Dhoni praises Indian batting, says spin will come into play in West Indies

Dhoni praises Indian batting, says spin will come into play in West Indies

Sports Unknown   1:54:00 PM

He does "miss playing Test cricket" and India's limited overs skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is keeping a keen eye on the series against West Indies starting on Thursday, saying spinners will play a huge role in the Caribbean.

"I think wickets will be slower in West Indies but you never know. I think spinners will have a huge role to play," Dhoni told media persons at an event here today.

The skipper said what he finds impressive is that India now has a pool of 8 to 10 genuine quick bowlers. "The more the competition the better it is. It's good that finally we have a pool of 8-10 bowlers who are pushing for selection. If I look at a year back, during an ODI series against South Africa, there were a few bowlers who were injured.

"And we have bowlers with all areas covered. If you want pace we have that. If you want swing, we have that. Of course, we have to be careful about injury management," said Dhoni after his company Rhiti Sports' tie-up with former Australia pace bowler Craig McDermott's company Secured Venture Capital.

Can India forge a lethal bowling attack overseas?

Can India forge a lethal bowling attack overseas?

Sports Unknown   1:34:00 AM

That cricket is a ‘batsman’s game’ is well touted. But it is high quality bowling, like we are seeing in the first Test between England and Pakistan underway currently, which makes the sport come alive.

So engaging has been the contest between batsmen and bowlers on the first two days at Lord’s that it has made the raging debate over the size and dimensions of the bat seem academic: at least temporarily.

All eyes were naturally on Mohammed Aamir on his return to international cricket after serving his five-year ban, but the ones who’ve grabbed the wickets — and headlines — have been Chris Woakes and Yasir Shah.

I am not overlooking the splendid century made by Misbah-ul-Haq. This was his first appearance at Lord’s and he made it memorable, saving his team from a crisis (yet again), and also sending out a message to his team as well as cricketers all over the world.

At 42, Misbah has the fitness and desire of somebody 15 years younger. Technical finesse and superb temperament has helped him to an impressive average around 50 though he started his career only when 34.

He is among the most inspirational figures in cricket today. Apart from fine batting ability, there is also the captaincy aspect to Misbah’s cricketing personality that is equally significant.

Under him Pakistan’s players, otherwise notoriously volatile and unpredictable, seem to have settled down and performed with a degree of pride and consistency that was sorely lacking. Only the imperious Imran Khan has been a better captain for his country in my opinion. But that’s a story for another day.

It is the success of bowlers so far in the first Test, particularly Woakes and Yasir, that is germane to this column.

Woakes showed splendid control and fine ability to swing the ball late, making up for the absence of James Anderson. Yasir, back from a three-month ban having failed a dope test, had English batsmen in a tail-spin with his fine repertoire of leg spin bowling.

That Yasir could get a five-wicket haul on the second day itself should dispel the notion that slow bowlers can only succeed in the third or fourth innings, after there has been sufficient wear and tear of the pitch.

The first Test is intriguingly poised and the series promises to be delightfully competitive, in contrast to the disappointingly one-sided contest between England and Sri Lanka earlier in the season.

This would not be possible if both teams did not have quality bowling. England’s surge as a Test team in the past couple of seasons is linked to the success of Anderson, Broad & Co, and Pakistan, despite a struggling batting side are still a threat to any team anywhere because of the bowling.

The larger point is that if not enough emphasis is paid to bowling, it affects a team’s win-worthiness adversely. The instances of a series being won by batsmen alone are negligible in Test history; those won by teams with modest batting but strong bowling is plentiful. 

This is the big challenge confronting Virat Kohli and Anil Kumble as India start their four-Test series against the West Indies next week: can India forge a bowling attack that can win matches consistently, more particularly overseas? India’s bowlers have never been able to overrun even modest opponents outside of the sub-continent.

 Part of the problem has been ability, of course, but there are other factors too, with fitness and self-belief being paramount. In recent years, the team has often had the opponent on the mat, only to squander the opportunity.

Bowlers would tend to flag, and with that the motivation to win too. The away series’ against South Africa and New Zealand (2013-14), England (2014) and Australia (2014-15) bear this out amply.

