LAHORE - The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it will not award annual central contracts to its cricketers until the release of a report into the team’s defeats in Australia.
Pakistan was thrashed 3-0 in Tests, 5-0 in one-day matches and lost the only Twenty20 match.
The Daily Times quoted PCB COO Wasim Bari, as saying that the contracts would be awarded to players only after the inquiry report is submitted later this month.
“We will announce the central contracts only after the submission of the inquiry report so that there is no conflict between the two,” Bari was quoted as saying.
Bari heads both the evaluation and the three-man central contract committees. The evaluation committee met twice last week, discussing reports from team manager Abdul Raqeeb and coach Intikhab Alam.
It also heard from Test and one-day captain Mohammad Yousuf, Younus Khan, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Umer Akmal, Salman Butt besides interviewing assistant coach Aaqib Javed and team physio Faisal Hayat.
Bari said the committee will meet again after the team returns from Dubai, where they will play two Twenty20 matches against England on Friday and Saturday.
Pakistan last year awarded annual contracts to 27 players, nine in the top ‘A’ category, four in ‘B’ and 14 in the ‘C’ category.
The likely omission from the new list will be controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who was last year kept in the top category despite playing only four Twenty20 internationals.
He missed all of Pakistan’s other commitments through injury in 2008.
Akhtar’s pace partner Mohammad Asif, who was not given a central contract last year due to a doping ban imposed for a failed drug test in the Indian Premier League, is expected to get his contract back this time. (ANI)
Thursday 18 February 2010
T20 match to be organised in Surat
Surat, Feb 17 (UNI) While the IPL is from March 12, Cricket enthusiasts here would get to experience the excitment of T20 game much before the scheduled start of the tournament. The reason, city based industrialists have decided to organise a benefit match having various star players of the T20 format. Two teams have been formed which will be captained by Sachin Tendulkar and Virendra Sehwag respectively. T20 match would be held at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on March 7, which is sponsored by a diamond exporting firm, H Vinod & Co. The match would have all the characteristics of IPL - cheerleaders to special music programme during the three hour play. However, the game would not be a day-night one. Apart from Sachin and Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar, Ishant Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Parthiv Patel, Harbhajan Singh, Wasim Jaffar and Siddharth Patel would also participate in the match.
IPL to be shown live on YouTube
London, Jan.21 (ANI): Internet search giant Google has announced it will stream all Indian Premier League cricket matches live via its YouTube video-sharing website.
Under the terms of the agreement, Google will have exclusive online rights over the contents for two years.
Both Google and the Indian Premier League (IPL) will share revenues from sponsorships and advertising jointly.
Google says it is the first time that it is live streaming a cricket tournament, which starts on 12 March.
"We are thrilled to have the IPL as our global partner," said Shailesh Rao, a senior manager of Google India.
The third edition of the popular T20 tournament, featuring the world's top players in eight teams owned by rich businessmen and Bollywood stars, has attracted much media attention.
"This unique initiative by IPL to partner Google India will give the league a global reach on a single distribution platform," IPL Chairman Lalit Modi said. (ANI)
Lumb thumps runs off dumb-struck chums
Four IPL players are competing in today's England v England Lions T20 match in Abu Dhabi. Which one do you reckon did best? No, not Pietersen (26). Nor Collingwood or Morgan, both of whom were dismissed for single-figure scores.
Lumb In fact, it was Michael Lumb, a Hampshire batsman picked up for a snip by Rajasthan Royals, who outscored all three of them combined by making 58 off 35 balls for the so-called second XI.
He retired "hurt" when he got to 40 but came back out for the final three overs as the Lions chased 158 and won, having needed eight off the final two balls.
Lumb's forte seems to be in Twenty20. He got 442 runs in 11 games in last year's Twenty20 Cup and Rajasthan clearly thought he was worth spending £35,000 for this season. Could he go further, though? The World Twenty20 is round the corner and England should select on form.
Another batsman on red-hot form is Craig Kieswetter, the Somerset wicketkeeper who qualified for England last week. He added 100 for the first wicket with Lumb today and went on to make 81 off 66 balls before being out with an over to go.
Like Kieswetter, Lumb was also born in South Africa and so no doubt we can expect more jibes from Down Under if he is elevated into the senior side for the World Twenty20. But hold those attacks: Lumb comes from solid Yorkshire stock.
His father, Richard, made almost 12,000 first-class runs for the county and, by a happy coincidence, opened the batting in the last "England v The Rest" match in 1976, top-scoring in both innings for the fringe-players, who included Mike Brearley, Chris Old and Geoff Miller, as they lost by 127 runs.
It's a great shame that they don't bring back "England v The Rest", although today's match is the same thing effectively. It is such a splendidly eccentric team for a team and allowed sub-editors to have fun after the seniors put the upstarts in their place by writing headlines like "The Rest is silenced".
Although I fear that in the modern world, with the style for making sports teams plural, some editor would change that to "The Rest are silenced" and not get the reference.
The first "England v The Rest" game was in 1911, with The Rest featuring a promising young middle order of Jack Hearne, Frank Woolley and Patsy Hendren, all of whom went on to great things for England.
Amla defiant as India dominates cricket Test
KOLKATA — India were three wickets away from winning the second and final cricket Test against South Africa on Thursday despite another unbeaten century from Hashim Amla.
The in-form Amla made 106 not out as the Proteas, trailing by 347 runs on the first innings, were tottering at 250-7 in their second knock at tea on the fifth day at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The 26-year-old from Durban, who made an unbeaten 253 in the first Test and 114 in the first innings of this match, has so far hit 14 boundaries.
Wayne Parnell (22 not out) helped Amla add 70 for the unbroken eighth wicket, but the South Africans still trail by 97 runs with three wickets in hand.
India, who lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and six runs, have a minimum of 34 overs to force a series-levelling win and retain their number one Test ranking.
The second-ranked South Africa will take over from India if the match ends in a draw, giving the Proteas a 1-0 series win.
The overnight pair of Amla and Ashwell Price put on 47 for the fourth wicket, before Harbhajan Singh broke through two hours after the start under bright sunshine.
The off-spinner beat Prince in the air and the miscued drive lobbed to Ishant Sharma at mid-off.
Left-handed Prince made 23 after scores of zero and one in the previous two innings of the series.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who left the field briefly for treatment on a sore right shoulder, returned to trap AB de Villiers leg-before for three with a googly just before lunch.
South Africa, who went to lunch at 164-5, slipped to 180-7 as Harbhajan claimed both Jean-Paul Duminy and Dale Steyn leg-before soon after play resumed.
Harbhajan went to tea with 4-48 and Mishra had 3-70.
India were handicapped by the absence of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who suffered a knee injury on the fourth day.
Zaheer will not feature in the one-day series against the Proteas that follows the Tests, the Indian cricket board said in a statement.
South African captain Graeme Smith will also miss the one-dayers due to a fractured finger and all-rounder Jacques Kallis will lead the tourists in his absence, the team management said.
The internationals will be played in Jaipur (Feb 21), Gwalior (Feb 24) and Ahmedabad (Feb 27).
The in-form Amla made 106 not out as the Proteas, trailing by 347 runs on the first innings, were tottering at 250-7 in their second knock at tea on the fifth day at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The 26-year-old from Durban, who made an unbeaten 253 in the first Test and 114 in the first innings of this match, has so far hit 14 boundaries.
Wayne Parnell (22 not out) helped Amla add 70 for the unbroken eighth wicket, but the South Africans still trail by 97 runs with three wickets in hand.
India, who lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and six runs, have a minimum of 34 overs to force a series-levelling win and retain their number one Test ranking.
The second-ranked South Africa will take over from India if the match ends in a draw, giving the Proteas a 1-0 series win.
The overnight pair of Amla and Ashwell Price put on 47 for the fourth wicket, before Harbhajan Singh broke through two hours after the start under bright sunshine.
The off-spinner beat Prince in the air and the miscued drive lobbed to Ishant Sharma at mid-off.
Left-handed Prince made 23 after scores of zero and one in the previous two innings of the series.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who left the field briefly for treatment on a sore right shoulder, returned to trap AB de Villiers leg-before for three with a googly just before lunch.
South Africa, who went to lunch at 164-5, slipped to 180-7 as Harbhajan claimed both Jean-Paul Duminy and Dale Steyn leg-before soon after play resumed.
Harbhajan went to tea with 4-48 and Mishra had 3-70.
India were handicapped by the absence of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who suffered a knee injury on the fourth day.
Zaheer will not feature in the one-day series against the Proteas that follows the Tests, the Indian cricket board said in a statement.
South African captain Graeme Smith will also miss the one-dayers due to a fractured finger and all-rounder Jacques Kallis will lead the tourists in his absence, the team management said.
The internationals will be played in Jaipur (Feb 21), Gwalior (Feb 24) and Ahmedabad (Feb 27).
Kieswetter 'excited' by future
Craig Kieswetter Craig Kieswetter put his name in the frame for an opening spot in England's Twenty20
team and admitted he was already trying to think like an international player.
The South Africa-born wicketkeeper-batsman has long been viewed as a star in the making, and the hype around him is unlikely to abate after he cracked an assured 81 in the Lions' five-wicket win over their senior colleagues in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
"I'm very excited about finally being (England) qualified and being able to look forward to this part of my career," he said. "As Lions we set standards and we want to be able to play the aggressive brand of cricket England as a whole are trying to play. Throughout our series we've been trying to play this kind of brave cricket that England as a unit are looking to play."
Kieswetter, who has now collected scores of 31, 40no, 77no, 50 and 81 on the UAE trip, and fellow Lions opener Michael Lumb (58no) both succeeded where England's top order failed by clearing the ropes early on.
It is an area that has regularly caused problems in England's limited-overs game and Kieswetter attributed his own muscular hitting to an unusual source.
"I played field hockey when I was younger and that probably comes into the technique a bit," he added.
"Usually I just swing from the hip as hard as I can. I like to think I can hit the ball hard but I don't like to see myself as a slogger.
"In other forms of the game, I'd like to think I can bat through and help win games."
Out of favour Akhtar hopes to fulfill dream of being Pak captain
Rawalpindi: Out-of-favour Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who is popularly referred to as the "Rawalpindi Express" still dreams of captaining the national squad, though he has not played any international cricket for more than nine months
Akhtar has not featured in a five-day match for Pakistan for more than two years, and many cricket followers and scribes around the globe are asking the question "Will we ever see Shoaib Akhtar in a Pakistan shirt again"?
Akhtar who is currently skippering Khan Research Laboratories in the ongoing Royal Bank of Scotland Cup, in place of the unfit Mohammad Wasim has so far bowled only 13.2 overs in the competition, although this can partly be attributed to the squad rotation policy in force at KRL.
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Rawalpindi ahead of the crucial clash against Habib Bank, Akhtar said: "I've been working really hard on getting match fit in the pre tournament camp we held and am playing currently in the Royal Bank of Scotland Cup and have been feeling good."
"The most important thing is to get some cricket under my belt. We are unbeaten and second in the table with one game to play against Habib Bank" stated Akhtar.
Whilst Akhtar, 34, has been given the responsibility of captaining his domestic team, he has never been entrusted with the opportunity to captain his country despite featuring in nearly 200 matches for Pakistan over a period of more than 12 years.
It is something that he hopes to reverse before hanging up his boots.
"Captaining your country is the dream of every cricketer and I am no different. As a young boy, when I first started playing cricket, it was my dream to captain my country. I hope that one day I will be given that chance before I retire as it's still my dream to captain Pakistan," Akhtar said.
Akhtar was also in no mood to believe that his international career is over and stated that his aim is to win back his place in the Pakistan team.
"My aim and goal is to win back my place in the Pakistan team and I strongly believe that I will be back. You know things change very quickly in Pakistan cricket and I'm confident that my chance will come again. I can't say whether it will be the Twenty/20 World Cup or later in the summer in England, but I believe my chance will come," he said.
Akhtar has not featured in a five-day match for Pakistan for more than two years, and many cricket followers and scribes around the globe are asking the question "Will we ever see Shoaib Akhtar in a Pakistan shirt again"?
Akhtar who is currently skippering Khan Research Laboratories in the ongoing Royal Bank of Scotland Cup, in place of the unfit Mohammad Wasim has so far bowled only 13.2 overs in the competition, although this can partly be attributed to the squad rotation policy in force at KRL.
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Rawalpindi ahead of the crucial clash against Habib Bank, Akhtar said: "I've been working really hard on getting match fit in the pre tournament camp we held and am playing currently in the Royal Bank of Scotland Cup and have been feeling good."
"The most important thing is to get some cricket under my belt. We are unbeaten and second in the table with one game to play against Habib Bank" stated Akhtar.
Whilst Akhtar, 34, has been given the responsibility of captaining his domestic team, he has never been entrusted with the opportunity to captain his country despite featuring in nearly 200 matches for Pakistan over a period of more than 12 years.
It is something that he hopes to reverse before hanging up his boots.
"Captaining your country is the dream of every cricketer and I am no different. As a young boy, when I first started playing cricket, it was my dream to captain my country. I hope that one day I will be given that chance before I retire as it's still my dream to captain Pakistan," Akhtar said.
Akhtar was also in no mood to believe that his international career is over and stated that his aim is to win back his place in the Pakistan team.
"My aim and goal is to win back my place in the Pakistan team and I strongly believe that I will be back. You know things change very quickly in Pakistan cricket and I'm confident that my chance will come again. I can't say whether it will be the Twenty/20 World Cup or later in the summer in England, but I believe my chance will come," he said.
