Dambulla, Aug 22 (IANS) Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-nation series here Sunday.
Teams:
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicketkeeper), Dinesh Karthik, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma.
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain and wicketkeeper), Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Thissara Perera, Suraj Randiv.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Sachin, Harbhajan, Gambhir rested for ODIs
Last August, when India played a tri-series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, Yuvraj Singh was the mainstay of the batting line-up and also the vice-captain of the team. This year, the corresponding tournament, which commences on August 10 at Dambulla, will signal his comeback after he was left out of the team that won the Asia Cup last month.
While the 28-year-old Yuvraj, will shore up the middle-order yet again, the national selection committee that met at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday, has decided to rest Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and opener Gautam Gambhir for the two-week long tournament.
Sources revealed that the decision was taken after requests from both Tendulkar and Harbhajan and also keeping in mind the upcoming Champions League T20 where they will represent Mumbai Indians. ""I have a few niggles that has been troubling me. I requested the BCCI to rest me for the ODI series," Harbhajan told reporters in Colombo.
The absence of Gambhir will provide Dinesh Karthik to further stake his claim in limited-overs cricket. Virender Sehwag, who suffered an injury during the Asia Cup and missed the latter half of the tournament, will reclaim his opening slot and has been named the vice-captain of the side.
Another player on the comeback trail is Ishant Sharma, who despite his erroneous form in the present Test series has been selected in place of the injured Zaheer Khan. Ashish Nehra will now lead the pace-attack, which will also have Praveen Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun, while Ashoke Dinda has been left out.
Twenty-year-old IPL star Saurabh Tiwary, who is yet to make his ODI debut, holds on to his spot, while Pragyan Ojha is the most experienced specialist spinner in the squad along with Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ashish Nehra, Pragyan Ojha, Saurabh Tiwary.
While the 28-year-old Yuvraj, will shore up the middle-order yet again, the national selection committee that met at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday, has decided to rest Sachin Tendulkar, Harbhajan Singh and opener Gautam Gambhir for the two-week long tournament.
Sources revealed that the decision was taken after requests from both Tendulkar and Harbhajan and also keeping in mind the upcoming Champions League T20 where they will represent Mumbai Indians. ""I have a few niggles that has been troubling me. I requested the BCCI to rest me for the ODI series," Harbhajan told reporters in Colombo.
The absence of Gambhir will provide Dinesh Karthik to further stake his claim in limited-overs cricket. Virender Sehwag, who suffered an injury during the Asia Cup and missed the latter half of the tournament, will reclaim his opening slot and has been named the vice-captain of the side.
Another player on the comeback trail is Ishant Sharma, who despite his erroneous form in the present Test series has been selected in place of the injured Zaheer Khan. Ashish Nehra will now lead the pace-attack, which will also have Praveen Kumar and Abhimanyu Mithun, while Ashoke Dinda has been left out.
Twenty-year-old IPL star Saurabh Tiwary, who is yet to make his ODI debut, holds on to his spot, while Pragyan Ojha is the most experienced specialist spinner in the squad along with Ravichandran Ashwin and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Virender Sehwag, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, R Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Abhimanyu Mithun, Ashish Nehra, Pragyan Ojha, Saurabh Tiwary.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tendulkar master class keeps India Float
Sachin Tendulkar 48th century lead India's fightback in second test on wednesday Sri Lanka's new-look bowling attack ran through the top order.
India, who lost the opening Test in Galle by 10 wickets to trail 1-0 in the three-match series, need 61 runs more to avoid the embarrassment of a second successive follow-on.
Tendulkar, 37, who has scored more Test runs and centuries than any other batsman in history, stood rock-solid at one end for four hours and 37 minutes to anchor India's revival. He put on 68 for the fourth wicket with VVS Laxman (29) and 141 for the unbroken fifth with debutant Suresh Raina, who ended the day unbeaten on 66.
India, who lost the opening Test in Galle by 10 wickets to trail 1-0 in the three-match series, need 61 runs more to avoid the embarrassment of a second successive follow-on.
Tendulkar, 37, who has scored more Test runs and centuries than any other batsman in history, stood rock-solid at one end for four hours and 37 minutes to anchor India's revival. He put on 68 for the fourth wicket with VVS Laxman (29) and 141 for the unbroken fifth with debutant Suresh Raina, who ended the day unbeaten on 66.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sanga, Mahela SSC toppers
Watching Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene bat together is a sublime experience. They play as if there isn't a worry in the world. Delicate flicks and cuts are played with consummate ease. Gaps are found effortlessly and boundaries almost struck at will. Their running between the wickets is smooth and runs are scored without any fuss. The telepathic understanding of each others' game is clearly noticeable when they bat together.
One such instance was their 193-run partnership for the third wicket against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday. In terms of runs made it pales in comparison to the mammoth 624 they stitched together against South Africa at this venue four years ago or even the 437 against Pakistan in Karachi in February 2009, but in terms of helping establish control over proceedings on the second day it was highly effective and also a joy to watch.
Late in their partnership they ran into each other while completing a single. It was the only jarring note in their 208-minute stand. The rare misunderstanding was dismissed with a hearty laugh by Jayawardene and Sangakkara after the run was completed safely. Nothing, it appears, comes between their camaraderie and it is not often that bowling attacks get to break their partnership cheaply.
