Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Live Streaming
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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Live Streaming
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.
Pakistan's batsmen are not as badly afflicted as the bowlers, but Shoaib Malik - an opener and off-spinner - will probably be ruled out unless his elbow problem clears up overnight.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Pakistan's batsmen are not as badly afflicted as the bowlers, but Shoaib Malik - an opener and off-spinner - will probably be ruled out unless his elbow problem clears up overnight.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer: "There is a re-examination on the 28th and the seriousness of the injury will only emerge then. It could turn out to be a week's rest or it could turn out to require surgery."
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Live Streaming
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd test live
Pakistan's batsmen are not as badly afflicted as the bowlers, but Shoaib Malik - an opener and off-spinner - will probably be ruled out unless his elbow problem clears up overnight.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Once the opposition have disposed of that adhesive trio, their bowlers are usually so tired that Afridi can come in and wreak merry hell.
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Live Streaming
Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer: "There is a re-examination on the 28th and the seriousness of the injury will only emerge then. It could turn out to be a week's rest or it could turn out to require surgery."
If Naved does miss out, the favourites to replace him are Samiullah Niazi, a left-arm fast bowler, or leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, his erstwhile Sussex team-mate. The upshot could be that Pakistan's attack is led by 23-year-old Mohammad Asif, a man with five Tests and a short stint with Leicestershire under his belt. Their first match is a one-day international against Scotland, to be played in Edinburgh tomorrow.
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test Live Streaming
Pakistan's squad landed in the UK yesterday to find English cricket at its lowest ebb for several years. Inzamam-ul-Haq's men started England's post-Ashes recession, when they came back from an apparently hopeless position to win at Multan. Now they have a chance to accelerate the slide.
If Pakistan had a full hand of pace bowlers, it would be hard to see England out-playing them over this four-Test series (which starts at Lord's on July 13). But Inzamam has injury problems of his own. Shoaib Akhtar has a stress fracture in his ankle, which should restrict him to commentary stints until the final stages of the tour. And Rana-ul-Naved has a sore groin, presumably sustained while pulling up one too many trees for Sussex in April and May.
Pakistan will not decide until Wednesday whether Naved will even be named in the side. It has been suggested that he, like Ashley Giles, has been suffering from the condition known as Gilmore's Groin
Watch 2nd Test Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief operating officer Salim Altaf said "seniority" was the main criterion in deciding the contracts which saw Akhtar named in the top 'A' category with captain Shoaib Malik, vice-captain Misbahul Haq, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Kamran Akmal, Salman Butt and Danish Kaneria.
He missed out on a central contract last year following Pakistan's Test and one-day series defeats in India in 2007, when he was often absent through illness and injury.
Angered by his exclusion, Akhtar publicly criticised the PCB and was handed the ban before its reduction on appeal.
The talented and fiery Akhtar has taken 178 Test wickets in a chequered international career that began in 1997. He tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone in October 2006, although his two-year ban was overturned on appeal.
2nd Test Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming
Shoaib Akhtar awarded central contract by Pakistan Cricket Board
Volatile fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has won back his central contract with the
Pakistan Cricket Board after his five-year ban was reduced and later
suspended.
Akhtar, 33, was among 26 players awarded annual contracts and will receive
250,000 rupees (£1,700) a month plus match fees.
The move hands another chance to the controversial "Rawalpindi Express," who
was banned after he blasted at officials for failing to give him a contract
last January.
Friday, February 27, 2009
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test Day 3 live streaming
England batting collapse and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle has subsidedEngland will be feeling the pressure at 1-0 down with two to play, but the remaining Tests are at Bridgetown and Port of Spain. If Strauss hits the Carib Beer hard he might be tempted to restore Ambrose to six, where he was so dreadfully exposed against South Africa last year, and pick five bowlers including Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Adil Rashid, all of whom can bat.
Neither of these grounds has produced a draw since April 2001, a run of 12 matches encouraging the tourists to believe that all three series results are still possible.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
Neither of these grounds has produced a draw since April 2001, a run of 12 matches encouraging the tourists to believe that all three series results are still possible.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 3 live Streaming
Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998. In 2002 a three-Test series between the nations was moved to Colombo and Sharjah because of Australia's security worries.
Australia will play Pakistan in five ODI's and a T20 in the UAE immediately after their current tour of South Africa.
If Australia do not play the Tests in Pakistan there is a possibility of playing the Test series in England," he added.The Australians were also one of a number of governing bodies to voice their security concerns ahead of last year's proposed Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which was postponed by the ICC a month before it was due to begin.
Earlier this year the ICC announced they would not hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan because of the security concerns of its members and are now exploring alternate venues.
Tour schedule: Dubai - April 22: First ODI, April 24: Second ODI; Abu Dhabi - April 27: Third ODI, May 1: Fourth ODI, May 3: Fifth ODI, May 7: Twenty20.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 3 live Streaming
Australia will play Pakistan in five ODI's and a T20 in the UAE immediately after their current tour of South Africa.
If Australia do not play the Tests in Pakistan there is a possibility of playing the Test series in England," he added.
Australia have not toured Pakistan since 1998. In 2002 a three-Test series between the nations was moved to Colombo and Sharjah because of Australia's security worries.
The Australians were also one of a number of governing bodies to voice their security concerns ahead of last year's proposed Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which was postponed by the ICC a month before it was due to begin.
Earlier this year the ICC announced they would not hold the Champions Trophy in Pakistan because of the security concerns of its members and are now exploring alternate venues.
Tour schedule: Dubai - April 22: First ODI, April 24: Second ODI; Abu Dhabi - April 27: Third ODI, May 1: Fourth ODI, May 3: Fifth ODI, May 7: Twenty20.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 3 live
Australia will play Pakistan in five ODI's and a T20 in the UAE immediately after their current tour of South Africa.
"On the request of Cricket Australia (CA) we have rescheduled the series," Butt said.
Butt revealed Australia would fly directly to Dubai from Johannesburg, where they will play the fifth one-day international against South Africa on April 17.
The first two games of the series will be held in Dubai before moving to Abu Dhabi.
Australia still also have to reschedule their Test series against Pakistan, with CA promising to play the series later this year.
Butt admitted it is likely that series will also be played at neutral venues.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test Day 3 live Score
Australia strengthen their position as they reached lunch at 351 for seven.The Proteas' heavy reliance on the new ball was almost their undoing early on until Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn struck midway through an extended morning session. There were 12 overs to be bowled before the new ball was due and the home side looked to be going through the motions as they waited for its availability.
Australia claimed two wickets on the second morning of the first Test at the Wanderers, but half-centuries from debutant Marcus North and Brad Haddin helped Australia strengthen their position as they reached lunch at 351 for seven.
The Proteas' heavy reliance on the new ball was almost their undoing early on until Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn struck midway through an extended morning session. There were 12 overs to be bowled before the new ball was due and the home side looked to be going through the motions as they waited for its availability.
North (85 not out) and Haddin (63) put on 113 before the latter was dismissed by Ntini, caught by Paul Harris at mid-on, and five deliveries later Steyn enticed Andrew McDonald to push at an away swinger that he only succeeded in edging to Jacques Kallis at second slip. However, North remained defiant as he edged closer to the three-figure mark.
Australia claimed two wickets on the second morning of the first Test at the Wanderers, but half-centuries from debutant Marcus North and Brad Haddin helped Australia strengthen their position as they reached lunch at 351 for seven.
The Proteas' heavy reliance on the new ball was almost their undoing early on until Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn struck midway through an extended morning session. There were 12 overs to be bowled before the new ball was due and the home side looked to be going through the motions as they waited for its availability.
North (85 not out) and Haddin (63) put on 113 before the latter was dismissed by Ntini, caught by Paul Harris at mid-on, and five deliveries later Steyn enticed Andrew McDonald to push at an away swinger that he only succeeded in edging to Jacques Kallis at second slip. However, North remained defiant as he edged closer to the three-figure mark.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test Day 2 live streaming
England will be feeling the pressure at 1-0 down with two to play, but the remaining Tests are at Bridgetown and Port of Spain. Neither of these grounds has produced a draw since April 2001, a run of 12 matches encouraging the tourists to believe that all three series results are still possible.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the England batting collapse and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle has subsided; cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
If Strauss hits the Carib Beer hard he might be tempted to restore Ambrose to six, where he was so dreadfully exposed against South Africa last year, and pick five bowlers including Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Adil Rashid, all of whom can bat.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test Day 2 live
If Strauss hits the Carib Beer hard he might be tempted to restore Ambrose to six, where he was so dreadfully exposed against South Africa last year, and pick five bowlers including Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Adil Rashid, all of whom can bat. Already an uncharacteristic gamble, doubts over Swann's fitness - he is rated at 85% with a piece of floating bone in his elbow - and a seamer's track surely rule this out.
