Collingwood out as Morgan gets Bangladesh call

May 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Paul Collingwood has been ruled out of England’s two-Test series against Bangladesh with a shoulder injury, it was announced on Sunday.

But batsman Eoin Morgan, who played in the side captained by Collingwood that last Sunday won the World Twenty20 final against Australia in Barbados, has been called up into a Test squad for the Bangladesh series opener, which starts at the Middlesex left-hander’s Lord’s home ground on Thursday.

Meanwhile England fast bowler Stuart Broad will miss the series in order to undergo a “strengthening programme”.

Collingwood’s absence has created room in the Test squad for 23-year-old former Ireland batsman Morgan, although South Africa-born Jonathan Trott also remains in contention.

Morgan’s county colleague Steven Finn retains his place in the Test squad, the fast bowler having played in both of England’s wins in Bangladesh two months ago.

Their fellow Middlesex team-mate Andrew Strauss returns to captain the side, having been rested from the Bangladesh tour and then missing the World Twenty20 as the opening batsman has opted out of that form of the game.

Alastair Cook, who captained the side in Bangladesh, is set to resume his opening partnership with Strauss.

As well as Collingwood and Broad, other players from England’s victorious side in the Caribbean not selected for Lord’s include openers Michael Lumb and wicketkeeper/batsman Craig Kieswetter, left-arm pace bowler Ryan Sidebottom, left-arm spinner Michael Yardy and all-rounder Luke Wright.

The four ‘survivors’ are Morgan, star batsman Kevin Pietersen, seamer Tim Bresnan and off-spinner Graeme Swann.

Paceman James Anderson, in the squad in the Caribbean but who didn’t play, is in England’s 12 for Lord’s.

The second and final Test of this series gets underway at Old Trafford on June 4.

England first Test squad:

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Jonathan Trott, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wkt), Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, James Anderson, Steven Finn, Ajmal Shahzad.

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Akmal threatens to sue coaches over match-fixing allegations

May 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal has threatened to sue the team’s former coaches Intikhab Alam and Aaquib Javed if they don’t apologise for suggesting that he was involved in match-fixing during the disastrous tour of Australia.

Akmal said he wanted a public apology from Intikhab and Aaqib for raising suspicions about his performance on the tour earlier this year.

“I want an apology from them or else they should substantiate their claims that I deliberately left a run-out in the Sydney test. They must come up with evidence that I am linked with bookmakers,” Kamran said.

The wicketkeeper-batsman made it clear that he was fed up trying to explain that he was not involved in match-fixing.

“I go out everyday and they are people passing comments on me. My family is deeply disturbed with these fresh allegations,” he said.

Intikhab and Aaqib told a Pakistan Cricket Board inquiry committee that they had their suspicions about the performances of Kamran and all-rounder Rana Naved in Australia.

They specifically expressed suspicions about the performance of Kamran in the second Test in the lost Sydney during which the keeper dropped four catches and missed an easy run-out.

The video recordings of the former coaches caused an uproar and reignited the match-fixing issue and the ICC also stated it was examining Pakistan’s dismal tour of Australia this year when they were whitewashed in the Test and one-day series.

Though PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt has made it clear that the inquiry into the Australian tour is a closed chapter and they found no evidence of match-fixing, Kamran who left on Saturday for a film shoot in London said he wanted an apology.

“If they don’t apologise or don’t substantiate their allegations I will go to court. I wanted to go to court earlier also against a media outlet but the PCB persuaded me against do so,” he said.

“But this time since both Intikhab and Aaqib are PCB employees, when I return I will talk to the board Chairman about my intentions,” he added.

Kamran said that he was surprised at the statements of both the former coaches.

“They remained coaches since last year and if they had suspicions about my performance in Sydney why did they pick me for the one-day series that followed,” he stated.

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CA rubbishes ‘match fixing’ rumours behind Australia’s remarkable Sydney win against Pak

May 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Melbourne, May 20 (ANI): Cricket Australia has denied reports that the Sydney Test against Pakistan was fixed, and said that Ricky Ponting-led side pulled off a remarkable victory through its own hard work.

The Pakistan team management believes that their players fixed this year’s Sydney Test as well as a Twenty20 match; an inquiry into the failed Australia tour revealed.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said he had heard nothing about match-fixing allegations. “Our view on that match has always been that we won it from behind through our own efforts,” The Australian quoted him, as saying.