This is the mindset and physical limitations that Kohli and Kumble need to overcome. The bowlers can’t be allowed to remain in the comfort zone that they can always prove their credentials in home conditions. The West Indies are not the strongest Test team currently. But how India’s bowlers fare, how many Tests are won and how emphatic these victories are will define how the team evolves going ahead.

Cricket on guard after golf leaves gaping hole in Rio

Cricket on guard after golf leaves gaping hole in Rio

Sports Unknown   8:25:00 AM

It’s the Olympic season, and participation and winning will be the flavours when people head to the land of Samba, Pele and football.

Despite the political, law and order and organisational mess that Brazil finds itself in, athletes and visitors will flock to Rio when the Olympics open on August 5.

CAN’T MISS

There are many who will miss out, and won’t be happy. Ask India’s double Olympic-medallist Sushil Kumar or discarded women’s hockey skipper Ritu Rani. Or, the Russian athletes barred amid charges of state-sponsored doping.

But the world’s leading golfers are turning their backs on Rio. The Zika virus is a big concern, but many others couldn’t really be bothered to take a break in their pro schedule.

Nostalgia would have been a factor in the International Olympic Committee including golf in Rio. After all, it had last featured in the 1904 Games.

THE WARNING

In the bygone amateur era, it would have been fair to slam the players for choosing money over medal. Australia’s former world No 1, Adam Scott, among the first to withdraw, was heavily criticised, among others by swimming legend Dawn Fraser.

The world’s top four players, led by Aussie Jason Day won’t go. The IOC president, Thomas Bach, has said withdrawals for reasons other than Zika will be a factor when it considers whether to retain golf in future Olympics.

But golf lives in a seemingly impregnable world. Tradition, sense of fairplay, Tiger Woods, everything has made it a truly global sport. In an age of thin margins, golf is affluent. And the message is clear: It can do without the Games.

CRICKET’S RESPONSE

There is a lesson in it for cricket. Cricket was part of the London Olympics opening ceremony, but was last played in Paris in 1900. Its inclusion anyway will be a complicated affair.

The IOC’s decision to let organisers of future Games choose some of their favourite disciplines may anyway reduce cricket’s chances. The ICC hopes cricket is directly included by the IOC to avoid the hassle of dealing with national Olympic committees and ensure a financial windfall, according to reports.

But there are two big questions. What will the ICC do if big names keep away. India’s cricket Board for instance has not fielded a team in the Commonwealth Games after cricket’s debut in 1998.

Besides, why should the ICC give up the primacy of its events? The World Twenty20, which it wants to stage every two years, is a money-spinner, not to speak of the T20 leagues like the IPL and Big Bash League. It won’t want the gleam of the Olympic gold dim its lustre.

SE COND THOUGHTS

Like golf, cricket’s elite too live in their universe. An IPL title may resonate better than an Olympic medal. Cheering for compatriots fighting for a podium spot is one thing, taking part and dealing with issues like ambush marketing will be seen as too much of a hassle for endorsement-rich players, particularly from India.

ICC CEO, Dave Richardson conceded golf has shone a light for cricket. “It raises a question, ‘Is it really good for cricket?’” he asked the media on Thursday. “Will cricketers see the Olympics as the pinnacle, or would they rather play (in a WT20 etc.)?”

Cricket’s globalisation too has not led to an even spread of the game. The massive TV viewership in the sub-continent could be the biggest draw for the IOC.

And then, cricket, if included, could take a cue from football. Fifa allowing essentially an under-23 Olympic tournament has ensured the World Cup retains its global primacy.

Tennis is in a happy place though; its top players are glad to fight for the fifth Grand Slam every four years.

Pakistan Cricket Board buys bulletproof buses to woo back visiting teams

Pakistan Cricket Board buys bulletproof buses to woo back visiting teams

Sports Unknown   9:52:00 AM

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has bought four bulletproof buses as it tries to convince other teams to shed their security apprehensions and visit the country.

Pakistan has largely been shunned by teams since 2009 when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lankan cricketers, injuring six players and killing six security personnel and two civilians.