On Tuesday, they established their 12th hundred-run partnership in Tests. The Sanga-Mahela show is what has allowed Sri Lanka to bat out opponents regularly and comfortably.
They flourished as a pair only after they became regulars in the Sri Lankan side. In school cricket, Sangakkara and Jayawardene didn't bat together as the former came from Kandy and the latter from Colombo. At the club level they faced each other with Jayawardene playing for the Sinhalese Sports Club and Sangakkara wearing Nondescript Cricket Club colours. Hence there are no stories of them shredding bowling attacks in tandem at the school level or at the junior level. Those who coached Sangakkara in school and at private academies talk about him as a highly talented batsman but his ability to bat for long hours isn't something they noticed when he was younger.
Unlike the case in other teams from sub-continent, there are no tales of disharmony between the two star batsmen. It's good for the team that the predecessor, Jayawardene, has no qualms about playing under the successor as vice-captain. They are almost the same age but rather than having bloated egos they possess the maturity that brings the best out of them.
Jayawardene said that he and Sangakkara have become much more attacking in their approach in recent times and that has helped them tame bowling attacks.
Sri Lankan have had batting giants like Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva and Marvan Attapattu to name a few, but both Sangakkara and Jayawardene have gone ahead. They have a total of 51 centuries between themselves in Tests. Over the first two days of play at the SSC it was largely the finesse of these two, which made viewing a pleasure during sessions when the bat dominated the ball.
Sangakarra took the aggressive approach on the second day. He found boundaries through short extra cover and then past mid-wicket in the first two balls of the day from Abhimanyu Mithun. The Sri Lankan skipper got within touching distance of his double hundred by cracking four boundaries off left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. Shortly Sangakkara reached his seventh double century. Jayawardene, who has six double hundreds against his name, looked well set to add to his tally during his 244-minute stay. But it was not to be.
Sangakkara, first with Tharanha Paranavitana and then with Jayawardene build significant partnerships, while Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera took the total well past 600. Not for the first time, Sri Lanka's batting twins were at the heart of another grand total.
One such instance was their 193-run partnership for the third wicket against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Tuesday. In terms of runs made it pales in comparison to the mammoth 624 they stitched together against South Africa at this venue four years ago or even the 437 against Pakistan in Karachi in February 2009, but in terms of helping establish control over proceedings on the second day it was highly effective and also a joy to watch.
Late in their partnership they ran into each other while completing a single. It was the only jarring note in their 208-minute stand. The rare misunderstanding was dismissed with a hearty laugh by Jayawardene and Sangakkara after the run was completed safely. Nothing, it appears, comes between their camaraderie and it is not often that bowling attacks get to break their partnership cheaply.
On Tuesday, they established their 12th hundred-run partnership in Tests. The Sanga-Mahela show is what has allowed Sri Lanka to bat out opponents regularly and comfortably.
They flourished as a pair only after they became regulars in the Sri Lankan side. In school cricket, Sangakkara and Jayawardene didn't bat together as the former came from Kandy and the latter from Colombo. At the club level they faced each other with Jayawardene playing for the Sinhalese Sports Club and Sangakkara wearing Nondescript Cricket Club colours. Hence there are no stories of them shredding bowling attacks in tandem at the school level or at the junior level. Those who coached Sangakkara in school and at private academies talk about him as a highly talented batsman but his ability to bat for long hours isn't something they noticed when he was younger.
Unlike the case in other teams from sub-continent, there are no tales of disharmony between the two star batsmen. It's good for the team that the predecessor, Jayawardene, has no qualms about playing under the successor as vice-captain. They are almost the same age but rather than having bloated egos they possess the maturity that brings the best out of them.
Jayawardene said that he and Sangakkara have become much more attacking in their approach in recent times and that has helped them tame bowling attacks.
Sri Lankan have had batting giants like Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva and Marvan Attapattu to name a few, but both Sangakkara and Jayawardene have gone ahead. They have a total of 51 centuries between themselves in Tests. Over the first two days of play at the SSC it was largely the finesse of these two, which made viewing a pleasure during sessions when the bat dominated the ball.
Sangakarra took the aggressive approach on the second day. He found boundaries through short extra cover and then past mid-wicket in the first two balls of the day from Abhimanyu Mithun. The Sri Lankan skipper got within touching distance of his double hundred by cracking four boundaries off left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. Shortly Sangakkara reached his seventh double century. Jayawardene, who has six double hundreds against his name, looked well set to add to his tally during his 244-minute stay. But it was not to be.
Sangakkara, first with Tharanha Paranavitana and then with Jayawardene build significant partnerships, while Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera took the total well past 600. Not for the first time, Sri Lanka's batting twins were at the heart of another grand total.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Zimbabwe put Sri lanka to bat
Eliton Chigumbura won the toss in dead rubber but resisted the temptation of trying to bat first and win, something that hasn't been done in tri-series so far.He said,'he would love to chase as they have won only matches in which they have chased'.
