England romped to a 10-wicket victory against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge, levelling the series 2-2 in the process. Both teams will now head to Old Trafford this weekend for a winner-takes-all clash, although this convincing victory will certainly give England a massive confidence boost heading into the final match in the series.
England gained control of the match from the start with James Anderson tearing through the tourists' top-order, after skipper Alastair Cook decided to bowl first on what was a very green Trent Bridge pitch. Before Sri Lanka knew what was going on, they were 5-57, Anderson taking three wickets with assistance from Tim Bresnan and Stuart Broad taking a wicket apiece to put the visitors on the back foot. At that point the cricket odds made England big favourites.
Kumar Sangakkara was the only batsman to put up any real resistance with his brave 75, but in the end nobody else really stuck around to give the Sri Lanka captain enough support. Jade Dernbach showed his exciting potential by clearing up the tourists' tail with three wickets, Sri Lanka all out for a very modest 174.
A short rain delay saw England's target revised down to 171 but that never looked like being enough as openers Cook and Craig Kieswetter started off playing with T20-like aggression. The hosts had reached their target with only 23.5 overs gone, Cook just short of a century on 95 not out and Kieswetter 72 not out as England won the match and levelled the series.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Law handed Tigers post
Former Australia all-rounder Stuart Law has been appointed as the new coach of Bangladesh, replacing fellow countryman Jamie Siddons.
The 42-year-old is currently acting as Sri Lanka's interim coach and will continue in that role for the one-day series with England.
Law stepped up from assistant coach with Sri Lanka following their World Cup final defeat and recently admitted that he didn't know what the future had in store for him.
Sri Lanka officials could not offer any guarantees to Law offer his position beyond November and Law felt "job security" was the "most important thing". Those following the cricket betting odds will wonder what sort of impact the move will have on Sri Lanka.
Now the Bangladesh Cricket Board have now given him a permanent post, with the former Lancashire star penning a two-year contract to take charge of the Tigers.
Bangladesh media committee head Jalal Yunus stated that the selection panel were looking for a coach who has "leadership quality" and they felt Law fitted the bill.
Law has captained both Queensland and Lancashire during his playing career and only hung up his bat in 2009.
The Queenslander only played one Test for Australia but did make 54 one-day international appearances, with over 1000 ODI runs at an average of 26.89.
Law has major task on his hands to get Bangladesh moving in the right direction, with the Tigers currently ninth in both Test and ODI rankings.
Law's first assignment will be a Test and one-day series in Zimbabwe, which gets underway in August.
Meanwhile, current coaches Marvan Atapattu, Ruwan Kalpage and Champaka Ramanayake are said to be in the running to replace Law as Sri Lanka boss.
The 42-year-old is currently acting as Sri Lanka's interim coach and will continue in that role for the one-day series with England.
Law stepped up from assistant coach with Sri Lanka following their World Cup final defeat and recently admitted that he didn't know what the future had in store for him.
Sri Lanka officials could not offer any guarantees to Law offer his position beyond November and Law felt "job security" was the "most important thing". Those following the cricket betting odds will wonder what sort of impact the move will have on Sri Lanka.
Now the Bangladesh Cricket Board have now given him a permanent post, with the former Lancashire star penning a two-year contract to take charge of the Tigers.
Bangladesh media committee head Jalal Yunus stated that the selection panel were looking for a coach who has "leadership quality" and they felt Law fitted the bill.
Law has captained both Queensland and Lancashire during his playing career and only hung up his bat in 2009.
The Queenslander only played one Test for Australia but did make 54 one-day international appearances, with over 1000 ODI runs at an average of 26.89.
Law has major task on his hands to get Bangladesh moving in the right direction, with the Tigers currently ninth in both Test and ODI rankings.
Law's first assignment will be a Test and one-day series in Zimbabwe, which gets underway in August.
Meanwhile, current coaches Marvan Atapattu, Ruwan Kalpage and Champaka Ramanayake are said to be in the running to replace Law as Sri Lanka boss.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Donald seeks Proteas competition
New South Africa bowling coach Allan Donald feels it is vital for the team's progress that there is plenty of competition for places.
The fast bowling legend was recently appointed into the role by new head coach Gary Kirsten – who is a former team-mate of Donald.
Donald is arguably South Africa's finest pace bowler of all time, with 330 Test wickets and 272 ODI scalps to his name. Those looking at the cricket betting will wonder if he can inspire the nation's bowlers to match his feats.
The 44-year-old, who had previously been working with New Zealand, seemed like the perfect choice for the role and he already has big plans for the Proteas bowlers.
The former Warwickshire paceman will be working with the first and fourth best players in the Test rankings, in Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
Despite the duo's fine recent record in the five-day game, Donald says there are things with their “mindset” that can be “worked on”. Despite their already intimidating style, Donald wants Styen and Morkel to be part of an attack that is “cocky and arrogant in all the right ways”.