Ijaz Butt must be sacked to save Pakistan cricket
Victory and defeat are parts of a game. It is not the first time that Pakistan have lost a series. Despite the fact that Pakistan won the World Cup and a Twenty20 World Championship, they remained on the losing side quite a bit. Still Pakistan were considered as one of the best in the world. Possessing the capability of toppling strong teams any time, their opponents felt scared facing them. Pakistanis are a cricket-loving nation. Why are cricket lovers upset and frustrated to the extent of agitation is that the team behaved like a bunch of novices during the tour Down Under, making all types of mistakes and buying defeats. The tour management committee appeared to be out on a sight seeing trip. While a serious rift between two senior players Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik continued ruining the peace and amity of the team the officials acted as silent spectators. I will call such a conduct not only casual but also unpatriotic. It proves that during the last two years the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headed by Ijaz Butt has made a thorough mess of the game as well as its administration. Such an astounding public demand for the removal of the PCB chairman and his partners, for bringing disgrace to the country, is absolutely legitimate.
How do you expect the game to prosper when its administrators have no mutual trust among them. The case of a ‘battle royal’ going on between two top officials – PCB chief Ijaz and PCB director general Javed Miandad – deserves a special mention. Each one being a direct appointee of President Asif Ali Zardari considered himself superior to the other irrespective of their nature of appointment.
Disgusted with the policies of Ijaz, Javed took advantage of the public agitation against the PCB and decided to join in the fray. There started a verbal brawl of historical dimensions in which the two of them levelled charges and counter charges against each other. Thank God it ended before reaching the stage of a physical combat, though the tempers on both sides were pretty high. Both of them being so dear to President Zardari no one in the ministry of sports dare reprimand them for making a mockery of Pakistan cricket. In an atmosphere of this nature how do you expect cricket to flourish.
The nation having sunk deep in the ocean of disappointment, there was a massive protest against the game’s ruling clique. A lot of diehard cricket lovers wrote to the President to remove the incompetent lot of officials ruling the game so as to mark an end to the ruthless destruction of Pakistan cricket. The board was generally accused of indulging in nepotism, cronyism and financial mismanagement. The board officials were working only to draw huge financial benefits from their lucrative appointments rather than promoting the game.
The public expression that “we care about the present and future of Pakistan cricket because we care about the present and the future of Pakistan itself” will indicate how emotionally the nation is involved in cricket. To project the nation’s feelings and sentiments about our team’s disastrous performance Down Under and the PCB’s incompetence to run the cricket affairs with success, a local TV channel set up a ‘Peoples court’. None of the PCB officials was present. Heated discussion took place to high light the PCB’s failure in the domain of building a strong team by injecting unity, discipline, mutual understanding, fighting spirit and other attributes. While none of those present spoke in favour of the PCB, the unanimous opinion was that Ijaz should be removed immediately. They strongly recommended Imran Khan as his replacement but Imran flatly refused, perhaps on account of his deep involvement in politics.
Lot of opinions were expressed the major one being that for bringing the Pakistan cricket into disrepute the PCB top officials must resign voluntarily. Following the foot steps of the power hungry government that we are ruled by, they have refused to do so. Surprisingly, they even do not admit that the team performed poorly claiming that ‘we have been defeated by the best team of the world’. In the presence of the President’s blue-eyed boys ruling the PCB, God save Pakistan cricket.
How do you expect the game to prosper when its administrators have no mutual trust among them. The case of a ‘battle royal’ going on between two top officials – PCB chief Ijaz and PCB director general Javed Miandad – deserves a special mention. Each one being a direct appointee of President Asif Ali Zardari considered himself superior to the other irrespective of their nature of appointment.
Disgusted with the policies of Ijaz, Javed took advantage of the public agitation against the PCB and decided to join in the fray. There started a verbal brawl of historical dimensions in which the two of them levelled charges and counter charges against each other. Thank God it ended before reaching the stage of a physical combat, though the tempers on both sides were pretty high. Both of them being so dear to President Zardari no one in the ministry of sports dare reprimand them for making a mockery of Pakistan cricket. In an atmosphere of this nature how do you expect cricket to flourish.
The nation having sunk deep in the ocean of disappointment, there was a massive protest against the game’s ruling clique. A lot of diehard cricket lovers wrote to the President to remove the incompetent lot of officials ruling the game so as to mark an end to the ruthless destruction of Pakistan cricket. The board was generally accused of indulging in nepotism, cronyism and financial mismanagement. The board officials were working only to draw huge financial benefits from their lucrative appointments rather than promoting the game.
The public expression that “we care about the present and future of Pakistan cricket because we care about the present and the future of Pakistan itself” will indicate how emotionally the nation is involved in cricket. To project the nation’s feelings and sentiments about our team’s disastrous performance Down Under and the PCB’s incompetence to run the cricket affairs with success, a local TV channel set up a ‘Peoples court’. None of the PCB officials was present. Heated discussion took place to high light the PCB’s failure in the domain of building a strong team by injecting unity, discipline, mutual understanding, fighting spirit and other attributes. While none of those present spoke in favour of the PCB, the unanimous opinion was that Ijaz should be removed immediately. They strongly recommended Imran Khan as his replacement but Imran flatly refused, perhaps on account of his deep involvement in politics.
Lot of opinions were expressed the major one being that for bringing the Pakistan cricket into disrepute the PCB top officials must resign voluntarily. Following the foot steps of the power hungry government that we are ruled by, they have refused to do so. Surprisingly, they even do not admit that the team performed poorly claiming that ‘we have been defeated by the best team of the world’. In the presence of the President’s blue-eyed boys ruling the PCB, God save Pakistan cricket.
Thursday 28 January 2010
Andrew Flintoff denies he is planning Test comeback for England's Ashes series
Reports linked Flintoff with a return to Tests last week despite undergoing yet another knee operation which has sidelined him until the middle of the summer.
Flintoff, who retired from Tests after the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval in August, has reconfirmed that, as far as international cricket is concerned, he plans to play only one-day matches.
"There have been a few reports saying 'a source close to me' said that I missed Test cricket and the buzz of it," he said. "You don't have to be close to me, I'd tell a complete stranger that. If you spoke to Ian Botham, he'd love to play Tests tomorrow. However, I've retired. It'd be great to play Test cricket. It's something that's hard to give away having played 70-odd Tests and enjoyed it as much as I have, but I retired at the end of last summer and that stands."
Flintoff, 32, underwent a micro-fracture operation on his right knee immediately after the Ashes and recently had scar tissue removed from the joint, a procedure that has cost him a £1 million Indian Premier League stint and a place in England's World Twenty20 side. If he does make a full recovery – he is recuperating at his winter base in Dubai – the earliest he can expect to play for England is against Pakistan at the end of the summer. By then England will have spent a full year without him and there is no guarantee he will be automatically recalled.
"I don't think a team dynamic changes," he said. "If that means that someone tries their best to perform and puts the team above everything else, that's the team I've always played in, so unless something's changed then I don't think I'll struggle [to get back into the side].
"There's a desire to play one-day internationals for England. However, if I'm fit and playing well I'll get in England's best side."
The state of England's one-day cricket and a plan for the next four years will be mapped out at an England and Wales Cricket Board seminar at a hotel near Stratford on Monday. Andy Flower, the England head coach, will be part of a panel that also includes national selector Geoff Miller, Hugh Morris and Charlotte Edwards.
David Richardson, the International Cricket Council's general manager, and former England coaches Graham Gooch and David Lloyd will debate the future of one-day cricket.
Flintoff, who retired from Tests after the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval in August, has reconfirmed that, as far as international cricket is concerned, he plans to play only one-day matches.
"There have been a few reports saying 'a source close to me' said that I missed Test cricket and the buzz of it," he said. "You don't have to be close to me, I'd tell a complete stranger that. If you spoke to Ian Botham, he'd love to play Tests tomorrow. However, I've retired. It'd be great to play Test cricket. It's something that's hard to give away having played 70-odd Tests and enjoyed it as much as I have, but I retired at the end of last summer and that stands."
Flintoff, 32, underwent a micro-fracture operation on his right knee immediately after the Ashes and recently had scar tissue removed from the joint, a procedure that has cost him a £1 million Indian Premier League stint and a place in England's World Twenty20 side. If he does make a full recovery – he is recuperating at his winter base in Dubai – the earliest he can expect to play for England is against Pakistan at the end of the summer. By then England will have spent a full year without him and there is no guarantee he will be automatically recalled.
"I don't think a team dynamic changes," he said. "If that means that someone tries their best to perform and puts the team above everything else, that's the team I've always played in, so unless something's changed then I don't think I'll struggle [to get back into the side].
"There's a desire to play one-day internationals for England. However, if I'm fit and playing well I'll get in England's best side."
The state of England's one-day cricket and a plan for the next four years will be mapped out at an England and Wales Cricket Board seminar at a hotel near Stratford on Monday. Andy Flower, the England head coach, will be part of a panel that also includes national selector Geoff Miller, Hugh Morris and Charlotte Edwards.
David Richardson, the International Cricket Council's general manager, and former England coaches Graham Gooch and David Lloyd will debate the future of one-day cricket.
‘Yousuf should be given extended run as captain’
LAHORE: While former Test captain Inzamam-ul-Haq came forward on Thursday in support of embattled Pakistan skipper Mohammad Yousuf, suggesting a captain should be given at least one year to produce favourable results, the former batting maestro also tendered himself to act as the national team’s batting coach.
“Frequent changes in captaincy due to defeats can put any captain under pressure, ultimately. Therefore, a skipper should be given at least one year before any decision is taken about his captaincy future,” Inzamam told reporters here on Thursday.
“A swift change in [the national] captaincy also proves that the earlier decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint anyone as skipper was wrong,” he added.
Inzamam openly supported Yousuf for the captaincy slot when Younis Khan decided to take a break after the ODI series loss against New Zealand in the UAE last November.
However, under Yousuf Pakistan, after drawing the three-Test match series against New Zealand in New Zealand 1-1, had to suffer a clean sweep at the hands of Australia in the three-Test rubber.
Furthermore, the national team is set to taste another whitewash in the five-game ODI series after losing the first three encounters against Ricky Ponting’s brigade.
Inzamam, who played 120 Tests to score 8830 — just two runs less than Javed Miandad’s aggregate of 8832, and 11,739 runs, the highest by any Pakistani in ODIs, offered his services to cope with the batting woes faced by the national team.
“A batting coach is the need of the national team and I am ready to transfer my experience to the boys, after deciding the terms with the PCB,” Inzamam said.
Indirectly, he also criticised Intikhab Alam, Pakistan’s head coach. “Only that coach can serve the [team’s] cause, who has played modern cricket, as South Africa’s Gary Kirsten [presently coaching India],” Inzamam, a veteran of 378 One-day Internationals, noted.
He said while Yousuf was a new captain, in the past even the experienced captains underwent defeats in Australia. Therefore, he reckoned, another change in captaincy would not be beneficial.
Citing serious lack of discipline within the team currently in Australia, the 1992 World Cup hero suggested strict action should be taken by the PCB and the team management against those who were giving statements in the media without proper permission.
To a question about groupings within the team, Inzamam said if that factor was there it was also a weakness of the team management.
He considered Shoaib Malik as the best all-rounder in one-day cricket, adding if he was not getting chance it was unjust.
“Frequent changes in captaincy due to defeats can put any captain under pressure, ultimately. Therefore, a skipper should be given at least one year before any decision is taken about his captaincy future,” Inzamam told reporters here on Thursday.
“A swift change in [the national] captaincy also proves that the earlier decision of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint anyone as skipper was wrong,” he added.
Inzamam openly supported Yousuf for the captaincy slot when Younis Khan decided to take a break after the ODI series loss against New Zealand in the UAE last November.
However, under Yousuf Pakistan, after drawing the three-Test match series against New Zealand in New Zealand 1-1, had to suffer a clean sweep at the hands of Australia in the three-Test rubber.
Furthermore, the national team is set to taste another whitewash in the five-game ODI series after losing the first three encounters against Ricky Ponting’s brigade.
Inzamam, who played 120 Tests to score 8830 — just two runs less than Javed Miandad’s aggregate of 8832, and 11,739 runs, the highest by any Pakistani in ODIs, offered his services to cope with the batting woes faced by the national team.
“A batting coach is the need of the national team and I am ready to transfer my experience to the boys, after deciding the terms with the PCB,” Inzamam said.
Indirectly, he also criticised Intikhab Alam, Pakistan’s head coach. “Only that coach can serve the [team’s] cause, who has played modern cricket, as South Africa’s Gary Kirsten [presently coaching India],” Inzamam, a veteran of 378 One-day Internationals, noted.
He said while Yousuf was a new captain, in the past even the experienced captains underwent defeats in Australia. Therefore, he reckoned, another change in captaincy would not be beneficial.
Citing serious lack of discipline within the team currently in Australia, the 1992 World Cup hero suggested strict action should be taken by the PCB and the team management against those who were giving statements in the media without proper permission.
To a question about groupings within the team, Inzamam said if that factor was there it was also a weakness of the team management.
He considered Shoaib Malik as the best all-rounder in one-day cricket, adding if he was not getting chance it was unjust.
Ausise youth in World Cup final
THE seniors are playing dead rubbers but the future of Australian and Pakistan cricket is chasing silverware tomorrow in the Youth World Cup Fina.l
Under-19 Australian skipper Mitch Marsh says winning the junior World Cup against Pakistan tomorrow would top everything he's done.
The teams play at Lincoln, near Christchurch, with Pakistan unbeaten so far in the tournament.
Australia's youth side is one win away from emulating the feat of the 2002 side, which raised the World Cup in New Zealand, but in Lincoln, near Christchurch, they face a side unbeaten this tournament.
Marsh and teammates Josh Hazlewood and Alister McDermott were denied more chances with their state sides when selected for the World Cup, on the basis the tournament would help develop them into future senior Australian players.
Marsh admitted the standard in some games had been below what he had encountered in three Sheffield Shield and nine limited-overs games for Western Australia, but he'd found the tournament beneficial and was now desperate to win.
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"Winning any game for your country is a pretty big thing, but to captain a World Cup-winning final would be the biggest thing in my career,'' Marsh said on Friday.
"The group of guys we've got here, we're a pretty close unit and all hope we're lucky enough to play for Australia, so hopefully this is a stepping stone to that and we can follow the guys from 2002, like Cameron White and George Bailey and Mark Cosgrove.
"It's been an awesome experience.
