All posts by csb10.top

The Pakistan team is on the way for their campaign in Africa, the final opportunity to get their act together before the World Cup. The timing of these tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa could not have been more opportune and is an ideal chance to get acclimatized to the conditions. One can hope this will give them a head start over other teams in the competition. The downside is the fact Pakistani cricket is currently in total disarray with the selectors and management struggling to find the ideal balance between youth and experience.The two teams named for the Test series and One-Day Internationals look to be brilliant on paper, but unfortunately the game of cricket can only be won on the field. That is the problem that has been plaguing the side, while having no shortage of talent, they just can’t seem to deliver the goods consistently. Inzamam and Youhana will definitely add some stability to the very fragile batting order, but Saeed Anwar’s exclusion is mind-boggling. He is still the best opener Pakistan has, and deserves to be given the opportunity to play in the World Cup, most likely his last as age catches up with this great player. Saleem Elahi has made yet one more appearance right out of the cold, and one really wonders what thought process went in behind that decision? Kamran Akmal in preference over Moin Khan as a reserve wicket keeper is also very strange, as these tours are too crucial to be testing new players.To preserve Wasim Akram for the One-Dayers exclusively was a very sensible one, as the last thing we need is to have him unfit during the World Cup. It will most certainly be his last World Cup campaign, and one hopes that this great servant of Pakistan cricket will bow out in style. The inclusion of speedster Mohammed Zahid is most heartening and must actually be ‘allowed’ to play rather than again sit on the bench as one of the reserves. There is little doubt the bowling attack looks in great shape and has been the only solace for Pakistani fans for quite some time.That leaves us with only one problem and that is, very obviously, the batting line up. The batting order has not been established with any degree of certainty; with many players unsure of what role to perform. Shahid Afridi, if played in the ODI’s must be assigned a specific role which must be to play his natural game and take the opposition apart early. He is likely to fail on more occasions than one, but asking him to curb his aggressive instinct and play cautiously is a waste of his abilities. In Test matches, Taufeeq Umar and Saleem Elahi are a better proposition at the top of the order. The one-down slot has been experimented with too long with Abdul Razzaq too often being asked to be the sacrificial lamb. Razzaq is a far better player against the old ball, and this position ought to be reserved for Yousuf Youhana. Inzamam, Younis Khan and Faisal Iqbal must be the other sureties in the middle order. Hasan Raza too showed quite a lot of character in his last two knocks and deserves to be given a fair chance to prove his mettle against Zimbabwe.The team management needs to give all the young batsman a full go in Zimbabwe, and then pick the most proficient ones for the highly important tour of South Africa.With little time at hand and a lot of hard work to be done, one can only hope the Pakistanis can turn around their form in the twin series to enter the World Cup on a high note. It will be an uphill task after the extremely poor showing against the Aussies. The Board and team management must go all out to help this young team show guts and grit if they are to get things back on track.

Peter Robinson who has been part of the Somerset cricket scene since he joined the Cidermen from Worcestershire back in the mid 1960’s has just taken on the role of coach to the Somerset County Ladies team.The appointment was announced at the A.C.Mole Somerset Ladies League Presentation Night that was held recently at the County Ground in Taunton.The ECB South West Women’s Club Development Officer Jackie Summers presented the league batting trophy to Lisa Quick and the bowling trophy to Sam Evans who both play for Weston super Mare. The Indoor Six a-side trophy was presented to Roadwater CC.Shortly after his appointment, Peter Robinson who played in 180 championship games and was first team coach during the `Glory Years’ at the club told me: "I am happy to be involved with coaching cricket at any level, and delighted to accept the post. I hope that I will be able to help the team to be successful."Somerset are holding trials for Under 15 and Under 17 Girls on November 23rd and December 14th between 2 and 5pm at the Centre of Excellence at Taunton and it is hoped that in 2003 there will be more teams taking part in the women’s cricket competitions.Somerset Cricket Development Officer Andrew Moulding told me: "Any girl who is interested in playing cricket is invited to go along free of charge. All comers are welcome."

International cricket player power has resulted in an impasse being reached over player contracts for next year’s World Cup in South Africa.The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations, to which the recently-formed New Zealand Cricket Players’ Association is affiliated, has recommended to its members that they refuse to sign the International Cricket Council’s World Cup contracts.NZCPA chairman Heath Mills told CricInfo today that the international group was concerned with matters regarding the commercial rights of players.The issue is being dealt with by the FICA administrators where former Australian off-spinner Tim May is one of the co-chairmen of the association, and the ICC.FICA is arguing that the ICC has sold players’ rights to the Global Cricket Corporation that it was not entitled to.This could result in contracts that individual players have with different sponsors being compromised for the duration of the World Cup.The Cricketers’ Associations and the ICC are hoping to resolve the issue within the next two weeks.Players’ issues are something relatively new in New Zealand and first raised their head with the naming of the side to tour the West Indies.The announcement of the side was delayed while discussions with the Players’ Association regarding the tour contracts were resolved.At the same time, the backing for the World Cup has undergone a significant change. The Global Cricket Corporation, which won the right to market the World Cups of 2003 and 2007, and all other ICC events, including the recently-staged ICC Under-19 World Cup, and the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, is to be fully acquired by News Corporation, the Rupert Murdoch-owned organisation.News Corp had a 5.8% share of World Sports Group, and 50% share of Global Cricket Corporation which owns the marketing and media rights.As a result News Corp will have full financial control for the World Cup.The change in ownership is reflective of the decline in value of television rights especially for major sporting events which has resulted in the collapse of several rights companies overseas.New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden had no comment to make on the issues.