Pakistan had a 206-run lead after the first innings and reached 1-50 in their last innings, chasing a victory total of 175, but Pakistan lost its last nine wickets for 89 runs and with it the match by 36 runs.

The performance of Pakistani wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal attracted most attention in the match. He dropped four catches in the third innings and missed a run out chance against Shane Watson when the opener was on 49. Watson went on to make 97.

More importantly, he dropped Mike Hussey three times as the middle-order batsman compiled 134. Hussey and tailender Peter Siddle went on to make a 123-run partnership and they were also aided by a defensive field setting.

Senior Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam and manager Aaqib Javed told a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) inquiry earlier this year they thought bookmakers might have been involved in the events that saw the game lost.

“I have reservations over the way he missed the run out. When I saw it I couldn’t believe it. How he could miss such a big run out? I can’t say 100 per cent that there is match-fixing, but I have my strong suspicions,” he said.

Intikhab said: “Kamran is a match-winner but every time we came close to a victory, he played a bad shot and got out. I was flabbergasted when Kamran missed the run out. I have serious doubts about him. I have heard stories about match-fixing.”

Aaqib also had suspicions about the performance of fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan in a Twenty20 match in Australia, saying, “We have heard things about him as well.” (ANI)

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Keeper Haddin says Clarke is the best in the business

May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

St. Lucia (West Indies), May 14 (ANI): Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has described skipper Michael Clarke as one of the best in the business in the modern era, and rubbished criticism about his form in the ongoing World Twenty20 championship in the Caribbean.

Clarke has made just 48 runs in the World T20 at an average of 12, but has had more success with his captaincy, guiding Australia to five wins from five outings.

His strike-rate in the tournament of 70.58 ranks him well below the other five batsmen in Australia”s top six, but Haddin says the skipper is desperately needed when Australia”s openers fail to fire.

””Michael”s still our best player. He”s still a world-class batsman. Class is always class. The role he plays here can”t be underestimated,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Haddin, as saying.

””Michael is there to do the role that”s pretty tough, running hard between the wickets. He comes out when we”re in trouble. You need explosive batsmen but you need players like Michael to play in any different situations,”” he added.

””His captaincy has been first class. All the teams have explosive bats and world-class bowlers, but what he”s brought to us is make sure we”re doing our little things best, a presence in the field, taking all the catches,”” Haddin said. (ANI)

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England carries perfect run into semis

May 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

England has proved there is more to its batting than Kevin Pietersen as it knocked New Zealand out of the World Twenty20 with a three-wicket win at Saint Lucia.

Eoin Morgan starred with 40 after England, chasing 150 for victory, had slumped to 4 for 66 at the Beausejour Stadium.

But, together with Luke Wright, who made 24, the former Ireland left-hander swung the game back England’s way in a stand of 52 in just more than six overs.

Morgan got out just before the finish but man-of-the-match Tim Bresnan, unbeaten on 23 after taking one wicket for 20, finished the contest with five balls to spare when he pulled Kyle Mills for four.

England, already through to the semi-finals before this final Group E match even started after defending champions Pakistan beat South Africa earlier in the day, ended the Super Eights with a perfect 3-0 record.

It will now face the runners-up in Group F in the first semi-final on Thursday.

England’s victory also meant Pakistan went through as the second qualifier out of the group for the semi-finals as it edged New Zealand on superior run-rate.

England had won its previous matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka on the back of Pietersen fifties.

But it had to do without its star batsman after Pietersen, who expects to be back for the semi-finals, was given temporary leave to attend the birth of his first child, a boy, in London on Monday.

England made a rousing start to its run chase with Craig Kieswetter, like Pietersen and Michael Lumb born in South Africa, launching Nathan McCullum’s off-spin for a four and a huge six in successive balls as 13 runs came off the first over.

But England then lost Kieswetter when the wicketkeeper struck Kyle Mills hard but straight to Nathan McCullum at cover-point.

Lumb on-drove the express pace of Shane Bond for a huge six and twice swept the left-arm spin of New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori for four.

Ravi Bopara, Pietersen’s stand-in, made just 9 before he was well caught in the covers by Ross Taylor off all-rounder Scott Styris.