"Playing this sort of cricket, it's not quite first-class level, but there's been different sort of pressures from the outset and Josh, Alister and I have been happy to play.
"Because we've played first-class cricket, the less-experienced players have looked up to us and we've taken it in our stride.''
Marsh scored a match-winning 97 in Wednesday's semi-final against Sri Lanka, the day after older brother Shaun scored 83 in Australia's one-day win over Pakistan in Adelaide.
Coincidentally, Shaun was also part of the triumphant squad that won the 2002 under-19s World Cup.
Despite Shaun's recent success, most of the Marsh clan is in New Zealand following Mitch, including the brothers' father Geoff, the former Australian opener.
Mitch Marsh's success has also buoyed cricket officials in their ongoing battle to retain talented athletes away from the clutches of various football codes.
Marsh had considered pursuing a career in the AFL before he committed to cricket, while fellow squad member Alex Keath faces a similar dilemma, as he is tied to the Gold Coast franchise, which will enter the AFL in 2011.
Marsh was unsure which way Keath would head, but said the increased opportunities in cricket, such as lucrative Twenty20 competitions, had helped sway him in his own decision.
Under-19 Australian skipper Mitch Marsh says winning the junior World Cup against Pakistan tomorrow would top everything he's done.
The teams play at Lincoln, near Christchurch, with Pakistan unbeaten so far in the tournament.
Australia's youth side is one win away from emulating the feat of the 2002 side, which raised the World Cup in New Zealand, but in Lincoln, near Christchurch, they face a side unbeaten this tournament.
Marsh and teammates Josh Hazlewood and Alister McDermott were denied more chances with their state sides when selected for the World Cup, on the basis the tournament would help develop them into future senior Australian players.
Marsh admitted the standard in some games had been below what he had encountered in three Sheffield Shield and nine limited-overs games for Western Australia, but he'd found the tournament beneficial and was now desperate to win.
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"Winning any game for your country is a pretty big thing, but to captain a World Cup-winning final would be the biggest thing in my career,'' Marsh said on Friday.
"The group of guys we've got here, we're a pretty close unit and all hope we're lucky enough to play for Australia, so hopefully this is a stepping stone to that and we can follow the guys from 2002, like Cameron White and George Bailey and Mark Cosgrove.
"It's been an awesome experience.
"Playing this sort of cricket, it's not quite first-class level, but there's been different sort of pressures from the outset and Josh, Alister and I have been happy to play.
"Because we've played first-class cricket, the less-experienced players have looked up to us and we've taken it in our stride.''
Marsh scored a match-winning 97 in Wednesday's semi-final against Sri Lanka, the day after older brother Shaun scored 83 in Australia's one-day win over Pakistan in Adelaide.
Coincidentally, Shaun was also part of the triumphant squad that won the 2002 under-19s World Cup.
Despite Shaun's recent success, most of the Marsh clan is in New Zealand following Mitch, including the brothers' father Geoff, the former Australian opener.
Mitch Marsh's success has also buoyed cricket officials in their ongoing battle to retain talented athletes away from the clutches of various football codes.
Marsh had considered pursuing a career in the AFL before he committed to cricket, while fellow squad member Alex Keath faces a similar dilemma, as he is tied to the Gold Coast franchise, which will enter the AFL in 2011.
Marsh was unsure which way Keath would head, but said the increased opportunities in cricket, such as lucrative Twenty20 competitions, had helped sway him in his own decision.
Lehman in talks for NZ cricket coach
Former Australian cricketer Darren Lehman is the latest big name to be linked to the vacant New Zealand coaching job.
Lehman confirmed to Radio Sport that he had been in talks with New Zealand Cricket about the job.
The New Zealand Cricket board is meeting today to make an appointment in time for the home series against Bangladesh series which starts next Wednesday.
South African Mickey Arthur, who resigned as Proteas coach earlier in the week, is another name mentioned although it appears he is keen to move into the English county scene.
It seems a possibility that former New Zealand batsman Mark Greatbatch, who has been used as a batting coach and in an advisory role since Andy Moles walked away from the job late last year, could be hold on to the job in a caretaker's role.
Lehman, who is president of the Australian Cricketers' Association, has a coaching role with the Deccan Chargers in the lucrative Indian Premier League that would surely be tempting to retain.
But he appears very keen on the Black Caps job, telling Radio Sport they had the potential for improvement on the world stage under the leadership of Daniel Vettori.
The Black Caps have previously been coached by an Australian with Steve Rixon doing a good job in righting a rocky ship in the late 1990s.
Lehman confirmed to Radio Sport that he had been in talks with New Zealand Cricket about the job.
The New Zealand Cricket board is meeting today to make an appointment in time for the home series against Bangladesh series which starts next Wednesday.
South African Mickey Arthur, who resigned as Proteas coach earlier in the week, is another name mentioned although it appears he is keen to move into the English county scene.
It seems a possibility that former New Zealand batsman Mark Greatbatch, who has been used as a batting coach and in an advisory role since Andy Moles walked away from the job late last year, could be hold on to the job in a caretaker's role.
Lehman, who is president of the Australian Cricketers' Association, has a coaching role with the Deccan Chargers in the lucrative Indian Premier League that would surely be tempting to retain.
But he appears very keen on the Black Caps job, telling Radio Sport they had the potential for improvement on the world stage under the leadership of Daniel Vettori.
The Black Caps have previously been coached by an Australian with Steve Rixon doing a good job in righting a rocky ship in the late 1990s.
Cricket terrorism
Sultan M Hali
India has used every excuse possible to turn it into an instrument of terror. It has used coercive diplomacy, taking full advantage of the reconstruction opportunity in Afghanistan to launch terror attacks in Pakistan. 9/11 was used as a ploy to ditch its erstwhile ally Russia and join the US camp to take up cudgels against Pakistan. The Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline was employed as a tool of intimidation and blackmail. The Confidence Building Measures by Pakistan were misused by India as a ploy for oppression and viewed as a sign of Pakistan’s weakness. Other nations including Pakistan make use of sports, culture and fine arts to enhance relations especially when tensions are rising. Pakistan’s president Zia-ul-Haq used cricket diplomacy to diffuse the chances of conflict between Pakistan and India when there was fear of war between the two during the Operation Brass-tacks era.
Unfortunately, India is exploiting the event of sports, especially cricket for terrorizing Pakistan. Earlier too Hindu extremists have threatened to attack and maim Pakistani cricketers in pursuance of their nefarious chauvinistic designs. They have dug up cricket pitches, created furor by inciting crowd vandalism to disrupt matches which appeared to be going against India. In the early days of Pakistan-India cricket fixtures, readers may recall an incident when Pakistan team was visiting India for a cricket series, Pakistan’s star batsman Hanif Muhammad was approached by an Indian fanatic posing to be a “fan”, who wanted to shake hands with the “Little Master” on the eve of the match. Innocently Hanif Muhammad extended his hand, but a blade concealed between the fingers of the “fan” cut his hand badly. That is another story that with a bandaged hand and three stitches, the master player went on to score 202 runs. Pakistani players playing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) who were stuck in Mumbai following the attacks on 26/11/2007 were threatened to be assassinated by Hindu militants as retaliation for the assault. Pakistani teams have time and again been threatened to desist from visiting India.
The forthcoming cricket “World Cup”, which is to be hosted by South Asia in 2011, with the venues to be divided between Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India was sabotaged for Pakistan. Initially India raised the specter of terror threats to visiting teams in Pakistan, which caused Australia, New Zealand and England to abstain from playing in Pakistan. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, in a show of solidarity with us, decided to send their cricket teams to Pakistan. Reportedly, Indian intelligence agency RAW organized a deadly attack on the visiting cricket team at Lahore, sealing the fate of Pakistan as venue for the World Cup. This is not only going to deprive Pakistan of revenues and Pakistani fans the chance of witnessing exciting cricket matches, but also divest the national team of vital match practice, contributing to its dismal match performance in the recent past. The latest machination by the protagonists of Hindutva and Indian extremists, in humiliating Pakistani cricketers in the IPL is not only distasteful, but requires condemnation at the international level. Pakistani cricketers are not only the world champions in the 20/20 form of cricket, but have also rendered match winning performances in their various teams during the previous IPL tournaments. They should have been in demand by each and every team contesting in the IPL. Initially, problems were created in the issuance of visas for the Pakistani players, and then they were told to face the ignominy of facing auctioneering by different team sponsors/proprietors. Once the Pakistani players were placed for bidding, to their utter humiliation, not a single Pakistani cricketer was bid for. It has now emerged that the farcical auction was engineered by RAW and militant Hindus. Rajasthan Royals’ co-owner Shilpa Shetty, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab Preity Zinta and Shahrukh Khan of Kolkata Knight riders have confirmed that the Hindu Extremist organization Shiv Sena and goons of RAW’s underworld mafia threatened the bidders to refrain from hiring Pakistani Cricket stars at the auction of the players for the 3rd session of IPL.
Without clearly naming Shiv Sena and RAW goons, the Bollywood sensations have expressed that they were threatened that if they would opt for hiring Pak cricketers, they (Pak Cricketers) would be badly harmed by them ( the Shiv Sena and RAW goons). Apart from the showbiz beauties who were amongst the bidder at the IPL auction some business tycoons at the auction, including Ness Wadia and Mukesh Ambani have also expressed the same while talking to media or commenting over the situation at private functions in Mumbai. The bidders have confirmed that the Pakistani cricketers were in great demand while some impartial and saner elements of the Indian media have disclosed opinion polls reflecting the choice of Indian fans who voted in the excess of 72% to see the star performers from Pakistani cricket playing on their soil.
On the other side, Indian belligerent leaders continue to threaten Pakistan with dire consequences if 26/11 type attacks are repeated. Indian threatening attitude has taken the extreme situation, where they see PAF’s preparations for war games at Sargodha as threatening for India. Sargodha is situated in the heart of the Punjab and is a Main Operating airbase, yet it is being described as a border city and the trenches and tunnels dug for war-games, have been construed as threatening postures. Indian Air Defence has gone so berserk that it mistook its own aircraft on the radar and declared them as hostile intruders and was preparing to take punitive action. Under these circumstances, Pakistan should boycott the IPL matches. No Pakistani cable operator should broadcast the IPL matches in Pakistan. During the Cricket World Cup, Pakistan should refuse to play any match on Indian soil. In one of the previous World Cup cricket tournaments, Australia had refused to play in Sri Lanka; we can adopt a similar policy for India. Such drastic steps will expose Indian belligerence and cricket terrorism and bear pressure on it from using sports fixtures for its nefarious ends.
India has used every excuse possible to turn it into an instrument of terror. It has used coercive diplomacy, taking full advantage of the reconstruction opportunity in Afghanistan to launch terror attacks in Pakistan. 9/11 was used as a ploy to ditch its erstwhile ally Russia and join the US camp to take up cudgels against Pakistan. The Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline was employed as a tool of intimidation and blackmail. The Confidence Building Measures by Pakistan were misused by India as a ploy for oppression and viewed as a sign of Pakistan’s weakness. Other nations including Pakistan make use of sports, culture and fine arts to enhance relations especially when tensions are rising. Pakistan’s president Zia-ul-Haq used cricket diplomacy to diffuse the chances of conflict between Pakistan and India when there was fear of war between the two during the Operation Brass-tacks era.
Unfortunately, India is exploiting the event of sports, especially cricket for terrorizing Pakistan. Earlier too Hindu extremists have threatened to attack and maim Pakistani cricketers in pursuance of their nefarious chauvinistic designs. They have dug up cricket pitches, created furor by inciting crowd vandalism to disrupt matches which appeared to be going against India. In the early days of Pakistan-India cricket fixtures, readers may recall an incident when Pakistan team was visiting India for a cricket series, Pakistan’s star batsman Hanif Muhammad was approached by an Indian fanatic posing to be a “fan”, who wanted to shake hands with the “Little Master” on the eve of the match. Innocently Hanif Muhammad extended his hand, but a blade concealed between the fingers of the “fan” cut his hand badly. That is another story that with a bandaged hand and three stitches, the master player went on to score 202 runs. Pakistani players playing for the Indian Premier League (IPL) who were stuck in Mumbai following the attacks on 26/11/2007 were threatened to be assassinated by Hindu militants as retaliation for the assault. Pakistani teams have time and again been threatened to desist from visiting India.
The forthcoming cricket “World Cup”, which is to be hosted by South Asia in 2011, with the venues to be divided between Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India was sabotaged for Pakistan. Initially India raised the specter of terror threats to visiting teams in Pakistan, which caused Australia, New Zealand and England to abstain from playing in Pakistan. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, in a show of solidarity with us, decided to send their cricket teams to Pakistan. Reportedly, Indian intelligence agency RAW organized a deadly attack on the visiting cricket team at Lahore, sealing the fate of Pakistan as venue for the World Cup. This is not only going to deprive Pakistan of revenues and Pakistani fans the chance of witnessing exciting cricket matches, but also divest the national team of vital match practice, contributing to its dismal match performance in the recent past. The latest machination by the protagonists of Hindutva and Indian extremists, in humiliating Pakistani cricketers in the IPL is not only distasteful, but requires condemnation at the international level. Pakistani cricketers are not only the world champions in the 20/20 form of cricket, but have also rendered match winning performances in their various teams during the previous IPL tournaments. They should have been in demand by each and every team contesting in the IPL. Initially, problems were created in the issuance of visas for the Pakistani players, and then they were told to face the ignominy of facing auctioneering by different team sponsors/proprietors. Once the Pakistani players were placed for bidding, to their utter humiliation, not a single Pakistani cricketer was bid for. It has now emerged that the farcical auction was engineered by RAW and militant Hindus. Rajasthan Royals’ co-owner Shilpa Shetty, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab Preity Zinta and Shahrukh Khan of Kolkata Knight riders have confirmed that the Hindu Extremist organization Shiv Sena and goons of RAW’s underworld mafia threatened the bidders to refrain from hiring Pakistani Cricket stars at the auction of the players for the 3rd session of IPL.
