After two days wasted by the rains and their aftermath here in the city, the two Quadrangular Stage matches in the Patron’s Trophy got under way on the third day.Habib Bank, put into bat by Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), finished the first day on 178 for 8 after 53 overs at the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) Sports Complex Stadium in Karachi. Opener Taufeeq Umar scored 33 while Asim Kamal, the Test discard, was unbeaten on 43. The fast-bowling duo of Abdul Rauf and Jaffer Nazir took 3 for 68 and 2 for 33 respectively.At the United Bank Limited (UBL) Sports Complex Ground, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) won the toss and put Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) into bat . In the 53 overs bowled during the day, ZTBL managed 118 for 2, with opener Afaq Rahim unbeaten on 66.
Kevin Pietersen is to fly home from England’s one-day series in Pakistan after failing to overcome the rib problem which gave him noticeable discomfort when he batted in the second match on Monday.Each time he played an attacking shot he winced in pain, and he then left the field during the Pakistan innings. The England medical team had hoped that Pietersen would be able to stay for the remaining three one-day internationals following a cortisone injection, but it has not proved effective.Dr Peter Gregory, the ECB’s chief medical officer, said: “Due to a series of events that aggravated a previous rib problem during practice and the first two one-day internationals Kevin is returning home to the UK and will play no further part in the one-day series.”Scans taken after the first one-day match showed no fracture but demonstrated a stress lesion and despite passing a fitness test ahead of the second one-day match Kevin suffered intolerable pain throughout. A stress lesion of this nature is likely to require four to six weeks rest but it is expected that Kevin will make a full recovery in time for the tour to India in March next year.”Pietersen added that he wouldn’t want to be a burden on his team-mates: “It’s very disappointing to be leaving the England team at this time as I was looking forward to a strong one-day series. I hate missing matches and despite trying to play the first couple of one-day games the pain was just too great. I certainly wouldn’t want to let my team-mates down due to injury whether it is with the bat or in the field so the only choice available to me is to rest the injury with a view to a full recovery in time for India.”Pietersen’s withdrawal is a huge blow to England after he made an explosive start to the one-day series, making 56 off 39 balls in the first match and 28 off 27 in the second. He has rapidly developed into England’s key one-day batsman during a 12-month period that earned him the ICC’s One-Day Player-of-the-Year award.No replacement will be added to the squad for the remaining matches and Pietersen’s departure opens up an opportunity for Ian Bell to fit into the middle order for the next match, in Karachi on Thursday.
Ricky Ponting is trying hard as captain. He became Australia’s 42nd Test leader in February, but has had a disrupted start to his stint with family illness and a thumb injury that ruled him out of the important matches in India. He is attempting to make up the time. In a rush again today, Ponting was stumped within a few clean hits of his first century as captain.The Australians have, over the last few years, believed that Test runs should be scored at four an over. Australia weren’t treading water when Ponting arrived, but the going was tough and he quickly set about accelerating to the required rate.Apart from the first two overs, Justin Langer had been patient and calm in conditions ordered to stifle. Galloping to 23 after 12 deliveries, he adjusted his pace and walked a further 61 from the next 57 overs until tea. Where Langer breathed steadily, Pontingbreezed in and blew out.The offspinner Paul Wiseman was selected especially for the Adelaide pitch, but an average of 43 over 22 Tests made him an excellent target for Ponting, who lifted him over midwicket three times early in his innings. He hit eight more fours in his 79balls, and his two pulls off Chris Martin were as crisp as the white wine in the corporate tents.Before the series Ponting said he wanted Australia to put together a huge first-innings total, and he had the opportunity to achieve it himself without further damage. The half-century was brisker and brighter than his effort at Brisbane, but the hurry was again hisundoing.Swiftly closing in on Langer after giving him a 44-over headstart, Ponting aimed to land Daniel Vettori in the Chappell Stand at midwicket. As quick as his feet had been throughout, he was beaten outside off stump and was far enough down not to wait for David Shepherd’s decision.New Zealand’s bowlers had waited all day for the batsmen’s mistakes, and had been gifted their second. Throughout the day their bowling was a mixture, and all three wickets fell to the spinners. Of the fast bowlers Martin bowled too short during the middle session and too wide towards the end, while James Franklin was consistently too full. It is unlikely that Langer dreams of sending so many half-volleys to the cover fence as he did from Franklin today. Twice he hit Franklin for four fours in an over. While they were expensive in parts, New Zealand contained in patches and the day had a hot and sleepy feel.Langer’s explosions against Franklin topped an innings of sweat. By adding more fight than frills he had stayed longer than Ponting, battled through post-lunch cramps and was rewarded with his 20th Test century. Ponting had clipped along sweetly at almost a run aball, but missed out again.