The 2 for 60 became 3 for 60 when Lumb was plumb lbw for 32, made off 21 balls with a six and four fours, after he missed a sweep against Vettori.

England’s collapse continued to 4 for 66 when captain Paul Collingwood managed just 3 before he was deceived by a Styris slower ball and clipped straight to Brendon McCullum at midwicket.

However, Morgan struck an amazing one-handed six off Styris and Wright crashed a couple of boundaries off fast bowler Ian Butler.

Morgan’s 34-ball innings ended when he pulled Bond and Vettori took a fine diving catch but it was too little too late for New Zealand.

Earlier Ross Taylor top-scored for New Zealand with 44 and put on 62 for the fourth wicket with Styris (31) after the Black Caps slumped to 3 for 65.

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Young Bulls keep Symonds on

May 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Former Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has been included in the Queensland Bulls’ list of contracted players for next season.

The 34-year-old, who has been playing with the Chargers in the IPL, will feature in the Bulls’ Twenty20 campaign only.

“We’ve got a pretty young squad and having players like Andrew along will certainly assist our T20 preparations,” said QC boss Graham Dixon.

“Andrew has been contracted as a T20 player only but no doubt he will provide some valuable advice across the season for the Bulls and QAS squad members.”

Batsmen Glen Batticciotto, Nick Kruger, Greg Moller and paceman Grant Sullivan were all delisted with Queensland Cricket looking further towards the next generation.

Leg-spinner Dan Doran has nominated for the national transfer pool after being overlooked.

Rising batsman Chris Lynn, all-rounder Jason Floros, leg-spinner Cameron Boyce and wicketkeeper Ben Dunk were all promoted from last season’s rookie list to gain full contracts for the first time.

Policeman Luke Feldman, a former Australian Country representative, was also added to the full squad after a superb debut season in which he took 33 first-class wickets at 27.

The Bulls’ 21-man group includes 12 players under 23 and the average age is 23.7, down from 24.6 last season when they lost to Victoria in Sheffield Shield final.

Former Australian coach John Buchanan’s son, Nicholas, a 19-year-old fast bowler, was one of the four new rookies the Bulls named.

Bulls squad: Ryan Harris, James Hopes, Cameron Boyce, Ryan Broad, Lee Carseldine, Ben Cutting, Ben Dunk, Luke Feldman, Jason Floros, Chris Hartley, Ben Laughlin, Chris Lynn, Alister McDermott, Craig Philipson, Nathan Reardon, Nathan Rimmington, Chris Simpson, Chris Swan, Wade Townsend, Scott Walter.

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Raina ton leads India to win over Proteas

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Suresh Raina became only the third man to make a Twenty20 international century as India beat South Africa by 14 runs at the Beausejour Stadium in St Lucia.

Victory, which put India into the second round Super Eights after its seven-wicket win over Afghanistan on Saturday, was built on Raina’s 101 out of a total of 5 for 186.

Only West Indian Chris Gayle and New Zealander Brendon McCullum had previously made centuries at this level.

Raina had an escape on five when he was caught off a Morne Morkel no-ball.

It was an expensive error by the fast bowler, with left-hander Raina striking five sixes and nine fours in a blistering assault as he reached his century off 59 balls.

Together with Yuvraj Singh (37) he shared a stand of 88 in 10 overs after the pair came together with India 2 for 32 in the sixth over after they had lost the toss.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith had promised his side would be flexible when it came to their openers but few foresaw the skipper dropping himself down to number three.

Jacques Kallis, who opened in Smith’s place, was nearly out for a second ball nought when a diving Yusuf Pathan at backward point just failed to hold on to a catch off the bowling of Harbhajan Singh.

Kallis, after the early loss of Loots Bosman, went on to complete a 45-ball fifty with three fours.

The experienced batsman then tried to keep South Africa on course by slog-sweeping Harbhajan for two successive sixes in the 15th over.

But a stand of 97 in 11 overs was ended when Smith was run out by Praveen Kumar’s throw to wicketkeeper and India captain MS Dhoni.

Then 2 for 118 became 3 for 128 when Kallis fell on 73 after driving leg-spinner Piyush Chawla straight to Ravindra Jadeja in the deep.