Given the pitch reports and England's conservative selection there can only be one serious option. Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara are head-to-head for Flintoff's spot with the decision likely hanging on a selector's hunch. Both scored runs against the BCA President's XI, Bopara a century and Bell 72, but the opposition was marginal. The question is whether they want to shake things up with the volatile Bopara or stick with the devil they know in Bell. The opportunities afforded to the Warwickshire batsman in that tour match suggest he has the advantage.
Tim Ambrose is restored to wicketkeeping duty. The Warwickshire man first took over from Prior in 2008 after 10 Tests and played 10 himself before losing the gloves in India.
Given the pitch reports and England's conservative selection there can only be one serious option. Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara are head-to-head for Flintoff's spot with the decision likely hanging on a selector's hunch. Both scored runs against the BCA President's XI, Bopara a century and Bell 72, but the opposition was marginal. The question is whether they want to shake things up with the volatile Bopara or stick with the devil they know in Bell. The opportunities afforded to the Warwickshire batsman in that tour match suggest he has the advantage.
Tim Ambrose is restored to wicketkeeping duty. The Warwickshire man first took over from Prior in 2008 after 10 Tests and played 10 himself before losing the gloves in India.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test Day 2 live score
England will be feeling the pressure at 1-0 down with two to play, but the remaining Tests are at Bridgetown and Port of Spain. Neither of these grounds has produced a draw since April 2001, a run of 12 matches encouraging the tourists to believe that all three series results are still possible.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the England batting collapse and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle has subsided; cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
Warne explained: "I've noticed with Monty that he doesn't adapt to the conditions and bowls the same in all conditions, and you can't do that.
"You need to bowl more over-spin in some conditions, you need to bowl more side-spin in others.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the England batting collapse and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle has subsided; cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
Warne explained: "I've noticed with Monty that he doesn't adapt to the conditions and bowls the same in all conditions, and you can't do that.
"You need to bowl more over-spin in some conditions, you need to bowl more side-spin in others.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
watch New Zealand vs India 2nd Twenty20 live streaming
Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh admitted his side could not afford to repeat the mistakes in the second T20 international.
Yuvraj said playing too many shots early in the innings was the reason behind India's downfall in the first game at Christchurch and his batsmen will try to build partnerships to win the second match tomorrow and square the two-match Twenty20 series.
"We did some mistakes. It is the start of the new tour and we have to understand the conditions and the wickets. So hopefully we will make less errors in the next game," Yuvraj said.
"We actually played too many shots. The moment we got going we got out. We didn't have too many early partnerships. So I guess we need to assess the conditions better in the next game and make a proper plan. The batsmen need to take more responsibility," he said ahead of tomorrow's match.
"The team spirit is high"
Despite the seven-wicket defeat at Christchurch, Yuvraj said the team spirit was high.
"The feeling is good. It is just one game that we lost. It is not a setback. We will come back hard. It is the first game of the series. We have got five one-days, three Test matches and another Twenty20. It is a long tour. So we are all geared up for it," Yuvraj said.
New Zealand vs India 2nd Twenty20 live streaming
If only they could apply themselves like Suresh Raina, their unbridled belligerence would be of value to India. Having established the lead in the series, the Black Caps would be keen to complete a 2-0 rout, which they are immensely capable of, before the five-match one-day series kick starts at Napier.
New Zealand coach Andy Moles believes his boys could achieve their goal.
"The boys know they are up against a very, very talented Indian side. We have got our noses in front, and we want to stay there. It is a two-match series and we want to win it. The boys are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead of them," he said.
Considering the all-round potential of the Black Caps, it would take a huge effort from the Indians to redeem their dented pride. If they don't stand up to the challenge, they would be offering New Zealand the psychological advantage in the rest of the tour.
The Teams
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar.
New Zealand coach Andy Moles believes his boys could achieve their goal.
"The boys know they are up against a very, very talented Indian side. We have got our noses in front, and we want to stay there. It is a two-match series and we want to win it. The boys are looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead of them," he said.
Considering the all-round potential of the Black Caps, it would take a huge effort from the Indians to redeem their dented pride. If they don't stand up to the challenge, they would be offering New Zealand the psychological advantage in the rest of the tour.
The Teams
India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (capt), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Praveen Kumar.
watch India vs New Zealand 2nd Twenty20 live streaming
India might think about Irfan
The defeat at Christchurch could have prompted the Indian think-tank to consider an alternative for Irfan Pathan, who had courageously won India a cliffhanger in his brother's company a fortnight ago in Sri Lanka. Irfan had emerged on the international arena as a bowling all-rounder, but of late he has been more productive with the bat than the ball.
In conditions prevalent in New Zealand, a bowler of Praveen Kumar's ability would be more effective than Irfan, who conceded as many as 38 runs from three overs in the first Twenty20.
But Dhoni's penchant for a deep batting line-up may yet see Irfan get the nod against the Uttar Pradesh seamer, who has this uncanny ability to frazzle top order batsmen.
Though Dhoni blamed the batsmen for the debacle, the Indian captain would do well to analyse that India were outplayed by the more athletic Kiwis, who bowled fast and straight, fielded with the alacrity of a leopard and batted with a calmness and purpose that belied their ability to plunder at will.
Only if Virender Sehwag, Yuvarj Singh and Yusuf Pathan produce scores in the excess of 50, can India hope to deprive the Kiwis of a much-sought after series victory tomorrow.
Sehwag and Yusuf cleared the dwarfed boundaries at the AMI stadium at Christchurch consistently while making 26 and 20 respectively, but failed to keep the momentum going.
The defeat at Christchurch could have prompted the Indian think-tank to consider an alternative for Irfan Pathan, who had courageously won India a cliffhanger in his brother's company a fortnight ago in Sri Lanka. Irfan had emerged on the international arena as a bowling all-rounder, but of late he has been more productive with the bat than the ball.
In conditions prevalent in New Zealand, a bowler of Praveen Kumar's ability would be more effective than Irfan, who conceded as many as 38 runs from three overs in the first Twenty20.
But Dhoni's penchant for a deep batting line-up may yet see Irfan get the nod against the Uttar Pradesh seamer, who has this uncanny ability to frazzle top order batsmen.
Though Dhoni blamed the batsmen for the debacle, the Indian captain would do well to analyse that India were outplayed by the more athletic Kiwis, who bowled fast and straight, fielded with the alacrity of a leopard and batted with a calmness and purpose that belied their ability to plunder at will.
Only if Virender Sehwag, Yuvarj Singh and Yusuf Pathan produce scores in the excess of 50, can India hope to deprive the Kiwis of a much-sought after series victory tomorrow.
Sehwag and Yusuf cleared the dwarfed boundaries at the AMI stadium at Christchurch consistently while making 26 and 20 respectively, but failed to keep the momentum going.
watch New Zealand vs India 2nd Twenty20 live score
India seek redemption in NZ
World champions India would seek to restore their pride after being trounced in the first T20 International by seven wickets.
The Indians play the second and final Twenty20 game against New Zealand on Friday, fully aware that only an inspired show will help them to level the series.
The seven-wicket defeat at Christchurch in the first match must have taken the reputation of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young bravehearts as kings of Twenty20 a serious beating which they can only rectify by winning tomorrow.
A victory will also boost their morale ahead of the five-match ODI series starting on March 3 and put a balm after their second successive loss against New Zealand in the shortest format of the game.
Kiwis now have distinct advantage
However, the visitors will have to do a lot of catching up as the Kiwis have the distinct advantage of having bowling all-rounders in their ranks, in contrast to India who rely on their batsmen to bowl in the middle overs.
The lack of a genuine all-rounder is beginning to prove quite costly. Only Ravindra Jadeja seems to fall in this category, but the youngster from Rajkot may not find the team management's favour yet.
World champions India would seek to restore their pride after being trounced in the first T20 International by seven wickets.
The Indians play the second and final Twenty20 game against New Zealand on Friday, fully aware that only an inspired show will help them to level the series.
The seven-wicket defeat at Christchurch in the first match must have taken the reputation of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's young bravehearts as kings of Twenty20 a serious beating which they can only rectify by winning tomorrow.
A victory will also boost their morale ahead of the five-match ODI series starting on March 3 and put a balm after their second successive loss against New Zealand in the shortest format of the game.
Kiwis now have distinct advantage
However, the visitors will have to do a lot of catching up as the Kiwis have the distinct advantage of having bowling all-rounders in their ranks, in contrast to India who rely on their batsmen to bowl in the middle overs.