Sri lanka was given a good start by its captain Tilakratne Dilshan but after he went to pavalion the lankans were made allout for mere 236 runs
Zimbabwe has to make 237 runs in 50 overs
Sri lanka was given a good start by its captain Tilakratne Dilshan but after he went to pavalion the lankans were made allout for mere 236 runs
Zimbabwe has to make 237 runs in 50 overs
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Briefly cricket
WADA sets time limit for ICC
New Delhi: The WADA on Tuesday gave ICC time till November 2011 to convince its member boards to accept the vexed 'whereabouts' clause. WADA director general David Howman also served a veiled warning to BCCI when he
indicated that India could be barred from participating in this year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, where cricket in the form of Twenty20 would make its debut in the multi-sport extravaganza if the stand-off continues. "It will be Olympic Council of Asia's decision," he said.
SA win despite Sammy's knock
Antigua: South Africa withstood a late West Indies fightback led by Darren Sammy's 58 from 24 balls to prevail by 17 runs in the second one-day international on Monday and take a 2-0 lead in the five match series.
Brief scores: South Africa 300 for 5 in 50 overs (G. Smith 37, H. Amla 92, J Kallis 85, AB de Villiers 41;Taylor 2/50, Pollard 2/39) vs West Indies 283 all out in 48.1 overs (D. Richards 51, D Bravo 74, D Sammy not out 58; Morkel 3/58).
ICC gives Sydney Test clean chit
Melbourne: The ICC has stopped investigating the Australia-Pakistan Sydney Test after finding no evidence of match-fixing, a Cricket Australia spokesman said. "The ICC has replied, saying it has seen no evidence of match-fixing and that there is no current investigation of match-fixing," CA spokesman Peter Young was quoted as saying by The Australian. "Haroon Lorgat has assured James Sutherland that Australia won the match on its merits," Young added.
Afridi to lead in all formats
Lahore: Pakistan on Tuesday named Shahid Afridi captain for next month's Asia Cup and the subsequent full tour of England, opting for a single skipper for all three formats of the game. "Afridi will lead Pakistan in one-day and Test cricket and is our best choice," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt told reporters.
Swann voted best English player
London: Off-spinner Graeme Swann beat competition from his skipper Paul Collingwood among others to clinch the 'England Cricket of the Year' award at Lord's. Selected by the British media, Swann claimed the award beating the likes of Stuart Broad, Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and James Anderson. Swann played 45 matches in all formats of the game, taking 99 wickets at an average of 26.26.
New Delhi: The WADA on Tuesday gave ICC time till November 2011 to convince its member boards to accept the vexed 'whereabouts' clause. WADA director general David Howman also served a veiled warning to BCCI when he
indicated that India could be barred from participating in this year's Asian Games in Guangzhou, where cricket in the form of Twenty20 would make its debut in the multi-sport extravaganza if the stand-off continues. "It will be Olympic Council of Asia's decision," he said.
SA win despite Sammy's knock
Antigua: South Africa withstood a late West Indies fightback led by Darren Sammy's 58 from 24 balls to prevail by 17 runs in the second one-day international on Monday and take a 2-0 lead in the five match series.
Brief scores: South Africa 300 for 5 in 50 overs (G. Smith 37, H. Amla 92, J Kallis 85, AB de Villiers 41;Taylor 2/50, Pollard 2/39) vs West Indies 283 all out in 48.1 overs (D. Richards 51, D Bravo 74, D Sammy not out 58; Morkel 3/58).
ICC gives Sydney Test clean chit
Melbourne: The ICC has stopped investigating the Australia-Pakistan Sydney Test after finding no evidence of match-fixing, a Cricket Australia spokesman said. "The ICC has replied, saying it has seen no evidence of match-fixing and that there is no current investigation of match-fixing," CA spokesman Peter Young was quoted as saying by The Australian. "Haroon Lorgat has assured James Sutherland that Australia won the match on its merits," Young added.
Afridi to lead in all formats
Lahore: Pakistan on Tuesday named Shahid Afridi captain for next month's Asia Cup and the subsequent full tour of England, opting for a single skipper for all three formats of the game. "Afridi will lead Pakistan in one-day and Test cricket and is our best choice," Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt told reporters.
Swann voted best English player
London: Off-spinner Graeme Swann beat competition from his skipper Paul Collingwood among others to clinch the 'England Cricket of the Year' award at Lord's. Selected by the British media, Swann claimed the award beating the likes of Stuart Broad, Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and James Anderson. Swann played 45 matches in all formats of the game, taking 99 wickets at an average of 26.26.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
India tour of Zimbabwe 2010 Cricket Schedule-Fixtures
Just after the twenty20 world cup in Caribbean, India will travel to Zimbabwe for ODI tri-series to be played between India , Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe India and Sri Lanka will tour Zimbabwe for tri-angular series as well as India
The tournament will start with the game against India and Zimbabwe from 28th of May 2010 at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo
In tri-series each team will play with each other twice and the top two teams from the table will move to play the Final of tri-angular series on 9th of June at Harare Sport Club, Harare
The two T20 internationals will be also played at Harare Sport Club on 12th and 13th of June 2010. India last toured the country in 2005 for two Tests and a tri-series, also involving New Zealand
| Timing | Teams | Venue | Results |
| Fri 28 May 13:00 PM | 1st Match – | Queens Sports Club, | |
| Sun 30 May 13:00 PM | 2nd Match – | Queens Sports Club, | |
| Tue 1 Jun 13:00 PM | 3rd Match – | Queens Sports Club, | |
| Thu 3 Jun 13:00 PM | 4th Match – | | |
| Sat 5 Jun 13:00 PM | 5th Match – | | |
| Mon 7 Jun 13:00 PM | 6th Match – | | |
| Wed 9 Jun 13:00 PM | Final – TBC v TBC | | |
| Sat 12 Jun 18:00 PM | 1st T20I – | | |
| Sun 13 Jun 18:00 PM | 2nd T20I – | | |
Jayasuriya to play for Worcestershire in Twenty20 Cup
London: Sri Lanka star Sanath Jayasuriya has agreed to play for Worcestershire for part of the English county's forthcoming Twenty20 campaign.