South Africa though kept swinging and got the target down to 24 off the last over, bowled by Ashish Nehra and the left-arm quick conceded just nine.

South Africa complete its group program against Afghanistan in Barbados on May 5.

- AFP

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Kieswetter admits eyeing Prior”s Test place

April 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Apr 17 (ANI): Somerset wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter has admitted that he is now eyeing Matt Prior”s Test place after forcing him out of the World Twenty20 England squad.

Kieswetter praised his rival, and said that their battle for the wicket keeping slot will only benefit the England side.

Kieswetter is a star in the making, having scored a maiden one-day century in just his third international during the tour of Bangladesh.

Prior remains England”s first-choice stumper for one-day and Test cricket, but will now have to score some serious runs to keep Kieswetter at bay, The Sun reports.

“Matt is a really cool bloke and was so welcoming and friendly to me when I came into the squad in Bangladesh. We trained hard together and showed we can play in the same one-day side,” he said.

“I may have got the Twenty20 place but we”re both professionals and don”t take selection personally, whichever way it works out. Obviously long term Test cricket is a goal, but Matt has the gloves there and in the one-dayers,” Kieswetter said.

“So for me it”s just a case of playing as hard as I can in anticipation of an opportunity,” he added.

Kieswetter”s big break came in Abu Dhabi, where as part of the England Lions side he helped defeat the first team at T20. (ANI)

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Hartley gloves Ian Healy Trophy

April 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Chris Hartley’s career-best season for Queensland has seen him become the first wicketkeeper to win the Ian Healy Trophy.

Hartley, who last month was named the Sheffield Shield player of the year, fittingly received Queensland’s best player trophy named after the state’s finest gloveman in Healy.

Hartley finished with 839 runs at 46.6 to top the batting standings, scoring two centuries and four 50s, while also claiming 49 catches and one stumping.

He became just the second wicketkeeper in Australian first-class history to score more than 800 runs in a Shield season, behind Brad Haddin.

Fast bowler Ben Cutting, the leading wicket-taker in the Shield this season with 46 victims at 23.91, was the players’ player of the year.

All-rounder James Hopes was named the Twenty20 player of the year, while last year’s Ian Healy Trophy winner, Lee Carseldine, won the domestic one-day player of the year award.

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Cricket Australia shakes up contract list

April 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Cricket Australia has made huge changes to its contract list, dropping Victorian batsman David Hussey and NSW pacemen Nathan Bracken and Stuart Clark.

That trio, along with Victoria’s Brad Hodge and South Australian wicketkeeper Graham Manou, have all been removed from the list of 25 contracted players.

The newcomers are quicks Ryan Harris and Clint McKay, wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine, allr-ounder Steven Smith and batsman Adam Voges.

Those five players all started the 2009-10 period without CA contracts, but picked them up by the end after receiving sufficient upgrade points during that time.

Veteran paceman Brett Lee retained his contract, despite his recent injury and form struggles, while fellow speedster Shaun Tait is also still on the list despite his status as a virtual Twenty20 specialist.

The list was assessed based on the players’ form over the past 12 months and the likelihood of Australian selection over the coming year.

All contracted players will receive a minimum $200,000 retainer, plus match fees, tour fees and prize money for any on-field success.

“Shaun Tait has had his contact renewed as we see him as an important member of the ICC World Twenty20 squad and a real chance to force his way back into the Australian 50 over side. At his best he is a powerful weapon in limited overs cricket,” selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said.

“It is disappointing for Stuart Clark and Nathan Bracken who have not received contracts for 2010-11.

“Both Stuart and Nathan have fantastic records for Australia and not renewing their contracts was a very hard decision.

“The reality is that other bowlers have seized the opportunity over the last six months in both Test and limited overs cricket.

“David Hussey is also very unlucky not to receive a contract after a very successful domestic season and is part of our ICC World Twenty20 squad.

“The outstanding form of our 50 over one-day side over the last 12 months meant that he narrowly missed a contract this year.”

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Prior vows to fight for his place in England squad

April 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Apr 1 (ANI): England wicketkeeper Matt Prior, who was axed from the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup in the West Indies, has promised to fight for his place after admitting that it was a bitter pill to be dumped.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) called up Hampshire opening batsman Michael Lumb and Somerset wicketkeeper batsman Craig Kieswetter into final squad for next month’s World Twenty20 Cup in the Caribbean.