The lack of a genuine all-rounder is beginning to prove quite costly. Only Ravindra Jadeja seems to fall in this category, but the youngster from Rajkot may not find the team management's favour yet.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live Streaming
Ponting may have claimed on Wednesday that he is "looking forward" to leading this inexperienced side as they look to defend the five kilogrammes of gold and silver contained in the ICC Test Mace, but the mood among South Africans is that with such an untested Australian side there for the takling, surely the hosts can't let this one slip.
With over 86,000 tickets already sold by 3pm Tuesday for this Test out of the 150,000 available, the South African public - who can have a tendency for fair-weather support - are clearly expectant. It's the most pre-sale tickets to have been flogged for a game in South Africa since England toured in 1998, and with a steady trickle of fans still arriving at the Wanderers ticket office throughout Wednesday a handsome crowd can be expected.
Having named a squad of 12 for the match by omitting spinners Nathan Hauritz and Bryce McGain, the mustachioed David Boon will seemingly have one major decision to make as Australia's on-site selector.
With over 86,000 tickets already sold by 3pm Tuesday for this Test out of the 150,000 available, the South African public - who can have a tendency for fair-weather support - are clearly expectant. It's the most pre-sale tickets to have been flogged for a game in South Africa since England toured in 1998, and with a steady trickle of fans still arriving at the Wanderers ticket office throughout Wednesday a handsome crowd can be expected.
Having named a squad of 12 for the match by omitting spinners Nathan Hauritz and Bryce McGain, the mustachioed David Boon will seemingly have one major decision to make as Australia's on-site selector.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test live streaming
Instead the choices will be much more straightforward. Swann plays if fit, Broad plays if breathing and then perm two from James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Harmison and new arrival Amjad Khan. Harmison, like Rashid, is a dubious option as one of four bowlers though for very different reasons. He and Anderson are the men in possession and after the toothlessness in St John's it will be tempting to shake up the seam attack for a fast, grassy surface. If Sidebottom is carrying an injury, and there are times when it looks that way, then Khan is in contention for a debut after his tour match five-fer; if Swann is ruled out Strauss may prefer a fourth fast bowler to the down-on-his-luck Monty Panesar.
No such trials and tribulations for the West Indies, who retain the same 13 from the second and third Tests on Antigua. However there must be a temptation to replace two of the great underachievers in this generation.
Devon Smith has made six, 38 and 21 in the series so far and though he showed better patience at St John's - a constant gripe against the left-hander - he is under severe pressure from Lendl Simmons, compiler of 282 for West Indies A in a tour match that now seems some months ago.
No such trials and tribulations for the West Indies, who retain the same 13 from the second and third Tests on Antigua. However there must be a temptation to replace two of the great underachievers in this generation.
Devon Smith has made six, 38 and 21 in the series so far and though he showed better patience at St John's - a constant gripe against the left-hander - he is under severe pressure from Lendl Simmons, compiler of 282 for West Indies A in a tour match that now seems some months ago.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live Streaming
Ponting may have claimed on Wednesday that he is "looking forward" to leading this inexperienced side as they look to defend the five kilogrammes of gold and silver contained in the ICC Test Mace, but the mood among South Africans is that with such an untested Australian side there for the takling, surely the hosts can't let this one slip.
With over 86,000 tickets already sold by 3pm Tuesday for this Test out of the 150,000 available, the South African public - who can have a tendency for fair-weather support - are clearly expectant. It's the most pre-sale tickets to have been flogged for a game in South Africa since England toured in 1998, and with a steady trickle of fans still arriving at the Wanderers ticket office throughout Wednesday a handsome crowd can be expected.
Having named a squad of 12 for the match by omitting spinners Nathan Hauritz and Bryce McGain, the mustachioed David Boon will seemingly have one major decision to make as Australia's on-site selector.
With over 86,000 tickets already sold by 3pm Tuesday for this Test out of the 150,000 available, the South African public - who can have a tendency for fair-weather support - are clearly expectant. It's the most pre-sale tickets to have been flogged for a game in South Africa since England toured in 1998, and with a steady trickle of fans still arriving at the Wanderers ticket office throughout Wednesday a handsome crowd can be expected.
Having named a squad of 12 for the match by omitting spinners Nathan Hauritz and Bryce McGain, the mustachioed David Boon will seemingly have one major decision to make as Australia's on-site selector.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test live streaming
Swann plays if fit, Broad plays if breathing and then perm two from James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Harmison and new arrival Amjad Khan. Harmison, like Rashid, is a dubious option as one of four bowlers though for very different reasons. He and Anderson are the men in possession and after the toothlessness in St John's it will be tempting to shake up the seam attack for a fast, grassy surface. If Sidebottom is carrying an injury, and there are times when it looks that way, then Khan is in contention for a debut after his tour match five-fer; if Swann is ruled out Strauss may prefer a fourth fast bowler to the down-on-his-luck Monty Panesar.
No such trials and tribulations for the West Indies, who retain the same 13 from the second and third Tests on Antigua. However there must be a temptation to replace two of the great underachievers in this generation.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test live streaming
Instead the choices will be much more straightforward. Swann plays if fit, Broad plays if breathing and then perm two from James Anderson, Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Harmison and new arrival Amjad Khan. Harmison, like Rashid, is a dubious option as one of four bowlers though for very different reasons. He and Anderson are the men in possession and after the toothlessness in St John's it will be tempting to shake up the seam attack for a fast, grassy surface. If Sidebottom is carrying an injury, and there are times when it looks that way, then Khan is in contention for a debut after his tour match five-fer; if Swann is ruled out Strauss may prefer a fourth fast bowler to the down-on-his-luck Monty Panesar.
No such trials and tribulations for the West Indies, who retain the same 13 from the second and third Tests on Antigua. However there must be a temptation to replace two of the great underachievers in this generation.
Devon Smith has made six, 38 and 21 in the series so far and though he showed better patience at St John's - a constant gripe against the left-hander - he is under severe pressure from Lendl Simmons, compiler of 282 for West Indies A in a tour match that now seems some months ago.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live Streaming
Ponting may have claimed on Wednesday that he is "looking forward" to leading this inexperienced side as they look to defend the five kilogrammes of gold and silver contained in the ICC Test Mace, but the mood among South Africans is that with such an untested Australian side there for the takling, surely the hosts can't let this one slip.
With over 86,000 tickets already sold by 3pm Tuesday for this Test out of the 150,000 available, the South African public - who can have a tendency for fair-weather support - are clearly expectant. It's the most pre-sale tickets to have been flogged for a game in South Africa since England toured in 1998, and with a steady trickle of fans still arriving at the Wanderers ticket office throughout Wednesday a handsome crowd can be expected.
Having named a squad of 12 for the match by omitting spinners Nathan Hauritz and Bryce McGain, the mustachioed David Boon will seemingly have one major decision to make as Australia's on-site selector. With Phil Hughes' debut as opener a certainty the top five picks itself, while Andrew McDonald and Marcus North are expected to fill the numbers six and eight berths with North also providing part-time spin following his six-for in Potchefstroom.
Mitchell Johnson will lead the attack and Peter Siddle should be a shoe-in as a bowler able to utilise the swing and bounce on offer here, leaving Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus to scrap it out for the final spot in the side in a tussle that could go either way.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test live
More difficult to spin is the reality of team selection. England admitted that the third Test draw felt like a defeat and now the engine room has gone kaput, Andrew Flintoff ruled out with a hip problem and Matt Prior playing peek-a-book in a Hove-area BUPA. Andrew Strauss must therefore choose between six batsmen or five bowlers for a Test he's desperate to win on a green, bouncy track prepared to help fast bowlers.
Given the pitch reports and England's conservative selection there can only be one serious option. Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara are head-to-head for Flintoff's spot with the decision likely hanging on a selector's hunch. Both scored runs against the BCA President's XI, Bopara a century and Bell 72, but the opposition was marginal. The question is whether they want to shake things up with the volatile Bopara or stick with the devil they know in Bell. The opportunities afforded to the Warwickshire batsman in that tour match suggest he has the advantage.
Tim Ambrose is restored to wicketkeeping duty. The Warwickshire man first took over from Prior in 2008 after 10 Tests and played 10 himself before losing the gloves in India. Prior had re-established himself since Chennai, batting well and cutting out the costly drops so Ambrose will have to do something special to keep his place. We might even argue that this is a missed opportunity to blood a serious rival to the incumbent.
Given the pitch reports and England's conservative selection there can only be one serious option. Ian Bell and Ravi Bopara are head-to-head for Flintoff's spot with the decision likely hanging on a selector's hunch. Both scored runs against the BCA President's XI, Bopara a century and Bell 72, but the opposition was marginal. The question is whether they want to shake things up with the volatile Bopara or stick with the devil they know in Bell. The opportunities afforded to the Warwickshire batsman in that tour match suggest he has the advantage.
