PCB hoping Oval Test result to be changed
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is optimistic that result of the controversial Oval Test in 2006 against England will be changed during the International Cricket Council's (ICC) meeting that began in Dubai Sunday.
The Oval match was officially awarded as a forfeit to England after a ball-tampering row marred the match. Pakistan since have been fiercely pursuing ICC to change the result to either drawn or abandoned.
PCB said they are hopeful of a positive response this time as they have the support of England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
'We want the result to be changed on the basis of the fact that the ball tampering charges were not proved,' Shafqat Naghmi, PCB's chief operating officer was quoted as saying in The News.
'Our case is even backed by England,' said Naghmi stressing that ECB has made it clear that they would support Pakistan's demand when the issue comes for discussion in ICC's chief executive's meeting in Dubai.
'England were declared winners in that Test but they've told us that they don't believe it was fair. They would rather have the Test declared drawn or abandoned,' Naghmi said.
England were declared winners of the Test - the last of a four-match series - after Pakistan forfeited the match on the fourth day in protest over umpire Darrell Hair's decision to penalise them for alleged ball tampering, resulting it to be the first forfeited result in Test cricket's century-old history.
Pakistan had refused to take the field after tea once Hair had awarded England five penalty runs in their second innings for alleged ball tampering.
The issue escalated into a major row, with the ICC eventually dropping the ball tampering charges against Pakistan but suspending the then captain Inzamam-ul-Haq for four matches for misconduct.
The ICC later sacked Hair but allowed the controversial Australian official to resume his international career earlier this summer.
'We are hoping that the ICC will agree to our request and change the result of that match,' Naghmi said.
India tour bails out Sri Lankan board
India`s upcoming Test and One-day tour of Sri Lanka has helped the cash-starved local cricket board wipe out its debts, an official said on Sunday.
"We paid off our 600 million rupee (six-million dollar) bank overdraft after getting an advance payment from television rights sold for the Indian tour," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) media manager Shane Fernando said.
Fernando declined to reveal details, but local media reported that the Dubai-based Ten Sports, which holds the television rights for the tour, paid 50 percent of the $15.2 million agreed for the tour.
India will play three Tests and five One-Day Internationals during the six-week visit, with the first Test starting on July 23.
India, with its vast cricket-crazy television audiences, is the commercial superpower of the sport contributing almost 70 percent of the game`s worldwide revenues.
"India`s biggest passion is cricket. It`s an advertiser`s dream market," said Jude de Valliere of the Colombo-based Right Angle Sports Marketing. "Any brand that associates itself with cricket is assured of a good return. Less affluent countries like Sri Lanka are not ashamed to cash in on India`s financial muscle."
Sri Lankan cricket was not been short of sponsors after the island won its only World Cup under Arjuna Ranatunga`s captaincy in 1996, but income has been running dry in recent times.
A major portion of the money that Sri Lanka Cricket, now headed by Ranatunga himself, earns these days is through sale of television rights to home internationals.
The SLC lost $11 million when South Africa pulled out of a triangular One-day series in August 2006 after a bomb blast near the team hotel in Colombo.
India, the third team in the tri-series, stayed back to play One-day matches against Sri Lanka, but rain wiped out the hastily-arranged series.
Tiff with Lawson leads to media boycott
Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson got into an altercation with local media after Pakistan lost their Asia Cup Super Four match against Sri Lanka by 64-runs.
Lawson`s press conference was boycotted by the local media with the Indians also following them after the Australian passed some remarks which were perceived as insulting by the reporters.
"Before we start, let us have some ground rules. Don`t make statements, ask questions and I will only answer sensible questions," Lawson said at the outset.
This led to a local journalist asking him if he would be dictating the press what to do to which Lawson remarked "your English is not very good", which only aggravated the situation.
Lawson was also heard telling another journalist that he was being rude and finally local media walked off from the press conference and Lawson was booed while waiting for the lift to go down to the dressing room.
The local medal had been unsparing in asking some questions over the selection matters and performance of the team. Malik also had unsavoury exchanges with the media two days back.
Mahmood Hails Fit-Again Flintoff
Sajid Mahmood endorsed Andrew Flintoff's England Test credentials despite outshining the injury-plagued all-rounder on his County Championship comeback for Lancashire.
Mahmood yesterday took five for 76 against Sussex as both sides suffered batting collapses on the first day at Hove but still clearly believes his team-mate is ready to go back on England duty again.
Flintoff, after a handful of Twenty20 Cup cameos for Lancashire, started his first LV County Championship match since a thigh injury in early May, and managed 15 overs which yielded 43 runs but no wickets.
England's squad for the next Test series against South Africa will be announced on Thursday and the all-rounder, who took an easy catch, will now be looking to shine with the bat today, ready to go in next wicket down after his side ended the first day on 67 for four.
But Bolton-born fast bowler Mahmood, who won eight England Test caps in 2006 and 2007, modestly brushed off praise for his own performance in Sussex's total of 253 to recommend Flintoff to the national selectors.
He said: "All the boys bowled pretty well as a unit and we did well to keep Sussex down to that score on a wicket like that. It was flat and slow and didn't give us any help after they won the toss.
"But I'm very happy to end up with five wickets on the day, and Freddie bowled quick and aggressively and was hitting an area consistently. He's quite economical as well and an asset to any team.
"I'm not sure whether he's at 100% again yet but he looked pretty strong to me and I know he's pleased with how he went."
Mahmood was never going to publicly agree with the suggestion that much of his success on the day was due to a poor selection of shots by the Sussex batsman, although he admitted: "I didn't have anything like the rhythm that I've had when taking five wickets here a few times before."
Sussex opener Chris Nash was ludicrously run out, skipper Chris Adams dragged one on to his stumps and even top-scorer Robin Martin-Jenkins gave his wicket away cheaply after an impressive 70, attempting an outrageous pull shot to South African Francois du Plessis' overpitched ball which bowled him.
Wickets continued to tumble when Lancashire replied, Jason Lewry removing Paul Horton and Mal Loye in successive balls and Du Plessis going cheaply before a brilliant Carl Hopkinson catch saw off Lou Vincent for 38.
Watson ton as Aussie maul Windies
Shane Watson notched his maiden international century as Australia crushed the West Indies by seven wickets in the third ODI in Grenada.
The win provided Australia with an unassailable 3-0 lead in the best-of-five limited overs series, making dead rubbers of the final two matches in St Kitts, scheduled for later this week.
Save for Fidel Edwards' early dismissal of Shaun Marsh for a duck, the hosts never seemed close to defending their total of 223.
Watson and Ricky Ponting posted a 190-run stand, the highest ever limited overs second-wicket partnership by an Australian pair in the Caribbean, as the tourists rolled to 227 for three in 40.3 overs.
Watson's innings of 126 from 122 deliveries was his first century in any form of international cricket, and came more than six years after his one-day debut for Australia.
The Queensland all-rounder has suffered a horrendous run of injuries over the course of his career, and was only called into the Australian squad as a late replacement for Matthew Hayden.
Watson raised his century with a boundary through mid-wicket off the bowling of Chris Gayle.
He was embraced by his capatin, Ponting, who was eventually dismissed by Gayle for 69, though not before he had steered Australia to the cusp of a commanding victory.
On a slow pitch, Watson displayed patience and poise in the early stages of his innings before accelerating later.
The right-hander was particularly damaging square of the wicket, striking sixes over mid-wicket and wide long-on during his career-best innings. Watson was removed attempting to paddle Darren Sammy down the leg side in the 37th over.
The home supporters were left disappointed by another underwhelming performance from the West Indian team.
Among the hosts' bowlers, only Edwards and Dwayne Bravo threatened for extended periods, and the Windies' energy levels in the field appeared to be lacking, as evidenced by a number of dropped catches and misfields throughout the Australian innings.
Kallis in Proteas injury scare
Jacques Kallis gave South Africa an injury scare after helping the Proteas to dominate the opening day of their tour of England.
