Khan's team will be adequate to position it on 105 ratings points alongside Sri Lanka but in front of Kumar Sangakkara's team when the ratings are considered beyond the decimal point.
Currently, Younus is the number one batsman in this format, will be aiming to become the 25th batsman in record to achieve the 900-point mark.
The 31-year-old right-handed batsman is just 20 points petite of becoming the second Pakistan batsman following Mohammad Yousuf to achieve the extraordinary distinction.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Chance for Afridi
Ostentatious all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who made Pakistan to the Twenty20 World Cup title in yesterday's final spoken motivation to lead the team at least once before calling it quit, may soon get the chance.
The trance of Afridi, who cracked an unbeaten 40-ball 54 to help out Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets victory at the Lord's, may come true after Younis Khan stepped down as the T20 skipper.
Having regained his magnificent touch with the bat and his bowling already being a strong weapon, Afridi is now most likely to succeed Younis as the T20 skipper.
"For the time being Shoaib Malik is ruled out of controversy for captaincy at any level and the way Afridi has performed and handled new found responsibilities as a superior player, he is certain to become the Pakistan captain for T20 cricket," one Pakistan Cricket Board official told PTI.
If Afridi comes at the controller of country's T20 squad, his first mission will be the one-off match against Sri Lanka on August 12 during their tour to the Sri Lanka.
And indications are that Afridi will also be captivating over as Pakistan's ODI captain if Younis decides to play the Test matches solitarily.
While asked about his aspiration to captain the team, Afridi earlier told a leading Urdu daily, "That is my ambition because it is an honor to lead your country."
Afridi also admitted that at one stage when he was not scoring runs during the last two years, was so irritated that had seriously thought about ending his career.
"But it was my bowling that kept me going because my bowling had enhanced and was a big bonus for the team that is why I hung on. I am happy that I have finally found my batting form in this tournament," he said.
"I told Younis I wanted to bat privileged up because I was not getting adequate time to settle down and play stretched innings.
There was too much stress on me to go and just start striking out. He said if I had confidence I should bat higher up,"
The trance of Afridi, who cracked an unbeaten 40-ball 54 to help out Pakistan to beat Sri Lanka by eight wickets victory at the Lord's, may come true after Younis Khan stepped down as the T20 skipper.
Having regained his magnificent touch with the bat and his bowling already being a strong weapon, Afridi is now most likely to succeed Younis as the T20 skipper.
"For the time being Shoaib Malik is ruled out of controversy for captaincy at any level and the way Afridi has performed and handled new found responsibilities as a superior player, he is certain to become the Pakistan captain for T20 cricket," one Pakistan Cricket Board official told PTI.
If Afridi comes at the controller of country's T20 squad, his first mission will be the one-off match against Sri Lanka on August 12 during their tour to the Sri Lanka.
And indications are that Afridi will also be captivating over as Pakistan's ODI captain if Younis decides to play the Test matches solitarily.
While asked about his aspiration to captain the team, Afridi earlier told a leading Urdu daily, "That is my ambition because it is an honor to lead your country."
Afridi also admitted that at one stage when he was not scoring runs during the last two years, was so irritated that had seriously thought about ending his career.
"But it was my bowling that kept me going because my bowling had enhanced and was a big bonus for the team that is why I hung on. I am happy that I have finally found my batting form in this tournament," he said.
"I told Younis I wanted to bat privileged up because I was not getting adequate time to settle down and play stretched innings.
There was too much stress on me to go and just start striking out. He said if I had confidence I should bat higher up,"
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