There is no place for Matt Prior, who loses his wicket-keeping slot to Kieswetter. Prior has not been dropped for his keeping abilities, but because of his failure to score consistent runs in one-day cricket.

Prior said: “I’m not the sort of guy who walks around feeling sorry for himself or making excuses, but I’m not going to pretend that it doesn’t hurt.

“I want to be involved in every form of the game and it will be hard for me to watch somebody else keeping wicket for us in the Caribbean when I’ve worked so hard to improve my own game,” The Mirror quoted Prior, as saying.

“Don’t worry, I won’t be moping around for the next couple of months – I’ll be getting stuck in for Sussex to make sure I’m ready if and when I get my England place back,” he said.

“My keeping has come on leaps and bounds since I broke into the side three years ago, and it would have been an even more bitter pill to swallow if I had performed badly and lost my place through playing badly.

“I’ve had long chats with national selector Geoff Miller and our coach Andy Flower, and I’ve assured them I’ll be fighting like mad and working as hard as I can to play for England again,” Prior added.

Kieswetter, who only qualified for England two months ago, will be paired with Lumb at the top of the order in a new-look batting line-up with a heavy emphasis on hitting sixes. (ANI)

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England calls up hard hitters Lumb, Kieswetter for World 20-20 Cup

April 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Apr.1 (ANI): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has called up Hampshire opening batsman Michael Lumb and Somerset wicketkeeper batsman Craig Kieswetter into final squad for next month’s World Twenty20 Cup in the Caribbean.

The squad is as follows: P D Collingwood (Durham, captain), J M Anderson (Lancashire), R S Bopara (Essex), T T Bresnan (Yorkshire), S C J Broad (Nottinghamshire), C Kieswetter (Somerset), M J Lumb (Hampshire), E J G Morgan (Middlesex), K P Pietersen (Hampshire), A Shahzad (Yorkshire), R J Sidebottom (Nottinghamshire), G P Swann (Nottinghamshire), J C Tredwell (Kent), L J Wright (Sussex), M H Yardy (Sussex).

According to the Daily Telegraph, there is no place for Matt Prior, who loses his wicket-keeping slot to Kieswetter. Prior has not been dropped for his keeping abilities, but because of his failure to score consistent runs in one-day cricket.

Prior struggles to score in the unconventional areas that Twenty20 demands but his Test record means he will remain England’s No1 keeper in the longer form of the game.

Lumb is a hard-hitting aggressive opener who has been one of county cricket’s most consistent performers in the Twenty20 Cup. He has also made an impression opening the batting for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, where he has had a taste of playing ion front of large crowds and under high-pressure situations.

“We believe we”ve picked a balanced squad that can meet the needs of the Twenty20 format – aggressive batting with variation and strength in depth and various bowling options that accommodate the conditions and surfaces in the West Indies,” said Geoff Miller, the national selector.

“Our fielding, which is such a vital aspect of limited overs cricket, has improved markedly and there”s no reason we can”t perform well in what will be a challenging global tournament. On the recent tour of Bangladesh Craig Kieswetter showed what he is capable of in international limited overs cricket and, as a wicketkeeper at the top of the order, he gives us options down the order,” Miller added.

“Michael Lumb has consistently performed well in limited overs cricket for Hampshire and has also impressed during his time in the IPL and with the England Lions. As a powerful left-hander Michael adds aggression to our batting and has the ability to compliment the rest of the line-up,” Miller said. (ANI)

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`Invincibles’ cricketer Hamence dies at 94

March 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Adelaide, Mar.25 (ANI): The roll of cricket”s “Invincibles” has shrunk to three with the death of Australia”s oldest Test player Ron Hamence.

Hamence, who toured England with Don Bradman”s legendary 1948 team without playing a Test, died at a nursing home in Adelaide on Wednesday night at the age of 94.

“He was a lovely man with a great sense of humour,” said Denis Brien, cricket historian and president of Hamence”s old club West Torrens.

He said Hamence suffered badly from arthritis in later life, but had nursed his wife Nora until she died four years ago, after which he became almost a recluse.

A daughter, Lynette Hallett, survives him.