Against a depleted Somerset at Taunton, Kallis had reached an impressive 152 when he attempted to hook a delivery from former England paceman Andrew Caddick and was struck on the elbow.
He looked in pain and received lengthy treatment out in the middle from South African physio Shane Jabaar.
Kallis briefly continued his innings and flayed the next two short-pitched balls from Caddick for four before retiring hurt on 160 made from 157 balls with 23 fours and two sixes.
A South Africa spokesman said: "There is bruising around the elbow and Jacques has an ice-pack on it but we are not worried and there is no structural damage."
It was the only downside for South Africa as Kallis and opener Hashim Amla had entertained a near capacity crowd by torturing the Somerset bowlers.
Opener Amla achieved the highest individual score for the Proteas in 13 meetings with the LV County Championsip Division One leaders - 172 - as he surpassed the 157 by Sibley Snooke at Bath in 1907.
Then Kallis continued in the same vein during a partnership of 216 in 43 overs with 25-year-old Amla as South Africa reached 455 for three from 90 overs by the close.
Amla, who is on his first senior tour of this country, had been circumspect during the early part of his innings, taking 19 balls to get off the mark.
But he then flourished against an attack lacking first team bowlers Charl Willoughby, Ben Phillips, Alfonso Thomas and Ian Blackwell.
He reached his century with an onslaught shortly after lunch against spinner Michael Munday. Amla lofted him over wide long on for six and then picked up boundaries from the next three deliveries to go to his 100.
Kallis has often been a major thorn in England's side and he was also looking in ominous form before being forced out of the action by Caddick.
It was an encouraging if not exactly taxing start to South Africa's preparations for the first Test with England on July 10 in the first of two warm-up games.
They fielded nine of their expected Test side with only injured skipper Grame Smith and rested paceman Dale Steyn not involved.
The England selectors may have hoped that the championship pace-setters would have given South Africa more of a searching examination.
In addition to the bowling quartet, Somerset skipper Justin Langer and opener Marcus Trescothick were rested.
And it was only veteran and stand-in captain Caddick who posed any sort of threat to the South African batsman.
The 39-year-old, playing his third first-class match of the season, was looking to gain match fitness after recovering from a back problem and picked up the two wickets of the three wickets to fall.
Caddick could not have made a better start and struck with the first ball of the match to dismiss Neil McKenzie lbw after South Africa had elected to bat.
But bat dominated ball after that with Amla and Jean-Paul Duminy adding 146 in 30 overs.
Caddick struck again when Duminy (64) flicked at a leg-side delivery during his first over of the afternoon session and was caught by wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter.
Caddick looked more impressive during his third spell of nine overs immediately after the resumption and worked up a good rhythm. But the remainder of the bowlers were easy pickings for Amla and Kallis.
It needed a run-out to break up the pair with Amla run out by Zander De Bruyn's throw from backward point after striking 22 fours and one six in his 217-ball innings.
Sri Lanka win Pakistan clash
Ajantha Mendis took four wickets and Kumar Sangakkara carved a meticulous century as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 64 runs.
Mendis (4-47) foxed the home batsmen, who were facing him for the first time, with his neat variation as Pakistan were restricted to 238 for nine in reply to Sri Lanka's 302 for seven.
The Sri Lankan total included Sangakkara's ninth hundred and came despite left-arm paceman Sohail Tanvir taking a career-best 5-48.
Sangakkara, who struck ten fours and a six, shared a third-wicket stand of 88 with Chamara Kapugedera (43) and added 93 for the fourth wicket with Chamara Silva (46) to put the unbeaten Sri Lankans on the road to a commanding total.
In reply for Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq played a gallant knock of 76 from 70 balls, his highest one-day score to give some hope to Pakistan but Mendis, who took 5-22 in the previous game against the United Arab Emirates, was virtually unplayable.
Misbah shared a 66-run stand from 64 balls for the seventh wicket with wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed (19) before being bowled by Mendis in the 47th over.
The other productive partnership came from captain Shoaib Malik (52) and Younis Khan (47) who put on 72 after opener Salman Butt was bowled first ball of the innings by Chaminda Vaas playing across the line.
Malik, who opened the innings, batted patiently for 79 balls as Pakistan struggled to force the pace, losing three key wickets in the space of 4.5 overs to suffer a middle order slump that left them on 153 for six.
Younis was caught at wide mid-on by Muralitharan trying to pull paceman Nuwan Kulasekera having hit seven fours in his 60-ball knock.
Mendis was introduced into the attack in the 24th over and it was clear the batsmen were not picking him even on the flat pitch as he bowled a mixture of off-spinners, leg spinners and sliders.
He trapped Mohammad Yousuf (19) leg before in the 26th over with a straight one and then had Malik stumped to leave Pakistan on 133 for five.
Sanath Jayasuriya struck in the next over having all-rounder Shahid Afridi caught at long off by substitute Jehan Mubarak for a first ball duck.
Debutant Mansoor Amjad was trapped leg before by Mendis for five.
The defeat made Pakistan's task of qualifying for the final more difficult from the four-team super league stage.
India and Sri Lanka have won both their opening games in the super league stage while Pakistan and Bangladesh have each played one match and lost one. Pakistan play India in the next game of the tournament in Karachi on Wednesday.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Pakistan taking on Sri Lanka Today in Asia Cup
In the first game of Super Four leg between India and Bandledesh, India chased the target with run rate of 6.55 runs per over. Raina hammered 116 runs with three sixers and 11 boundaries. He was followed by Gambhir who smashed 90 runs out of 84 balls with one sixer and ten fours.
Gautam Gambhir and Suresh Raina kept piling up the runs from the generosity of Bangladesh 's fielders.
Earlier, Bangladesh scored 283 on the loss of six wickets.
The specialty of Bangladesh batting was Alok who smacked 115 runs on 96 balls with five excellent sixes and ten boundaries, thus, becoming the first batsman to have hit a hundred against India in ODI cricket.
He added 112 runs in sixth-wicket partnership with Mahmudulla, which is also an Asia Cup record for this wicket. The previous record was 103, set by Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya and Tillekeratne Dilshan also against India, at Colombo in 2004.
In the second match of Super Four Leg Pakistan playing aganist defending champions Srilanka, Sri lankan team already won their both group matches.
In today’s fixture Pakistan would be using Abdul Rauf in place of injured Pace bowler Umer Gul as Asia Cup technical committee allowed Pakistan team management to use other option in place of injured pacer.
While according to Pakistan teams' coach Jeff Lawson, Pakistan is planning to use Left arm fast bowler, Wahab Riaz, he has played four one day international.
Pathan`s fitness still matter of concern
Paceman Irfan Pathan`s fitness continues to be a matter of concern for Indian team with the bowler`s participation being uncertain for the remainder of the Asia Cup tournament here.
Pathan, who has as yet not played in any of the three games won by India as he is suffering from a side strain problem, on Saturday trained outside the National Stadium at an adjacent ground and appeared to be in some discomfort after doing different drills to test out his fitness.
Indian team officials, however, insisted Pathan was recovering and was being rested to safeguard his long term future.
Pathan also told some reporters after the training session with the team physiotherapist that he was feeling better.
Pathan has a gap of three days to make a complete recovery as India`s next game is now on Wednesday against Pakistan and then against Sri Lanka on Thursday in the super league of the tournament.
The ground was surrounded by security police officials as Pathan did his drills highlighting the fact that the organisers are taking no chances with the security of the Indian team.
Ponting fined for dissent
Ricky Ponting has been fined 30 percent of his match fee for dissent during the second one-dayer win over hosts West Indies.
An International Cricket Council statement said the Australian skipper appeared to make a comment to the umpire after he had turned down a caught-behind appeal against Patrick Browne.
Although Ponting pleaded not guilty at the post-match hearing, ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama punished the player after viewing video footage of the incident.