Without clearly naming Shiv Sena and RAW goons, the Bollywood sensations have expressed that they were threatened that if they would opt for hiring Pak cricketers, they (Pak Cricketers) would be badly harmed by them ( the Shiv Sena and RAW goons). Apart from the showbiz beauties who were amongst the bidder at the IPL auction some business tycoons at the auction, including Ness Wadia and Mukesh Ambani have also expressed the same while talking to media or commenting over the situation at private functions in Mumbai. The bidders have confirmed that the Pakistani cricketers were in great demand while some impartial and saner elements of the Indian media have disclosed opinion polls reflecting the choice of Indian fans who voted in the excess of 72% to see the star performers from Pakistani cricket playing on their soil.
On the other side, Indian belligerent leaders continue to threaten Pakistan with dire consequences if 26/11 type attacks are repeated. Indian threatening attitude has taken the extreme situation, where they see PAF’s preparations for war games at Sargodha as threatening for India. Sargodha is situated in the heart of the Punjab and is a Main Operating airbase, yet it is being described as a border city and the trenches and tunnels dug for war-games, have been construed as threatening postures. Indian Air Defence has gone so berserk that it mistook its own aircraft on the radar and declared them as hostile intruders and was preparing to take punitive action. Under these circumstances, Pakistan should boycott the IPL matches. No Pakistani cable operator should broadcast the IPL matches in Pakistan. During the Cricket World Cup, Pakistan should refuse to play any match on Indian soil. In one of the previous World Cup cricket tournaments, Australia had refused to play in Sri Lanka; we can adopt a similar policy for India. Such drastic steps will expose Indian belligerence and cricket terrorism and bear pressure on it from using sports fixtures for its nefarious ends.
Monday 25 January 2010
National Senior Cricket Cup: Bucks clinch thriller: overwhelm Kasur by 11 runs
LAHORE: Sayid Papers Bucks clinched Group-D match of the 12thedition of National Seniors Cricket Cup when they edged out Kasur Senior by 11 runs at Model Town Green Ground, Lahore.
Bucks made 212-5 with Sohail Imran 59, Muhammad Khurram 42, skipper Nadeem Aslam 26, Babar Barnot 26, Javed Hafeez 37 *. Anis Siddiqi took 3-33, Zohair 1-42, Mazhar Ali 1-33. In reply, Kasur outfit made 201 all out with Qurban Ali 67, Muhammad Akram 27, Zohair 17, Mazhar Ali 22, Anis Siddiqui 19 .
Zahid Khan took 5-38 and later on took Man of the match award from SPM head Aizad Sayid. PVCA’s Chief Executive Officer Ashiq Qureshi, Asad Ali Khan, Tahir Chughtai, Mian Sajjad, Sohaib Dar, Arif Mughal were also present on this occasion
Other wicket takers for winners were Muhammad Afzal 2-18, Javed Khan 2-29, Saeed Khan 1-6, Sohail Imran 1-36. The umpires were Waleed Yaqoob, Muhammad Kalim while scorer was Masood Ahmed.
Bucks made 212-5 with Sohail Imran 59, Muhammad Khurram 42, skipper Nadeem Aslam 26, Babar Barnot 26, Javed Hafeez 37 *. Anis Siddiqi took 3-33, Zohair 1-42, Mazhar Ali 1-33. In reply, Kasur outfit made 201 all out with Qurban Ali 67, Muhammad Akram 27, Zohair 17, Mazhar Ali 22, Anis Siddiqui 19 .
Zahid Khan took 5-38 and later on took Man of the match award from SPM head Aizad Sayid. PVCA’s Chief Executive Officer Ashiq Qureshi, Asad Ali Khan, Tahir Chughtai, Mian Sajjad, Sohaib Dar, Arif Mughal were also present on this occasion
Other wicket takers for winners were Muhammad Afzal 2-18, Javed Khan 2-29, Saeed Khan 1-6, Sohail Imran 1-36. The umpires were Waleed Yaqoob, Muhammad Kalim while scorer was Masood Ahmed.
Cricket fans' bowled idea aims to avoid sticky wickets
A GROUP of cricket fanatics have said they are bowled over by the success of their Edenbridge-based business venture.
Keen players Andy Redden, 47, Andy Eames, 26, and Paul Eames, 56, all from Speldhurst, took a big risk three years ago when they left their jobs to set up a cricket equipment business.
But the trio have hit a six with Willostix, a company which aims to develop promising young players, as well as creating the first full set of cricket gear for women.
Speaking to the Courier from the business premises at Wintersell Farm on Dwelly Lane, Mr Redden said: "We are proud of this because it's a really difficult market at the moment.
"There is so much against small businesses but I think there is a massive opportunity for small businesses if you can get it right in this market and work really hard."
The threesome have been playing for Bidborough Cricket Club for more than 10 years and came up with the idea to go into business while chatting in the pub.
Mr Redden said: "We thought there was a big hole in the market for a brand which offered really good quality to develop young cricketers and very good club cricketers."
They now supply kit and bats to a number of individuals and clubs, including Hartley Country Club, who won the Kent Primary League in 2008 and Glynde Cricket Club, who triumphed in the nPower National Village Cup 2009 at Lord's.
In addition to this they supply to four Kent county players, as well as providing a fun day out for bus loads of Oxford University students on an annual jolly for kit and equipment.
All the willow used to make the bats is sourced from Essex and Somerset.
Mr Redden, who used to work in advertising before becoming an artist, designs the artwork on the bats which can be customised by players seeking a more individual look.
The team are even trying to push the boundaries in bat design with their new product called The Stick which explores the benefits of a changed shape.
Mr Redden said: "We have built this business from the grass roots up.
"I think it's everyone's dream to be able to have a go at making a business out of something you love."
Keen players Andy Redden, 47, Andy Eames, 26, and Paul Eames, 56, all from Speldhurst, took a big risk three years ago when they left their jobs to set up a cricket equipment business.
But the trio have hit a six with Willostix, a company which aims to develop promising young players, as well as creating the first full set of cricket gear for women.
Speaking to the Courier from the business premises at Wintersell Farm on Dwelly Lane, Mr Redden said: "We are proud of this because it's a really difficult market at the moment.
"There is so much against small businesses but I think there is a massive opportunity for small businesses if you can get it right in this market and work really hard."
The threesome have been playing for Bidborough Cricket Club for more than 10 years and came up with the idea to go into business while chatting in the pub.
Mr Redden said: "We thought there was a big hole in the market for a brand which offered really good quality to develop young cricketers and very good club cricketers."
They now supply kit and bats to a number of individuals and clubs, including Hartley Country Club, who won the Kent Primary League in 2008 and Glynde Cricket Club, who triumphed in the nPower National Village Cup 2009 at Lord's.
In addition to this they supply to four Kent county players, as well as providing a fun day out for bus loads of Oxford University students on an annual jolly for kit and equipment.
All the willow used to make the bats is sourced from Essex and Somerset.
Mr Redden, who used to work in advertising before becoming an artist, designs the artwork on the bats which can be customised by players seeking a more individual look.
The team are even trying to push the boundaries in bat design with their new product called The Stick which explores the benefits of a changed shape.
Mr Redden said: "We have built this business from the grass roots up.
"I think it's everyone's dream to be able to have a go at making a business out of something you love."
Team Grand wins beach cricket
EXPERIENCE paid off for “the locals” on the weekend at the Grand Hotel’s Australia Day Beach Cricket event.
In its fourth year, Team Grand finally kept the goods on home turf after coming home empty handed the past three years.
Pairing off against Home Loans Etc Daredevils in the final, the home team was stoked to claim the win.
Winning team captain Roy Thomson said ‘training’ and hydration was the key to success.
“We kept hydrated on the beer and came good,” he said.
Team Grand got off to a shaky start early, but finished strongly after the beer kicked in.
“We’ve been ‘training’ at the Grand every afternoon for the last three months,” he said.
Thomson said off-season ‘training’ would be held weekly and would begin next week.
“They played in every one for the past four years and finally won one,” venue manager Rod Bradbury said.
The annual competition proved it was still a popular way to celebrate an early Australia Day after close to 3000 people passed through the gates.
Bradbury said the competition was “good fun, but competitive”.
In its fourth year, Team Grand finally kept the goods on home turf after coming home empty handed the past three years.
Pairing off against Home Loans Etc Daredevils in the final, the home team was stoked to claim the win.
Winning team captain Roy Thomson said ‘training’ and hydration was the key to success.
“We kept hydrated on the beer and came good,” he said.
Team Grand got off to a shaky start early, but finished strongly after the beer kicked in.
“We’ve been ‘training’ at the Grand every afternoon for the last three months,” he said.
Thomson said off-season ‘training’ would be held weekly and would begin next week.
“They played in every one for the past four years and finally won one,” venue manager Rod Bradbury said.
The annual competition proved it was still a popular way to celebrate an early Australia Day after close to 3000 people passed through the gates.
Bradbury said the competition was “good fun, but competitive”.
Re-open NZ Cricket Academy
New Zealand Cricket is now paying the price for its decision to take the emphasis from its world-leading Academy based at Lincoln University and devolving its objectives to the six Major Associations.
A seventh or eighth placing among competing nations at the ICC Under-19 World Cup is not where New Zealand wants to be in the development of its game.
This is a lamentable result and one deserving of the utmost attention of the game's administrators and it will be interesting if there is a reaction from the powers who be on the board of New Zealand Cricket.
Or are these people, who presumably have cricket's best interests at heart just going to roll over and take this clear demonstration that all is not working in New Zealand's development plan?
The way New Zealand was rolled by Australia, in the quarter-final and then shut out of the fifth and sixth play-off, is serious cause for concern. What does it tell New Zealanders about the attitude of young players coming through?
Where is the hardness that once personified New Zealand's cricket?
Or, even more importantly, what does this performance say about the future of the New Zealand game?
It is clear, as it has long been felt, that the decision by supposed Australian wunderkind Rick Charlesworth to leave coaching of up and comers in New Zealand to association coaches was disastrous.
It might have worked in Australia, but New Zealand has nothing like the resource base in facilities or coaching, or even example, that Australia enjoys. And in country like New Zealand devolution never works.
Consider some examples: rowing is centred on Lake Karapiro, track cycling on Invercargill and yachting in Auckland.
Once you divide these organisations in New Zealand they start competing for dollars, and the bottom falls out of them.
The same has happened in cricket, and the results are obvious.
When the Academy was set up it was the envy of the rest of the cricketing world. Why would you want to do away with it?
Clearly, when New Zealand Cricket underwent its administrative revolution in 1995-96, the goal was to lift the game.
That goal lasted about five years, and has gone downhill ever since as attention has been diverted elsewhere.
There is no good reason why, with the right leadership, thinking and application, the Lincoln Academy could not be upgraded to play the role in developing the small crop of cricket talent that deserves to be nurtured.
Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Craig McMillan et al reads like a pretty impressive alumnae. Surely they represent something that was done right.
They were products of the Academy and have served New Zealand well.
Who will replace them?
That has to be the challenge for cricket's leaders, and they can't afford to waste any time.
A seventh or eighth placing among competing nations at the ICC Under-19 World Cup is not where New Zealand wants to be in the development of its game.
This is a lamentable result and one deserving of the utmost attention of the game's administrators and it will be interesting if there is a reaction from the powers who be on the board of New Zealand Cricket.
Or are these people, who presumably have cricket's best interests at heart just going to roll over and take this clear demonstration that all is not working in New Zealand's development plan?
The way New Zealand was rolled by Australia, in the quarter-final and then shut out of the fifth and sixth play-off, is serious cause for concern. What does it tell New Zealanders about the attitude of young players coming through?
Where is the hardness that once personified New Zealand's cricket?
Or, even more importantly, what does this performance say about the future of the New Zealand game?
It is clear, as it has long been felt, that the decision by supposed Australian wunderkind Rick Charlesworth to leave coaching of up and comers in New Zealand to association coaches was disastrous.
It might have worked in Australia, but New Zealand has nothing like the resource base in facilities or coaching, or even example, that Australia enjoys. And in country like New Zealand devolution never works.
Consider some examples: rowing is centred on Lake Karapiro, track cycling on Invercargill and yachting in Auckland.
Once you divide these organisations in New Zealand they start competing for dollars, and the bottom falls out of them.
The same has happened in cricket, and the results are obvious.
When the Academy was set up it was the envy of the rest of the cricketing world. Why would you want to do away with it?
Clearly, when New Zealand Cricket underwent its administrative revolution in 1995-96, the goal was to lift the game.
That goal lasted about five years, and has gone downhill ever since as attention has been diverted elsewhere.
There is no good reason why, with the right leadership, thinking and application, the Lincoln Academy could not be upgraded to play the role in developing the small crop of cricket talent that deserves to be nurtured.
Brendon McCullum, Jacob Oram, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Daniel Vettori, Craig McMillan et al reads like a pretty impressive alumnae. Surely they represent something that was done right.
They were products of the Academy and have served New Zealand well.
Who will replace them?
That has to be the challenge for cricket's leaders, and they can't afford to waste any time.
Aamer to miss 3rd Pak-Aussie ODI tomorrow
ADELAIDE: The third One-day International of the five-match series between Australia and Pakistan will be played here tomorrow (Tuesday).
Pakistan’s fast bowler Mohammad Aamer will not take part in the match due to fitness problem.
Manager Pakistan cricket team Abdul Raqeeb told Geo News that Aamer is unable to play in the third ODI due to his groin injury.
He said that doctor advised him rest for a week due to which he is doubtful to play the remaining matches of the series.
Pace bowler Rao Iftikhar Anjum is likely to replace Aamer in the third One-day International.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia has included Ryan Harris in their squad and he will be the part of the final eleven if Peter Siddle does not get fit before the match.
Should Andrew Strauss be going to Bangladesh?