Tim Ambrose is restored to wicketkeeping duty. The Warwickshire man first took over from Prior in 2008 after 10 Tests and played 10 himself before losing the gloves in India. Prior had re-established himself since Chennai, batting well and cutting out the costly drops so Ambrose will have to do something special to keep his place. We might even argue that this is a missed opportunity to blood a serious rival to the incumbent.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live
Five months ago, Australia stood head and shoulders above everyone else in the ICC Test rankings as they prepared to embark on a tour of India. Legends had retired from the all-conquering team that twice won a record 16 Tests on the trot, but the word was that their strength in depth was unrivaled, that there were superb players waiting in the wings at domestic level who were ready to compete at Test level.
If that theory still has breath to give after two series defeats, it is certainly facing its greatest challenge as Ricky Ponting's side arrive in the city of gold with some precious metal of their own to defend.
While the squad that left for India was still expected to beat whatever came before it, containing as it did a number of world-class players, the one that arrived in South Africa last week had just three of the players involved in Australia's Ashes whitewash of two years ago.
It's been an intense five months of cricket which has decimated the team to such an extent that one South African paper joked on Monday that Australia 'looked like a village side' in Potchefstroom, the author explaining how the assembled hacks had trouble in recognising some of the players in the field.
If that theory still has breath to give after two series defeats, it is certainly facing its greatest challenge as Ricky Ponting's side arrive in the city of gold with some precious metal of their own to defend.
While the squad that left for India was still expected to beat whatever came before it, containing as it did a number of world-class players, the one that arrived in South Africa last week had just three of the players involved in Australia's Ashes whitewash of two years ago.
It's been an intense five months of cricket which has decimated the team to such an extent that one South African paper joked on Monday that Australia 'looked like a village side' in Potchefstroom, the author explaining how the assembled hacks had trouble in recognising some of the players in the field.
watch West Indies vs England 4th Test live score
By all accounts Sir Allen Stanford has made a howler or two recently, but has he ever been wider of the mark than in calling Test cricket 'tedious'? At times the Wisden Trophy 2008/9 has been atrociously umpired, embarrassingly played and incompetently managed, but - with the FBI's words 'fraud of shocking magnitude' providing an outrageous sub-plot - no-one is saying it has been dull.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the England batting collapse and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle has subsided; cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
England will be feeling the pressure at 1-0 down with two to play, but the remaining Tests are at Bridgetown and Port of Spain. Neither of these grounds has produced a draw since April 2001, a run of 12 matches encouraging the tourists to believe that all three series results are still possible.
After the third Test at St John's we might yet get some cricket out of the whole thing. As they did against India three years ago, the West Indies fought to the very final ball to salvage a draw in one of the outstanding recent Tests and hopefully the series is now on track. The anger with the referrals system, the England batting collapse and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium debacle has subsided; cricket will move on easily enough from the Stanford embarrassment even if the legacy for Antigua is far more serious.
England will be feeling the pressure at 1-0 down with two to play, but the remaining Tests are at Bridgetown and Port of Spain. Neither of these grounds has produced a draw since April 2001, a run of 12 matches encouraging the tourists to believe that all three series results are still possible.
watch South Africa vs Australia 1st Test live Score
Australian stalwart Mike Hussey will be looking to the newest members of the team to perform key roles if the Aussies are to retain the title of number one Test playing nation with a series win over South Africa.
The first Test, which gets under way in Johannesburg on Thursday, may include up to four Australian debutants with opener Phillip Hughes, leg-spinner Bryce McGain, fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus and all-rounder Marcus North all in contention for a spot in the XI alongside other relative newcomers Peter Siddle (four tests), Andrew McDonald (one) and Doug Bollinger (one).
"They've (new players) got a big role to play in this team," said Hussey. "It's not a case where we're expecting less from the new guys, they're in the Australian cricket team so they're expected to do their job as well as the most senior guys."
The influx of new talent into the national side will no doubt have an effect on team dynamics but Hussey does not believe there will be any on-field 'teething issues'.
"It's more getting to know the guys off the field really, we've all played a lot of cricket, even the new guys have had a few good seasons in first class cricket so they know their game," he said.
"We're just trying to make it as comfortable for them to be around the group as possible to make them feel as though they're definitely good enough to be here and they're definitely part of the team and they've got a big role to play in this team."
Hussey will be looking for an improvement in his own performances - and that of the rest of the top six - in South Africa after the West Australian had a lean summer in the three-Test series against the Proteas on home soil.
Hussey had the first form slump in what has been a remarkable Test career, averaging 17 in six innings, although the 33-year-old did find some form in the recent ODI series against New Zealand, winning man of the series.
"All of the batsmen have their role to play and we all have to do our job, I think that was one of the areas we probably didn't all contribute to in the series in Australia - myself included," he said. "Obviously I didn't score as many runs as I would have liked, but it's going to take a huge team effort to win the series.
The first Test, which gets under way in Johannesburg on Thursday, may include up to four Australian debutants with opener Phillip Hughes, leg-spinner Bryce McGain, fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus and all-rounder Marcus North all in contention for a spot in the XI alongside other relative newcomers Peter Siddle (four tests), Andrew McDonald (one) and Doug Bollinger (one).
"They've (new players) got a big role to play in this team," said Hussey. "It's not a case where we're expecting less from the new guys, they're in the Australian cricket team so they're expected to do their job as well as the most senior guys."
The influx of new talent into the national side will no doubt have an effect on team dynamics but Hussey does not believe there will be any on-field 'teething issues'.
"It's more getting to know the guys off the field really, we've all played a lot of cricket, even the new guys have had a few good seasons in first class cricket so they know their game," he said.
"We're just trying to make it as comfortable for them to be around the group as possible to make them feel as though they're definitely good enough to be here and they're definitely part of the team and they've got a big role to play in this team."
Hussey will be looking for an improvement in his own performances - and that of the rest of the top six - in South Africa after the West Australian had a lean summer in the three-Test series against the Proteas on home soil.
Hussey had the first form slump in what has been a remarkable Test career, averaging 17 in six innings, although the 33-year-old did find some form in the recent ODI series against New Zealand, winning man of the series.
"All of the batsmen have their role to play and we all have to do our job, I think that was one of the areas we probably didn't all contribute to in the series in Australia - myself included," he said. "Obviously I didn't score as many runs as I would have liked, but it's going to take a huge team effort to win the series.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
New Zealand Cricket has announced the itinerary for the home series against India.
The Indian cricket team would play two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests on their first tour of New Zealand in six years starting in February. The tour would last from February 20 to April 7, 2009.
India will arrive in New Zealand on February 20 and will begin the tour with a Twenty20 international match in Christchurch on February 25 and ends with the final Test, from April 3-7, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The one-day series would precede the short Test rubber.
India had a torrid time on their last trip in December 2002-January 2003, losing the two-Test series 2-0 and the seven-ODI contest 5-2. The visit came in the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa, where the Indian team, under severe pressure initially, made it to the final. Cold and damp conditions resulted in favourable conditions for bowlers, with neither Test lasting five days, and teams batting first often getting bowled out cheaply in the ODI series.
The 1st Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand will be played on 25th February 2009 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch.
The Indian cricket team would play two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests on their first tour of New Zealand in six years starting in February. The tour would last from February 20 to April 7, 2009.
India will arrive in New Zealand on February 20 and will begin the tour with a Twenty20 international match in Christchurch on February 25 and ends with the final Test, from April 3-7, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The one-day series would precede the short Test rubber.
India had a torrid time on their last trip in December 2002-January 2003, losing the two-Test series 2-0 and the seven-ODI contest 5-2. The visit came in the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa, where the Indian team, under severe pressure initially, made it to the final. Cold and damp conditions resulted in favourable conditions for bowlers, with neither Test lasting five days, and teams batting first often getting bowled out cheaply in the ODI series.
The 1st Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand will be played on 25th February 2009 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
World champions India are worried more about the New Zealand weather than the composition of the New Zealand team.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
New Zealand Cricket has announced the itinerary for the home series against India.
The Indian cricket team would play two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests on their first tour of New Zealand in six years starting in February. The tour would last from February 20 to April 7, 2009.
India will arrive in New Zealand on February 20 and will begin the tour with a Twenty20 international match in Christchurch on February 25 and ends with the final Test, from April 3-7, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The one-day series would precede the short Test rubber.
India had a torrid time on their last trip in December 2002-January 2003, losing the two-Test series 2-0 and the seven-ODI contest 5-2. The visit came in the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa, where the Indian team, under severe pressure initially, made it to the final. Cold and damp conditions resulted in favourable conditions for bowlers, with neither Test lasting five days, and teams batting first often getting bowled out cheaply in the ODI series.
The 1st Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand will be played on 25th February 2009 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch.