Australia won the rain-hit game in Grenada by 63 runs, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Pietersen Targets Batting Improvement
England's stand-in captain Kevin Pietersen attributed their defeat to New Zealand in the NatWest Series to poor batting performances.
In the fifth and final match at Lord's the tourists won by 51 runs, having posted 266-5 thanks to a late blasts of 87 not out from Scott Styris and 52 from Jacob Oram.
England slipped to 138 for six in the 35th over and only Owais Shah (69) made a significant contribution as the team were bowled out in the 48th over - meaning a 3-1 series defeat.
Pietersen said: "I think the batting was what let us down and is what has let us down since Durham (when England won by 114 runs).
"You can't afford to get 20, 30 and 40s - they don't win series. Hundreds win series.
"Consistency is the word we are after. We played so well in Twenty20 (England won by nine wickets) and the first one-dayer and then our batting let us down.
"That is where we need to look at a few things. We have got ourselves into positions to win things but have let ourselves down a bit on the batting side."
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori admitted that after a tough Test series the players had to dig deep having found themselves in trouble in the third one-day international at Bristol before going on to win the match by 22 runs to turn the series on its head.
He said: "There was a lot of soul searching, a lot of talking among the team and asking individuals to stand up and be counted.
"We have a group of guys who have played less than 10 one-day internationals and when you get performances out of those guys you get pretty excited.
"We have a team who can take us to the next level."
One of those inexperienced players, Tim Southee, was named man of the series for his 13 wickets.
The Black Caps pace bowler said: "We came together after that first game and things started to click.
"You learn a lot from the guys in the team and also playing in your first one-day series."
New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram said the one-day trophy was reward for the squad's hard work having been defeated in the Test series.
"The guys showed a lot of character. We have found it hard on this tour but we are a confident one-day team," he said.
England head coach Peter Moores added on Sky Sports: "We haven't bowled very well at the end of the innings and batting-wise it wasn't good enough. That's been a problem throughout the series.
"We've got to find answers. We can't ignore it. We built a good foundation at Durham but now we've got to go away and work hard as we'll have a tough series against South Africa.
"We are a fairly young and inexperienced side and we've been inconsistent too.
"We've had some highs but New Zealand they have beaten us twice in two series and we've got to go away and think about that and make sure we work hard.
"We worked hard in the field and there were no problems with our effort - but in one-day cricket it's about the key moments and delivering under pressure."
On Shah, Moores added: "He's had a very good series and showed he's a good one-day player."
Flintoff Return Expected
England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and experienced seamer Glen Chapple are expected to make their first-class returns in Lancashire's LV County Championship Division One clash at champions Sussex.
Flintoff's hopes of an England recall this summer after being sidelined by ankle surgery last winter were hit when he suffered a side strain seven weeks ago.
He has made a gradual return to action in the second XI and in the Twenty20 Cup over the past week and is now ready to step up his comeback.
Chapple also made his return in the Twenty20 Cup following a groin injury that saw him miss the first half of the season.
New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent, brought in as a short-term replacement for Brad Hodge, remains in the Lancashire side with the Australian batsman still away on international duty.
Former Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed returns for Sussex after a knee injury which kept him out of their Twenty20 Cup campaign.
England all-rounder Luke Wright is also available despite his involvement in the fifth NatWest Series one-day international against New Zealand at Lord's today.
West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Smith will have to wait for his first-class debut after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with the county this week.
Raina Inspires India Victory
Suresh Raina continued his fine form by hitting an unbeaten century to guide India to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup on Saturday.
The batsman notched his maiden one-day ton on Wednesday in the defeat of Hong Kong and was in equally fine touch on Saturday to make light work of Bangladesh's target of 284.
He hit three sixes and 11 fours in his 116 not out, and was ably supported by opener Gautam Gambhir (90) and Yuvraj Singh (36no) - the latter smashing a four and a superb six to bring India to within six runs of victory.
Raina fittingly hit the winning runs in the next over, the 44th, by easing Abdur Razzak for a two and two singles.
Bangladesh made a promising start to the defence of their total and it could have been a different result had some woeful fielding not blighted their efforts.
Shahadat Hossain struck early to remove opener Robin Uthappa in the fourth over by bowling him all ends up, and them dispatched Rohit Sharma (22), who was caught at mid-wicket by Farhad Reza.
A collision between Mahmudullah and Tamim Iqbal in the field, which left the latter needing ice treatment on a bruised head, was a sign of things to come.
Ghambir, who had raced to 56, was dropped in the 16th over and Mahmadullah was culpable when he put down Raina at fine leg two overs later when the batsman was on 16.
Ghambir looked odds-on to reach his century, his innings littered with 10 fours and an array of exquisite shots, but he could not keep an on-drive off Reza down and was caught at mid-wicket by Mashrafe Mortaza.
Raina suffered no such nerves though, reaching 96 with a huge six and then tickling Razzak to the fine leg boundary for four the next ball.
He and Singh then surged towards the total with ease.
Earlier, Alok Kapali made his first ODI century as Bangladesh made a fine start.
He hit 10 fours and five sixes in his 113, after opener Tamin Iqbal had laid the foundations with an impressive 55.
Mohammad Nazimuddin (six) fell in the fifth over to RP Singh but skipper Mohammed Ashraful joined Iqbal and the pair brought up 50 inside 10 overs.
But Ashraful (20) drove Manpreet Gony to Pragyan Ojha at mid-off and although Iqbal made 50 from 64 balls, he was caught behind in the 20th over off Ishant Sharma.
Spinner Ojha grabbed his first ODI wicket by clean bowling Raqibul Hasan (25) to leave Bangladesh wobbling on 120 for four.
This brought Kapali to the crease and he and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim shared an important stand of 49 before Rahim was out for 25, becoming Ojha's second victim.
Kapali and Mahmadullah (21no) tried to increase the run-rate late on but the latter was dismissed with the penultimate ball and the total ultimately proved insufficient.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Bangladesh to face India in Asia Cup super four opener
The super four leg of Asia Cup would be kicked off today (Saturday) when India and Bangladesh would play opener at National Stadium here.
The second match would be played between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on June 29 whereas Sri Lanka would face Bangladesh on June 30.
Archrival India and Pakistan would play against each other on July 2 after which India would take on Sri Lanka on July 3.
All matches of super four round would be played at National Stadium.
Mills A Doubt For Kiwis
New Zealand paceman Kyle Mills is a fitness doubt for the deciding NatWest Series clash with England at Lord's today.
Mills suffered a lower back spasm while batting in the nets for the Black Caps in their final practice session before the game.
He has been one of of the Kiwis' star performers with the ball and formed a formidable attack along with Tim Southee and Mark Gillespie.
Mills has also made vital contributions with the bat including 47 off 40 balls at Bristol and helping Gillespie earn his country a one-wicket win at The Oval on Wednesday.
If Mills is ruled out, then Michael Mason is poised to take his place.
All-rounder Grant Elliott is also battling to be fit after his controversial run-out at The Oval.
He suffered a badly-bruised thigh in a collision with England paceman Ryan Sidebottom when attempting a quick single.
Elliott had been playing club cricket for Weybridge when the series began but was called in as a replacement for the injured Jacob Oram.
He impressed sufficiently with bat and ball to earn a regular spot in the side.
Mills and Elliott will be given until shortly before play begins to prove their fitness.
A New Zealand spokesman confirmed: "Injuries to Kyle Mills and Grant Elliott have delayed the naming of the side to play England until just before the toss on Saturday."
Brett Lee could be fastest to 300
BRETT Lee could become the fastest bowler to 300 one-day wickets after the Australia spearhead drew within one scalp of becoming the 10th player to reach the magical figure.
Lee claimed 1-25 in Australia's emphatic 63-run victory over West Indies in Grenada, but after taking his 299th wicket with his first ball.