Jayasuriya will replace Steve Smith at New Road after five matches of the Twenty20 competition as the Australian has been picked for his country's One-Day Internationals in England later this year.
The 40-year-old Sri Lankan all-rounder has played 110 Tests, 444 one-day internationals and 30 international Twenty20 matches and Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes was delighted to snap up such an experienced player.
"Sanath will bring a wealth of experience to the squad during a critical part of the forthcoming campaign," Rhodes said on Tuesday.
"He has gained this experience from playing all around the world including the IPL and the recent World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
"His left-arm spin and powerful batting can only benefit our efforts in this competition and there is no doubt he is still one of the most exciting cricketers in world cricket.
"He is a proven match winner and I have no doubt he will prove to be a great entertainer for our supporters."
The signing is subject to Jayasuriya obtaining clearance from the Sri Lanka Cricket board and a visa.
Jayasuriya will replace Steve Smith at New Road after five matches of the Twenty20 competition as the Australian has been picked for his country's One-Day Internationals in England later this year.
The 40-year-old Sri Lankan all-rounder has played 110 Tests, 444 one-day internationals and 30 international Twenty20 matches and Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes was delighted to snap up such an experienced player.
"Sanath will bring a wealth of experience to the squad during a critical part of the forthcoming campaign," Rhodes said on Tuesday.
"He has gained this experience from playing all around the world including the IPL and the recent World Twenty20 in the West Indies.
"His left-arm spin and powerful batting can only benefit our efforts in this competition and there is no doubt he is still one of the most exciting cricketers in world cricket.
"He is a proven match winner and I have no doubt he will prove to be a great entertainer for our supporters."
The signing is subject to Jayasuriya obtaining clearance from the Sri Lanka Cricket board and a visa.
Afridi named captain for Asia Cup, tour of England
Lahore, May 25(ANI): Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has been named the captain of the national team for the Asia Cup and the tour of England.
Announcing the decision, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt said that Afridi had the confidence of all players during the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, and that was the reason behind him getting the captaincy.
"It is a quality of a captain that he fosters cooperation and good relations among the players while following the rules and regulations of the game. Afridi has done all that," The News quoted Butt, as saying.
Butt further said that the names of the 30 players for the England tour will be announced after the upcoming meeting.
The Asia Cup will be played in Sri Lanka from June 15 to 25, while the series against Australia and England will be played between July and August. (ANI)
Announcing the decision, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt said that Afridi had the confidence of all players during the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, and that was the reason behind him getting the captaincy.
"It is a quality of a captain that he fosters cooperation and good relations among the players while following the rules and regulations of the game. Afridi has done all that," The News quoted Butt, as saying.
Butt further said that the names of the 30 players for the England tour will be announced after the upcoming meeting.
The Asia Cup will be played in Sri Lanka from June 15 to 25, while the series against Australia and England will be played between July and August. (ANI)
New Pakistan Test captain Afridi wants to focus on bowling
Karachi, May 25 (IANS) Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi wants to keep his aggression with the bat aside when he returns to Test cricket after four years.
Afridi, who was Tuesday named as Pakistan captain for the team's upcoming assignments - Asia Cup and the tour of England, said he wants to focus more on his bowling in Test matches.
Pakistan will play two Test matches against Australia and four against England during their three-month long tour of Britain.
The seasoned all-rounder who is better known for his explosive batting said he would like to bat on sixth position in the Tests batting line-up to focus more on his bowling.
'I will focus more on my bowling as I think I can contribute more in this department than batting in the longer version of the game', said Afridi who reversed his self- exile from Test recently.
The all-rounder who last played a Test in 2006 in Manchester made it clear he would not be hesitant to take a U-turn if he fails to shine in this format.
'If I would not be able to perform satisfactorily then I would prefer leaving my place for a youngster,' he said.
He said he returned to Tests because he wanted to help his national team which is in turmoil due to absence of senior players.
'The absence of senior players forced me to rethink my decision to play test cricket,' he said
Afridi, who was Tuesday named as Pakistan captain for the team's upcoming assignments - Asia Cup and the tour of England, said he wants to focus more on his bowling in Test matches.
Pakistan will play two Test matches against Australia and four against England during their three-month long tour of Britain.
The seasoned all-rounder who is better known for his explosive batting said he would like to bat on sixth position in the Tests batting line-up to focus more on his bowling.
'I will focus more on my bowling as I think I can contribute more in this department than batting in the longer version of the game', said Afridi who reversed his self- exile from Test recently.
The all-rounder who last played a Test in 2006 in Manchester made it clear he would not be hesitant to take a U-turn if he fails to shine in this format.