The Indian cricket team would play two Twenty20 internationals, five one-day internationals and two Tests on their first tour of New Zealand in six years starting in February. The tour would last from February 20 to April 7, 2009.
India will arrive in New Zealand on February 20 and will begin the tour with a Twenty20 international match in Christchurch on February 25 and ends with the final Test, from April 3-7, at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The one-day series would precede the short Test rubber.
India had a torrid time on their last trip in December 2002-January 2003, losing the two-Test series 2-0 and the seven-ODI contest 5-2. The visit came in the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa, where the Indian team, under severe pressure initially, made it to the final. Cold and damp conditions resulted in favourable conditions for bowlers, with neither Test lasting five days, and teams batting first often getting bowled out cheaply in the ODI series.
The 1st Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand will be played on 25th February 2009 at AMI Stadium, Christchurch.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
Dhoni: Past doesn't count
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni refuses to bask in past glory and insists it will be a fresh start against New Zealand.
World champion in this slam-bang format, Dhoni's men have an edge over the hosts on paper but the Indian captain believes his teammates would have to start all over again.
"I believe every game is a new game," Dhoni said on the eve of the tour opener, adding "You have to start from scratch." Dhoni put tomorrow's match in perspective saying it would not set the tone for the remainder of the series.
"It is not like if you have won the first game it makes a huge difference for the entire tour. It is a 50-day tour and the team that will be victorious will be the one that plays good cricket for a consistent amount of time," Dhoni said.
"Seaming pitches could backfire"
Dhoni's team does not lack match-winners but the Indian captain said he wanted complete team effort where each and every player would chip in.
"Last year we did well as a team. The important thing is that we don't rely on one or two individuals. We have been performing as a team. In most games, you see that a lot of people have been contributing. Part-timers have done the job well with the ball. We have improved as a fielding unit as well, and that helps, too.
"We have the kind of players who can really win games on their own, but we are always looking for the whole team to perform. In theses conditions the batsmen could get out to a good ball and this is when you want the whole team to be at a level where each and everyone is performing. Whatever limited opportunity one gets, if he performs it helps the confidence of the whole team," said Dhoni.
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni refuses to bask in past glory and insists it will be a fresh start against New Zealand.
World champion in this slam-bang format, Dhoni's men have an edge over the hosts on paper but the Indian captain believes his teammates would have to start all over again.
"I believe every game is a new game," Dhoni said on the eve of the tour opener, adding "You have to start from scratch." Dhoni put tomorrow's match in perspective saying it would not set the tone for the remainder of the series.
"It is not like if you have won the first game it makes a huge difference for the entire tour. It is a 50-day tour and the team that will be victorious will be the one that plays good cricket for a consistent amount of time," Dhoni said.
"Seaming pitches could backfire"
Dhoni's team does not lack match-winners but the Indian captain said he wanted complete team effort where each and every player would chip in.
"Last year we did well as a team. The important thing is that we don't rely on one or two individuals. We have been performing as a team. In most games, you see that a lot of people have been contributing. Part-timers have done the job well with the ball. We have improved as a fielding unit as well, and that helps, too.
"We have the kind of players who can really win games on their own, but we are always looking for the whole team to perform. In theses conditions the batsmen could get out to a good ball and this is when you want the whole team to be at a level where each and everyone is performing. Whatever limited opportunity one gets, if he performs it helps the confidence of the whole team," said Dhoni.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
World champions India are worried more about the New Zealand weather than the composition of the New Zealand team.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
India have two explosive openers in Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who will be backed by the king of Twenty20, Yuvraj Singh, who continues to flog the bowlers across the parks as if he were batting in the backyard of his Chandigarh home.
Then there is Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan, who is imminently capable of clearing the grounds in New Zealand. Be it seam or spin, they have the knack and chutzpah to scatter the field and produce boundaries.
Besides, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma are batsmen who are capable of winning matches on their own on their day.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
India have two explosive openers in Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who will be backed by the king of Twenty20, Yuvraj Singh, who continues to flog the bowlers across the parks as if he were batting in the backyard of his Chandigarh home.
Then there is Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan, who is imminently capable of clearing the grounds in New Zealand. Be it seam or spin, they have the knack and chutzpah to scatter the field and produce boundaries.
Besides, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma are batsmen who are capable of winning matches on their own on their day.
1st Twenty20 New Zealand vs India live streaming
"Pitches in NZ not a problem"
If the Kiwis feel that the bounce in the wicket could give them the edge in the bowling aspect, they would have to deal with Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who are regarded as the best fast bowling pair in the world cricket. The pair had devastated Australia at home, a trauma from which Ricky Ponting is struggling to recover.
India's Twenty20 record is encouraging, in that they have lost only two of their 11 matches played so far, losing to New Zealand in the World Cup at Johannesburg and Australia at Melbourne.
But whatever be their might, India would be foolhardy to underestimate the inexperienced New Zealand outfit, which had given a good account of itself in the just-concluded series against Australia, wherein they drew the ODI series 2-2 and lost the Twenty international by one run.
Coach Andy Molls has pinned his hopes on Daniel Vettori, arguably the best left-arm spinner in world cricket, McCullum, Oram, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot and Neil Broom. But if the weather does not play spoilsport, India certainly have the spice and curry to bury the Kiwi challenge.
Kirsten unconcerned about the past
India coach Gary Kirsten has already made it clear that his wards would not be unduly worried about either the track or the weather here, for they are well prepared to adapt to any situations.
"We are aware of what to expect and are planning for that. Every wicket around the world might well be different. You are not going to find two wickets that are exactly the same.
"So we are not really focusing on the wickets. But we are doing the work we need to do. We are looking to adapt to the situations that we are confronted with. The team is well-balanced and our seamers have done particularly well in the last year," Kirsten said.
"Everyone's talking a lot about the wickets, but the wickets I saw in the games against West Indies seemed to play really well. It is not something that will concern us too much," he added.
If the Kiwis feel that the bounce in the wicket could give them the edge in the bowling aspect, they would have to deal with Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who are regarded as the best fast bowling pair in the world cricket. The pair had devastated Australia at home, a trauma from which Ricky Ponting is struggling to recover.
India's Twenty20 record is encouraging, in that they have lost only two of their 11 matches played so far, losing to New Zealand in the World Cup at Johannesburg and Australia at Melbourne.
But whatever be their might, India would be foolhardy to underestimate the inexperienced New Zealand outfit, which had given a good account of itself in the just-concluded series against Australia, wherein they drew the ODI series 2-2 and lost the Twenty international by one run.
Coach Andy Molls has pinned his hopes on Daniel Vettori, arguably the best left-arm spinner in world cricket, McCullum, Oram, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot and Neil Broom. But if the weather does not play spoilsport, India certainly have the spice and curry to bury the Kiwi challenge.
Kirsten unconcerned about the past
India coach Gary Kirsten has already made it clear that his wards would not be unduly worried about either the track or the weather here, for they are well prepared to adapt to any situations.
"We are aware of what to expect and are planning for that. Every wicket around the world might well be different. You are not going to find two wickets that are exactly the same.
"So we are not really focusing on the wickets. But we are doing the work we need to do. We are looking to adapt to the situations that we are confronted with. The team is well-balanced and our seamers have done particularly well in the last year," Kirsten said.
"Everyone's talking a lot about the wickets, but the wickets I saw in the games against West Indies seemed to play really well. It is not something that will concern us too much," he added.
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 5 Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
World champions India are worried more about the New Zealand weather than the composition of the New Zealand team.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
World champions India are worried more about the New Zealand weather than the composition of the New Zealand team.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
watch New Zealand vs India 1st Twenty20 live streaming
World champions India are worried more about the New Zealand weather than the composition of the New Zealand team.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
India have two explosive openers in Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who will be backed by the king of Twenty20, Yuvraj Singh, who continues to flog the bowlers across the parks as if he were batting in the backyard of his Chandigarh home.
Then there is Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan, who is imminently capable of clearing the grounds in New Zealand. Be it seam or spin, they have the knack and chutzpah to scatter the field and produce boundaries.
Besides, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma are batsmen who are capable of winning matches on their own on their day.
watch New Zealand vs India Twenty20 live streaming
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes the second edition of the IPL will be perfect practice for T20 World Cup. Incidentally, the two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand here are India's last opportunity to play as a team before the World Cup but Dhoni believes IPL would be the right platform to prepare for the mega event.
"Every game is important. These are two Twenty20 international games. But I think it will be important to focus on the IPL more," said Dhoni, who led India to triumph in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
"It (IPL) would not help us only. It will help other players also who are part of IPL, which is a big tournament. Right now these two matches against New Zealand are too far away to contribute to the Twenty20 World Cup scenario," said Dhoni.