He was unable to grab a breakthrough late in the innings after unselfishly resorting to a short run-up to help his team get through their overs and prevent skipper Ricky Ponting from receiving a fine or suspension for for a slow over-rate.
Provided he is not rested for game three of the one-day series in Grenada on Sunday night (EST), Lee will have the chance to claim his 300th wicket in his 171st match.
Pakistan great Waqar Younis currently holds the record for the fastest to 300, having achieved the mark in his 186th one-dayer.
Glenn McGrath, the only Australia player on the list, celebrated 300 wickets in his 200th game before going on to take 381 wickets during his career.
Vice-captain Michael Clarke, who said he was unaware of Lee being on the cusp of 300, praised the fast bowler's unselfishness in putting the team's interest first in his final over.
"It's just another great sign of what I love about this team,'' Clarke said.
"We're two overs down (on over rates) and worried about (skipper) Ricky Ponting missing the next game or getting fined ... and Brett's last over he bowled off four steps.
"He wasn't concerned at all about his 300th wicket, and I think that's very unselfish, and another strength of our team.''
SA considered as possible Champions Trophy venue
The International Cricket Council has put South Africa on standby as a possible Champions Trophy venue, but insists that Pakistan remains its first choice as hosts, an ICC source said on Friday.
The year`s biggest one-day tournament featuring the top eight Test nations -- Australia, South Africa, England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the West Indies -- is due to be held in Pakistan from September 11-28.
But touring Pakistan has been a security concern for several foreign teams, especially Australia which postponed its March-April visit this year after a series of suicide bomb blasts.
With Sri Lanka, the alternate venue, in the midst of heavy fighting between government forces and Tamil Tiger rebels, the ICC has included South Africa as possible hosts.
"South Africa could hold the Champions Trophy in case Pakistan or Sri Lanka can`t," the ICC source said.
"But it must be stressed that Pakistan remains our first choice and a lot of work has already been done to ensure the tournament is held there."
The northern venues of Johannesburg, Centurion and Potchefstroom will be the venues if the tournament is moved to South Africa, the source added.
A final decision on the host nation will be taken at the ICC`s annual meetings which begin in Dubai on Sunday.
The ICC said earlier this month at the launch ceremony of the biennial event in Lahore that Pakistan will host the tournament -- provided there were no safety and security fears.
"At this point in time we are comfortable with the decision that Pakistan has the ability to host the Champions Trophy, but we will continue to monitor security as it is fluid," ICC official Dave Richardson said at the launch.
Australia captain Ricky Ponting has said he does not yet know if his side will travel to Pakistan and raised the prospect of individual withdrawals even if the title-holders do decide to send a team.
"We don`t know if we`re going. And if we do go, we don`t know if individuals are going to pull out," Ponting was quoted as saying in Australian newspapers.
"It just won`t be Australian players. There will be a few other teams who will be thinking long and hard if the tour does go ahead."
Pakistan officials have dismissed security concerns, hoping the ongoing Asia Cup in the country will dispel any doubts of their ability to host the Champions Trophy.
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong are taking part in the Asia Cup, the symbol of one-day supremacy in the region.
Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja, now a popular television commentator, hoped countries such as Australia, England and New Zealand will remain positive about touring his country.
"The reservations have come about owing to their perception," Raja was quoted as saying in the Indian media.
"I don`t blame them because if you`re not in Pakistan and you keep hearing and reading about blasts and chaos, then you could be influenced by all that
"Pakistan needs everybody`s support. A positive attitude from the West, so to say, would be of great help. I believe the existing political system will give Pakistan stability.
"Progressively, we`re seeing a calmer Pakistan and things should get better," said Raja.
Kevin Pietersen Up For Captaincy Challenge
Kevin Pietersen reaches another significant career milestone at Lord's today when he captains England for the first time.
Pietersen, 28 yesterday, made his Test debut on the same ground three years ago against Australia and follows in the footsteps of Tony Greig, Allan Lamb and Andrew Strauss - other South African-born players to lead England.
Despite having, by his own admission, "zilch" experience, Pietersen was the unanimous choice of the management to fill in for the must-win contest due to Paul Collingwood's four-match suspension.
And Pietersen insists his style of captaincy will be laid back despite the need to win to share the NatWest series against New Zealand.
"It will be similar to the person I am," Pietersen said. "I am going to be calm, pretty chilled and let my instinct, my gut feeling and the brain I've been given work.
"Tactically I think I am pretty sound and aware of certain situations.
"We've played New Zealand for six months now, so you should know pretty much the areas in which people are going to be scoring and the options they're going to have.
"We know our strengths, the weaknesses of the opposition and yes, we are down in the series but we are going to come back and fight hard.
"The main objective is not worrying about me but the team's involvement.
"We want to have a beer together at the end of the game as a bunch of lads, having drawn a series and making sure that the first half of the summer is a really good start."
The unsavoury end to Wednesday's one-wicket defeat by the Black Caps, when England ran out Grant Elliott after he collided with Ryan Sidebottom, was addressed by apologies and handshakes and Pietersen does not expect any further ramifications to cross the Thames with his team.
"I will play like I do every game," he said. "To win.
"I will do anything to win as long as it's in the laws of the game.
"That's how I've played my cricket my whole life and I don't think that should change, as long as you play within the spirit of the game.
"I don't think it's going to spill over, we've had a great relationship with the Black Caps, they're a great bunch of guys, Daniel Vettori is a great man.
"When men get a bit of red mist they do things on the spur of the moment which, once you have chilled out you think 'crikey, I shouldn't have done that'.
"But after Daniel and Paul shook hands the other night, that's the end of it."
Although Pietersen is clear about his role being temporary, if he proves a success he could land the job for the opening limited-overs clashes against his native South Africa.
Despite his upbringing, he insists there is no disguising where his feelings and future lie, having married Liberty X pop star Jessica Taylor.
"People can see how passionate I am, how willing I am to do well and how much I want to win for England and that is all I think about," he said.
"It gives me no greater joy than to win fixtures, I love playing for England - it's the best thing ever.
"I will 100% live here. Jess is a very English, home girl, very tight with her mum, so I won't be leaving, I can promise you that."
Gul ruled out of Asia Cup
Pakistan pace bowler Umar Gul has been ruled out of the remainder of the Asia Cup one-day tournament because of a rib cage muscle injury.
"Gul has been advised to rest for 10 days to two weeks so he won't be playing the remaining part of the tournament," chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed said.
Gul limped off the field after bowling just eight balls in Thursday's loss to India.
Ahmed said Abdul Rauf, who has played one match this year, had been recommended to the Pakistan board as a replacement.
"Gul complained of pain in his rib muscles and scans showed there is a problem for which he needs a rest," he added.
Gul told reporters he was in pain.
"It is hurting and is very uncomfortable at the moment. I hope it is not serious," he said.
All-rounder Irfan Pathan is doubtful for India's match against Bangladesh on Saturday in the opening game of the super four round because of a side strain.
Sri Lanka are the other team still in the tournament.
Australia beat listless West Indies
Australia steamrolled a listless West Indies team by 63 runs to claim a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five limited overs series.
Chasing Australia's 213 for five, the hosts managed a reply of 140 for eight from 41 rain-reduced overs under the Duckworth-Lewis scoring method, in what was by far their most disappointing outing of the tour thus far.
The West Indies must win the next one-day international at Grenada's National Stadium on Sunday to keep the series alive, or risk a whitewash at the hands of Ricky Ponting's side.
Australian paceman Brett Lee set the tone for the afternoon by removing Xavier Marshall with the first ball of the West Indian innings.
The dismissal provided debutant wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi, a replacement for the injured Brad Haddin, with the rare distinction of claiming a catch from his first delivery in one-day international cricket.
Wickets fell at a steady rate thereafter, eroding any hope of an upset home victory.
Clarke, following on from his resolute innings of 56 earlier in the day, finished with figures of 3-26, while Shane Watson (2-22), Lee (1-26), Mitchell Johnson (1-14) and James Hopes (1-19) rounded out the Australian wicket-takers' list.