The incident has forced Pakistan to play their ‘home’ matches at the United Arab Emirates and the country has since remained starved of international cricket at home, barring Zimbabwe’s limited-overs tour in 2015.

“We have bought these four Coaster buses as part of our efforts to revive international cricket in the country,” a PCB spokesman told ESPNcricinfo.

“There will be high expectations from teams willing to visit Pakistan and we want to ensure that we provide them with the best possible arrangements.

“Having these bulletproof vehicles would play a major part in convincing teams (about security arrangements).”

The spokesman said PCB wanted to host the final of the Pakistan Super League, the inaugural edition of which was held in UAE earlier this year.

“We have to have discussions with the (overseas) players about their safety and security and I think this new addition in our security facilities will definitely give us an edge,” the spokesman said.

“Our ultimate goal is to revive international cricket, and we are doing our best to make sure we can.”

Misbah-ul-Haq makes Lord’s debut at 42

Misbah-ul-Haq makes Lord’s debut at 42

Sports Unknown   2:10:00 PM

 Mohammad Amir may be the centre of attention in the build-up to the first Test against England at Lord's, but today's match is also a milestone for Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. (Photo: AFP)

London: Mohammad Amir may be the centre of attention in the build-up to the first Test against England at Lord's, but today's match is also a milestone for Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq.

Selection rows and fall-outs with previous Pakistan regimes mean that experienced batsman Misbah is now making his first Test tour of England at the advanced age of 42. It was six years ago that Amir, new-ball partner Mohammad Asif and then-captain Salman Butt tarnished the reputation of Pakistan cricketwith their involvement in a spot-fixing affair that saw the trio conspire to deliberately bowl no-balls during the 2010 Lord's Test against England.

All three were given five-year bans and jail sentences. The intervening period has not been easy for Pakistan, who have had to get used to playing all their "home" matches in the United Arab Emirates because of security concerns arising from an armed attack on Sri Lanka's team coach in Lahore in 2009.

     Uninspired? Do more of what already works

But under Misbah's shrewed guidance Pakistan have become tough to beat in the UAE and a competitive side abroad, traits reflected in their third place in the current world Test rankings — one position above England.

Indeed they have yet to lose a Test series in their adopted home, with England beaten in two of those campaigns for an aggregate 5-0 scoreline in Pakistan's favour.

An experienced batsman who has had a calming effect on the players around him, Misbah has overseen the reintegration of Amir into the side.

Having coped with the understandable interest in Amir making his return to Testcricket at Lord's, the scene of the crime, Misbah had no problems in fending off enquiries about how long he intends to keep playing for Pakistan.

"My retirement has been discussed every series," Misbah told reporters at Lord's on Wednesday.

"I could have retired after the UAE against England (last year) — but we've been playing together for six years.

"I decided I need to be here in a tough series for Pakistan, and I really want to do well here.”

Kevin Pieterson believes pacer Mohammad Amir should have been banned for life

Kevin Pieterson believes pacer Mohammad Amir should have been banned for life

Sports Unknown   2:47:00 AM

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has joined the chorus of players who believe Mohammad Amir should have been given a lifetime ban for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal but warned his country’s players and fans to sledge the left-handed pacer at their own peril.

The 24-year-old, who served a prison sentence in the United Kingdom and a five-year suspension for his role in the infamous case, will aim to erase his sordid past when he will resume his Test career at Lord’s-- the scene of the fixing scandal-- on Thursday.

Amir, along with former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were then found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord’s Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February 2011.

Pietersen, who was among the England team that played that unfortunate Test, wrote in his latest column for a London-based daily that spot-fixers should be banned for life and that they should not be given a second chance.

“They have broken the rules, should pay the price and not be given a second chance,” Pietersen was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “If you cheat the system either by taking drugs or money to under-perform then you are mugging the spectators, your teammates and a sport that has been around a lot longer than you.

“People always deserve a second chance in life but sport is different.

“To try and gain an advantage by taking drugs or devaluing your sport by being bribed is breaking the 11th and 12th commandments. There can be no way back.”

The 36-year-old maverick batsman, however, doesn’t expect the hosts to sledge Amir and warned local fans against provoking the Pakistan quick.