Wright visits Team India's nets
Dhoni also reckoned that inputs from former India coach John Wright, now a Kiwi selector, would help the hosts.
"Being an international cricketer and a coach, he will know the shortcomings. John will know the psychology of each and every Indian player. That psychological part of the input given by John will help them," Dhoni said.
Expectation would be high as Dhoni's men go into the series but the Indian skipper seemed unperturbed by that.
"What we have done in the last few months is that we have diverted our attention from the expectations to the process and what we want to achieve. Expectation is set by others and can be too high to achieve. As individuals you know your potential and you know what you can do and accordingly you can fix it. This is what I want to do in this series," he said.
Dhoni also spared a thought for the weather here and said, "The temperature has been up and down. The wind is pretty cold. A lot depends on the conditions tomorrow. If it is cloudy and there is a bit of rain, it will help the seamers. But if there is too much rain, the ball will become soggy and the batsmen will benefit. At the end of the day it will depend on how the weather pans out. But overall, it has been cold so far."
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 5 Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
watch New Zealand vs India Twenty20 live streaming
"Pitches in NZ not a problem"
If the Kiwis feel that the bounce in the wicket could give them the edge in the bowling aspect, they would have to deal with Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who are regarded as the best fast bowling pair in the world cricket. The pair had devastated Australia at home, a trauma from which Ricky Ponting is struggling to recover.
India's Twenty20 record is encouraging, in that they have lost only two of their 11 matches played so far, losing to New Zealand in the World Cup at Johannesburg and Australia at Melbourne.
But whatever be their might, India would be foolhardy to underestimate the inexperienced New Zealand outfit, which had given a good account of itself in the just-concluded series against Australia, wherein they drew the ODI series 2-2 and lost the Twenty international by one run.
Coach Andy Molls has pinned his hopes on Daniel Vettori, arguably the best left-arm spinner in world cricket, McCullum, Oram, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot and Neil Broom. But if the weather does not play spoilsport, India certainly have the spice and curry to bury the Kiwi challenge.
Kirsten unconcerned about the past
India coach Gary Kirsten has already made it clear that his wards would not be unduly worried about either the track or the weather here, for they are well prepared to adapt to any situations.
"We are aware of what to expect and are planning for that. Every wicket around the world might well be different. You are not going to find two wickets that are exactly the same.
"So we are not really focusing on the wickets. But we are doing the work we need to do. We are looking to adapt to the situations that we are confronted with. The team is well-balanced and our seamers have done particularly well in the last year," Kirsten said.
"Everyone's talking a lot about the wickets, but the wickets I saw in the games against West Indies seemed to play really well. It is not something that will concern us too much," he added.
If the Kiwis feel that the bounce in the wicket could give them the edge in the bowling aspect, they would have to deal with Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma, who are regarded as the best fast bowling pair in the world cricket. The pair had devastated Australia at home, a trauma from which Ricky Ponting is struggling to recover.
India's Twenty20 record is encouraging, in that they have lost only two of their 11 matches played so far, losing to New Zealand in the World Cup at Johannesburg and Australia at Melbourne.
But whatever be their might, India would be foolhardy to underestimate the inexperienced New Zealand outfit, which had given a good account of itself in the just-concluded series against Australia, wherein they drew the ODI series 2-2 and lost the Twenty international by one run.
Coach Andy Molls has pinned his hopes on Daniel Vettori, arguably the best left-arm spinner in world cricket, McCullum, Oram, Martin Guptill, Grant Elliot and Neil Broom. But if the weather does not play spoilsport, India certainly have the spice and curry to bury the Kiwi challenge.
Kirsten unconcerned about the past
India coach Gary Kirsten has already made it clear that his wards would not be unduly worried about either the track or the weather here, for they are well prepared to adapt to any situations.
"We are aware of what to expect and are planning for that. Every wicket around the world might well be different. You are not going to find two wickets that are exactly the same.
"So we are not really focusing on the wickets. But we are doing the work we need to do. We are looking to adapt to the situations that we are confronted with. The team is well-balanced and our seamers have done particularly well in the last year," Kirsten said.
"Everyone's talking a lot about the wickets, but the wickets I saw in the games against West Indies seemed to play really well. It is not something that will concern us too much," he added.
New Zealand vs India Twenty20 live streaming
World champions India are worried more about the New Zealand weather than the composition of the New Zealand team.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
India have two explosive openers in Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who will be backed by the king of Twenty20, Yuvraj Singh, who continues to flog the bowlers across the parks as if he were batting in the backyard of his Chandigarh home.
Then there is Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan, who is imminently capable of clearing the grounds in New Zealand. Be it seam or spin, they have the knack and chutzpah to scatter the field and produce boundaries.
Besides, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma are batsmen who are capable of winning matches on their own on their day.
The Indians face Daniel Vettori's men when they take on New Zealand in the first Twenty20 cricket international at the AMI Park on Wednesday.
The advent of autumn has seen the temperatures drop and there have been sporadic spells of rain, which have offset India's preparation for the match.
Cold windy factor could unruffle Indians
More than the Black Caps' resilience and home advantage, it will be this cold-windy factor which could ruffle Mahendra Singh Dhoni's all-conquering legion.
Given their streak of success in this format and the plethora of talent they have in their ranks, India start as hot favorites in the two-match Twenty20 series.
While New Zealand have two potential match-winners in Brendon McCullum and Jacob Oram, who was specifically included in the squad to provide thrust to the not-so-powerful batting, India have an array of explosive batsmen who can turn the match on its head.
India have two explosive openers in Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, who will be backed by the king of Twenty20, Yuvraj Singh, who continues to flog the bowlers across the parks as if he were batting in the backyard of his Chandigarh home.
Then there is Dhoni and Yusuf Pathan, who is imminently capable of clearing the grounds in New Zealand. Be it seam or spin, they have the knack and chutzpah to scatter the field and produce boundaries.
Besides, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma are batsmen who are capable of winning matches on their own on their day.
watch India vs New Zealand Twenty20 live streaming
Dhoni: Past doesn't count
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni refuses to bask in past glory and insists it will be a fresh start against New Zealand.
World champion in this slam-bang format, Dhoni's men have an edge over the hosts on paper but the Indian captain believes his teammates would have to start all over again.
"I believe every game is a new game," Dhoni said on the eve of the tour opener, adding "You have to start from scratch." Dhoni put tomorrow's match in perspective saying it would not set the tone for the remainder of the series.
"It is not like if you have won the first game it makes a huge difference for the entire tour. It is a 50-day tour and the team that will be victorious will be the one that plays good cricket for a consistent amount of time," Dhoni said.
"Seaming pitches could backfire"
Dhoni's team does not lack match-winners but the Indian captain said he wanted complete team effort where each and every player would chip in.
"Last year we did well as a team. The important thing is that we don't rely on one or two individuals. We have been performing as a team. In most games, you see that a lot of people have been contributing. Part-timers have done the job well with the ball. We have improved as a fielding unit as well, and that helps, too.
"We have the kind of players who can really win games on their own, but we are always looking for the whole team to perform. In theses conditions the batsmen could get out to a good ball and this is when you want the whole team to be at a level where each and everyone is performing. Whatever limited opportunity one gets, if he performs it helps the confidence of the whole team," said Dhoni.
Dhoni rated New Zealand as a competitive side and said, "They have a good bunch of players. They believe in contributing. They take pride in their fielding which is important in one-day cricket. They are a competitive side."
Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni refuses to bask in past glory and insists it will be a fresh start against New Zealand.
World champion in this slam-bang format, Dhoni's men have an edge over the hosts on paper but the Indian captain believes his teammates would have to start all over again.
"I believe every game is a new game," Dhoni said on the eve of the tour opener, adding "You have to start from scratch." Dhoni put tomorrow's match in perspective saying it would not set the tone for the remainder of the series.
"It is not like if you have won the first game it makes a huge difference for the entire tour. It is a 50-day tour and the team that will be victorious will be the one that plays good cricket for a consistent amount of time," Dhoni said.
"Seaming pitches could backfire"
Dhoni's team does not lack match-winners but the Indian captain said he wanted complete team effort where each and every player would chip in.
"Last year we did well as a team. The important thing is that we don't rely on one or two individuals. We have been performing as a team. In most games, you see that a lot of people have been contributing. Part-timers have done the job well with the ball. We have improved as a fielding unit as well, and that helps, too.
"We have the kind of players who can really win games on their own, but we are always looking for the whole team to perform. In theses conditions the batsmen could get out to a good ball and this is when you want the whole team to be at a level where each and everyone is performing. Whatever limited opportunity one gets, if he performs it helps the confidence of the whole team," said Dhoni.