My problem is that no-one agrees with me! I honestly cannot believe this. This was
not some deliberately contrary piece. It’s what I truly believe. England’s cricketers play too much cricket and, until the schedule is reduced, we will have to get used to rotation. Our players simply cannot go on the way they are. And always at the back of our minds should be the Marcus Trescothick issue. That cannot be dismissed out of hand as an exception. Others could easily slide down that path.
Many have said to me that team morale will be affected. I honestly do not think it will. That’s why I ran through a possible eleven stating reasons why they will be concentrating on a big tour. Even Kevin Pietersen, that most emotional of subjects on these blogs, will be up for it.
While we’re on that subject, you know what I would do with him now? Bat him at No 5. That’s been his favourite position all along. He was batting there for Hampshire when he was selected for the 2005 Ashes. He doesn’t relish the new ball. He doesn’t relish the short ball from the very fastest men. But he can destroy from lower down the order. Protecting him? Maybe. But Steve Waugh batted most of his Test career at No 5 and I didn’t hear anyone calling him soft. Well, I did actually, and it was Mike Atherton talking about him wetting himself; a comment that backfired spectacularly.
JUNIOR CRICKET: Glenlyon bowlers share the wickets
IN JUNIOR cricket matches to be completed on January 27, Glenlyon bowlers did well against Elphinstone with wickets shared between Will Austen-King, Josh Reeves, Adam Raak, Rory Olver, Harrison Nevill and Nat Schembri.
Cameron Ferrier and Jed Nevill caught well.
Coomoora, led by Ted Cooper and Eamon McGrath-Lester ran up a good score against Trentham.
The Trentham bowlers were not helped by a number of dropped catches but Chris Dervandenschuren, Hayden Sunblom, Sam Gardiner and Tom Cawthrop worked hard for their wickets.
Cameron Ferrier and Jed Nevill caught well.
Coomoora, led by Ted Cooper and Eamon McGrath-Lester ran up a good score against Trentham.
The Trentham bowlers were not helped by a number of dropped catches but Chris Dervandenschuren, Hayden Sunblom, Sam Gardiner and Tom Cawthrop worked hard for their wickets.
Call to play Shield in the tropics
Sheffield Shield matches would be played in the tropical north as early as August and September under a proposal to stretch the Australian season and leave room for an expanded domestic Twenty20 tournament.
South Australia high performance director Jamie Cox believes northern venues such as Darwin, Cairns, and Townsville should be utilised for early Shield matches, where previously they had hosted preseason practise games between state sides.
Operations staff at Cricket Australia (CA) have developed furrowed brows trying to work out how to accommodate a Twenty20 competition of almost double the matches currently played between the six states, while also not compromising the Sheffield Shield.
"I think it can (co-exist) but it means stretching the season," Cox said.
"I'd like to explore opportunities to stretch our season out into August/September and take games into some places where they can accommodate cricket at that time of year.
"I think the players would enjoy that. If you could shorten their preseason and lengthen their season I think they'd enjoy that."
CA plans to expand the Twenty20 competition for the 2011/12 season, adding two extra teams and increasing the number of matches from 17 to 31.
This led CA chief executive James Sutherland to admit there would have to be a reduction somewhere.
However, Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his opposition to any reduction in the number of first-class matches between the states, judging it the bedrock on which Australian cricket is based.
Cox's concept was born out of his numerous visits to northern venues to watch out-of-season matches in his role as a national selector.
"These places exist, whether it's viable to take games out of season up to those places or whether enough people think it is important enough," he said.
"Let's have a look at it."
More space could be found in the calendar, Cox believes, by pursuing Twenty20 cricket as a purely provincial and club-based format, leaving 50-over and Test cricket as the prime international forms of the game.
"T20 is a challenge there for administrators to ensure that the rest of cricket retains its relevance," he said.
"I think T20 cricket is a better club product than international teams."
South Australia high performance director Jamie Cox believes northern venues such as Darwin, Cairns, and Townsville should be utilised for early Shield matches, where previously they had hosted preseason practise games between state sides.
Operations staff at Cricket Australia (CA) have developed furrowed brows trying to work out how to accommodate a Twenty20 competition of almost double the matches currently played between the six states, while also not compromising the Sheffield Shield.
"I think it can (co-exist) but it means stretching the season," Cox said.
"I'd like to explore opportunities to stretch our season out into August/September and take games into some places where they can accommodate cricket at that time of year.
"I think the players would enjoy that. If you could shorten their preseason and lengthen their season I think they'd enjoy that."
CA plans to expand the Twenty20 competition for the 2011/12 season, adding two extra teams and increasing the number of matches from 17 to 31.
This led CA chief executive James Sutherland to admit there would have to be a reduction somewhere.
However, Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his opposition to any reduction in the number of first-class matches between the states, judging it the bedrock on which Australian cricket is based.
Cox's concept was born out of his numerous visits to northern venues to watch out-of-season matches in his role as a national selector.
"These places exist, whether it's viable to take games out of season up to those places or whether enough people think it is important enough," he said.
"Let's have a look at it."
More space could be found in the calendar, Cox believes, by pursuing Twenty20 cricket as a purely provincial and club-based format, leaving 50-over and Test cricket as the prime international forms of the game.
"T20 is a challenge there for administrators to ensure that the rest of cricket retains its relevance," he said.
"I think T20 cricket is a better club product than international teams."
Hudson youngsters are ready for Ireland tour
ONE of the top Border U13 teams, the U13A team from Hudson Park Primary, are gearing up for a short eight-match tour of Ireland in June and July.
The tour will include a match against the full Irish U13 team – a real test for Hudson.
“They’ve just returned from a tour of Barbados, so it’s going to be a tough game,” explained Border batsman Bryn Thomas, a teacher at the school who will accompany the team as a coach along with former international bowler, professional coach Ken Watson.
Thomas stated that for some years Ireland has been sending boys to play cricket at various schools in South Africa and what they learn they take back to improve the standard of cricket there.
“Eion Morgan, the England ODI specialist, was out here a few years ago,” Thomas said. “I coached him at Leinster U16 and he has promised to meet up with us and encourage us, but he also says he will cheer for the Irish boys!”
Thomas further explained that Bri’an O’Rourke, the Irish Youth Development Officer, has assisted Hudson by organising the matches that side.
He is a great supporter of SA cricket and had been in East London some years ago to work with Pieter Strydom’s Border team when they were coached by Alan Mansell. According to Thomas, the ICC are trying to spread the gospel of cricket world-wide and are currently pumping money into Irish Cricket.
Three current Border players – Thomas, Darryl Brown and Shaun de Kock – have played club cricket in recent years in Ireland.
“The tour is not just about cricket,” Thomas said. “There’s also the cultural side and the boys will be visiting the pyramids of Egypt and Paris and we’ll be visiting Irish castles. We are also going on a Viking tour and will visit an Irish village where they speak the Gaelic language.
“We are also arranging to meet former Eastern Province cricketer Adrian Birrell who coached the Irish national team a few years ago. He’s currently working with the ICC as a technical coach, and he’ll meet the boys, do some coaching and motivate them.
“Phil Simmonds, the former West Indian Test player and current Irish coach has also promised to meet us if he can find the time.”
Thomas said that a brochure outlining the tour would be published and the school is hoping to derive some income from sales of the booklet which will offset some of their expenses.
Allrounder Morgan Steyn has been appointed captain of the touring side.
“It’s a new experience for us and we’ll be playing on different types of wickets,” he said. The traveling may affect us but I anticipate a successful tour,” Steyn added. The team leave on June 28 and return on July 11.
Fixtures:
June 30: v YMCA (Twenty/20), Dublin.
July 1: v Clontarf (40-overs), Clontarf.
July 2: v Merrion (Twenty/20), Merrion.
July 3: v Pembroke (Twenty/20), Pembroke.
July 5: v North Kildare (40-overs), North Kildare.
July 7: v Irish U13 XI (40 overs), Dublin.
July 9: v Leinster XI (40 overs), Rathmines.
July 11: v North County (Twenty/20), Dublin. - By PETER MARTIN
The tour will include a match against the full Irish U13 team – a real test for Hudson.
“They’ve just returned from a tour of Barbados, so it’s going to be a tough game,” explained Border batsman Bryn Thomas, a teacher at the school who will accompany the team as a coach along with former international bowler, professional coach Ken Watson.
Thomas stated that for some years Ireland has been sending boys to play cricket at various schools in South Africa and what they learn they take back to improve the standard of cricket there.
“Eion Morgan, the England ODI specialist, was out here a few years ago,” Thomas said. “I coached him at Leinster U16 and he has promised to meet up with us and encourage us, but he also says he will cheer for the Irish boys!”
Thomas further explained that Bri’an O’Rourke, the Irish Youth Development Officer, has assisted Hudson by organising the matches that side.
He is a great supporter of SA cricket and had been in East London some years ago to work with Pieter Strydom’s Border team when they were coached by Alan Mansell. According to Thomas, the ICC are trying to spread the gospel of cricket world-wide and are currently pumping money into Irish Cricket.
Three current Border players – Thomas, Darryl Brown and Shaun de Kock – have played club cricket in recent years in Ireland.
“The tour is not just about cricket,” Thomas said. “There’s also the cultural side and the boys will be visiting the pyramids of Egypt and Paris and we’ll be visiting Irish castles. We are also going on a Viking tour and will visit an Irish village where they speak the Gaelic language.
“We are also arranging to meet former Eastern Province cricketer Adrian Birrell who coached the Irish national team a few years ago. He’s currently working with the ICC as a technical coach, and he’ll meet the boys, do some coaching and motivate them.
“Phil Simmonds, the former West Indian Test player and current Irish coach has also promised to meet us if he can find the time.”
Thomas said that a brochure outlining the tour would be published and the school is hoping to derive some income from sales of the booklet which will offset some of their expenses.
Allrounder Morgan Steyn has been appointed captain of the touring side.
“It’s a new experience for us and we’ll be playing on different types of wickets,” he said. The traveling may affect us but I anticipate a successful tour,” Steyn added. The team leave on June 28 and return on July 11.
Fixtures:
June 30: v YMCA (Twenty/20), Dublin.
July 1: v Clontarf (40-overs), Clontarf.
July 2: v Merrion (Twenty/20), Merrion.
July 3: v Pembroke (Twenty/20), Pembroke.
July 5: v North Kildare (40-overs), North Kildare.
July 7: v Irish U13 XI (40 overs), Dublin.
July 9: v Leinster XI (40 overs), Rathmines.
July 11: v North County (Twenty/20), Dublin. - By PETER MARTIN
Cricket International Series – Australia can seal early victory in Pakistan Series with Win
Nothing is going right for Pakistan in their tour of Australia and it looks like it might get worst before it gets better.
After capitulating the Test series 3-0 the five match one day series hasn’t gone to plan.
And if the first loss was bad, the second was nothing short of humiliating which leads one to ask the question – what is wrong with Pakistan?
Take away the fact they haven’t played a home series on their own soil in at least two seasons due to persistent security threats to visiting teams, it means that Pakistan is away from home a lot.
Their recent series against New Zealand, in New Zealand was classified was their ‘home’ tour – how exactly that happens is another story for another rainy day.
Following from a series that they were competitive in, they jumped the ditch across to Australia and have been spanked backwards and forwards across their great sun-dried land.
It is not as though Australia are fielding an impenetrable team either – injuries to key players means that their one-day international bowling attack’s leading wicket-takers are Shane Watson (104) and Michael Clarke (52) for heaven’s sake – MICHAEL CLARKE?
True, an Australian team under pressure is a dangerous force, but something tells me that if the Pakistan batsmen stood tall and valued their wicket, they might be in with a chance.
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Clint McKay and Doug Bollinger have just a handful of internationals between them and Peter Siddle is far from a veteran – yet it’s those men who have done the damage.
The second ODI ended with a 140-run victory to Australia. What should have been a doddle, Pakistan failed to chase down the meagre 267 set on a good batting deck at the SCG.
Salman Butt (2), Younis Khan (0), Umar Akmal (0), Shoaib Malik (2), Shahid Afridi (9), Mohammad Aamer (4), Umar Gul (1no) and Saeed Ajmal (3) failed to break into double figures and allowed their team to be humbled for 127 while helping Australia’s attack keep a relatively clean sheet, the top three bowler’s worst performer was Siddle who had an economy rate of 2.87.
It must have been a tough job for those selecting the player of the match because over all, there wasn’t much worth crowing about except the eventual result if you were an Australian supporter.
I have said it before and will say it again, Pakistan’s habit of capitulating is worrying. Their batsmen all need to be taken back into the nets and given a stern talking to.
Their coach needs to sit them down and drill into their heads the simplest of mottos -- play each ball on its merits.
Every body wants to see a great big lofted shot into the crowd but as a fan, I want to see a batsmen craft an innings.
The pre-planned shot may come off every now and again, a hoick to cow corner may score a boundary occasionally but what’s the point of scoring a boundary if you are back in the sheds the very next ball because you have tried to do it again?
After capitulating the Test series 3-0 the five match one day series hasn’t gone to plan.
And if the first loss was bad, the second was nothing short of humiliating which leads one to ask the question – what is wrong with Pakistan?
Take away the fact they haven’t played a home series on their own soil in at least two seasons due to persistent security threats to visiting teams, it means that Pakistan is away from home a lot.
Their recent series against New Zealand, in New Zealand was classified was their ‘home’ tour – how exactly that happens is another story for another rainy day.
Following from a series that they were competitive in, they jumped the ditch across to Australia and have been spanked backwards and forwards across their great sun-dried land.
It is not as though Australia are fielding an impenetrable team either – injuries to key players means that their one-day international bowling attack’s leading wicket-takers are Shane Watson (104) and Michael Clarke (52) for heaven’s sake – MICHAEL CLARKE?
True, an Australian team under pressure is a dangerous force, but something tells me that if the Pakistan batsmen stood tall and valued their wicket, they might be in with a chance.
To Bet on Cricket >> Join Now!
Clint McKay and Doug Bollinger have just a handful of internationals between them and Peter Siddle is far from a veteran – yet it’s those men who have done the damage.