Australia might well have closed out the West Indian innings sooner, if not for a rain delay and several decisions that fell the way of the hosts.
Replays suggested Johnson and Clarke were unfortunate not to have removed Chris Gayle and Patrick Browne although both bowlers returned to claim the batsmen's wickets later in the innings.
As was the case in the Test series, the task fell upon Shivnarine Chanderpaul to hold the West Indian innings together.
The determined left-hander led his side with an unbeaten 45 from 77 deliveries, but with wickets tumbling around him, his efforts were insufficient to save the match for the hosts.
The West Indies had been set the revised total of 204 from 41 overs due to the mid-innings rain delay after fine opening spells from the pace duo of Jerome Taylor (2-47) and Daren Powell (1-29) had denied Australia a brisk start.
Taylor trapped Shane Watson for a duck lbw with the last ball of the first over and Australia were further reduced when Powell had Shaun Marsh caught behind for 12.
Taylor returned to remove Ponting, playing his 300th one-day international, for 13 to leave the tourists reeling at 53 for three before 10 overs had been completed.
But a steady 100-run partnership between Michael Clarke and Michael Hussey steadied the ship.
Clarke eventually fell lbw to Sulieman Benn for 56 and Hussey was caught at long-on by Xavier Marshall off Dwayne Bravo for 62 but by then Australia were well on their way to building their winning total.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Bravo fined for the breach of ICC code of conduct
India and Sri Lanka thrash opponents in Asia Cup
Kallis Looking For Milestone
South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis has set his sights on passing 10,000 Test runs on the upcoming tour of England.
Kallis is currently 343 runs short of the milestone and would become the first South African, and just the eighth batsman in Test cricket history, to achieve the feat. And while Kallis said the record has crept up on him, the right-hander admits he would enjoy joining the select group of players, telling www.sport24.com: "343? It's nice of you to let me know that - someone told me recently I needed around 500-odd. "I've always been one to believe that if you take care of things out on the field the stats will take care of themselves back in the hut. But it's a lovely milestone, of course; something I would never have dreamed of when I started out for South Africa."
Kallis, who has also taken 230 wickets in 119 Test matches, is also looking forward to bowling at the English whom he has a good record against with the ball. The 32-year-old has taken 25 scalps at an average of 26.72 against England. "I've probably bowled as well over the last two years as at any stage of my Test career," he added. "So yes, let the sun shine when we bat in England and the clouds rumble in as we bowl!"
Tendulkar, Ganguly to compete for Asia`s best cricketer award
India`s most successful batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly will be competing against Sri Lankan trio of Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan for the Castrol Asian Cricketer of the Year Award to be presented in Karachi on Friday.
The biennial award, will be honoured to the best cricketers of Asia, along with best bowler and best batsman for the year 2007 across all the three formats of the game, a release stated. The contenders for the best batsman and best bowlers award include top players like Younis Khan, Mohammed Yousuf, Yuvraj Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Misbah-ul Haq, Shoaib Malik and Sanath Jayasuriya.
Flintoff Has A Ball
Andrew Flintoff returned to bowling action as Lancashire secured their place in the Twenty20 Cup quarter-finals with a 23-run victory over Nottinghamshire at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old all-rounder made nine with the bat as Lou Vincent made a 36-ball 56 to help the Red Rose reach 155 for eight as veteran Mark Ealham collected three wickets for 21 runs. Will Jefferson made a run-a-ball 35 and Chris Cairns (21) also chipped in but the Outlaws were dismissed for 132 as Francois Du Plessis (two for 16) and Simon Marshall (two for 20) finished the pick of the attack.
Flintoff had Australian Adam Voges caught behind off just the fifth ball of Nottinghamshire's reply in two over of express place before he came back for two one over spells at the start of the 15th over to finish with one for 27. Surrey claimed a six-run victory over Kent at Canterbury despite the heroics of Spitfires all-rounder Azhar Mahmood.
The Brown Caps reached 166 for seven with valuable knocks from Scott Newman (38), Alistair Brown (30) and Abdul Razzaq (39) with Ryan McLaren the pick of the Kent attack after he took two for 26. Kent were in trouble at 55 for five but Mahmood rescued them with an impressive. 55 from 31 balls - but with 14 runs needed off the last over, Mahmood was dismissed off the first ball caught on the boundary. With seven runs needed off two balls McLaren was caught at deep midwicket for 16 to dent Kent's hopes of qualification to the quarter finals as Razzaq collected four for 17 for the visitors.
Daryl Mitchell took four for 11 as Worcestershire defeated Gloucestershire by 59 runs in a low scoring contest at Bristol. The Royals reached 152 for eight thanks largely to 41 from Stephen Moore and 32 from Ben Smith as Mark Hardinges claimed four 30 off his allotted four overs.
But despite 27 from Hardinges the Gladiators - finalists last year - were skittled for just 93 as Mitchell and Chris Whelan (two for 26) ran through the home side's batting line-up.
Collingwood sorry for decision
England captain Paul Collingwood apologised to New Zealand after a ontroversial run-out in the Kiwis' dramatic last-ball win at the Oval.
Then, after a few minutes delay while Elliott lay receiving treatment, England captain Paul Collingwood spurned the opportunity to withdraw his team's appeal.
Under the laws of the game, a captain has that right to do so with the umpire's consent but failure to invoke it left New Zealand 220 for eight in the 44th over - and the Black Caps' senior players Daniel Vettori and Scott Styris fuming on their dressing room balcony. Both players vented their frustration at England's adjacent dressing room, although the Black Caps went on to win the match by one wicket. "You have to make a split decision at the time and maybe it was not the correct one," Collingwood told "The umpire asked me if I was upholding the decision and I said 'yes'. "Obviously the apologies go out to the New Zealand team over the decision - I made a split second decision on the issue and that was the wrong one.
"It's great being able to look with hindsight and have time to reflect, maybe a different decision would have been made. "When two players collide like that it is difficult to make a quick decision and maybe in hindsight it was the wrong one. Collingwood hopes the incident does not sour the relationship between the two teams and added: "They know my thoughts - we have always had a good relationship and we'll take it from there." New Zealand captain Vettori echoed Collingwood's comments after being caught up in the "raw emotion" of the occasion and after he accepted the England captain's apology hopes the teams can move on from the issue. "I think we were a little bit contrite ourselves with the raw emotion so I apologise to Paul and his team and now that he has said that I think we can accept it and move on," he said.
"I think with what has happened in the last 18 months in cricket there has been a real push for the spirit of the game. That match was as tense as it gets and we were apologetic for maybe the way we acted on the balcony - but it was an emotional game. "We hope we can move on - we can appreciate Paul words and we want to move on. "It was really pleasing to bat so well. some guys who had not been in great touch and they showed great composure so couldn't ask for too much more and we're delighted to win." Former England captain Nasser Hussain, commentating on TV when the incident occurred, felt Collingwood had missed an opportunity to set an example.
Hussain said "I like to win to all costs but would you have two cricketers lying on the ground, one of whom could be seriously injured... really stop the play, dead ball."
He later added: "A captain is responsible for the game, to make sure the game is played in the best possible spirit. "Paul Collingwood had the opportunity to go to that and he didn't. He went for the other option - win at all costs and he will have to live with that." Kyle Mills, unbeaten on 25 at the end, was batting with Elliott when the controversial run out occurred. He told: "I was too busy running as fast I could to the other end, so I never saw any of it. I heard the collision but couldn't really give an opinion." Mills was pleased to have helped his team home in such a tense atmosphere. He added: "It's a nice feeling, especially when you are in a situation where you can steer it home for the team.
"There were a couple of supporting roles there and I felt Mark Gillespie at the end held his composure well." New Zealand batsman Scott Styris was named man of the match for his 69 in the Kiwis' successful chase. Styris said: "It was a good game of cricket anytime goes down to the last ball, last over, people go away happy. "I think the overall opinion of was it was big of him, we accept that and hopefully we can put it to bed now."