“He is just as quick, and as competitive as ever. He is verbal. He lets you know he is bowling at you. He will cop a load of stick off the English fans but he will not take a step back. It is going to make great viewing,” Pietersen said.

“With guys like him verbals from the crowd or a bit of sledging from the opposition spurs him on to do great things so the fans will not be doing England any favours by giving him some abuse,” he added.

His comments on the Pakistan bowler echo those of former England teammate Graeme Swann, who said that Amir’s return at Lord’s would make him feel sick.

Cristiano Ronaldo ends Wales fairytale, takes Portugal into final

Cristiano Ronaldo ends Wales fairytale, takes Portugal into final

Sports Unknown   12:35:00 AM

Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal and inadvertently set up the other as Portugal ground out a 2-0 win over Wales on Wednesday to march into the Euro 2016 final.

The Portuguese superstar, who has had to soak up a lot of criticism for a lacklustre tournament by his high standards, majestically powered in a 50th-minute header to put his side in front.

Ronaldo then saw his shot turned in by Nani for a second goal three minutes later, ending Wales’ remarkable run at their first major finals since 1958.

The Portuguese, who had not won a single game in the tournament over 90 minutes, next meet hosts France or Germany who play their semi-final on Thursday.

“We’ve been dreaming about this from the start,” Ronaldo told reporters. “We knew it would be a long way but we’ve fought all the way.”

Wales kept their opponents quiet in the first half but could not recover the two-goal deficit, ending a scintillating run that has captivated millions back home and turned their players into heroes.

The Welsh, with midfielder Aaron Ramsey suspended and replaced by Leicester City’s Premier League winner Andy King, had an early spell of possession but a tight Portugal defence kept them at bay.

Portugal, bidding for their first Euro final since losing on home soil to Greece in 2004, had their first chance in the 16th minute, a low drive by Joao Mario after a clever flick from Ronaldo.

OVER THE BAR

Wales responded as Joe Ledley found Gareth Bale with a low corner and the forward fired over the bar.

The Welsh, playing their first major tournament semi-final, did not suffer from stage fright with their back line, supported by midfielders Ledley and Joe Allen, remaining disciplined and compact.

In a cagey first half Portugal struggled to find Ronaldo, opting for long crosses into the box that were easy pickings for central defender James Collins.

Portugal injected some urgency after the break, pressing high up the field.

It paid off instantly with a corner in the 50th minute that Raphael Guerreiro floated in towards the far post where Ronaldo climbed high above two defenders to power his third goal of the competition.

They doubled their lead with Nani sliding into the box to connect with Ronaldo’s mishit shot and claim his third goal of the tournament.

Wales were then lucky not to concede more goals as Portugal, now unbeaten in 13 competitive matches, continued to dream of a maiden international trophy.

“We are massively disappointed obviously but we have given everything on and off the pitch,” said Welsh talisman Bale. “We tried our hardest to get back in the game.

“They shut up shop well but we have no regrets. We are very proud….nobody expected us to get this far but we did.”

Team India, Virat Kohli maintain status quo in latest ICC rankings

Team India, Virat Kohli maintain status quo in latest ICC rankings

Sports Unknown   6:20:00 PM

India remained third in the latest ICC ODI rankings released on Sunday while star batsman Virat Kohli maintained his second spot in the standings.

Amongst other teams, World champion Australia has retained its number-one ranking following its 58 runs victory over the West Indies in the final of the tri-series in Barbados on Sunday, but South Africa has dropped behind India in fourth place after it failed to reach the final.

Australia had started the series on 124 points and has finished on 123 points, to lead second-ranked New Zealand by 10 points. However, South Africa’s three loses and one no-result has meant it has dropped two points to join India on 110 points, but behind Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s side when the points are calculated beyond the decimal point.

The biggest gainer from the tri-series is the West Indies, which has retained its seventh ranking but more importantly it has gained six points to open up a seven-point advantage over eighth-ranked Pakistan.

In the bowlers’ rankings, South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, Josh Hazlewood of Australia and West Indies captain Jason Holder have achieved career-best rankings after impressive performances in the tri-series.