The second ODI ended with a 140-run victory to Australia. What should have been a doddle, Pakistan failed to chase down the meagre 267 set on a good batting deck at the SCG.
Salman Butt (2), Younis Khan (0), Umar Akmal (0), Shoaib Malik (2), Shahid Afridi (9), Mohammad Aamer (4), Umar Gul (1no) and Saeed Ajmal (3) failed to break into double figures and allowed their team to be humbled for 127 while helping Australia’s attack keep a relatively clean sheet, the top three bowler’s worst performer was Siddle who had an economy rate of 2.87.
It must have been a tough job for those selecting the player of the match because over all, there wasn’t much worth crowing about except the eventual result if you were an Australian supporter.
I have said it before and will say it again, Pakistan’s habit of capitulating is worrying. Their batsmen all need to be taken back into the nets and given a stern talking to.
Their coach needs to sit them down and drill into their heads the simplest of mottos -- play each ball on its merits.
Every body wants to see a great big lofted shot into the crowd but as a fan, I want to see a batsmen craft an innings.
The pre-planned shot may come off every now and again, a hoick to cow corner may score a boundary occasionally but what’s the point of scoring a boundary if you are back in the sheds the very next ball because you have tried to do it again?
Cricket to Blame for Attacks on Indians
In 1930, England got its first taste of what Donald Bradman could be like and his score in the Test series at 900-plus still stands as a record.
If England was to ever win again, it had to do something drastic. Thus it was that after some research of the film footage, Douglas Jardine, the English captain, innovated bodyline bowling. Harold Larwood was to bowl short pitched bumpers which would be on the leg side, since Bradman had a tendency to move away from such attacks.
The result was spectacular and William Woodfull, another Australian batsman, got injured during the 1932-33 Ashes series and Bradman was contained. There was a fantastic row and the police had to be called in to control the angry crowds. The British government complained to its colony but had to forebear from too much protest as trade could be affected and the Depression had not ended yet. Bodyline bowling had to be banned from cricket.
I recall this incident to show that cricket can generate passion in the hearts of nations where it is a religion. Australians love cricket as much as Indians do but they want to always win with a passion that is almost frightening. I know, since in Britain, every Ashes series is treated like a battle.
This, I believe, is also the key to understanding the attacks in Australia on Indians. I have been to Australia several times in the last 30 years and have seen its increasing multiracial tolerance and the richness of the culture of the minorities who live there. Very much like Britain, in its metropolitan areas, Australia is no longer a white nation but a multiracial one. Of course, in both Australia and Britain, there are some racists and nutcases, but not so many that they may cause major trouble.
This is why I want to argue that the attacks in Australia are not racist, but are connected with cricket. It all goes back to the famous or perhaps notorious Sidney Test of January 2008, where there was the Harbhajan Singh/Andrew Symonds incident. Australia was humiliated in that series and has since been displaced from its top position. I have no proven facts but I have a strong hunch that this has built up anti-Indian resentment. It is the sort of thing which starts in pubs late in the evening. Discussing sports obsessively as many men do in Australia (and also Britain, as I can vouch), they begin to focus their resentment at the defeat on “those cheating Indian b...ds”.
Suddenly, as they leave the pub, the first Indian face they see becomes the object of attack. It is a random phenomenon and not the result of a conspiracy. No organisation has claimed responsibility, which is what happened during the attacks on Muslims in 2005. The 130,000 Chinese students in Australia have not suffered any attacks, though the Chinese Government was alarmed enough after attacks on Indian students to get in their protest early in 2009 to the Australian universities organisation. Let me say that this is my hypothesis, which is just a respectable academic name for my guess. I am not blaming anyone, neither Bhajji nor Symonds. Symonds has of course wrecked his career since by wayward and undisciplined behaviour.
The only way to check out my hypothesis would be to look at the evidence of all the attacks carefully. The broad facts are that there were none in 2007, a few in 2008 and many more in 2009. They are exclusively by men on men, in urban encounters mostly late at night. I have not been able to find data to check if Sikhs have had to suffer a disproportionate share of the attacks. I am assuming that if anyone finds this guess intriguing, they will check out the pattern of the attacks to see if I make sense. We could start with the MEA. I am told there are junior ministers with little to do. The answer is not to deplore the players but to harness them in a way as to seek harmony.
I would ask the two governments to get the two cricketing sides together and appeal to all to view the matter in the spirit of cricket, where winning or losing was never meant to matter.
If England was to ever win again, it had to do something drastic. Thus it was that after some research of the film footage, Douglas Jardine, the English captain, innovated bodyline bowling. Harold Larwood was to bowl short pitched bumpers which would be on the leg side, since Bradman had a tendency to move away from such attacks.
The result was spectacular and William Woodfull, another Australian batsman, got injured during the 1932-33 Ashes series and Bradman was contained. There was a fantastic row and the police had to be called in to control the angry crowds. The British government complained to its colony but had to forebear from too much protest as trade could be affected and the Depression had not ended yet. Bodyline bowling had to be banned from cricket.
I recall this incident to show that cricket can generate passion in the hearts of nations where it is a religion. Australians love cricket as much as Indians do but they want to always win with a passion that is almost frightening. I know, since in Britain, every Ashes series is treated like a battle.
This, I believe, is also the key to understanding the attacks in Australia on Indians. I have been to Australia several times in the last 30 years and have seen its increasing multiracial tolerance and the richness of the culture of the minorities who live there. Very much like Britain, in its metropolitan areas, Australia is no longer a white nation but a multiracial one. Of course, in both Australia and Britain, there are some racists and nutcases, but not so many that they may cause major trouble.
This is why I want to argue that the attacks in Australia are not racist, but are connected with cricket. It all goes back to the famous or perhaps notorious Sidney Test of January 2008, where there was the Harbhajan Singh/Andrew Symonds incident. Australia was humiliated in that series and has since been displaced from its top position. I have no proven facts but I have a strong hunch that this has built up anti-Indian resentment. It is the sort of thing which starts in pubs late in the evening. Discussing sports obsessively as many men do in Australia (and also Britain, as I can vouch), they begin to focus their resentment at the defeat on “those cheating Indian b...ds”.
Suddenly, as they leave the pub, the first Indian face they see becomes the object of attack. It is a random phenomenon and not the result of a conspiracy. No organisation has claimed responsibility, which is what happened during the attacks on Muslims in 2005. The 130,000 Chinese students in Australia have not suffered any attacks, though the Chinese Government was alarmed enough after attacks on Indian students to get in their protest early in 2009 to the Australian universities organisation. Let me say that this is my hypothesis, which is just a respectable academic name for my guess. I am not blaming anyone, neither Bhajji nor Symonds. Symonds has of course wrecked his career since by wayward and undisciplined behaviour.
The only way to check out my hypothesis would be to look at the evidence of all the attacks carefully. The broad facts are that there were none in 2007, a few in 2008 and many more in 2009. They are exclusively by men on men, in urban encounters mostly late at night. I have not been able to find data to check if Sikhs have had to suffer a disproportionate share of the attacks. I am assuming that if anyone finds this guess intriguing, they will check out the pattern of the attacks to see if I make sense. We could start with the MEA. I am told there are junior ministers with little to do. The answer is not to deplore the players but to harness them in a way as to seek harmony.
I would ask the two governments to get the two cricketing sides together and appeal to all to view the matter in the spirit of cricket, where winning or losing was never meant to matter.
CRICKET: Daylesford squad mixes it with Bendigo's best
THE Daylesford District Cricket Association team proved competitive at the Bendigo Country Week, winning a match against eventual runner-up Kyabram.
Day one saw the DDCA play Bendigo Blue at Maryborough, which made 7-248.
Sam Winnard took 3-56, Chris Adams 2-52 and Mitchell Elderfield 1-39.
Daylesford was 8-150 at the end of its 50 overs.
Steve O'Brien 51, Travis Smithard 18 no and John Cowell 15 not out did well with the bat.
A win to Bendigo Blue by 98 runs, O'Brien was the DDCA's star player.
On day two, the DDCA made 115 with Darcy Shewell 27, Nigel McKenzie 21 and O'Brien 19 all contributing with the bat. Kyabram were dismissed for 89, Adams taking 6-23 from 13.3 overs, McKenzie took 3-39 and O'Brien 1-5. A win to Daylesford by 26 runs, Chris Adams was DDCA's star.
Day three was at Weerona against Emu Valley Colts who made 199 runs, the wickets were shared by Winnard 2-48, McKenzie 2-45, O'Brien 1-20, Luke Whitehouse 1-38 and Cameron Bishop 1-42.
Daylesford replied with 9-144, O'Brien 36, Travis Smithard 32 no , Winnard 21 and McKenzie 20 all contributed.
A win To Emu Valley by 55 runs, with O'Brien the DDCA's star player.
Day four was at Bell Oval against Bendigo Blue.
Bendigo Blue made 145 runs and the wickets were shared by McKenzie 5-80, O'Brien 4-6 and Adams 1-32.
Daylesford replied with 143, the runs were made by Whitehouse 42, Winnard 29, McKenzie 16, Smithard 14, Brayden Slater 13 and John Cowell 6 not out.
Young Slater and Cowell added 19 runs for the last wicket, just falling short.
A win the Bendigo Blue by two runs and the DDCA's star player was McKenzie.
LADDER DIV 4
Kyabram 52.09 3 wins
Bendigo Blue 37.87 2 wins
Emu Valley Colts 36.58 2 wins
Daylesford 24.92 1 win
Final Friday 22/1/10 at White Hills: Kyabram 8/160 lost to Bendigo Blue 3/163
Day one saw the DDCA play Bendigo Blue at Maryborough, which made 7-248.
Sam Winnard took 3-56, Chris Adams 2-52 and Mitchell Elderfield 1-39.
Daylesford was 8-150 at the end of its 50 overs.
Steve O'Brien 51, Travis Smithard 18 no and John Cowell 15 not out did well with the bat.
A win to Bendigo Blue by 98 runs, O'Brien was the DDCA's star player.
On day two, the DDCA made 115 with Darcy Shewell 27, Nigel McKenzie 21 and O'Brien 19 all contributing with the bat. Kyabram were dismissed for 89, Adams taking 6-23 from 13.3 overs, McKenzie took 3-39 and O'Brien 1-5. A win to Daylesford by 26 runs, Chris Adams was DDCA's star.
Day three was at Weerona against Emu Valley Colts who made 199 runs, the wickets were shared by Winnard 2-48, McKenzie 2-45, O'Brien 1-20, Luke Whitehouse 1-38 and Cameron Bishop 1-42.
Daylesford replied with 9-144, O'Brien 36, Travis Smithard 32 no , Winnard 21 and McKenzie 20 all contributed.
A win To Emu Valley by 55 runs, with O'Brien the DDCA's star player.
Day four was at Bell Oval against Bendigo Blue.
Bendigo Blue made 145 runs and the wickets were shared by McKenzie 5-80, O'Brien 4-6 and Adams 1-32.
Daylesford replied with 143, the runs were made by Whitehouse 42, Winnard 29, McKenzie 16, Smithard 14, Brayden Slater 13 and John Cowell 6 not out.
Young Slater and Cowell added 19 runs for the last wicket, just falling short.
A win the Bendigo Blue by two runs and the DDCA's star player was McKenzie.
LADDER DIV 4
Kyabram 52.09 3 wins
Bendigo Blue 37.87 2 wins
Emu Valley Colts 36.58 2 wins
Daylesford 24.92 1 win
Final Friday 22/1/10 at White Hills: Kyabram 8/160 lost to Bendigo Blue 3/163
Cricket content in the mind is vital: Lewis
Calcutta: Tony Lewis isn’t exactly uncomfortable at the prospect of the next two International Cricket Council (ICC) presidents being politicians, but does feel that, “ideally,” the position should be held by former cricketers.
India’s Sharad Pawar, a Union minister, will take over from David Morgan this June, while his successor, in 2012, could be an ex-Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard.
Whether it’s going to be Howard or New Zealand’s Sir John Anderson would become clear in the near future.
“I believe that whoever runs cricket (as the ICC president) should have cricket running through his veins... Politicians aren’t a special breed... The cricket content in the mind, clearly, is vital...
“Sure, you need businessmen and politicians alongside (former cricketers), but I don’t think you need to be led by them,” Lewis, an ex-captain of England and a former president of the iconic institution, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), told The Telegraph.
Lewis was in the city for the Royal Calcutta Golf Club-organised Royals Trophy. The MCC, incidentally, remains the guardian of the laws of cricket.
Top
India’s Sharad Pawar, a Union minister, will take over from David Morgan this June, while his successor, in 2012, could be an ex-Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard.
Whether it’s going to be Howard or New Zealand’s Sir John Anderson would become clear in the near future.
“I believe that whoever runs cricket (as the ICC president) should have cricket running through his veins... Politicians aren’t a special breed... The cricket content in the mind, clearly, is vital...
“Sure, you need businessmen and politicians alongside (former cricketers), but I don’t think you need to be led by them,” Lewis, an ex-captain of England and a former president of the iconic institution, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), told The Telegraph.
Lewis was in the city for the Royal Calcutta Golf Club-organised Royals Trophy. The MCC, incidentally, remains the guardian of the laws of cricket.
Top
Honoured Lillee wants to replace snarl with smile
He is still famous around the world for the snarl, the stare and then the snorter delivered at close to 100mph as batsmen of whatever nationality cowered into submission.
But Dennis Lillee, to many the archetypal Australian fast bowler, believes a friendlier face at home and abroad is needed to maintain Australia's reputation as the lucky country.
Lillee, already an MBE, became a member of the Order of Australia for services to cricket as a player, coach and administrator at a national and international level, along with his work for charities including those providing support for children with special needs.
And saying the award had come as a surprise and an honour, the 355 wicket legend, said the everyday attitude that once saw him greet the Queen with a "G'day, how you going?" needed to be nurtured.
"People nowadays celebrate Australia Day a lot more than they used to, they are a lot more aware of what a great country and those that have fought to make it a great country," Lillee said.