Dhoni rated New Zealand as a competitive side and said, "They have a good bunch of players. They believe in contributing. They take pride in their fielding which is important in one-day cricket. They are a competitive side."
watch New Zealand vs India Twenty20 live score
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes the second edition of the IPL will be perfect practice for T20 World Cup.
Incidentally, the two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand here are India's last opportunity to play as a team before the World Cup but Dhoni believes IPL would be the right platform to prepare for the mega event.
"Every game is important. These are two Twenty20 international games. But I think it will be important to focus on the IPL more," said Dhoni, who led India to triumph in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
"It (IPL) would not help us only. It will help other players also who are part of IPL, which is a big tournament. Right now these two matches against New Zealand are too far away to contribute to the Twenty20 World Cup scenario," said Dhoni.
Wright visits Team India's nets
Dhoni also reckoned that inputs from former India coach John Wright, now a Kiwi selector, would help the hosts.
"Being an international cricketer and a coach, he will know the shortcomings. John will know the psychology of each and every Indian player. That psychological part of the input given by John will help them," Dhoni said.
Expectation would be high as Dhoni's men go into the series but the Indian skipper seemed unperturbed by that.
"What we have done in the last few months is that we have diverted our attention from the expectations to the process and what we want to achieve. Expectation is set by others and can be too high to achieve. As individuals you know your potential and you know what you can do and accordingly you can fix it. This is what I want to do in this series," he said.
Dhoni also spared a thought for the weather here and said, "The temperature has been up and down. The wind is pretty cold. A lot depends on the conditions tomorrow. If it is cloudy and there is a bit of rain, it will help the seamers. But if there is too much rain, the ball will become soggy and the batsmen will benefit. At the end of the day it will depend on how the weather pans out. But overall, it has been cold so far."
Incidentally, the two Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand here are India's last opportunity to play as a team before the World Cup but Dhoni believes IPL would be the right platform to prepare for the mega event.
"Every game is important. These are two Twenty20 international games. But I think it will be important to focus on the IPL more," said Dhoni, who led India to triumph in the 2007 Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
"It (IPL) would not help us only. It will help other players also who are part of IPL, which is a big tournament. Right now these two matches against New Zealand are too far away to contribute to the Twenty20 World Cup scenario," said Dhoni.
Wright visits Team India's nets
Dhoni also reckoned that inputs from former India coach John Wright, now a Kiwi selector, would help the hosts.
"Being an international cricketer and a coach, he will know the shortcomings. John will know the psychology of each and every Indian player. That psychological part of the input given by John will help them," Dhoni said.
Expectation would be high as Dhoni's men go into the series but the Indian skipper seemed unperturbed by that.
"What we have done in the last few months is that we have diverted our attention from the expectations to the process and what we want to achieve. Expectation is set by others and can be too high to achieve. As individuals you know your potential and you know what you can do and accordingly you can fix it. This is what I want to do in this series," he said.
Dhoni also spared a thought for the weather here and said, "The temperature has been up and down. The wind is pretty cold. A lot depends on the conditions tomorrow. If it is cloudy and there is a bit of rain, it will help the seamers. But if there is too much rain, the ball will become soggy and the batsmen will benefit. At the end of the day it will depend on how the weather pans out. But overall, it has been cold so far."
Monday, February 23, 2009
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 4 live streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 4 live
Younus, in his first Test since being installed as captain last month, hit an unbeaten 149 as Pakistan inched closer to avoiding the follow-on.
Younus shared in a 149-run stand for the third wicket with Shoaib Malik, which was ended when the latter was run out for 56.
At stumps, Pakistan had progressed to 296 for three, still 348 runs behind on the first innings count, but with light at the end of the tunnel in sight.
Misbah-ul-Haq joined Younus at the fall of Malik's wicket and was on 20 when stumps were drawn.
Captain Courageous
Rather than send in a nightwatchman, Younus had signalled his intentions by walking out to bat when Salman Butt's wicket went down at the end of play yesterday.
He bound Pakistan's innings together with a safety-first approach at the start, although Sri Lanka had their chances against him early in his innings.
He survived a good shout for leg before off Ajantha Mendis, but thereafter batted cautiously. He reached his half-century with a risky single and began to exert a little more authority, mixing delectable drives with risky reverse sweep shots.
He steadily chipped away at the deficit, all the while getting closer to a personal century.
Younus shared in a 149-run stand for the third wicket with Shoaib Malik, which was ended when the latter was run out for 56.
At stumps, Pakistan had progressed to 296 for three, still 348 runs behind on the first innings count, but with light at the end of the tunnel in sight.
Misbah-ul-Haq joined Younus at the fall of Malik's wicket and was on 20 when stumps were drawn.
Captain Courageous
Rather than send in a nightwatchman, Younus had signalled his intentions by walking out to bat when Salman Butt's wicket went down at the end of play yesterday.
He bound Pakistan's innings together with a safety-first approach at the start, although Sri Lanka had their chances against him early in his innings.
He survived a good shout for leg before off Ajantha Mendis, but thereafter batted cautiously. He reached his half-century with a risky single and began to exert a little more authority, mixing delectable drives with risky reverse sweep shots.
He steadily chipped away at the deficit, all the while getting closer to a personal century.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 4 live score
Pakistan's batsmen are not as badly afflicted as the bowlers, but Shoaib Malik - an opener and off-spinner - will probably be ruled out unless his elbow problem clears up overnight.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Once the opposition have disposed of that adhesive trio, their bowlers are usually so tired that Afridi can come in and wreak merry hell.
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer: "There is a re-examination on the 28th and the seriousness of the injury will only emerge then. It could turn out to be a week's rest or it could turn out to require surgery."If Naved does miss out, the favourites to replace him are Samiullah Niazi, a left-arm fast bowler, or leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, his erstwhile Sussex team-mate. The upshot could be that Pakistan's attack is led by 23-year-old Mohammad Asif, a man with five Tests and a short stint with Leicestershire under his belt. Their first match is a one-day international against Scotland, to be played in Edinburgh tomorrow.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Once the opposition have disposed of that adhesive trio, their bowlers are usually so tired that Afridi can come in and wreak merry hell.
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer: "There is a re-examination on the 28th and the seriousness of the injury will only emerge then. It could turn out to be a week's rest or it could turn out to require surgery."If Naved does miss out, the favourites to replace him are Samiullah Niazi, a left-arm fast bowler, or leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, his erstwhile Sussex team-mate. The upshot could be that Pakistan's attack is led by 23-year-old Mohammad Asif, a man with five Tests and a short stint with Leicestershire under his belt. Their first match is a one-day international against Scotland, to be played in Edinburgh tomorrow.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test live streaming
Younis kept the Lankan attack at bay all day along with some exquisite drives. Although, the wicket did not offer much to the bowlers, the right-handed batman showed his class and authority by rotating the strike and absorbing most of the pressure against a massive Sri Lankan total.
Highlights
- This was Younis Khan's 16th Test century
- Younis had also scored his first Test hundred against Sri Lanka
- Younis stitched a 149 run partnership with sacked captain Shoiab Malik
Player Profile
Full name: Younis Khan
Born: November 29, 1979
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm legbreakMatches Innings Runs HS 100's 50's Avg
59 106 4916 267 16 20 49.14
Highlights
- This was Younis Khan's 16th Test century
- Younis had also scored his first Test hundred against Sri Lanka
- Younis stitched a 149 run partnership with sacked captain Shoiab Malik
Player Profile
Full name: Younis Khan
Born: November 29, 1979
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm legbreakMatches Innings Runs HS 100's 50's Avg
59 106 4916 267 16 20 49.14
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 4 live streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 4 live
Younus, in his first Test since being installed as captain last month, hit an unbeaten 149 as Pakistan inched closer to avoiding the follow-on.
Younus shared in a 149-run stand for the third wicket with Shoaib Malik, which was ended when the latter was run out for 56.
At stumps, Pakistan had progressed to 296 for three, still 348 runs behind on the first innings count, but with light at the end of the tunnel in sight.
Misbah-ul-Haq joined Younus at the fall of Malik's wicket and was on 20 when stumps were drawn.
Captain Courageous
Rather than send in a nightwatchman, Younus had signalled his intentions by walking out to bat when Salman Butt's wicket went down at the end of play yesterday.
He bound Pakistan's innings together with a safety-first approach at the start, although Sri Lanka had their chances against him early in his innings.
He survived a good shout for leg before off Ajantha Mendis, but thereafter batted cautiously. He reached his half-century with a risky single and began to exert a little more authority, mixing delectable drives with risky reverse sweep shots.
He steadily chipped away at the deficit, all the while getting closer to a personal century.
Younus shared in a 149-run stand for the third wicket with Shoaib Malik, which was ended when the latter was run out for 56.
At stumps, Pakistan had progressed to 296 for three, still 348 runs behind on the first innings count, but with light at the end of the tunnel in sight.