Hamence, born in November 1915, when Australian soldiers were still fighting at Gallipoli, never drove a car in his life.

He was an attacking batsman who used brilliant footwork against slow bowlers.

“He once said he used to imagine that there was no wicketkeeper, and that he and the bowler were the only two in the game,” Brien told AAP.

Hamence made his debut against England in 1947 and played three Tests, with a top score of 30 not out.

He had the distinction of making a century in his first and last first-class matches for South Australia.

His death leaves Sam Loxton, 88, Arthur Morris, 88, and Neil Harvey, 81, as the only survivors of the team that toured England undefeated to mark the end of Bradman”s career. (ANI)

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McCullum could bid adieu to wicket keeping gloves

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Wellington, Mar. 23 (ANI): New Zealand wicketkeeper/batsman Brendon McCullum could bid adieu to wicket keeping gloves after the second cricket test against Australia.

McCullum hit his fifth century as New Zealand stretched the first test into the fifth day before losing by 10 wickets at the Basin Reserve.

After departing loosely for 24 in the first innings, he scored 104 in 229 minutes and 187 balls as the hosts posted a respectable 407.

“I was pleased with how I adjusted my game from the way I played in the first innings to try and give us an opportunity,” Stuff.co.nz quoted McCullum, as saying.

“Against a very good team it probably rates as my best test century but when you lose a game it doesn”t quite have the same feeling,” he added.

As he mulls over the loss against Australia, he may decide to play as a batsman only.

Recently, in the one-dayers against Australia, he fielded and Gareth Hopkins took the gloves, and the practice appears likely to continue in next month”s Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

“We”ve got a few months coming up that we”ve got off, so it”s something we”ve got to try and weigh up during that down time. At the moment I”m very much focused on making sure I make a contribution in this test match as a wicketkeeper/batsman,” he said.

However, Kiwi captain Daniel Vettori prefers the gloves to remain with McCullum.

“It”s a tough one and Brendon and I have had a number of discussions about it. The emergence of Gareth Hopkins on the limited overs will make the decision a little bit easier if it does go that way,” he said

“I still think Brendon”s one of the best wicketkeeper/batsmen in the world. If we can get him for all forms of the game then that”d be great.”

“I also understand that in one-dayers and Twenty20 his runs are the most important thing to us. If that”s the best thing for the team I”ll support it,” he added. (ANI)

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PCB gives Afridi, Akmal brothers central contracts despite being guilty of ‘misconduct’

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Mar.19 (ANI): Rubbing salt into the wounds of banned senior players, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has omitted the names of former captains Mohammed Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik and all rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan from the list of players given a central contract, while offering the same to Shahid Afridi and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.

Afridi, and the Akmal brothers (Umar and Kamran) have been included in the list of 37 cricketers who will be offered the year-long contracts despite being slapped with hefty fines for ‘misconduct’ during the winless tour Down Under.

The contracts will be valid from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, a statement issued by the PCB said.

While players like Afridi, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal have been named in the ‘A’ category, veteran batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, opener Imran Farhat and middle order batsman Umar Akmal have been bracketed in the ‘B’ category.

Surprisingly, young pacer Mohammad Aamer has also been given a ‘B’ category contract despite performing well through out last year.

In addition to the three categories, the board has introduced a special ‘stipend’ category, which has been offered to top domestic and under-19 cricketers, The Dawn reports.

Players offered different central contracts are:

Category ‘A’: Umar Gul, Salman Butt, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Asif, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal

Category ‘B’: Umar Akmal, Mohammad Aamir, Saeed Ajmal, Faisal Iqbal, Misbahul Haq, Imran Farhat

Category ‘C’: Fawad Alam, Yasir Arafat, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Rehman. (ANI)

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Hartley caps off summer with Shield award

March 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Queensland wicketkeeper Chris Hartley was named the Sheffield Shield’s Player of the Series at the State Cricket Awards at the MCG on Monday.

In a tight race, Hartley clinched the award with 17 votes, just one ahead of Victorian paceman Damien Wright (16). Blues opening batsman Phillip Hughes was third choice with 14 votes.

Bushranger Brad Hodge was named best one-day player after a brilliant season in the 50-over form of the game.

Hodge retired from the four-day contest this season but was uncontested for the limited-overs award, polling 24 votes against Tasmanians George Bailey (20) and Travis Birt (16).

