Monday, October 31, 2011

County stars sign fresh deals

While the end of the County Championship has left cricket fans wandering aimlessly or perusing other sports, many players have begun the obligatory contract negotiations with their club, a development that has seen Nottinghamshire, Essex, Derbyshire, and many others, throw contract extensions at their players.

Paul Franks, who previously "challenged" himself to remain at Nottinghamshire for the remainder of his career, has secured a new contract at Trent Bridge, meaning that the cricketer will be able to extend his tenure at the club until at least 2013. The all-rounder says that he is "proud" to remain at Notts. Those betting online will be keeping an eye on him.

Heading south; bowler, Tim Philips, has signed an improved deal at Essex. The 30-year-old is a prolific spinner, taking 26 wickets in Twenty20 tournaments last season. His one-day successes are likely the reason for Essex's decision to keep him on the books for another year, but Paul Grayson, chief at the cricket side, says that he wants Philips to "push on" with his four-day cricket.

At Derbyshire, young starlet, Peter Burgoyne, has penned a contract keeping him in the Midlands for the next two years. However, the 17-year-old will not play as a professional until 2013. Burgoyne, described as "refreshingly fearless" by coach, Karl Krikken, is tied to a summer contract, while he completes his education. Pundits like Michael Vaughan will be keeping an eye on his progress.

Two more changes of note; Tim Linley, bowler at Surrey, walked away from the negotiating table with a new two year deal, while opening batsman, Karl Turner, who is Franks' team mate at Notts, has signed a one year contract, following a successful trial period. "We feel that he is a player who could develop, given an opportunity," Notts boss, Mick Newell, said, of Turner.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Ponting needs to help Australia revival

Ricky Ponting insists he is enjoying being one of the Australia squad, without the pressure of captaincy, and he can play a pivotal role in helping the team go forward.

Many felt when Ponting stepped down as skipper following the home Ashes defeat to England that was the end of his illustrious career, but the battler continues to fight on.

'Punter' has never been a player to accept things and roll over in defeat, with his Test figures highlighting the type of batsman he has been for his country. Over 12,400 Test runs and an average of 53.26, tells its own story!

At the age of 36, the Tasmanian still has plenty to offer and could yet play on for another three or four years at the top level – and Australia need him to. People looking at the mobile sports betting will know this.

The drubbing by England in 2010-11 may have finished off some players, but Ponting is determined to bounce back and drag the youngsters with him, as the Baggy Greens look to recover and compete with the world's best again.

An outstanding knock of 63 in the rain-affected 1st ODI with South Africa at Centurion highlighted how much his country still needs him and the veteran appears happy to continue. People betting online should remember this.

Ponting said: "I'm a lot more relaxed with the things I can do outside of the training paddock. When I get back to the hotel, it's pretty much just my time and catching up with the boys."

"What I'm trying to do now is spend as much time as I can with the young guys, away from the cricket ground as well, learn a bit about them and try and help them to learn as fast as possible."

Bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, at the age of just 18 and 20 respectively, were surprise inclusions in the latest squad and Ponting says he has been impressed with both players.

They couldn't have a better mentor than a man who has been there and won everything there is to win in cricket and Ponting remains keen to help the team progress.