'If I would not be able to perform satisfactorily then I would prefer leaving my place for a youngster,' he said.
He said he returned to Tests because he wanted to help his national team which is in turmoil due to absence of senior players.
'The absence of senior players forced me to rethink my decision to play test cricket,' he said
Akhtar likely to return in Pakistan team
Karachi, May 25 (IANS) Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar is likely to make another return to the national team for the Asia Cup and England tour.
The fast bowler convinced the top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brass with his fitness while performing in the last month's Pentangular Cup One-Day cricket tournament.
According to sources, the selection committee headed by former Test cricketer Mohsin Hasan Khan is considering the pacer for team's assignments later this summer.
Pakistan will take part in Asia Cup in Sri Lanka starting from June 15 before leaving for tour of England where the team will play against the home team and Australia.
Shoaib, who has not represented Pakistan since May 2009, returned to action in last month's domestic tournament where he impressed the selectors with his pace.
Following a knee surgery last year, the 'Rawalpindi Express' also underwent liposuction in November to remove excess weight from his body.
Akhtar said he has regained his fitness and can serve Pakistan for few more years.
Moreover, Shahid Afridi who will lead the side in England also wants the pacer in the side for upcoming tour of England where his side faces a stiff competition.
Sources say Afridi feels that the fast bowler could be a worthy inclusion in the team in tough English conditions where he holds a very good record.
Salahuddin Ahmed, Pakistan former chief selector has endorsed the idea saying a fit Shoaib is still an asset for Pakistan.
'If Shoaib Akhtar is fit he can prove fatal for opposition especially in English conditions, the team needs him for the tour,' he said.
The fast bowler convinced the top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brass with his fitness while performing in the last month's Pentangular Cup One-Day cricket tournament.
According to sources, the selection committee headed by former Test cricketer Mohsin Hasan Khan is considering the pacer for team's assignments later this summer.
Pakistan will take part in Asia Cup in Sri Lanka starting from June 15 before leaving for tour of England where the team will play against the home team and Australia.
Shoaib, who has not represented Pakistan since May 2009, returned to action in last month's domestic tournament where he impressed the selectors with his pace.
Following a knee surgery last year, the 'Rawalpindi Express' also underwent liposuction in November to remove excess weight from his body.
Akhtar said he has regained his fitness and can serve Pakistan for few more years.
Moreover, Shahid Afridi who will lead the side in England also wants the pacer in the side for upcoming tour of England where his side faces a stiff competition.
Sources say Afridi feels that the fast bowler could be a worthy inclusion in the team in tough English conditions where he holds a very good record.
Salahuddin Ahmed, Pakistan former chief selector has endorsed the idea saying a fit Shoaib is still an asset for Pakistan.
'If Shoaib Akhtar is fit he can prove fatal for opposition especially in English conditions, the team needs him for the tour,' he said.
Monday, May 24, 2010
1ST ODI: WI vs SA Statistical Highlights
West Indies won the toss and inserted the opposition in this game providing the 186th occasion of West Indies doing so in ODIs. West Indies lost this game after inserting the opposition providing the 78th occasion of West Indies losing a game after it has inserted the opposition. West Indies has lost nine games after inserting South Africa which includes this game.
HM Amla and AB de Villiers scored 102 runs each in this game providing the 1062 and 1063rd occasion of a batsman scoring a century in one day games. Their hundreds provide the 92nd and 93rd occasion of South African batsman scoring hundreds in one day games.
With HM Amla and AB de Villiers scoring hundreds in this game the number of hundreds scored by South African batsmen against West Indies stood at 14.
HM Amla's 102 and AB de Villiers's 102 in this game provides the 84th occasion of two batsmen scoring hundreds in the same innings in one day games. Their feat in this game represents the sixth occasion of South African batsmen performing such a feat in one day games. The six occasions are - DJ Cullinan (124) and JN Rhodes (121) vs Pakistan at Nairobi (Gym) on 29.09.96, G Kirsten (115) and HH. Gibbs (111) vs India at Kochi on 09.03.00, G Kirsten (124) and ND McKenzie (131*) vs Kenya at Cape Town on 22.10.01, HH Gibbs (102) and AB de Villiers (103*) vs Pakistan at Lahore on 18.10.07, JH Kallis (104*) and AB de Villiers (102*) vs India at Ahmedabad on 27.02.10 and HM Amla (102) and AB de Villiers (102) vs West Indies at North Sound on 22.05.10.
It is interesting to note that there are only two occasions of two batsmen scoring hundreds in an innings against West Indies in one day games. Apart from the South African batsmen's feat in this game, England batsman - AJ Strauss (100) and A Flintoff (123) had made hundreds at Lord's on 06.07.04.
HM Amla's 102 represents his second one day hundred and AB de Villiers's 102 represents his eighth one day hundred.
Clarke retained as Australia's Twenty20 captain
Melbourne, May 24 (ANI): Michael Clarke has been retained as Australia's Twenty20 captain after his tenure was under review over his poor batting in the shortest version of the game, Clarke was named skipper when the two limited-overs squads were announced today for matches against Pakistan and England in Britain.
Clarke will need to show a marked improvement in his batting at the T20 level if he is to retain the post beyond the two T20 matches against Pakistan, The Herald Sun reports.