Andy Atkinson, an English curator in charge of the pitches during the Pakistan and South Africa series, and a pitch adviser for the ICC, promised to prepare quality pitches with pace and bounce fair to both sides.
English curator Andy Atkinson and a local groundsman rolling a practicepitch before Pakistan team’s training session at the Gaddafi Stadium
Atkinson, who worked in South Africa from 1993 to 2001, said: “I am here to make quality cricket pitches but there are no specific targets of making spintracks to support the home team.” He continued: “I came here two years ago, the soil has no problem, but maybe the way the pitches are made here is a problem. The conditions are much similar to South Africa, the clay content is the same and grass is of the same quality. The whole idea is to make consistent pitches in Pakistan.”The Pakistan board sought Atkinson’s help after criticism of the pitches by Rashid Latif, former captain, Javed Miandad, the coach and Tauqir Zia, PCB chairman. After his tour of Pakistan, Atkinson will fly to Bangladesh to supervise the preparations of the pitches for the ICC Junior World Cup to be held in January and February.Atkinson always has high praise for Australia’s wickets, but rejected Steve Waugh’s demand for uniform pitches. “It is impossible to have uniform pitches all over the world because atmospheric conditions are different,” he said. “They would be detrimental for world cricket.”
The Sri Lankan cricket board (BCCSL) advertised on Sunday for a full-timecricket team manager and umpires manager in the national newspapers.Traditionally, the team manager’s post has been a part-time position withappointments made on a tour-by-tour basis by the executive committee withouta formal recruitment process.The decision to recruit a dedicated full-time manager is overdue recognitionof the need for greater off-field support for the players, both during andin-between tours.The current contract with Air Commodore Ajit Jayasekera expires after theZimbabwe Test series, but he may still apply for the post starting inFebruary.The appointment will be for a three-year period and the advert states thatthe candidates must have held a management position, have an aptitude forpublic speaking, be computer literate and aged below 55. Cricket experience,it adds, would be an advantage.The BCCSL are also looking to replace the current director of umpires, K.T.Francis, who has held the post for three years and is keen to continue, buthas been asked to retire.A younger man, under 55 years old, with first-class umpiring and corporatemanagement experience, computer literacy and workshop management skills, isbeing sought.But the post, which requires highly specialized skills, will be extremelyhard to fill if the BCCSL sticks rigidly to the credentials advertised.Interested candidates for both posts are requested to submit applications tothe cricket board headquarters by 31 December.
The Deodhar Trophy tournament had an anti climactic finish as contrary to expectations of a thrilling contest, the `final’ between North Zone and South Zone at the Nehru stadium in Pune on Monday ended in a tame victory for the former. In winning by seven wickets with 5.2 overs to spare, North Zone regained the trophy it last won in 1997-98.Few would have expected such a lop sided finish at the outset, given the fact that both teams seemed to be equally strong in all departments. This feeling gained momentum when South Zone, put in to bat, led off by scoring 278 for eight in 50 overs. But North Zone’s batting might proved too much for the South Zone bowling. Under pressure, the bowlers became wayward and the fact that not even one maiden over was sent down best illustrates the bat’s dominance.Skipper Vikram Rathour shone with the bat with an electrifying 106 off 87 balls. But in retrospect, it was Amit Bhandari’s opening spell in the morning which played a vital role in North Zone’s triumph. The Delhi medium pacer first had the consistent run getter J Arun Kumar caught by Mithun Minhas for 14. In his next over, he had Reuben Paul caught by Dharmani for 15. And then in his seventh over, he had the prized wicket of Md Azharuddin who was held by Rathour for five.South Zone’s troubles continued. Sharandeep Singh had Sriram caught by Jadeja and when Hemang Badani was held by Sharandeep Singh off Jadeja, South Zone were down in the dumps at 76 for five in the 24th over. Then commenced a splendid rally and leading it was Sridharan Sharath. The left hander from Tamil Nadu has been in very good form this season and only in the last match against Central Zone he scored 113 to star in his team’s triumph. He and his Tamil Nadu colleague S Mahesh initiated the recovery process by adding 93 runs for the seventh wicket off just 13 overs in a thrilling counter attack. Mahesh was finally bowled by Sehwag but not before he had scored 48 off 44 balls. The fact that he hit four sixes, besides one four, illustrates Mahesh’s aggressive approach.Sharath now found another able ally in Aashish Kapoor and the two continued the recovery process by adding 31 runs off five overs. After Kapoor fell for 12, Sharath and Dodda Ganesh then belted the North Zone bowlers all over the place during an eighth wicket association that put on 74 runs off just eight overs. Sharath was dismissed in the final over for a gallant 104. He faced 123 balls and hit six fours and five sixes. Ganesh remained unbeaten with 27 off 20 balls and South Zone could look back with some comfort at their final total especially after the wretched start.However, North