The new bowling coach is keen for the strike bowlers not to get too comfortable and is seeking the young players to stake their claim for a regular place in the squad.
Donald told Cricinfo: "I want the younger guys to punch a hole into the line up and not just sit and wait for their turn."
The Proteas will begin their new era under Kirsten in October, when they welcome Australia to South Africa. The two teams will do battle in two T20 internationals, three ODIs and two Tests.
The fast bowling legend was recently appointed into the role by new head coach Gary Kirsten – who is a former team-mate of Donald.
Donald is arguably South Africa's finest pace bowler of all time, with 330 Test wickets and 272 ODI scalps to his name. Those looking at the cricket betting will wonder if he can inspire the nation's bowlers to match his feats.
The 44-year-old, who had previously been working with New Zealand, seemed like the perfect choice for the role and he already has big plans for the Proteas bowlers.
The former Warwickshire paceman will be working with the first and fourth best players in the Test rankings, in Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.
Despite the duo's fine recent record in the five-day game, Donald says there are things with their “mindset” that can be “worked on”. Despite their already intimidating style, Donald wants Styen and Morkel to be part of an attack that is “cocky and arrogant in all the right ways”.
The new bowling coach is keen for the strike bowlers not to get too comfortable and is seeking the young players to stake their claim for a regular place in the squad.
Donald told Cricinfo: "I want the younger guys to punch a hole into the line up and not just sit and wait for their turn."
The Proteas will begin their new era under Kirsten in October, when they welcome Australia to South Africa. The two teams will do battle in two T20 internationals, three ODIs and two Tests.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Let the cricket season begin!
I currently have a lobster face for the first time this year after watching some cricket at Edgbaston cricket ground, the home of Warwickshire. Although the season started a few weeks ago today's game - a CB40 game against Leicestershire was the first home game and also the first chance i have to see the new pavilion.
It looks fabulous, though its not quite finished yet. They aim to finish it by June i think, it looks nearly there anyway. The new permanent floodlights look amazing and rather off-worldly too.
As to the game itself well i only stayed for the Warwickshire innings, actually i never stay longer than an innings or session due to my incredibly short attention span, but it was great entertainment. The Bears scored heavily with plenty of DLF Maximums or 6s if you prefer. I am now following the conclusion of the game on Cricinfo. Sometimes that is the best way to watch cricket. You are less likely to get sunburn anyway. Photos from the Warwickshire innings are here.
Friday, March 4, 2011
The week 50-over Cricket was revived
As much as it pains me to say it as an England fan but Ireland's victory over Andrew Strauss' men was just the result this World CUp needed as it has breathed new life into a flagging competition.
The 50-over game needed a match like this, as well as the dramatic tie between England and India, to show an increasingly sceptical public as well as the administrators that this format of the game still has the ability to entertain.
The rise of T20 is seen as a replacement for One-Day cricket, which in turn was seen as the quick-fix, sugar coated alternative to the drawn out test match.
But One-dayers are now seen as boring in comparison with T20 and the critics do have a point. The middle overs between power plays can result in tedious cricket as batsmen simply knock the ball around to a field pushed back to the boundaries for ones and twos.
But doesn't that make you appreciate the better games even more?
The best one day games are the slow-burners that gather pace towards a dramatic conclusion. The India v England game was a case in point as Strauss and co kept ahead of the run-rate throughout their innings, resulting it that last gasp finish which delighted anyone following the cricket world cup betting news.
The Ireland game though eclipsed that, mainly thanks to that explosive century by Kevin O'Brien. It also answered those critics who have questioned the participation of the associate nations in the early rounds.
The Netherlands and Canada have both given test playing countries a scare while Ireland humiliated England - making the ICC's decision to reduce the next World Cup to 10 teams a questionable one, as cricket world cup betting upsets happen on a regular basis.
The problem for me lies in the scheduling of the international calendar. More and more T20 competitions are being introduced with no comparative reduction in other games, meaning the calendar is as jam packed as ever.
One-day cricket seems to be the one that is undermined the most. The ridiculous seven-match series between England and Australia tagged onto the end of a three month gruelling Ashes test tour a case in point.
This week has proved that there is still a place for one-day cricket. But the administrators need to give it space to breathe before it drowns in a sea of T20 infused hysteria.
The 50-over game needed a match like this, as well as the dramatic tie between England and India, to show an increasingly sceptical public as well as the administrators that this format of the game still has the ability to entertain.
The rise of T20 is seen as a replacement for One-Day cricket, which in turn was seen as the quick-fix, sugar coated alternative to the drawn out test match.