Explosive New South Wales opener David Warner and South Australian import Kieron Pollard shared the award for the Twenty20 series.

Pollard helped the Redbacks to the Twenty20 Big Bash final, and despite losing to Victoria the whole side was rewarded with the Benaud Spirit of Cricket Award.

The Benaud gong goes to the team judged by umpires to have played hard but fair cricket in the spirit of the game.

Women’s National Cricket League champion New South Wales also took home the WNCL Spirit of Cricket Award, while Queensland won the WNCL Twenty20 Spirit of Cricket Award.

Victorian middle-order batter Sarah Elliot was named the WNCL Player of the Series award, while NSW Breakers player Alex Blackwell won the equivalent award for the women’s Twenty20 series.

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) All Star Teams for the four-day, one-day and interstate Twenty20 competitions were also announced.

Four-day team: Ed Cowan (TAS), Phillip Hughes (NSW), Michael Klinger (SA, vice-captain), George Bailey (TAS, captain), Usman Khawaja (NSW), Steven Smith (NSW), Chris Hartley (QLD), John Hastings (VIC), Ben Cutting (QLD), Trent Copeland (NSW), Peter George (SA), David Hussey (VIC, 12th man)

One-day team: Michael Klinger (SA), Phillip Jaques (NSW), Bradley Hodge (VIC, vice-captain), George Bailey (TAS, captain), Lee Carseldine (QLD), Travis Birt (TAS), Matthew Wade (VIC), John Hastings (VIC), Xavier Doherty (TAS), Ben Cutting (QLD), Nathan Rimmington (QLD), Daniel Christian (SA, 12th man)

Twenty20 team: Shaun Marsh (WA), David Warner (NSW), Bradley Hodge (VIC, captain), Tim Paine (TAS), Kieron Pollard (SA), James Hopes (QLD), Chris Simpson (QLD, vice-captain), Daniel Christian (SA), Aaron Heal (WA), John Hastings (VIC), Shaun Tait (SA), Brad Knowles (WA, 12th man)

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Doubts raised about Smith’s spin

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New South Wales coach Matthew Mott says Steve Smith is ready for the Test arena, but must he given time to mature as a leg spinner.

Smith put himself in line for his Test debut against New Zealand starting in Wellington on Friday with his 7 for 64 against South Australia in the Blues’ innings victory at the SCG in their final Sheffield Shield match of the season.

The 20-year-old all-rounder’s performance has come at a perfect time if selectors are serious about him being part of Australia’s plans for this year’s Ashes series.

He has been in superb form with the bat and is starting find more consistency with his lethal, if occasionally wayward, tweakers.

Selecting him ahead of the out-of-form Marcus North for the Basin Reserve clash would allow him Test series against the Black Caps and Pakistan to prepare for the Ashes.

“If picked, I would like to see him develop as a second spinner,” Mott said.

“Just giving him that time to settle in is going to be the most important thing.

“Probably a month ago I would have said that he needed to bowl a bit more in first-class cricket and develop his game, but the more and more you think about it is probably a good time for him to come in and see what he can do.”

Smith’s addition at number six or number seven would provide Australia captain Ricky Ponting with the sort of versatility that would have any skipper salivating.

Playing alongside fellow all-rounder Shane Watson and wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin, Australia could pick four quality seamers and two top-line spinners and still have an impressive top seven at its disposal.

Smith’s big-turning leg spinners could also be the answer to Australia’s difficulties in last year’s Ashes series of finishing off the tail.

- AAP

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McCullum set to give up gloves in ODIs, T20s to become ‘match winning’ batsman

March 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Auckland, Mar 13(ANI): New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum has said that his mind is turning towards concentrating on becoming a specialist batsman to be a consistent match winner for the national side in ODIs and Twenty20s.

McCullum’s comment comes after Gareth Hopkins replaced him as wicketkeeper in the two Twenty20 internationals and three of the four ODIs against Australia.

The 28-year-old does not believe it is feasible to opening the batting and keeping wickets, and performing to his optimum in both roles.

“My motivation is to become a better batsman, to score runs which win us games and I want to churn all my energy into that,” The New Zealand Herald quoted McCullum, as saying.