Rabada has jumped six places to join seventh-ranked compatriot Dale Steyn after he finished the series with seven wickets, 25-year-old Hazlewood has vaulted eight places to 15th after he ended up as the third most successful bowler behind fourth-ranked Imran Tahir (13) and number-one ranked Sunil Narine (12) with 11 wickets, while Holder has broken into the top 20 in 20th position after rising four places. India left-arm spinner gained a place to be 12th.

South Africa’s AB de Villiers has continued to lead the batsmen rankings with Kohli in second spot.

Cricket Australia ropes in Samaraweera as consultant

Cricket Australia ropes in Samaraweera as consultant

Sports Unknown   3:17:00 AM

Former Sri Lanka batsman Thilan Samaraweera is working with some Australia Test players ahead of their tour to Sri Lanka, in his brief consulting stint at Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. Samaraweera has been hired as a consultant for the academy from June to August.

Though his role is not specifically geared towards preparing Australia Test players for the forthcoming tour, he has already begun to work with Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, and Jackson Bird, as they prepare for the tour. “At the moment I’m involved with the National Cricket Academy in Brisbane,” Samaraweera said. “I’m working with a few Test players who are not involved in that West Indies tri-series. 

They are just coming here to train.” Samaraweera, who lives in Melbourne, said he was unlikely to accompany the Australia team on their Sri Lanka tour, and that he was also working with Australia’s A team players. He had had a previous stint at the academy, ahead of the under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh earlier this year, which the Australia Under-19 side eventually withdrew from. Cricket Australia (CA) has also prepared two turning pitches at the academy in order to emulate Sri Lankan conditions. 

It is on these surfaces that Samaraweera has been working with the Test players. “I’ve had a hit on the spin wicket here and it’s very good — very similar to what you get on the subcontinent and it was a challenging net session,” Marsh said. “Samaraweera was throwing a few offies as well, and it’s been really good to chat to him and get a bit of an insight into the sort of conditions we’ll be facing in the next couple of months.

He’s been helping with advice on how to play spin, he’s good to chat about that with.” Hiring coaches accustomed to local conditions isn’t a new concept for Australia. S Sriram, the former India batsman, was consultant of the A team for their tour of India in 2015 and the senior squad for the World T20 in 2016, Muttiah Muralitharan, the former Sri Lanka spinner, was roped in to work with the spinners during Australia’s Test tour of UAE in 2014. Allan Donald, in April this year, was appointed as the team’s fast bowling mentor for their tour of Sri Lanka.

ICC 2016 Rankings for Tests, ODIs, Twenty20 & Women

ICC 2016 Rankings for Tests, ODIs, Twenty20 & Women

Sports Unknown   10:10:00 PM

England 1-2 Iceland: Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions crash out of Euro 2016 in humiliating defeat

England 1-2 Iceland: Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions crash out of Euro 2016 in humiliating defeat

Sports Unknown   8:21:00 PM

After taking the lead inside five minutes, England suffered an immediate implosion and found themselves 2-1 down just 13 minutes later.

Raheem Sterling earned himself a much needed confidence boost after just four minutes, winning England a penalty when Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Thor Halldorsson mindlessly brought down the Manchester City winger.

Wayne Rooney, leading by example, stepped up to smash his best penalty into the bottom left corner of the Icelandic goal past a despairing Halldorsson.

In typical English fashion, Roy Hodgson’s side failed to deal with the much discussed Aron Gunnarsson long throw that has dominated the build up to this last 16 clash.

Hurled into the edge of the penalty area just 34 seconds after falling behind, Kári Árnason barged Wayne Rooney out of the way to head into the path of his central defensive partner Ragnar Sigurdsson to poke home after escaping Kyle Walker who was supposed to be picking him up.

In the 19th minute smart interchange around England’s penalty area allowed Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to get a shot at goal and despite it lacking any serious power, Joe Hart, diving to his left, was unable to keep it out.

Roy Hodgson rolled every dice he had at his disposal to no avail, with England limping out of the competition. Here’s how they performed….