Zone made light of what seemed to be a challenging target. They were given an excellent start with openers Rathour and Ashu Dani putting on 136 runs in 19 overs. Dani was the first to go after scoring 40 off 61 balls with four fours and a six. Then Rathour and Ajay Jadeja consolidated with a second wicket partnership of 46 runs off 10 overs. Rathour, who was in a belligerent mood, hit 106 off just 87 balls with 19 hits to the ropes.There was no respite for South Zone even after Rathour’s departure for Jadeja and Pankaj Dharmani then came together for a third wicket stand that added 84 runs off 14.2 overs. By the time Dharmani fell in the 44th over for 36 off 43 balls with five boundary hits, the match was virtually over. Jadeja and Virender Sehwag applied the finishing touches. Two successive wides by Ganesh gave North Zone the winning runs. Jadeja remained unbeaten with 60 off 86 balls with eight hits to the ropes.
West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has now shared a significant injury update regarding Angelo Ogbonna.
The Lowdown: Ogbonna’s injury
The Italian defender suffered a cruciate ligament rupture during the 3-2 win over Liverpool last November. Consequently he was ruled out for the season; and with his contract expiring in the summer, this seemingly meant that the 33-year-old had already played his last game in a Hammers shirt.
Before the Liverpool game, Ogbonna had played the full 90 minutes in all ten of West Ham’s opening Premier League matches this term. He played a crucial part in the team’s fantastic start to the season as his side won six, drew two and lost two.
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The Latest: Ex’s update on Ogbonna…
In an interview for his site The West Ham Way, ExWHUemployee was asked by site editor Mark Carlaw about Jarrod Bowen’s injury situation. After relaying positive news on the 25-year-old, Ex continued speaking about some of the club’s other injuries.
He stated: “Whilst we are on injuries, I can say that Ogbonna is ahead of schedule, with end of April being a potential return date for him.”
The Verdict: Great news
The Irons have suffered from a lack of central defensive depth at times this season, with Craig Dawson and Issa Diop at times the only two options to call upon in that position.
Therefore, Ogbonna’s return will prove hugely useful for the east London club as they prepare to undergo a busy period consisting of Premier League clashes in the hunt for a European finish and their all-important Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon.
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Interestingly, the Italian ranks in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals among defenders in Europe’s top five leagues (via FB Ref), so with Michail Antonio going through another drought in the final third, let’s hope that the defender can offer some attacking threat from corners upon his return.
In other news: West Ham target has ‘gentleman’s agreement’ to leave his current club
New Zealand’s now former ODI captain Brendon McCullum has praised his team for the way they responded to a batting collapse in the first innings and staged a 55-run win to retain the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.McCullum, playing his final ODI innings, smoked a 27-ball 47 to set New Zealand up nicely, but the hosts lost their way towards the end of the innings, losing six wickets for just 23 runs to muster a below-par 246.If New Zealand were feeling low immediately after that slide, they certainly did not show their disappointment when they took to the field, as McCullum revealed that he had urged his players during the break to not get bogged down.”The team performance today, especially after losing six for not many, I think lesser teams would have folded,” McCullum said. “And one thing we pride ourselves on is making sure that if we are going to get beaten, we’re going to make it hard for the opposition to do so.”That was the mentality we try to take out to fielding and bowling and also just stress to the guys, it doesn’t matter what we get, it’s a matter of what they get. If we were capable of losing six for not many, it was a wicket that was tough to start on, so that was the message that was stressed at halftime.”McCullum’s words clearly lifted the team, as excellent spells from Doug Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Corey Anderson and Matt Henry suffocated the Australia batsmen on a slow pitch, and New Zealand bundled their opponents out for 191 inside 44 overs. McCullum, who now has just two more Tests left in him before he quits internationals all together, could not think of a better way of signing off from limited-overs internationals.”To beat the world champions in the Chappell-Hadlee series, which means so much to us, is a fitting way to step away from the game. For us to be able to still step out and beat the best team in the world is testament to the depth that we’ve been able to create over a period of time.”That was a pleasing aspect of it and I thought the way the guys responded was phenomenal. Doug Bracewell, he was on the the sidelines for the last little while, and the way he came in and seized that key moment, kept it tight, started building some pressure.”And that allowed Ish, another wonderful story of a guy who’s come back in after a long time out of the side, and he bowled with confidence and he bowled beautifully. He was able to apply some pressure and get wickets.It’s great when you can see guys come in and perform in pressure situations.”