“I genuinely believe this is my best chance to win games consistently for us and to achieve something special while I”m playing,” he added.

Though McCullum has had injury issues in the past, he refused to accept it as a big factor in his thinking on a change of tack.

“The injury side of things is manageable, but it does diminish the energy I could give to my batting,” McCullum said.

“I”m seeking world-class consistency, and I know if there”s a criticism of my batting it”s that it can be great one day, but can be inconsistent,” he added.

Figures also reveal that McCullum has a better average when he is in the team as a batsman with 613 runs at 43.78 in 16 games, compared to 1456 runs at 31.65 in 51 ODIs as a wicketkeeper-opener.

McCullum will do the glovework in the two tests against Australia, starting next Friday, but would not do the job at the Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean starting on April 30. (ANI)

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Afridi in, Malik out of PCB’s squad for T20 World Cup

March 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Mar.13 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-man squad sans the name of the skipper for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Championship in the Caribbean.

The squad also includes all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Akmal brothers (Kamran and Umar), who were slapped hefty fines by the PCB for violating the player’s code of conduct during the winless tour of Australia.

Announcing the team at the National Stadium here, chief selector Mohsin Khan expressed the hope that the squad would be able to defend the title.

“Name of the captain will be announced later by the PCB.This is the best possible team and if they play to their potential I am sure they can defend the title,” The Daily Times quoted Khan, as saying.

He also backed the board’s decision to ban and impose hefty fines on some of the senior players of the team, describing it as a necessary step.

“The problems of indiscipline and infighting were affecting the team like cancer and I back all the decisions, not as chief selector, not as a former player but as a Pakistani,” Khan said.

While former captain Shoaib Malik and fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, both of whom were also fined by the PCB, have been axed from the squad, veteran batsman Misbah-ul- Haq and opener Salman Butt have staged a come back in the team.

Under-19 all-rounder Hammad Azam has aloe been rewarded with a place in the senior team for his brilliant show in the Uder-19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.

Another opener Mohammad Hafeez has also secured a place in the squad for the tournament, which will be played in West Indies from April 30 to May 16.

Squad:

Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Khalid Latif, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Misbahul Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Khan Afridi, Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Aamir, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal.

Reserve players: Shahzaib Hasan, Hasan Raza, Naved Yasin, Mohammad Sami and Sarfraz Ahmed. (ANI)

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Pakistan’s about-face in captain chaos

March 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Former captains Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf had their international futures cast aside and then restored just as quickly after the Pakistan Cricket Board backtracked on its decision to ban the two players overnight.

On Wednesday, the PCB said the two “should not be part of the team in any format” following reports of in-fighting during the unsuccessful tour of Australia ending last month.

The decision prompted protesters in Hyderabad to burn bats in a brief demonstration but a few hours later the PCB clarified its position saying there was no timeframe on the bans imposed on the two.

“The PCB wishes to clarify that the recommendation of the committee is not a life ban on these cricketers,” the PCB’s second statement of the day said.

“There is no specified term in the recommendation for these two players. As and when the PCB deems appropriate, these players will be considered for selection for the national team.”

The official change of stance came hours after it announced Younis and Yousuf would no longer be considered for selection after an inquiry into Pakistan’s defeat in every match of their three-Test, five one-day and Twenty20 series in Australia.

Bad influence

The PCB handed out 12-month bans to Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved and fined Shahid Afridi and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal three million rupees ($35,000) and Umar Akmal two million.

“Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan’s… attitude has a trickledown effect which is a bad influence for the whole team (and they) should not be part of (the) national team in any format,” the PCB said in its earlier statement on Wednesday.

The initial decision by the PCB left new head coach Waqar Younis shocked and left to try and rebuild a side for the defence of their Twenty20 World Cup title in West Indies in April.

“I will be talking to the board about this and see what happens,” Younis told reporters from Australia.

The selectors are due to meet this week to announce the 15-member squad for the World Cup and the board will also announce a new captain.

While Yousuf and Younis were not named in the preliminary squad of 30 players for the event, Malik and Rana were.

“I want to know what I did wrong,” Rana said. “I will be consulting with my people before deciding any future line of action.”

The PCB said the six-member inquiry committee, headed by its chief operating officer Wasim Bari, had based its recommendations on information gathered during several hearings with the players and reports from the team management.

-Reuters

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