Stuart Lampitt has announced his retirement from County Cricket at the end of the current season and will take up a full time post as Cricket Development Officer for the Worcestershire Cricket Board in October.Lampitt first played for Worcestershire in 1985, gained his County Cap in 1989 and was awarded a Benefit in 2000. Over a long and successful career he has played in 236 1st class games scoring 5649 runs at an average of 23.83 including a single century against Middlesex at Lord’s in 1994. He has taken 601 wickets at an average of 28.65 including a career best 7-45 against Warwickshire at New Road in 2000. As recently as 2000 he was 28th in the national bowling averages.He was a regular Member of the team that won a total of 7 trophies during the late 80’s and early 90’s including the Championship twice in 1988 and 1989, the Refuge Assurance League twice in 1987 and 1988, the B & H Cup in 1991, the Natwest Trophy in 1994 and the Refuge Assurance Cup in 1991.His one day career has been outstanding and he is still a regular member of the current team chasing the Norwich Union League title this season. In all he has taken 356 one day wickets at an average of 24 including 16 wickets this season.Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, pays tribute to one of the County’s longest serving players. "Stuart will go down as one of the outstanding players in the County’s long and distinguished history. He has been the consummate professional – total commitment to one County, great skill with both bat and ball and a player you want out in the middle with you. The Club owes him a great debt and I am delighted he will remain involved with Worcestershire Cricket in the years ahead."Stuart Lampitt said "After discussions with immediate family and the coaching staff at Worcestershire CCC I have decided to retire from 1st Class cricket at the end of 2002 cricket season. Worcestershire CCC, under the guidance of Tom Moody, is currently building for future success and at present is in a period of transition. With this in mind I feel the time will be right for me to retire at the end of what I hope will be a successful season.Over the past sixteen years I have felt both privileged and honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent my local county at 1st class level and thankfully along the way have been fortunate enough to have experienced some wonderful success.I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with the club both presently and over the recent past, the players, staff, members and supporters for their camaraderie, friendship and loyal support which has undoubtedly helped make my career such an enjoyable one.At the culmination of what promises to be an exciting climax to the season I can begin to look ahead to my new role with the Worcestershire Cricket Board (WCB) and to the fresh challenges that lie ahead. With the continued support and assistance of the numerous volunteers and partner organisations currently working alongside the WCB, I look forward in earnest to working towards sustaining the growth and development of the recreational game within the county whilst assisting in the long term plans of Worcestershire CCC."Mike Gilhooly, Chairman of the Worcestershire Cricket Board said "Stuart highly successfully carried out, on a temporary basis, the role of Cricket Development Officer to the Worcestershire Cricket Board during the winter months. Initiatives he put in place during that time have been implemented and have received much favourable comment. I warmly welcome Stuart to the full time appointment of Cricket Development Officer to the W.C.B., commencing October 1st 2002, and would say how very much members of the Board look forward to working with him.

Looking ahead to this summer’s seven Test matches in England, captain Nasser Hussain has voiced his concern about the effect of the hectic international schedule on the players.England play three Tests against Sri Lanka and four against India this summer,with a one-day tournament involving the trio in between.The one-day team will then compete in the ICC Champions trophy in Colombo, go on to Australia for a five-match Ashes series and more one-day games, before rounding off a whirlwind 10 months at the World Cup in South Africa.”There is a feeling around the game that we do want a little bit less cricket to make it more important,” said Hussain.”There is so much cricket, a one-dayer here, a one-dayer there on the otherside of the world, Test matches, triangular series, we don’t know who is playingwho now. You could be playing the ninth game of a 12-match series.””For young bowlers like Hoggard and Flintoff, particularly with captains like me, the extra cricket could have an effect. I bowled them into the ground last winter because you want to win every game.”When you are out there you are not thinking about four years’ time, you justwant to win the game. With captains like me around it will wear them down and careers will shorten.”I don’t know if it is good or bad for the game, better people than me willhave to work that out.”Although 11 players have already been contracted to England for the summer, Hussain insists others will be considered for selection for the opening Test, at Lord’s on May 16.”People just look at the contracts and see that as being the team, thinkingthat others cannot get in,” said Hussain.”But the contracts and the team that we will select next week are different. We will look at the conditions at Lord’s, who has played well there before and how we have won games there before and will pick a side to beat Sri Lanka. The boys with the contracts, of course, will be high on our lists.”Hussain again stood by the Essex wicket-keeper James Foster, following speculation the Alec Stewart could be in the frame for a recall after an impressive start to the season.Speaking at the ECB’s new initiative to entice youngsters to play the game, the launch of the Lion’s Den at The AMP Oval, Hussain said: “We have got to give him a go. He’s the future. Obviously Alec’s name will come up from time to time, he’s a world-class cricketer.”But there’s no point in us going round in circles. Mistakes are made by every young player that comes into international cricket, Graham Thorpe and Marcus Trescothick are the only two that have come in and been major successesstraightaway.”In my time I hope to give every young cricketer that comes in, whoever theymay be, a chance. It’s easy for the selectors to pick our best side to try and win this Test series. But Duncan has a saying about looking after the next week or looking after the future. Which is most important?”It’s selfish to look after the next week — we have a responsibility beyondthat. English cricket demands success, however, so we have to try and balance itand beat Sri Lanka and India.”