Kiwis win last-over thriller
Mark Gillespie earned New Zealand a controversial one-wicket win over England in the NatWest Series clash at The Oval.
New Zealand needed two to win from the final delivery bowled by Luke Wright - and Gillespie crashed the ball to cover, where it was fielded by Graeme Swann. His throw failed to hit the stumps at the non striker's end but eluded the England fielders backing up and Gillespie and Kyle Mills were able to scramble the second run and take a 2-1 lead with one match remaining in the five-match series.
The controversy came when the Kiwis appeared to be cruising to victory at 220 for seven in pursuit of a 246 target via the eighth wicket pair of Grant Elliott and Mills when the former set off for a single after dropping a delivery from Ryan Sidebottom at his feet. But Sidebottom shoulder-charged into him in his desire to reach the ball, knocking Elliott to the floor via a shoulder charge. The Black Caps player was left well out of his ground when Ian Bell returned the ball to Kevin Pietersen, who removed the bails.
Elliott had treatment and was then left the ground shaking his head after finding out his dismissal was to stand. The New Zealand squad were clearly incensed with events and made their feelings known to the England hierarchy on their nearby balcony. And at the end of the game Collingwood appeared to be shunned when he went to the New Zealand dressing room.
It was the second dispute between the two sides in the series after the Edgbaston encounter had been abandoned with only one more over needed to be bowled by England to obtain a positive result in the rain-affected fixture.
On that occasion New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori had accused England of gamesmanship after they had bowled only 19 overs in 83 minutes before the heavens opened. England sensed the chance to snatch the win and Tim Southee was run out by Ian Bell's direct hit from extra cover to leave New Zealand on 233 for nine. But Mills and Gillespie had other ideas and nudged their side over the finishing line, meaning New Zealand are one victory away from redeeming a miserable tour. The tourists lost two early wickets to fit-again paceman Ryan Sidebottom - Brendon McCullum had not scored when he chased a wide delivery from Sidebottom and edged the ball to Graeme Swann at first slip.
Ross Taylor (six) went for a big hit over midwicket against Sidebottom and skied a catch to Stuart Broad running around from mid-on. Styris was put down by Owais Shah at first slip off Anderson and Paul Collingwood at full stretch got both hands on the ball but was unable to hold on. And one run late Styris was given another life when Broad hang onto a caught and bowled chance. The third wicket pair of Jamie How and Styris added 59 in 13 overs but the introduction of spinner Graeme Swann to the attack brought instant success when How (37) was caught and bowled by Swann. The game was back in the balance when Daniel Flynn (12) attempted to sweep Swann and popped the ball up to Ian Bell at midwicket at 106 for four.
Styris was joined by the fit again Jacob Oram for what looked like being the decisive stand of the day - 67 off 51 balls. But once again there was a twist as the pair both needlessly surrendered their wickets when the game was under control. Oram had made 38 off 30 balls when he attempted to pull the final ball of Anderson's spell and substitute Alastair Cook clung onto the chance at deep square leg. Styris' luck finally came to an end on 69 when he was run out attempting a second run by Swann's throw, after Elliott had flicked Collingwood to wide third man. Captain Daniel Vettori (six) flicked Collingwood to short midwicket but then came the controversial finale which overshadowed the rest of the day.
Earlier, half-centuries from Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara had helped England reach a challenging 245 all out in 49.4 overs after being put in. Paceman Tim Southee, playing only his fourth one-day international, was again the pick of the bowlers as he followed up his four for 38 at Bristol with three for 47. Openers Ian Bell and Luke Wright put on 41 in nine overs but England lost two wickets in the space of five balls - including star batsman Kevin Pietersen.Mills made the first breakthrough when Wright fell to a stunning one-handed catch by Taylor at short midwicket after making 18 off 29 balls, while Pietersen lasted just two balls before top-edging a skier to Southee.
Bell looked in fine form but yet again he failed to fully capitalise on a good start and surrendered his wicket to a careless shot on 46. The Warwickshire batsman tried to guide Southee down to third man but only succeeded in edging through to wicketkeeper McCullum. Collingwood (14) bottom-edged a delivery from Southee onto his stumps and it was left to Ravi Bopara (58) and Shah (63) to put on 75 in 16 overs - before the last five wickets fell for 43 runs in eight overs.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Bell Doubt For England
The Warwickshire batsman tweaked a knee when playing touch-rugby with his team-mates on the outfield on Tuesday. Bell looked in a degree of pain and was forced to sit out England's subsequent net sessions. Alastair Cook has recovered from a shoulder problem which forced him out of the first three games of the series and would be a ready-made replacement for Bell if he is unfit. He had been due to play for Essex in the Twenty20 Cup against Sussex on Tuesday evening before rejoining up with England. But now Cook will remain with the England squad which suggest Bell's injury is of more than just a passing concern. Paceman Ryan Sidebottom is also fit to face the Kiwis after recovering from a back strain. The Nottinghamshire player helped England to victory at The Riverside but missed the abandoned game at Edgbaston and the defeat at Bristol. New Zealand have received a major boost with all-rounder Jacob Oram fit to play for the first time in the series. Oram has recovered from the hamstring injury which led to Grant Elliott, who had been playing for Weybridge in the Surrey League, being called into the squad. It was thought Oram would only be fit to play as a batter but he has recovered sufficiently to be considered as a bowler as well. Elliott has done well enough to keep his place, taking three for 23 at Edgbaston and scoring a half century at Bristol to rescue the Kiwis from 49 for five. Brendon McCullum is likely to revert to being 'keeper to allow Oram's inclusion at the expense of Gareth Hopkins. 
Opener Ian Bell is an injury doubt for England's NatWest Series clash with New Zealand at The Oval on Wednesday.
Pietersen the key for England, says South Africa`s Smith
South Africa captain Graeme Smith said batsman Kevin Pietersen would be the key player for England in their forthcoming Test and One-day series.
Smith leads a touring party to England for the second time after captaining the 2003 side at the age of 22, scoring two double centuries in the first two Tests before England recovered to level the series at 2-2.
Smith, who admitted his side will benefit from his greater experience this time round, said the South African-born Pietersen would be important to England`s success. "KP is the key batsman and obviously we will need to control him," Smith told reporters on Monday, the eve of the team`s departure for England.
"But we don`t want to get involved in any personal antics. The best way to silence someone is by the cricket you play." "I have wonderful personal memories from that (2003) tour, but the team is a lot more settled now. I put on a very strong outward persona, but there were a lot of nerves inside my stomach. "Hopefully I`m a lot more grown up now and we can go a step further," he added. Coach Mickey Arthur agreed the South Africans would bring a battle-hardened team to England.
"It`s no coincidence we`re in this position because Graeme and I have been building for this tour for the last two years. There`s a lot of caps and a lot of experience in the side now; the guys are confident, they know their roles and they know where they fit in," Arthur said.
Arthur confirmed that the South Africans would make use of their leading wicket-taker, Shaun Pollock, who retired from international cricket in February but is playing county cricket and will work as a television commentator in England.
"I`ve already chatted to Polly and he said he will be free to give us advice. We will bring him in and maybe he can help at a few net sessions," Arthur said.
South Africa have not won a series in England since 1965, but Smith said the hosts may have their minds on selection issues this time around. "I think there are more tactical and selection worries for them. They have to decide whether to play an extra batsman or Andrew Flintoff at number six. I think Michael Vaughan will prefer to have five bowlers, which means they will be a batsman short and that could be a key tactical factor."
Smith said South Africa`s main worry was the length of the tour, which only ends on Sept 3, and includes four Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 game.
"Mentally it can be very draining with all the media demands, the crowds and the sheer time away from home. But this time the tests will be first, so hopefully that will be easier to manage."