The one-day squad named today is the one, which won the ODI series in New Zealand earlier this year, except that Shaun Marsh has recovered from injury and returns to the side in place of Adam Voges.
Twenty20 Squad: Michael Clarke (Captain), Cameron White (Vice-captain), Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Dirk Nannes, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner and Shane Watson.
Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in second Twenty 20
Melbourne, May 24 (ANI): Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second Twenty20 cricket international played in the United States.
New Zealand could not defend their inadequate target of 81 runs on a poor batting surface at Lauderhill in Florida as Sri Lanka cruised to victory in the 16th over.
Tillakaratne Dilshan led the way for Sri Lanka with a fine 33 not out off 49 balls while Thissara Perera made 24 off 17, The Age reports.
New Zealand, who won the first match in the two-match series by 28 runs on Sunday, were struggling on a low, slow and inconsistent pitch.
They could make just 81 runs off 17.3 overs after being bowled by seamers Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga and spinner Ajantha Mendis.
Kulasekara was reduced New Zealand to 13 for five inside the opening five overs as their top order collapsed.
He finished with the outstanding figures of three for four off three overs before Malinga collected three for 12 and Mendis two for 19.
Only two New Zealand batsmen reached double figures, with Nathan McCullum topscoring with an unbeaten 36 off 39 balls and skipper Daniel Vettori making 27 off 24
BCCI puts Team India sponsorship up for grabs
With its deal with Sahara coming to an end next month, the BCCI on Monday invited bids from companies through a tender notice for sponsoring four Indian squads, including the much sought-after men's outfit.
The tender notice, issued by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan, called for firms to bid for sponsorship of the men's, women's, India A and India under 19 teams, indicating the documents would be available from May 24 for a non-refundable payment of Rs 5 lakh.
It said all bidders need to fulfill the eligibility criteria set up by the Board as well as other requirements as mentioned in the bid document.
Submission of the bids also has to be done as per conditions outlined, the Board also reserved its rights "to cancel or amend the entire bidding process at any stage and to reject any and/or all bids without providing any reasons, including calling for a re-tender."
BCCI's deal with existing sponsors Sahara is set to come to a close next month.
Sahara, which has supported the Indian team for several years as its main sponsor, recently bid successfully for the new Pune IPL franchise for a staggering Rs 1700 crore.
Sahara will review its sponsorship to the Indian cricket team, Group chief Subroto Roy had said after winning the IPL franchise bid on March 23.
Sahara had bagged the sponsorship for the Indian cricket team for Rs 400 crore for a four-year period ending December 2009, and had agreed to continue for six more months as BCCI could not find any sponsors.
"No, it will not. Only thing we will see is our continuation of sponsorship to the Indian cricket team. We will sit on that and we will discuss on that. But on all other sports nothing will be affected," Roy had said on the impact of the Group's aggressive bidding to acquire the IPL's Pune franchise.
Asserting that the Group, which is also sponsoring the Indian hockey team, would seriously consider (limiting) exposure to the BCCI and the women's cricket, he said then that the Group "will take a conscious decision about it."
The tender notice, issued by BCCI secretary N Srinivasan, called for firms to bid for sponsorship of the men's, women's, India A and India under 19 teams, indicating the documents would be available from May 24 for a non-refundable payment of Rs 5 lakh.
It said all bidders need to fulfill the eligibility criteria set up by the Board as well as other requirements as mentioned in the bid document.
Submission of the bids also has to be done as per conditions outlined, the Board also reserved its rights "to cancel or amend the entire bidding process at any stage and to reject any and/or all bids without providing any reasons, including calling for a re-tender."
BCCI's deal with existing sponsors Sahara is set to come to a close next month.
Sahara, which has supported the Indian team for several years as its main sponsor, recently bid successfully for the new Pune IPL franchise for a staggering Rs 1700 crore.
Sahara will review its sponsorship to the Indian cricket team, Group chief Subroto Roy had said after winning the IPL franchise bid on March 23.
Sahara had bagged the sponsorship for the Indian cricket team for Rs 400 crore for a four-year period ending December 2009, and had agreed to continue for six more months as BCCI could not find any sponsors.
"No, it will not. Only thing we will see is our continuation of sponsorship to the Indian cricket team. We will sit on that and we will discuss on that. But on all other sports nothing will be affected," Roy had said on the impact of the Group's aggressive bidding to acquire the IPL's Pune franchise.
Asserting that the Group, which is also sponsoring the Indian hockey team, would seriously consider (limiting) exposure to the BCCI and the women's cricket, he said then that the Group "will take a conscious decision about it."
Marsh back for ODIs, Clarke captain of Twenty20
Opener Shaun Marsh has been selected in the Australia one-day international squad after recovering from injury while Michael Clarke will continue as captain of the Twenty20 side in matches against England and Pakistan over the next two months.
Marsh replaced fellow Western Australian Adam Voges while Clarke is in a 14-man squad which is the same, minus second wicketkeeper Tim Paine, as the one which lost the world Twenty20 title to England in the West Indies this month.
Australia is playing two tests and two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan in England due to security concerns in Pakistan. That series will be preceded by five one-day matches against England.
"Australia has made great progress in Twenty20 cricket in the last 12 months, winning an extremely high percentage of our games and of course being the only undefeated side in the tournament until the final," Australia selectors' chairman Andrew Hilditch said Monday.