"Someone said to me the other day that we are still the lucky country and I think we are, but I think we have got to be careful whatever we do we don’t mess up what makes it such a great country.
"I like Australian to keep that friendly attitude, and sometimes you see that missing from time to time.
"They don’t say hello much anymore when they walk down the street – those things are terrific because there is a bit of communication.
"It does not need to be anymore than that … and I think it is fading a bit."
Lillee's fiery temperament, flailing hair and famous action has him still revered as one of the greatest fast bowler's in Test cricket history and one of the most charismatic and recognised Australian sportsmen of his generation.
His 355 Test wickets and unsurpassed partnership with wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh tells just a fraction of his cricketing story, with a serious back injury almost ending his career, and controversial incidents involving an aluminium bat – and Pakistan captain Javed Miandad – adding to the legend.
Also one of the most respected fast bowling coaches of the modern era, Lillee spotted the potential of current Test star Mitchell Johnson – while his debt to the game was recognised when he was inducted into the ICC's hall-of-fame.
He later asked for, and received, an autograph from Her Majesty.
"It is obviously a great honour and a big surprise as well," Lillee said.
"Being an Australian and getting an award that means a lot to Australians means a lot to me too.
"You have been recognised having played very good cricket for your country, and obviously playing for my country meant a lot to me.
"It is also the fact you also put something back into the game and into society, and that is something I have been able to do.
"We will just have a few shandies and watch the fireworks, that has been of a ritual for us the last dozen or so years. It will also be beef on the barbie."
And despite his fearsome history of terrifying Englishmen at the crease, Lillee also had some reservations about proposals to remove the British heritage from the Australian flag.
"You have got to be careful you don’t lose your roots, and we evolved from the mother England… if you get rid of that or water that down it can down water down what you are and where you come from,” Lillee said.
But Dennis Lillee, to many the archetypal Australian fast bowler, believes a friendlier face at home and abroad is needed to maintain Australia's reputation as the lucky country.
Lillee, already an MBE, became a member of the Order of Australia for services to cricket as a player, coach and administrator at a national and international level, along with his work for charities including those providing support for children with special needs.
And saying the award had come as a surprise and an honour, the 355 wicket legend, said the everyday attitude that once saw him greet the Queen with a "G'day, how you going?" needed to be nurtured.
"People nowadays celebrate Australia Day a lot more than they used to, they are a lot more aware of what a great country and those that have fought to make it a great country," Lillee said.
"Someone said to me the other day that we are still the lucky country and I think we are, but I think we have got to be careful whatever we do we don’t mess up what makes it such a great country.
"I like Australian to keep that friendly attitude, and sometimes you see that missing from time to time.
"They don’t say hello much anymore when they walk down the street – those things are terrific because there is a bit of communication.
"It does not need to be anymore than that … and I think it is fading a bit."
Lillee's fiery temperament, flailing hair and famous action has him still revered as one of the greatest fast bowler's in Test cricket history and one of the most charismatic and recognised Australian sportsmen of his generation.
His 355 Test wickets and unsurpassed partnership with wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh tells just a fraction of his cricketing story, with a serious back injury almost ending his career, and controversial incidents involving an aluminium bat – and Pakistan captain Javed Miandad – adding to the legend.
Also one of the most respected fast bowling coaches of the modern era, Lillee spotted the potential of current Test star Mitchell Johnson – while his debt to the game was recognised when he was inducted into the ICC's hall-of-fame.
He later asked for, and received, an autograph from Her Majesty.
"It is obviously a great honour and a big surprise as well," Lillee said.
"Being an Australian and getting an award that means a lot to Australians means a lot to me too.
"You have been recognised having played very good cricket for your country, and obviously playing for my country meant a lot to me.
"It is also the fact you also put something back into the game and into society, and that is something I have been able to do.
"We will just have a few shandies and watch the fireworks, that has been of a ritual for us the last dozen or so years. It will also be beef on the barbie."
And despite his fearsome history of terrifying Englishmen at the crease, Lillee also had some reservations about proposals to remove the British heritage from the Australian flag.
"You have got to be careful you don’t lose your roots, and we evolved from the mother England… if you get rid of that or water that down it can down water down what you are and where you come from,” Lillee said.
Cricket: Sinclair plays down rift in CD camp
A media report of a rift between the Central Districts Stags coach Dermot Reeve and
a player is a storm in the teacup, according to Mathew Sinclair.
"I'll be the first one to admit there was a certain incident and it was a game situation and it meant nothing," CD batsman Sinclair told SportToday before today's crucial HRV Cup Twenty20 match against the North Districts Knights at 5pm in Hamilton.
The former international felt the Sunday newspaper had sensationalised a heated verbal exchange between Reeve and a senior player during the Stags' first defeat at the hands of the Auckland Aces at Colin Maiden Park this month.
"We've discussed it in the team and we've moved on.
"It hasn't really affected us and getting into the final [this Sunday] is our main focus," Sinclair said, as CD try to clinch a home final tonight with a victory over ND to emulate the feat of the CD Hinds women's first-class team at the weekend who nailed both the 50-over and T20 finals in their competitions.
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CCID: 28216
The Hinds are relying on their male counterparts to secure a home final to avoid travelling because of their back-to-back final matches this weekend.
Sinclair said CD had treated their match against the Otago Volts last Sunday as a quarterfinal and, consequently, were on a high going into tonight's match as semifinal one against ND. Win or lose, the Stags are in the final.
He favoured a home final at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, but emphasised the team wasn't looking that far ahead.
"It's one of the top five grounds in the world for me. It's a weird nor'wester in New Plymouth that can bring rain," he said, not ruling out McLean Park as a venue but stressing it was a lottery at any venue considering rain that was affecting the entire country.
Unlike the report on friction within the team, he said opening batsman Peter Ingram's Black Caps selection for the Twenty20 and one-day internationals against the touring Bangladesh side next month was a good distraction.
"Peter deserves his selection because he has shown consistency in all three facets of the game.
"The timing of his selection against Bangladesh is also perfect considering Jesse [Ryder] is out for a year," he said of the 31-year-old Taranaki-born right-hander who lives in Palmerston North.
Harbhajan pulled up by the ICC
Calcutta: Harbhajan Singh has been officially reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first day's play Sunday in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Harbhajan, who kicked and damaged an advertising board after a misfield at the boundary, pleaded guilty to contravening Level 1 offence (Section 2.1.2) of the code which relates to “abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings”. As he accepted the decision without contest, there was no need for a hearing.
Selection
Calcutta: The BCCI selection committee will Thursday meet at the Cricket Centre in Wankhede to select the side for the two-day Board President’s XI match against the visiting South Africans as well as the Indian team for the two Tests versus the Proteas.
Pak worry
Karachi: Young Pakistan left-arm pacer, Mohammed Aamir is uncertain for the remainder of the series with the recurrence of a groin problem. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia informs that Ryan Harris has been added to the Australia squad as a shadow player for Tuesday’s third match against Pakistan at Adelaide. Harris has been included as cover for Peter Siddle who has complained of back soreness.
Libel claim
London: Chris Cairns has lodged a libel claim with the High Court in London against IPL chairman Lalit Modi. The court confirmed that Cairns made the claim last week but said Monday it cannot give any more details on the case because Modi has not had time to respond.
Snub slammed
Melbourne: Darren Berry, the Rajasthan Royals’ coach, Monday lashed out at the IPL authorities for “humiliating” the Pakistani players in the January 19 auction and alleged “politics and foreign affairs got in the way of cricket decisions”.
Pink ball trial
Calcutta: Cricket Australia Monday confirmed that a pink ball would be on trial during a day-night Futures League match at Adelaide Oval next week, during a three-day match between South Australia and Western Australia.
Chess meet
Wijk Aan Zee: Viswanathan Anand had to settle for a eighth successive draw, signing peace with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine in the eighth round of the elite group A at the Corus chess tournament.
Scoring change
Stuttgart: F1 teams have agreed to change the scoring system for the second time in two months to increase the reward for race winners and encourage overtaking. The scoring system was to have been extended to the top 10 drivers this season, with winners handed 25 points instead of 10. However, there was a proposal to distribute points 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
Selection
Calcutta: The BCCI selection committee will Thursday meet at the Cricket Centre in Wankhede to select the side for the two-day Board President’s XI match against the visiting South Africans as well as the Indian team for the two Tests versus the Proteas.
Pak worry
Karachi: Young Pakistan left-arm pacer, Mohammed Aamir is uncertain for the remainder of the series with the recurrence of a groin problem. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia informs that Ryan Harris has been added to the Australia squad as a shadow player for Tuesday’s third match against Pakistan at Adelaide. Harris has been included as cover for Peter Siddle who has complained of back soreness.
Libel claim
London: Chris Cairns has lodged a libel claim with the High Court in London against IPL chairman Lalit Modi. The court confirmed that Cairns made the claim last week but said Monday it cannot give any more details on the case because Modi has not had time to respond.
Snub slammed
Melbourne: Darren Berry, the Rajasthan Royals’ coach, Monday lashed out at the IPL authorities for “humiliating” the Pakistani players in the January 19 auction and alleged “politics and foreign affairs got in the way of cricket decisions”.
Pink ball trial
Calcutta: Cricket Australia Monday confirmed that a pink ball would be on trial during a day-night Futures League match at Adelaide Oval next week, during a three-day match between South Australia and Western Australia.
Chess meet
Wijk Aan Zee: Viswanathan Anand had to settle for a eighth successive draw, signing peace with Vassily Ivanchuk of Ukraine in the eighth round of the elite group A at the Corus chess tournament.
Scoring change
Stuttgart: F1 teams have agreed to change the scoring system for the second time in two months to increase the reward for race winners and encourage overtaking. The scoring system was to have been extended to the top 10 drivers this season, with winners handed 25 points instead of 10. However, there was a proposal to distribute points 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
Take Sheffield Shield to tropics: Cox
Sheffield Shield matches would be played in the tropical north as early as August and September under a proposal to stretch the Australian season and leave room for an expanded Twenty20 tournament.
South Australian high performance director Jamie Cox believes northern venues such as Darwin, Cairns, and Townsville should be utilised for early Shield matches, where previously they had hosted pre-season practice games between state sides.
Operations staff at Cricket Australia have developed furrowed brows trying to work out how to accommodate a T20 competition of almost double the matches currently played between the six states, while also not compromising the Shield.
"I think it can (co-exist) but it means stretching the season," Cox told AAP.
"I'd like to explore opportunities to stretch our season out into August/September and take games into some places where they can accommodate cricket at that time of year.
"I think the players would enjoy that. If you could shorten their pre-season and lengthen their season I think they'd enjoy that."
CA plan to expand the T20 competition for the 2011-12 season, adding two extra teams and increasing the number of matches from 17 to 31.
This led chief executive James Sutherland to admit there would have to be a reduction somewhere.
However, Australian captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his opposition to any reduction in the number of first-class matches between the states, rightly judging it the bedrock on which Australian cricket is based.
Cox's concept was born out of his numerous visits to northern venues to watch out-of-season matches in his role as a national selector.
"We've got a wonderful venue in Darwin, wonderful one in Cairns, Townsville I was there for some Australia A games last year, a terrific place, we played games at Alice Springs this year," Cox said.
"So these places exist, whether it's viable to take games out of season up to those places or whether enough people think it is important enough ... let's have a look at it."
More space could be found in the calendar, Cox believes, by pursuing T20 cricket as a purely provincial and club-based format, leaving 50-over and Test cricket as the prime international forms of the game.
"T20 is a challenge there for administrators to ensure that the rest of cricket retains its relevance," he said.
"I think T20 cricket is a better club product than international teams.
"I'd much rather see, whether it's SA Redbacks or Adelaide Internationals, whatever we eventually become, playing Somerset in England. I see that as a better contest than Australia v England. That's where I'd like T20 to find its niche.
"You can provide a nice differentiation then if you keep one as a club-based product, the other two are opportunities to play for your country. One day cricket, Test cricket with the odd one-off T20.
"Ricky (Ponting) at the moment is trying to hold his hand up and fight a battle to say `these two other forms are wonderful, while this T20's really good let's make sure we protect this and make sure it is for generation to come still seen as a great format'.
South Australian high performance director Jamie Cox believes northern venues such as Darwin, Cairns, and Townsville should be utilised for early Shield matches, where previously they had hosted pre-season practice games between state sides.
Operations staff at Cricket Australia have developed furrowed brows trying to work out how to accommodate a T20 competition of almost double the matches currently played between the six states, while also not compromising the Shield.
"I think it can (co-exist) but it means stretching the season," Cox told AAP.
"I'd like to explore opportunities to stretch our season out into August/September and take games into some places where they can accommodate cricket at that time of year.
"I think the players would enjoy that. If you could shorten their pre-season and lengthen their season I think they'd enjoy that."
CA plan to expand the T20 competition for the 2011-12 season, adding two extra teams and increasing the number of matches from 17 to 31.
This led chief executive James Sutherland to admit there would have to be a reduction somewhere.
However, Australian captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his opposition to any reduction in the number of first-class matches between the states, rightly judging it the bedrock on which Australian cricket is based.
Cox's concept was born out of his numerous visits to northern venues to watch out-of-season matches in his role as a national selector.
"We've got a wonderful venue in Darwin, wonderful one in Cairns, Townsville I was there for some Australia A games last year, a terrific place, we played games at Alice Springs this year," Cox said.
"So these places exist, whether it's viable to take games out of season up to those places or whether enough people think it is important enough ... let's have a look at it."
More space could be found in the calendar, Cox believes, by pursuing T20 cricket as a purely provincial and club-based format, leaving 50-over and Test cricket as the prime international forms of the game.
"T20 is a challenge there for administrators to ensure that the rest of cricket retains its relevance," he said.
"I think T20 cricket is a better club product than international teams.
"I'd much rather see, whether it's SA Redbacks or Adelaide Internationals, whatever we eventually become, playing Somerset in England. I see that as a better contest than Australia v England. That's where I'd like T20 to find its niche.