Flower Calls For Zimbabwe Removal
Five years ago Andy Flower famously donned a black armband to mourn the death of democracy in Zimbabwe - now he is prepared to mourn the death of its cricket thanks to "Robert Mugabe's despicable clan".
Flower, 40, undoubtedly his country's greatest player, visualises a long haul back if, as anticipated, Zimbabwe are banished by the International Cricket Council next week.
Their future in the sport has come under the spotlight after the withdrawal of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai from the second round of the country's general election triggered a sporting sanction from South Africa.
Following further social decline under Mugabe's abominable regime, South Africa's cricket board severed bilateral arrangements with their neighbours and, as a result, the ICC hierarchy have been asked to decide Zimbabwe's fate next Wednesday - and if seven full member countries are in agreement they will be kicked out.
The British Government is, meanwhile, set to nail its colours firmly to the mast today when it hands over a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board, signed by culture secretary Andy Burnham, outlining plans to ban the Zimbabwe team from entering the country for next year's one-day matches and ICC World Twenty20.
"There will have to be a government change for cricket to move forward there," said Flower, England's batting coach.
"Because the people in charge of cricket there at the moment are part of Robert Mugabe's supporters - they are all in bed with him.
"It's going to take a long time to turn things around as domestic cricket is in such a poor state there. We were never strong but it's in such a poor state now.
"It's very sad. So many people gave up so much time and energy to get us into international cricket in the first place - people who weren't paid.
"They did it for the love of the game and the love of their country. It is now pretty much ruined."
Former Zimbabwe captain Flower added: "I'm no politician when it comes to the ICC but I do know that Peter Chingoka is part of Mugabe's despicable clan and the fact that he's allowed to prance around with the ICC colours on and sit on ICC committees is embarrassing.
"And embarrassing for the ICC to have him on there - he's just not a good enough person to be making decisions about anything, especially not the finances of the ICC for instance."
Flower's powerful 2003 protest alongside black team-mate Henry Olonga grabbed the attention of the world beyond cricket's boundaries.
But the atrocities in Zimbabwe have been covered over in cricket ever since, until South Africa's decision to say enough is enough.
"Things are spiralling out of control so quickly in Zimbabwe now," Flower added. "I hope someone does something to arrest that.
"If suspending Zimbabwe from the ICC is the first step then that's good.
"I support a suspension. We should not have normal relations with a country in such an abnormal state. I don't think they should play in England next year on either the tour or in the ICC World Twenty20."
Zimbabwe are due on a one-day tour here next year and then take part in Group A of the ICC World Twenty20.
When Zimbabwe last toured England in 2003, guidance rather than firm instruction was forthcoming from Westminster, which meant the ECB was forced to proceed or be hit with financial punishment.
Highlighting a change in mood, however, a Government spokesman said: "Under the current circumstances it's the Government's view that the tour would clearly be unwelcome.
"We would also have serious concerns about Zimbabwe participating in the Twenty20 World Cup."
England to meet Pakistan in Cup
England will launch their bid for ICC World Twenty20 Cup glory next summer against one of the qualifying nations at Lord's on June 5.
Paul Collingwood's side will not know who their first opponents are until the ICC associate countries have done battle for two places in the competition in Belfast during early August.
Scotland and Kenya fought their way through to participate in the inaugural World Twenty20 Cup in South Africa in 2007.
England will face a tougher hurdle in their second game with a clash against Pakistan - the top seeds in their group - at The Oval on June 7.
The top two go through to the super eight and, if all the nations live up to their seedings, then England face a difficult task to qualify for the latter stages of the competition.
They could face South Africa at Trent Bridge on June 11, holders India at Lord's on June 14 and then Australia at The Oval 24 hours later.
The top two in each of the two groups will go through to the semi-finals - at Trent Bridge and The Oval respectively on June 18 and 19 with the final taking place at Lord's on June 2.
The tournament is also incorporating the ICC Twenty20 Women's World Cup with the bulk of the games being staged at Taunton.
But the semi-finals and final are being held in conjunction with the men's event as double-headers at Trent Bridge, The Oval and Lord's.
The ICC have also been conscious of ensuring realistic ticket prices are available after many West Indian supporters were priced out of the 2007 World Cup in the Carribean.
Under-16s will be able to watch the final for as little as £10 and prices for adults have been based on three tiers of 'gold', 'silver' and 'family stand' rates.
The most expensive ticket for the final is £90 but then they are scaled down to £60 and £50 respectively.
The group fixtures and venues are:
June 5 - England v associate member 1 (at Lord's); June 6 - India v Bangladesh (Trent Bridge); New Zealand v associate member 2 and Australia v West Indies (The Oval); June 7 - South Africa v associate member 2 and England v Pakistan (The Oval); June 8 - Zimbabwe v Bangladesh and Australia v Sri Lanka (Trent Bridge); June 9 - Pakistan v associate member 1 and New Zealand v South Africa (Lord's); June 10 - Sri Lanka v West Indies, India v Zimbabwe (Trent Bridge).
Zimbabwe to face UK cricket ban
The government is set to ban Zimbabwe's cricket team from touring England next year on moral grounds.
Culture Secretary Andy Burnham will hand a letter to the England and Wales Cricket Board on Wednesday making clear Prime Minister Gordon Brown's stance.
The government is seeking to ensure Zimbabwe will not be allowed to play in next summer's one-day internationals or the Twenty20 World Cup in the country.
The International Cricket Council will discuss a possible world ban next week.
Zimbabwe are set to play two Tests and three home one-day internationals in England early next summer before the Twenty20 World Cup.
The government had been involved in discussions with the ECB over the situation in Zimbabwe for the past 18 months.
But the withdrawal of opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai from the second round of Zimbabwe's general election and reports of social unrest under Robert Mugabe's regime appears to have spurred the government into action.
"This is the first time the government has intervened over Zimbabwe in cricket issues," cricket correspondent Pat Murphy told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"This initiative will be a relief to the ECB."
Meanwhile, the ICC will discuss whether to ban the African country from international cricket at a meeting in Dubai on 2 July.
The political turmoil has led to Cricket South Africa (CSA) severing its sporting ties with the country, prompting the summit.
ICC president-elect David Morgan said: "I find it appalling there are not free and fair elections in the country."
The regime of Mugabe had led to calls for the England tour to be scrapped but as long as Zimbabwe is a member of the International Cricket Council, the team cannot be stopped from competing in the Twenty20 World Cup.
And the sport's governing body has previously made it clear it would take the tournament away from England if it prevented Zimbabwe from touring.
England batsman Andrew Strauss recently said that the side's cricketers would consider boycotting matches against Zimbabwe if Mugabe stayed on as president.
But a decision on that front could be taken out of the hands of players depending on what the ICC decide next week.
CSA president Norman Arense said: "In the light of the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, CSA has reviewed its position in relation to Zimbabwe cricket.
"We have decided to suspend our bilateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union until further notice.
"In the past, CSA has defended Zimbabwe cricket against heavy odds, but the general situation in Zimbabwe has now made this untenable."
CSA's announcement has been welcomed by former Zimbabwe captain now England assistant coach Andy Flower.
Flower famously ended his international career when he and team-mate Henry Olonga wore black armbands to mourn the "death of democracy" in his country in Zimbabwe's opening match of the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
"I think it's quite right that normal sporting relations are not held with a country like Zimbabwe," Flower told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"During the apartheid years, sporting sanctions had a strong effect (for change) in South Africa.
"Although I don't think they would have the same effect on Zimbabwe, the principles are the same. A principled stance should be taken and do what's right."
The 13 directors on the ICC executive board will meet to decide on what action to take and Morgan added: "Cricket South Africa's decision yesterday is hugely significant. Clearly they will want something done.
"They're very influential in terms of southern African cricket and Zimbabwe is part of that. Quite where the various (ICC) members will stand on it, I really don't know."