Former Western Australian Test batsman Ross Edwards is taking time out from a visit to Perth to pass on the value of his Test experience to some of Western Australia s brightest cricketing prospects.Edwards, in Perth for two weeks en-route to the UK from his adopted home of Singapore, offered his services to the Western Warriors at the request of Coach Michael Veletta.The timing of Edward’s visit coincides with the return to Perth of Beau Casson, Craig Simmons, Chas Keogh and Wes Robinson on break from the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Adelaide.Edwards will speak to the Western Warriors Winter Squad at 4.00pm today, prior to training, as well as conduct a training session with the Academy Rookies and Shaun Marsh at 11.00am tomorrow in the WACA’s indoor centre.A veteran of 126 1st class games and 20 Test matches, Edwards scored 1171 runs in his 20 Tests at an average of 40.37, with a highest score of 170 not out. He is renowned for the quality of his cover fielding and was batting at the other end when Doug Walters hit six off the final ball of the session to register 100 runs in a session at the WACA Ground.

Resuming play on the fifth day at Lahore, Pakistan ended up making 325, far fewer than they expected to when Inzamam-ul-Haq was going great guns. That left Sri Lanka only 32 to make to land their first Asian Test Championship title. This they did it with plenty of breath to spare, winning by a convincing margin of eight wickets.Unlike the previous day, the Gaddafi Stadium was awash with sunshine, and Inzamam was on song, timing and middling the ball to perfection. He clouted the dreaded Muttiah Muralitharan for three boundaries in the first over, including a six over mid-wicket. He had worked his way to 99 when he received a dodgy decision from umpire Daryl Harper, one that effectively brought Pakistan’s fightback to an end.Of the two Sri Lankan wickets to fall in the final stages, that of Marvan Atapattu was claimed by Mohammad Sami, caught behind by Rashid Latif for one. Sanath Jayasuriya was caught spectacularly by a lunging Yousuf Youhana in the covers off Shoaib Akhtar. After that, Kumar Sangakkara, adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant 230 in the first innings, and Mahela Jayawardene completed the last rites without a flutter.The fall of Inzamam, all the more significant for its doubtful nature, ripped the heart out of Pakistan’s fight, and three wickets fell in a bunch for only 10 runs to leave Pakistan staring at defeat, sliding from 281 for five to 291 for eight. Although skipper Waqar Younis flailed around for a stroke-filled 25, the final was indeed over for the home side. Even with Inzamam on the crease, saving the match lay in the realms of extreme difficulty. With him gone, it was well-nigh impossible.The Lankans, of course, deserved the victory in this emphatic manner, for theirs was throughout a far better display than Pakistan. What may sting Pakistan’s fans in some small measure was the fact that when at last their team was desperately trying to fight their way out of adversity, their struggle ended with one stroke of bad luck.In his quite illustrious career, Inzamam has sold his wicket cheaply on many an occasion, but on some others, he has been a victim of unfortunate umpiring calls. Today’s may rank among the unluckiest, Inzamam being given out off a no-ball, his six-foot-three-inch frame lunging forward and the ball hitting him above the knee roll on the flap. To add insult to injury, this denied him his 16th Test hundred, making it the sixth time that he has been out in the 90s.This was not the only misjudgement that occured in the innings. Earlier, Abdul Razzaq had been ruled leg-before when Muralitharan bowled a delivery from wide off the crease; turning a great deal, the ball may have been heading down the leg side. Skipper Waqar was given out to a bat-pad decision when closer scrutiny suggested that the batsman may not have laid bat on ball.After Inzamam’s (99, 228 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) fall, the Pakistani batsmen seemed to have lost all hope of survival. Rashid Latif was not his usual doughty self; he had made just two before he indifferently drove Chaminda Vaas’ good-length delivery uppishly straight to Muralitharan at mid-off. In the next over, Shaoib Malik (21, 2 fours), who had negotiated all the bowlers quite well for some time, fended at a ball outside the off-stump off Nuwan Zoysa to be caught behind.Skipper Waqar Younis replaced Malik and played some lusty hits in his innings of 25 before getting out bat-pad off Muralitharan. The last man, Mohammad Sami, went back without troubling the scorers.All said and done, though, it was Sri Lanka who dominated this match right from word go and fully deserved to become the current Asian Champions.Awards:
Best Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara
Best Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan
Man of the Match: Kumar Sangakkara