Tim Nielsen, Australia’s new coach, believes the three replacements for the holes left by Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer have still not been decided. While Phil Jaques seems to have sealed the opening batting place, Mitchell Johnson the bowling spot and Stuart MacGill the spinning vacancy, Nielsen said there was still time for other players to be considered for the first Test against Sri Lanka from November 8.”I don’t think the Glenn McGrath position has been finalised and it’s the same with the spin position,” Nielsen said. “There are also a lot of contenders for the opening position and Phil Jaques has done well over the past couple of weeks.”Jaques strengthened his claim with 13 and 167 against Western Australia in Perth last week while Chris Rogers struggled before his chances were ended when he was hospitalised with appendicitis. Brad Hodge, who has also signalled his intention to partner Matthew Hayden at the Gabba, managed only 61 runs in eight games in India while Michael Hussey is recovering from a hamstring strain and the Australian management wants him to stay at No. 4.Nielsen said the round of Pura Cup games over the next week would be crucial as the Australian one-day players switch from limited-overs to Test mode. Ideally he wants his batsmen to spend long periods in the middle and the bowlers to deliver two or three spells a day.”This first game will be important for the guys,” he said. “They have four days of playing, getting up and playing again. It’s something they haven’t done for a while.”The fixtures will also be important for Stuart MacGill and Shaun Tait, who are coming back from off-season operations. MacGill, who is coming back from a knee surgery, will be part of the New South Wales team which will host Queensland from Friday, the same day Victoria begin their contest with Western Australia. Tait, who is fighting to prove his fitness from an elbow problem, will have a one-day match against Tasmania on Saturday before the Pura Cup game starting next Monday.Despite the loss of the three greats, Nielsen is confident Australia will be able to provide cover. “I want to make sure there is heaps of depth to do a great job,” he said. “There’s a new focus in the team and it’s the start of a new era. It will be positive and challenging time.”
ScorecardKenya cruised to a 104-run run victory in the third and final ODI at a sunny Mombasa Sports Club, completing a series whitewash over Bermuda to give their World Cup preparations a major boost. For Bermuda, however, the upbeat mood which has been a hallmark of their game ever since they qualified for the tournament 16 months ago has given way to the reality that they are far from ready to compete with cricket’s big guns.The game was as good as over by the halfway mark. For much of the last decade Steve Tikolo has been widely accepted as the best batsman outside mainstream international cricket. He is now past his best – and Kenya’s recent international isolation has also dulled his cutting edge – but he turned back the clock with a majestic hundred which enabled Kenya to post 305 for 8.Dropped early on, Tikolo cut loose against some mediocre bowling to record his second – and highest – hundred in an ODI. Both in Nairobi and in the first two matches here, the pitches were damp and made run-scoring hard work. Finally, this match was played on a hard, fast and true surface and Tikolo gorged himself.As was the case on Sunday, the main stand was between Tikolo and the precocious Tanmay Mishra. The pair added 117 for the fourth wicket in 18 overs before Mishra was undone by his own carelessness as he looked to open up. The burly Dwayne Leverock weighed in with wickets at the end to finish with 5 for 53.Thomas Odoyo reduced Bermuda to 6 for 2 before a third-wicket stand of 98 between Dean Minors and Irvine Romaine got the innings on course, albeit slipping behind the asking rate. When Romaine departed in the 26th over the required rate was close to being in double figures, and with the spinners, especially the fast-improving Hiren Varaiya, proving hard to get away, Bermuda gave up the chase and opted for some batting practice instead.