"You can provide a nice differentiation then if you keep one as a club-based product, the other two are opportunities to play for your country. One day cricket, Test cricket with the odd one-off T20.
"Ricky (Ponting) at the moment is trying to hold his hand up and fight a battle to say `these two other forms are wonderful, while this T20's really good let's make sure we protect this and make sure it is for generation to come still seen as a great format'.
South Africa’s Cricket Coach Mickey Arthur Quits, Beeld Reports
Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- South Africa’s national cricket team coach, Mickey Arthur, resigned because of disputes between himself and team captain, Graeme Smith, Beeld reported, citing unidentified cricket officials familiar with the situation.
Corrie van Zyl, 48, the former South African fast bowler, has been appointed as caretaker coach, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said. Van Zyl will join the South African team on their tour to India when they leave on Jan. 30, it said.
Smith questioned Arthur’s team selection during the England tour to South Africa, Beeld said. Arthur’s assistant, Vincent Barnes, may also quit, it said. Phone calls made by Bloomberg to Cricket South Africa’s offices in Johannesburg outside of normal office hours today weren’t answered. Moabi Litheko, a media officer for the organization, didn’t answer a call to his mobile phone.
Corrie van Zyl, 48, the former South African fast bowler, has been appointed as caretaker coach, the Johannesburg-based newspaper said. Van Zyl will join the South African team on their tour to India when they leave on Jan. 30, it said.
Smith questioned Arthur’s team selection during the England tour to South Africa, Beeld said. Arthur’s assistant, Vincent Barnes, may also quit, it said. Phone calls made by Bloomberg to Cricket South Africa’s offices in Johannesburg outside of normal office hours today weren’t answered. Moabi Litheko, a media officer for the organization, didn’t answer a call to his mobile phone.
In not selecting Pak players, "IPL has done a disservice to cricket": Chidambaram
New Delhi, Jan.25 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday said that the decision of the franchisees not to select any of the 17 Pakistani cricketers who had been given Indian visas for participation in the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a disservice to the game of cricket.
Buzz up!
Speaking in an interview to the Times Now television channel, Chidambaram the IPL could have been handled the auction held earlier this month in a better way and expressed disappointment over the non-selection of the Pakistani cricketers as individuals.
He said these players were 20-20 World Champions and did not deserve to be treated this way. He said that any suggestion that the Indian Government had "nudged" the IPL not to select Pakistani players was not true and had no foundation.
Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja welcomed what Chidambram said, but said he was disappointed for the delay in the statement.
The IPL has denied government interference and stated that the T20 league officials had never said that Indian government did not grant permission to the Pakistani players.
Eleven Pakistani players, including cream of the Shahid Afridi-led reigning Twenty20 World Cup squad, were in IPL auction 3 fray, but none of the eight IPL franchisees took interest in them, fearing the chill in Indo-Pak relation might worsen, resulting in non-participation of these players.
Buzz up!
Speaking in an interview to the Times Now television channel, Chidambaram the IPL could have been handled the auction held earlier this month in a better way and expressed disappointment over the non-selection of the Pakistani cricketers as individuals.
He said these players were 20-20 World Champions and did not deserve to be treated this way. He said that any suggestion that the Indian Government had "nudged" the IPL not to select Pakistani players was not true and had no foundation.
Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja welcomed what Chidambram said, but said he was disappointed for the delay in the statement.
The IPL has denied government interference and stated that the T20 league officials had never said that Indian government did not grant permission to the Pakistani players.
Eleven Pakistani players, including cream of the Shahid Afridi-led reigning Twenty20 World Cup squad, were in IPL auction 3 fray, but none of the eight IPL franchisees took interest in them, fearing the chill in Indo-Pak relation might worsen, resulting in non-participation of these players.
Cricket U19 World Cup dream over for Ben Stokes
BEN Stokes’ dream of winning cricket’s U19 World Cup are over.
The best the Cockermouth teenager and his England team-mates can now do is finish seventh overall.
Their hopes fell apart on Saturday when England lost their quarter-final against West Indies by 18 runs.
West Indies had made a modest total of 166 all out - Stokes taking 3-29 - but it was enough to win as England were dismissed for just 148, Stokes scoring 24.
In New Zealand, today (Monday), they took on India, who they had beaten in the group stage when Stokes scored 100, in the play-off semi-final.
This time India came out on top, winning by seven wickets. England had posted 176 - Stokes 14 - to which India replied with 179-3.
England complete their World Cup programme tomorrow (Tuesday) when they play New Zealand in the seventh/eighth place final.
The best the Cockermouth teenager and his England team-mates can now do is finish seventh overall.
Their hopes fell apart on Saturday when England lost their quarter-final against West Indies by 18 runs.
West Indies had made a modest total of 166 all out - Stokes taking 3-29 - but it was enough to win as England were dismissed for just 148, Stokes scoring 24.
In New Zealand, today (Monday), they took on India, who they had beaten in the group stage when Stokes scored 100, in the play-off semi-final.
This time India came out on top, winning by seven wickets. England had posted 176 - Stokes 14 - to which India replied with 179-3.
England complete their World Cup programme tomorrow (Tuesday) when they play New Zealand in the seventh/eighth place final.
India in command of Bangladesh cricket Test
DHAKA — Sachin Tendulkar cracked his 45th Test century and Rahul Dravid his 29th hundred as India tightened the screws on Bangladesh in the second and final Test on Monday.
Tendulkar made 143 and Dravid 111 before retiring hurt to help India post a massive 459-5 in their first innings at stumps on the second day in reply to Bangladesh's modest total of 233.
The visitors were 226 runs ahead with five wickets in hand.
Dravid was struck on the helmet while avoiding a bouncer from paceman Shahadat Hossain, bowling with the second new ball. He hit 12 fours in his 188-ball knock.
India's batting might was on view throughout the day as they scored 390 after resuming at 69 for no loss, with all of their top-order batsmen making sizeable contributions.
Gautam Gambhir (68) and Virender Sehwag (56) put on 103 for the opening wicket before Tendulkar and Dravid consolidated their team's position with a 222-run stand for the third wicket.
Gambhir also equalled West Indian Viv Richards's world record of scoring a half-century in 11 successive Tests.
"I don't believe in counting (centuries). I believe in playing and scoring," said Tendulkar.
"Runs don't come easy. I am of the opinion that no attack can be underestimated. I always apply myself whatever the opposition. I think we have been able to get into a very good position."
Tendulkar, who scored a century in the last Test, was caught by Imrul Kayes at mid-wicket off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan. His 182-ball knock included one six and 13 fours.
Shakib took his second wicket when he had Murali Vijay (30) caught by Mohammad Mahmudullah at mid-on, but India had already gained a big lead at that stage.
It was a disappointing day for Bangladesh, who not only struggled to take wickets but also failed to make the most of the chances that came their way.
"Missing catches is part of the game. It was tough for the bowlers as the wicket favoured batsmen, but our pacers bowled well," said Shahadat.
"It was our plan to test them with bouncers. The wicket did not have much turn and that's why our spinners like Shakib did not get more wickets. The wicket has become uneven."
Tendulkar was let off on 27 by Raqibul Hasan at gully off seamer Rubel Hossain before reaching his half-century with a firmly driven four off Shahadat.
He offered a difficult chance immediately after completing his half-century when he tried to upper-cut Shahadat, but Raqibul failed to latch on to the ball at point.
Dravid was on 28 when he edged a short-pitched delivery from Rubel into the slips, where Junaid Siddique took a superb catch, but it was ruled a no-ball.
Bangladesh removed both the openers in the first session with short-pitched deliveries but had to wait for more than a session for the next success as Tendulkar and Dravid batted with determination.
Gambhir, aiming to equal Australian Don Bradman's world record of scoring a century in six successive Tests, was caught behind while fending off a rising delivery from paceman Shafiul Islam.
Sehwag fell soon after reaching his 21st Test half-century when he gloved a rising ball from Shahadat to wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.
India lead the series 1-0 after their 113-run win in the opening Test in Chittagong.
Pink balls to be tested in Australian day-night matches
Cricket Australia's chief executive James Sutherland has said day-night Sheffield Shield matches could happen as early as next season if trials to develop a pink ball prove successful.
CA will trial the use of a pink ball during a day-night match in the Futures League, Australia's second XI tournament, at Adelaide Oval next week as part of a wider commitment to creating a ball suitable for day-night Test matches.
The trial, to be conducted during the match between South Australia and Western Australia from 2-4 February, will test the visibility of the coloured ball to players and spectators under both daylight and artificial light in match conditions.
Sutherland said CA is committed to finding a way to make day-night Test cricket a reality. "The results of the trial won't provide all the answers or a definitive outcome, but it will give us important information and feedback on the delivery of the project," he said, and added that it was possible a couple of rounds of Sheffield Shield cricket could be played at night as early as next season.
"I don't want to jump ahead too quickly there," he continued, "but I think that's something that we've certainly got in mind. And from there, who knows, it could be just a matter of a year or so [before day-night Test cricket is a reality]."
Play will start each day in Adelaide at 2.30pm and close at 9.30pm to ensure the final session will finish under lights. Other trials using a coloured ball will take place in Futures League matches at Allan Border Field in Brisbane (Queensland v New South Wales) and Junction Oval (Victoria v Tasmania) in Melbourne on the same dates. These matches will be played during daylight hours. The trial in Brisbane will also use a pink ball, while in Melbourne a white ball will be used.
IPL Auction 2010 - Full list of players auctioned, sold
So the big Indian Premier League Auction 2010 is over and Thissara Perera was the only Sri Lankan who was auctioned, Chennai buying him for $ 50,000.
None of the WC T20 winning Pakistani players were bought, not even the hard hitting Boom-Boom Afridi.
West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard and New Zealand pacer Shane Bond emerged the most expensive players, sold for a whopping US $750,000 (approximately Rs 3.42 crore) each at the players' auction for the third edition of the Indian Premier League, in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Pollard, who impressed in the inaugural Champions League T20 last year, started with a base price of $ 200, 000 while Bond, who was keen to join Chennai Super Kings ahead of the auction, started at $100, 000.
There was a four-way tie between Mumbai Indians , Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders for Pollard, but the Mumbai side eventually prevailed via a silent tie-breaker bid, the rule being introduced for the first time in the IPL.
Like Pollard, there was a keen tussle for Bond. Chennai Super Kings set the pace but in the end it was a fight between Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers , who both quoted $750, 000. The Kolkata team won the bid via the tie-breaker.
Here's a look at which players went to which franchise, and for how much.
Sri Lanka make it to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Semis after 10 years
Sri Lanka's comprehensive victory over South Africa in the second Quarter Final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2010 saw them through to the Semi Final of the competition after 10 years.
Sri Lanka take on Australia in the 2nd Semi Final on the 27th of January 2010. The winner will then clash with Pakistan in the final.
The two teams have played each other in recent times. Sri Lanka's Under19 squad toured Australia in October 2009 for an ODI seres which they won 3-2.
India's Nationalists Want Cricket Ban on Australians over Students Attacks
There are concerns about the safety of Australian cricket players competing in the Indian Premier League after threats from fundamentalist Hindus. The Shiv Sena group wants India's cricket officials to bar Australians following a string of violent attacks on Indian students in Sydney and Melbourne.
Shiv Sena threatens to disrupt matches if the Indian Premier League does not ban Australian cricket players from the competition, which starts in March.
The Hindu nationalists are angry over a several assaults on young Indian expatriates in Sydney and Melbourne over the past year.
The attacks have infuriated sections of India's political establishment and the media, which accuse Australian authorities of not doing enough to protect foreign students.
Shiv Sena's power base is in the India's richest state Maharashtra. Several matches in the Indian Premier League competition will be played in the state capital, Mumbai.
Political analysts say the party's threats to disrupt games are serious and will need to be carefully addressed by Indian authorities. Shiv Sena has disrupted cricket matches in the past.
In Australia, cricket officials say they will provide security advice to players heading to India.
Peter Young is a spokesman for the sport's governing body, Cricket Australia. He says it is unfortunate that cricket has been caught up in a political argument.
"Cricket should be used as a bridge between diverse cultures," Young said. "It has been very, very successful working to bring diverse cultures together and it is a shame that is not acknowledged and it is a shame that everybody is not getting behind cricket to try to use it as one of the tools to help soothe the feelings in Melbourne."
While Australian police say that some of the assaults on Indian students were hate crimes, they say most simply were the work of opportunistic criminals.
The controversy over the attacks has strained relations between Canberra and New Delhi. It is hurting Australia's lucrative education industry, too. Applications from Indian students have fallen sharply as a result of the violence.
Shiv Sena threatens to disrupt matches if the Indian Premier League does not ban Australian cricket players from the competition, which starts in March.
The Hindu nationalists are angry over a several assaults on young Indian expatriates in Sydney and Melbourne over the past year.
The attacks have infuriated sections of India's political establishment and the media, which accuse Australian authorities of not doing enough to protect foreign students.
Shiv Sena's power base is in the India's richest state Maharashtra. Several matches in the Indian Premier League competition will be played in the state capital, Mumbai.
Political analysts say the party's threats to disrupt games are serious and will need to be carefully addressed by Indian authorities. Shiv Sena has disrupted cricket matches in the past.
In Australia, cricket officials say they will provide security advice to players heading to India.
Peter Young is a spokesman for the sport's governing body, Cricket Australia. He says it is unfortunate that cricket has been caught up in a political argument.
"Cricket should be used as a bridge between diverse cultures," Young said. "It has been very, very successful working to bring diverse cultures together and it is a shame that is not acknowledged and it is a shame that everybody is not getting behind cricket to try to use it as one of the tools to help soothe the feelings in Melbourne."
While Australian police say that some of the assaults on Indian students were hate crimes, they say most simply were the work of opportunistic criminals.
The controversy over the attacks has strained relations between Canberra and New Delhi. It is hurting Australia's lucrative education industry, too. Applications from Indian students have fallen sharply as a result of the violence.
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