New boy Marsh stars in Aussie win
Debutant Shaun Marsh struck an impressive 81 and Nathan Bracken took four wickets as Australia beat West Indies by 84 runs in the first ODI.
Marsh, son of former Australia batsman Geoff Marsh, shared a rapid opening stand of 75 with Shane Watson (31).
Mike Hussey (44) and Brad Haddin (50) then guided Australia to 273-8 and the hosts never got close in their reply.
They lost three early wickets and although Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy each scored 33, were all out for 189.
Play was stopped in the 40th over of the West Indies innings after the crowd responded to the dismissal of Sammy by hurling plastic bottles and other objects on to the field.
Sammy had queried the umpire's decision and the game continued without further incident once the debris had been cleared.
Australian openers Marsh and Watson put on 75 before Watson was trapped leg before by Dwayne Bravo as he tried to work the ball to leg.
West Indies pace bowler Jerome Taylor continued his excellent record against Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain playing on via a thick inside edge for five.
Australia became bogged down in the middle section of their innings as Sammy struck twice but Hussey and Haddin put on an excellent 91 partnership for the fifth wicket.
Both were eventually caught in the deep by Kieron Pollard but, on a ground where teams batting first had previously averaged only 201, their total always looked a challenging target.
And the Windies task rapidly became much harder as Brett Lee claimed in-form opener Xavier Marshall caught behind for six and Bracken trapped Gayle leg before for 20.
The hosts, who were missing injured run-maker Shivnarine Chanderpaul, needed a big innings from Ramnaresh Sarwan but he went quickly - caught by Hussey at slip to leave the hosts at 29-3.
Bravo and Andre Fletcher put on 51 and although a 52 partnership between wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and Sammy offered a glimmer of resistance, when Watson bowled Ramdin for 31 the game was up.
There was late drama when Sammy was bowled by Bracken and questioned whether the ball had hit the wickets off Haddin's pads.
Television replays showed it had not but the crowd, without the benefit of a big screen, reacted angrily, providing the first unpleasant incidents of what has been a good spirited tour.
New boy Marsh stars in Aussie win
Debutant Shaun Marsh struck an impressive 81 and Nathan Bracken took four wickets as Australia beat West Indies by 84 runs in the first ODI.
Marsh, son of former Australia batsman Geoff Marsh, shared a rapid opening stand of 75 with Shane Watson (31).
Mike Hussey (44) and Brad Haddin (50) then guided Australia to 273-8 and the hosts never got close in their reply.
They lost three early wickets and although Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy each scored 33, were all out for 189.
Play was stopped in the 40th over of the West Indies innings after the crowd responded to the dismissal of Sammy by hurling plastic bottles and other objects on to the field.
Sammy had queried the umpire's decision and the game continued without further incident once the debris had been cleared.
Australian openers Marsh and Watson put on 75 before Watson was trapped leg before by Dwayne Bravo as he tried to work the ball to leg.
West Indies pace bowler Jerome Taylor continued his excellent record against Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain playing on via a thick inside edge for five.
Australia became bogged down in the middle section of their innings as Sammy struck twice but Hussey and Haddin put on an excellent 91 partnership for the fifth wicket.
Both were eventually caught in the deep by Kieron Pollard but, on a ground where teams batting first had previously averaged only 201, their total always looked a challenging target.
And the Windies task rapidly became much harder as Brett Lee claimed in-form opener Xavier Marshall caught behind for six and Bracken trapped Gayle leg before for 20.
The hosts, who were missing injured run-maker Shivnarine Chanderpaul, needed a big innings from Ramnaresh Sarwan but he went quickly - caught by Hussey at slip to leave the hosts at 29-3.
Bravo and Andre Fletcher put on 51 and although a 52 partnership between wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and Sammy offered a glimmer of resistance, when Watson bowled Ramdin for 31 the game was up.
There was late drama when Sammy was bowled by Bracken and questioned whether the ball had hit the wickets off Haddin's pads.
Television replays showed it had not but the crowd, without the benefit of a big screen, reacted angrily, providing the first unpleasant incidents of what has been a good spirited tour.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Dhoni: Twenty20 Has Improved ODIs
Speaking on the eve of today's launch of the 2009 Twenty20 World Cup at the Brit Oval, India captain Dhoni insisted the cut and thrust of the shortest form can aid the 50-over game. Cricket's landscape is changing due to the popularity and swift expansion of 20-over tournaments. "ODIs could suffer but I hope not because I think 50-over cricket has a place of its own," Dhoni, who led India to World Twenty20 success in South Africa last year, said. "In fact, I think Twenty20's influence on 50-over cricket has been positive overall. "It has helped batsmen change their idea of what a good score is and it has made the cricket a lot more positive. "It used to be that if a team lost three or four quick wickets and fell behind the run-rate, they would effectively be out of the game. "But now even when teams have to score eight or nine an over, they still feel they have a chance. "The bowling side knows that it's never over until it's over." Dhoni dreams of emulating Kapil Dev in lifting an international trophy at Lord's but admits it would take another great team effort to replicate the success of the Indians a quarter of a century ago. India won their maiden global event with a surprise World Cup final victory over West Indies 25 years ago tomorrow. And Dhoni's team will be one of the favourites for next summer's 20-over version of the event. "Of course I would love to do that," Dhoni said. "But it's the team that makes a good captain and I like to distribute the pressure and responsibility around the whole team. "It would be a dream to lift the trophy at Lord's but I don't want to look that far ahead and if it does happen it would be a all-round team effort." Before India triumphed last September there had been little appetite for the shortest form of the game on the subcontinent. Since then, however, fuelled by billions of rupees, it has been at the forefront of the cricket-crazy country via the Indian Premier League. "Before the event last year no-one really knew how it was going to work," Dhoni added. "People said the players wouldn't be taking it very seriously and it's true that at the start even the players were unsure about it. "But as the tournament went on, it became clear that everyone was playing at full intensity and it was as serious as any world championship should be. "For us, of course, it was a memorable tournament and it was a great feeling to lift that trophy. "We had gone into it as underdogs - no-one really expected us to win it as we had only ever played one Twenty20 International before. "It was a great tournament and a sweet moment when we won. It is one of the things I will cherish for the rest of my life." Fixtures for the 2009 event will be revealed at a ceremony in London today, where questions are bound to be raised over Zimbabwe's participation. 
Mahendra Dhoni hopes Twenty20 will enrich rather than unravel one-day internationals.
South Africa cut links with Zimbabwe
Pressure from its own cricketers appears to have forced Cricket South Africa into an embarrassing about-turn regarding cricketing links with Zimbabwe.
Norman Arendse, CSA's president, and other senior administrators, especially Ray Mali, the ICC president, have adopted a policy of unwavering support for Zimbabwe Cricket.
But last week a number of players made clear that the deteriorating social environment in Zimbabwe meant they were no longer willing to play against sides from there.
"In the light of the worsening situation in Zimbabwe, CSA has reviewed its position in relation to Zimbabwe cricket," Arendse said on Monday.
"We have decided to suspend our bi-lateral agreements with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union until further notice.
"In the past, CSA has defended Zimbabwe cricket against heavy odds, but the general situation in Zimbabwe has now made this untenable.
"We will continue to comply with the ICC's Future Tours Programme regarding Zimbabwe, as we are bound to this programme as a full member of the ICC.
However, CSA will suspend its bi-lateral agreements with ZC, which includes development and administrative programmes, and the participation of Zimbabwe teams in CSA's domestic competitions." The news will be a hammer blow to the Zimbabwe board as the only really meaningful cricket they have been able to play of late has been in South Africa's domestic competitions.
As things stand, Zimbabwe have no domestic games scheduled until their new season starts in March 2009, and the only international fixtures arranged in the next year are home and away series against Sri Lanka.
The timing of the announcement could not be worse, coming on the eve of the ICC annual conference in Dubai when, in theory, Zimbabwe could have asked to be readmitted to Test cricket.
That idea is now as distant as at any stage in the last three years