Gubbins leads Middlesex's solid reply against Lancashire

Gubbins leads Middlesex's solid reply against Lancashire

Sports Unknown   6:07:00 PM

Division 1

Hampshire vs Somerset

James Hildreth (152) helped Somerset stretch their overall lead to 255 over Hampshire on the second day of their county clash at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Monday (June 27). Somerset declared on 474 for 8 and then reduced Hampshire to 18 for one in the remaining ten overs.

Starting the day on 66 for one, Johann Myburgh (110) and Hildreth scored 167 runs for the third wicket to help the team go past Hampshire's 219. Hildreth did well to hold one end up and keep the runs flowing as wickets kept falling around him.

Craig Overton (35 not out) and Ryan Davies (52 not out) then frustrated Hampshire with a brisk 82-run stand in just 10.4 overs before Chris Rogers decided to declare.

With a steep task ahead, Hampshire then lost Jimmy Adams in the second over even before he could open his account.

Brief Scores:Hampshire 218 and 18-1 trail Somerset 474-8 dec (James Hildreth 152, Johann Myburgh 110; Ryan McLaren 5-104) by 237 runs.

Middlesex vs Lancashire

A 285-ball 191 from Alviro Petersen helped Lancashire post 513 against Middlesex at Lord's on the second day of their clash. In reply, the hosts were 146 for one at stumps.

Starting the day on 298 for three, Petersen collaborated with Steven Croft (46) to add 128 runs for the fourth wicket to take the innings forward. After Croft was dismissed, he found good support from Liam Livingstone (58). The duo helped the team go past the 450-run mark during their stand of 103.

In reply, Middlesex got off to a steady start with the openers scoring 59 before Sam Robson was dismissed for 21. Nick Gubbins (71 not out) and Stephen Eskinazi (43 not out) then ensured that there was no further damage as they ended the 367 behind Lancashire's first innings total.

Brief scores: Lacashire 512 (Alviro Petersen 191, Haseeb Hameed 89; Toby Roland-Jones 4-122) lead Middlesex 146-1 (Nick Gubbins 71) by 367 runs.

Warwickshire vs Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire pulled things back a touch but still conceded a lead of 131 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. In reply to 152 from Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire posted 283 for eight.

Nottinghamshire folded early on the second day after starting on 125 for six with Rikki Clarke, Boyd Rankin and Jeetan Patel picking three wickets each.

Warwickshire got off to a shaky start and were struggling at 48 for four before Tim Ambrose rescued the team with a 94-ball 72. However, it was Clarke's contribution of 74 that helped them stretch the lead past 100.

Brief scores: Nottinghamshire 152 (Jake Libby 59; Jeetan Patel 3-8) trail Warwickshire 283-8 (Rikki Clarke 74, Tim Ambrose 72; Jake Ball 4-76) by 131 runs.

Division 2

Kent vs Derbyshire

Chesney Hughes (83) and Wayne Madsen (73 not out) helped Derbyshire end the second day on 291 for three in reply to Kent's 379 at the St. Lawrence Ground in Canterbury.

Kent were able to add just 25 runs to their overnight score before folding for a decent total. Derbyshire got off to a decent start with Hamish Rutherford (65) and Billy Godleman (33) scoring 75 for the first wicket. James Tredwell did pick two wickets to peg Derbyshire back but the 112-run stand between Hughes and Madsen they ended the day just 88 shy of Kent's first innings score.

Brief scores: Kent 379 (Sam Northeast 191, Andy Ball 66; Tony Palladino 4-76) lead Derbyshire 291-3 (Chesney Hughes 83, Wayne Madsen 73*) by 88 runs.

Leicestershire v Gloucestershire

A 15th first-class ton from Neil Dexter helped Leicestershire post 252 for seven on the first day of their clash against Gloucestershire at the Grace Road ground in Leicester.

Asked to bat, Leicestershire were reduced to 18 for two in the fifth over. That's when Dexter and Mark Cosgrove (54) collaborated for a 101-run stand to revive the innings. Cosgrove fell soon after reaching his half-century as Gloucestershire fought back with three more quick wickets.

Brief scores: Leicestershire 252-7 (Neil Dexter 107*) vs Gloucestershire.