Australia opens its tour on June 17 with a limited-overs match against Ireland at Clontarf. It then plays English county side Middlesex at Lord's on June 19 in a one-day tour match, followed by five one-day matches against England _ June 22 at the Rose Bowl, June 24 at Cardiff, June 27 at Old Trafford, June 30 at The Oval and July 3 at Lord's.
The Pakistan series begins with Twenty20 matches on July 5 and 6 at Edgbaston, followed by a two-day tour match July 8-9 against Derbyshire. Australia plays tests against Pakistan beginning July 13 at Lord's and July 21 at Headingley.
___
One-day squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Twenty20 squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White (vice captain), Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Dirk Nannes, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Marsh replaced fellow Western Australian Adam Voges while Clarke is in a 14-man squad which is the same, minus second wicketkeeper Tim Paine, as the one which lost the world Twenty20 title to England in the West Indies this month.
Australia is playing two tests and two Twenty20 matches against Pakistan in England due to security concerns in Pakistan. That series will be preceded by five one-day matches against England.
"Australia has made great progress in Twenty20 cricket in the last 12 months, winning an extremely high percentage of our games and of course being the only undefeated side in the tournament until the final," Australia selectors' chairman Andrew Hilditch said Monday.
Australia opens its tour on June 17 with a limited-overs match against Ireland at Clontarf. It then plays English county side Middlesex at Lord's on June 19 in a one-day tour match, followed by five one-day matches against England _ June 22 at the Rose Bowl, June 24 at Cardiff, June 27 at Old Trafford, June 30 at The Oval and July 3 at Lord's.
The Pakistan series begins with Twenty20 matches on July 5 and 6 at Edgbaston, followed by a two-day tour match July 8-9 against Derbyshire. Australia plays tests against Pakistan beginning July 13 at Lord's and July 21 at Headingley.
___
One-day squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Nathan Hauritz, Ryan Harris, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Steve Smith, Shane Watson, Cameron White.
Twenty20 squad: Michael Clarke (captain), Cameron White (vice captain), Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Dirk Nannes, Steven Smith, Shaun Tait, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
South Africa thrash Windies by 66 runs in ODI
ORTH SOUND, Antigua (Reuters) - South Africa eased to a 66-run victory over West Indies thanks to centuries by Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers and some aggressive bowling in the first one-day international on Saturday.
West Indies' batsmen wilted to 215 all out from 44.1 overs as they chased the tourists' total of 280-7 from 48 overs which was powered by Amla and de Villiers who both scored 102.
Amla registered his second career ODI century while de Villiers struck his third ODI ton on the trot as they put on 129 for the third wicket to lay the foundation for a big total.
Amla struck eight fours at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds from 109 deliveries while de Villiers hit five fours and two sixes off 101 balls.
All-rounder Dwayne Bravo bowled with control to finish with figures of three for 40 from 10 overs.
In the run chase Chris Gayle top scored for the hosts with 45 from 39 balls including eight powerful fours while Kieron Pollard blasted 44 from 37 deliveries with five fours and a six.
Their efforts were not nearly adequate enough to threaten South Africa's total as lanky pacer Morne Morkel captured three for 40 from eight overs. He was supported by Dale Steyn and Ryan McLaren (both two for 37) and Johan Botha (two for 47).
The second game in the five-match series will take place on Monday at the same venue before the teams move to Dominica for a double header and Jamaica for the final game.
Afridi no automatic choice for ODI captaincy: Butt
Karachi: Pakistan Cricket Board is yet to decide on the ODI captaincy and Shahid Afridi is not the automatic choice to lead the national side in next month's Asia Cup, chairman Ejaz Butt said on Saturday.
Afridi, current Twenty20 captain, was being tipped to lead Pakistan in the June 15-25 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka but Butt said a decision would be taken on May 25.
"We will announce the captain for the Asia Cup on May 25 after a meeting of the selection committee. Until now we have not decided or discussed any names as yet for the captaincy, Butt said.
Butt said the captaincy issue would be decided after taking into account report of the manager and coach on the performance of the team in the recent ICC World Twenty20.
He said the selectors had been told to finalise a list of 30 players for the Asia Cup and a full tour of England this summer.
Sources said the 30 players would be asked to attend a conditioning camp before the final squads are announced for the Asia Cup and England tour.
Chief selector Mohsin Khan also made it clear that nothing has been decided as yet on the captaincy or selection of players.
"We will only meet on May 25 with the Board chairman to take these decisions," he said.
The governing board the PCB has also been called for a meeting on May 23 in which the performance of team in the ICC World Twenty20 and other issues would be discussed.
"The concept of having two separate captains or one captain for the coming one-day and Test matches will be discussed at this meeting," one source said. Opener Salman Butt is being tipped to be named captain of the Test side.
Afridi, current Twenty20 captain, was being tipped to lead Pakistan in the June 15-25 Asia Cup in Sri Lanka but Butt said a decision would be taken on May 25.
"We will announce the captain for the Asia Cup on May 25 after a meeting of the selection committee. Until now we have not decided or discussed any names as yet for the captaincy, Butt said.
Butt said the captaincy issue would be decided after taking into account report of the manager and coach on the performance of the team in the recent ICC World Twenty20.