Misbah-ul-Haq joined Younus at the fall of Malik's wicket and was on 20 when stumps were drawn.
Captain Courageous
Rather than send in a nightwatchman, Younus had signalled his intentions by walking out to bat when Salman Butt's wicket went down at the end of play yesterday.
He bound Pakistan's innings together with a safety-first approach at the start, although Sri Lanka had their chances against him early in his innings.
He survived a good shout for leg before off Ajantha Mendis, but thereafter batted cautiously. He reached his half-century with a risky single and began to exert a little more authority, mixing delectable drives with risky reverse sweep shots.
He steadily chipped away at the deficit, all the while getting closer to a personal century.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 4 live score
Pakistan's batsmen are not as badly afflicted as the bowlers, but Shoaib Malik - an opener and off-spinner - will probably be ruled out unless his elbow problem clears up overnight.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Once the opposition have disposed of that adhesive trio, their bowlers are usually so tired that Afridi can come in and wreak merry hell.
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer: "There is a re-examination on the 28th and the seriousness of the injury will only emerge then. It could turn out to be a week's rest or it could turn out to require surgery."If Naved does miss out, the favourites to replace him are Samiullah Niazi, a left-arm fast bowler, or leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, his erstwhile Sussex team-mate. The upshot could be that Pakistan's attack is led by 23-year-old Mohammad Asif, a man with five Tests and a short stint with Leicestershire under his belt. Their first match is a one-day international against Scotland, to be played in Edinburgh tomorrow.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Once the opposition have disposed of that adhesive trio, their bowlers are usually so tired that Afridi can come in and wreak merry hell.
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer: "There is a re-examination on the 28th and the seriousness of the injury will only emerge then. It could turn out to be a week's rest or it could turn out to require surgery."If Naved does miss out, the favourites to replace him are Samiullah Niazi, a left-arm fast bowler, or leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, his erstwhile Sussex team-mate. The upshot could be that Pakistan's attack is led by 23-year-old Mohammad Asif, a man with five Tests and a short stint with Leicestershire under his belt. Their first match is a one-day international against Scotland, to be played in Edinburgh tomorrow.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3 Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3 Live
"Younis wanted a lively pitch"
"Younis is not happy because he wanted a more lively pitch for the Test with some pace but he was surprised to see a flat track on the first day of the match," one source said.
He said Younis was planning to have a talk with Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Ejaz Butt after the match asking for the total authority on cricket matters.
"Younis is unhappy that despite his assertion for a lively track the curator of the board did the opposite. What is worrying for him is that with the ball starting to turn, Pakistan will find it hard to survive," the source said.
Younis also had issues with the national selectors over the composition of the 15-member squad announced for the test. Sources say that Younis is slowly realising that he needs complete authority to counter a troika formed by the chief selector Abdul Qadir, coach Intikhab Alam and associate coach Aaqib Javed.
"Younis is not happy because he wanted a more lively pitch for the Test with some pace but he was surprised to see a flat track on the first day of the match," one source said.
He said Younis was planning to have a talk with Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Ejaz Butt after the match asking for the total authority on cricket matters.
"Younis is unhappy that despite his assertion for a lively track the curator of the board did the opposite. What is worrying for him is that with the ball starting to turn, Pakistan will find it hard to survive," the source said.
Younis also had issues with the national selectors over the composition of the 15-member squad announced for the test. Sources say that Younis is slowly realising that he needs complete authority to counter a troika formed by the chief selector Abdul Qadir, coach Intikhab Alam and associate coach Aaqib Javed.
"These three were also responsible for convincing the PCB Chairman to oust Shoaib Malik as captain after the one-day series loss to Sri Lanka last month," the source said.
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 3 Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Day 2 Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
Watch 1st Test Day 2 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming
Volatile fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has won back his central contract with the
Pakistan Cricket Board after his five-year ban was reduced and later
suspended.
Akhtar, 33, was among 26 players awarded annual contracts and will receive
250,000 rupees (£1,700) a month plus match fees.
The move hands another chance to the controversial "Rawalpindi Express," who
was banned after he blasted at officials for failing to give him a contract
last January.
Pakistan Cricket Board after his five-year ban was reduced and later
suspended.
Akhtar, 33, was among 26 players awarded annual contracts and will receive
250,000 rupees (£1,700) a month plus match fees.
The move hands another chance to the controversial "Rawalpindi Express," who
was banned after he blasted at officials for failing to give him a contract
last January.
1st Test Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming
Younis Khan will captain Pakistan in the first Test against SL, just as he did when they last played a Test more than a year ago.
A lot of water has gone under the bridge during their part-enforced absence since December 2007, when Younis led his side to a draw in the third Test against India in the absence of then captain Shoaib Malik.
Malik's tenure is over, ended in somewhat acrimonious fashion after coach Intikhab Alam described him as "aloof" and "a loner".
It was one of a number of off-field incidents which have formed the continuing soap opera of Pakistan cricket in the absence of any Test matches.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board can complain about teams being unprepared to tour the country following the political unrest surrounding the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, only one Test series - against Australia last year - was actually scrapped.
A lot of water has gone under the bridge during their part-enforced absence since December 2007, when Younis led his side to a draw in the third Test against India in the absence of then captain Shoaib Malik.
Malik's tenure is over, ended in somewhat acrimonious fashion after coach Intikhab Alam described him as "aloof" and "a loner".
It was one of a number of off-field incidents which have formed the continuing soap opera of Pakistan cricket in the absence of any Test matches.
While the Pakistan Cricket Board can complain about teams being unprepared to tour the country following the political unrest surrounding the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, only one Test series - against Australia last year - was actually scrapped.
Watch 1st Test Day 2 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live score
Icing on the cake
Change is also in the air for Sri Lanka with Mahela Jayawardene having announced he will step down as captain at the end of this two-match series.
"Winning a Test series in Pakistan would be brilliant and for me to leave on that note would be icing on the cake," Jayawardene said.
"I'm disappointed that we didn't play to our potential against India, but we have fond memories leaving Pakistan the last time so hopefully we will continue with that."
The Lankans lost their one-day series with India 4-1, as well as slipping to defeat in the subsequent Twenty20 match, for which Jayawardene was dropped.
Spin twins Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis could again hold the key for Sri Lanka against what looks on paper a below-par Pakistan batting line-up.
Sri Lanka have not lost a series in Pakistan since 1995 and won last month's one-dayers between the two sides 2-1.
Change is also in the air for Sri Lanka with Mahela Jayawardene having announced he will step down as captain at the end of this two-match series.
"Winning a Test series in Pakistan would be brilliant and for me to leave on that note would be icing on the cake," Jayawardene said.
"I'm disappointed that we didn't play to our potential against India, but we have fond memories leaving Pakistan the last time so hopefully we will continue with that."
The Lankans lost their one-day series with India 4-1, as well as slipping to defeat in the subsequent Twenty20 match, for which Jayawardene was dropped.
Spin twins Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis could again hold the key for Sri Lanka against what looks on paper a below-par Pakistan batting line-up.
Sri Lanka have not lost a series in Pakistan since 1995 and won last month's one-dayers between the two sides 2-1.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st Test Live Streaming
Pakistan's national selection committee axed flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi and pacer Sohail Tanvir from the 15-man squad.
Afridi and Tanvir were axed from the first Test squad against Sri Lanka, as the selectors preferred to give rookie players Ahmed Shahzad and Mohammad Talha a chance.
Tanvir's omission a surprise
The decision to drop Afridi from the squad was hardly a surprise considering that he has struggled for form in recent months despite being a regular member of the one-day squad.
But the decision to sideline left-arm pacer Tanvir comes as a surprise as after a poor one-day series against Sri Lanka, he bounced back well in domestic cricket.
The first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would be played from Saturday at the National Stadium.
Chief selector Abdul Qadir said the decision to drop Afridi did not mean he was completely out of contention for the series.
"He is a very senior player and it was a very difficult decision to drop him. But we didn't want a situation where he was in the 15-member squad and not picked in the final playing eleven. It would have been humiliating for a senior player like him," Qadir said.
He said fast bowler Mohammad Talha and opener Shahzad deserved a chance as both had been doing well in domestic cricket.
watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 1st test live
Pakistan's batsmen are not as badly afflicted as the bowlers, but Shoaib Malik - an opener and off-spinner - will probably be ruled out unless his elbow problem clears up overnight.
The middle order is the heart of the team, with Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq all ranked in the top 10.
Once the opposition have disposed of that adhesive trio, their bowlers are usually so tired that Afridi can come in and wreak merry hell.
Kamran Akmal, the wicketkeeper, is also capable of blistering strokeplay, as he proved by scoring consecutive one-day centuries against England last winter.
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