He said the selectors had been told to finalise a list of 30 players for the Asia Cup and a full tour of England this summer.
Sources said the 30 players would be asked to attend a conditioning camp before the final squads are announced for the Asia Cup and England tour.
Chief selector Mohsin Khan also made it clear that nothing has been decided as yet on the captaincy or selection of players.
"We will only meet on May 25 with the Board chairman to take these decisions," he said.
The governing board the PCB has also been called for a meeting on May 23 in which the performance of team in the ICC World Twenty20 and other issues would be discussed.
"The concept of having two separate captains or one captain for the coming one-day and Test matches will be discussed at this meeting," one source said. Opener Salman Butt is being tipped to be named captain of the Test side.
Younus wants his appeal to be heard on camera: Qayyum
Karachi: Younus Khan wants his appeal to be heard in front of the media even though appeals judge Irfan Qadir on Saturday said that other Pakistani players, facing PCB bans and fines, were in favour of a closed door hearing.
Abdul Qayyum, the legal advisor of Younus, who is serving an indefinite ban imposed by the cricket board, today said his client''s appeal was a separate one and has nothing to do with pleas of other players.
"These are separate appeals and Younus's appeal has nothing to do with the others. If the other players don't want their hearings on camera fine but Younus wants his hearing before the media as we feel there is no ground for the ban to be enforced on him and he has nothing to hide from anyone," Qayyum said.
Justice (retd) Qadir, hearing the appeals of six cricketers against their bans and fines imposed in March by the PCB, had earlier today said that players didn't want their hearings to be made open to the media as they thought it would result in more controversies and scandals.
"I personally feel there is no need to conceal anything but the players felt that if the hearings are on camera than they will be further scandalised," Qadir said.
Meanwhile, the legal advisor of the Pakistan board Talib Rizvi, has said that players were afraid of an open hearing because they didn't want their names to be further spoilt and entangled in controversies.
"We ourselves are keen to dispose of these appeals as soon as possible because we want to clear this wrong impression of the players in the eyes of the public," Talib said.
The PCB lawyer added that the board wants the appeals issue to be settled soon so that the players can concentrate on their cricket.
Abdul Qayyum, the legal advisor of Younus, who is serving an indefinite ban imposed by the cricket board, today said his client''s appeal was a separate one and has nothing to do with pleas of other players.
"These are separate appeals and Younus's appeal has nothing to do with the others. If the other players don't want their hearings on camera fine but Younus wants his hearing before the media as we feel there is no ground for the ban to be enforced on him and he has nothing to hide from anyone," Qayyum said.
Justice (retd) Qadir, hearing the appeals of six cricketers against their bans and fines imposed in March by the PCB, had earlier today said that players didn't want their hearings to be made open to the media as they thought it would result in more controversies and scandals.
"I personally feel there is no need to conceal anything but the players felt that if the hearings are on camera than they will be further scandalised," Qadir said.
Meanwhile, the legal advisor of the Pakistan board Talib Rizvi, has said that players were afraid of an open hearing because they didn't want their names to be further spoilt and entangled in controversies.
"We ourselves are keen to dispose of these appeals as soon as possible because we want to clear this wrong impression of the players in the eyes of the public," Talib said.
The PCB lawyer added that the board wants the appeals issue to be settled soon so that the players can concentrate on their cricket.
Twenty20 international spices up Florida suburb
LAUDERHILL, Florida (Reuters) - With the smell of Jamaican jerk chicken and Indian biryani wafting through stands, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 28 runs in the first official international between two test playing nations in the United States.
The Twenty20 match on Saturday provided an unusual sporting atmosphere for the suburbs of Fort Lauderdale, the flags and shirts in the crowd revealing supporters from Indian, Pakistani, English, South African and Caribbean backgrounds.
"It was nice to see so many Sri Lankans here, I know they have flown down from many different places in the States, unfortunately we couldn't do them justice with our performance here," said Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara.
The only element that would have jarred with supporters well used to watching cricket on television was scantily-clad cheerleaders entering the field of play, dancing at third man while the bowler was at his mark.
But there was no complaints from the fans, including a noisy contingent of Sri Lankans who had travelled down from the northern part of the United States.
"It's fantastic to see the team playing here in the States and to see people enjoying cricket," said Adusha Kotuwegoda from New York.
'SUB-CONTINENT FEEL'
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori felt the event had been a success.
"Obviously with a lot of Sri Lankans here it had a kind of sub-continent feel but it was a crowd that was entertained.
"I thought the entertainment off the field was good for the game and whilst it wasn't as high scoring as people wanted it was still a thrilling game," he said.
A slow and low surface and large field at the only ICC certified cricket stadium in the United States meant the crowd got to see few boundaries, with just two sixes and 13 fours.
New Zealand made 120 with Ross Taylor striking 27 and skipper Daniel Vettori a crucial 21 not out at the back end of the innings.
Sri Lanka never really got going in reply with New Zealand seamer Kyle Mills removing openers Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan cheaply.
Angelo Mathews top scored for Sri Lanka with 27 as they stumbled to 92 all out with two balls remaining, Scott Styris taking three wickets 10 ten runs in three overs.
The two teams meet again on Sunday at the same venue with a bigger crowd expected for a double-header featuring a clash between the United States and Jamaica.
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