But One-dayers are now seen as boring in comparison with T20 and the critics do have a point. The middle overs between power plays can result in tedious cricket as batsmen simply knock the ball around to a field pushed back to the boundaries for ones and twos.
But doesn't that make you appreciate the better games even more?
The best one day games are the slow-burners that gather pace towards a dramatic conclusion. The India v England game was a case in point as Strauss and co kept ahead of the run-rate throughout their innings, resulting it that last gasp finish which delighted anyone following the cricket world cup betting news.
The Ireland game though eclipsed that, mainly thanks to that explosive century by Kevin O'Brien. It also answered those critics who have questioned the participation of the associate nations in the early rounds.
The Netherlands and Canada have both given test playing countries a scare while Ireland humiliated England - making the ICC's decision to reduce the next World Cup to 10 teams a questionable one, as cricket world cup betting upsets happen on a regular basis.
The problem for me lies in the scheduling of the international calendar. More and more T20 competitions are being introduced with no comparative reduction in other games, meaning the calendar is as jam packed as ever.
One-day cricket seems to be the one that is undermined the most. The ridiculous seven-match series between England and Australia tagged onto the end of a three month gruelling Ashes test tour a case in point.
This week has proved that there is still a place for one-day cricket. But the administrators need to give it space to breathe before it drowns in a sea of T20 infused hysteria.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
O’Brien hails record breaking ton
Ireland batsman Kevin O’Brien has declared his match winning century against England is the “best” he has ever played.
O’Brien hit a magnificent 113 and bought up his century in just 50 balls to record the quickest century ever scored at the World Cup as Ireland famously beat England by three wickets on Wednesday.
Chasing a total of 327 set by England, O’Brien led the way with a series of big hits including six 6’s and excellent support from Alex Cusack (49) helped Will Porterfield’s side beat England with five balls to spare.
“I chanced my arm, attacked and batted as positively as I could and thankfully it came off," said O'Brien.
"I kept going and everything went my way, with the odd bit of luck too."
Ireland, who made it past the group stages at the previous World Cup with a remarkable win over Pakistan, will now face India on Sunday on the same pitch, and will have real hope of upsetting the odds against the side that drew with England last Sunday.
O’Brien admitted that the scale of their achievement had yet to sink, while captain Will Porterfield praised his team’s effort after some bookmakers were offering free bets at odds of 400-1 midway through their response.
“(It is) the greatest day in Irish cricket history and one of our best-ever performances.” He said.
"We believed in ourselves and even at 111-5 we managed to bounce back - so all credit to the lads."
"There'll be a big party after this but we still have four games to go and have to produce more big displays." He added.
England now face the prospect of leaving the tournament early if they slip up against Bangladesh and fail to beat either South Africa, who they play on Sunday, or the West Indies.
A free bet on an England departure from the competition currently returns odds of 5-2 with some bookmakers.
Captain Andrew Strauss admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” with the loss and said England need to shore up their bowling if they are to progress beyond the group stage. He said: “They fully deserved their victory. We're bitterly disappointed, our World Cup is not over by any means but we've been haemorrhaging runs too quickly.”
O’Brien hit a magnificent 113 and bought up his century in just 50 balls to record the quickest century ever scored at the World Cup as Ireland famously beat England by three wickets on Wednesday.
Chasing a total of 327 set by England, O’Brien led the way with a series of big hits including six 6’s and excellent support from Alex Cusack (49) helped Will Porterfield’s side beat England with five balls to spare.
“I chanced my arm, attacked and batted as positively as I could and thankfully it came off," said O'Brien.
"I kept going and everything went my way, with the odd bit of luck too."
Ireland, who made it past the group stages at the previous World Cup with a remarkable win over Pakistan, will now face India on Sunday on the same pitch, and will have real hope of upsetting the odds against the side that drew with England last Sunday.
O’Brien admitted that the scale of their achievement had yet to sink, while captain Will Porterfield praised his team’s effort after some bookmakers were offering free bets at odds of 400-1 midway through their response.
“(It is) the greatest day in Irish cricket history and one of our best-ever performances.” He said.
"We believed in ourselves and even at 111-5 we managed to bounce back - so all credit to the lads."
"There'll be a big party after this but we still have four games to go and have to produce more big displays." He added.
England now face the prospect of leaving the tournament early if they slip up against Bangladesh and fail to beat either South Africa, who they play on Sunday, or the West Indies.
A free bet on an England departure from the competition currently returns odds of 5-2 with some bookmakers.
Captain Andrew Strauss admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” with the loss and said England need to shore up their bowling if they are to progress beyond the group stage. He said: “They fully deserved their victory. We're bitterly disappointed, our World Cup is not over by any means but we've been haemorrhaging runs too quickly.”
Friday, February 25, 2011
South Africa lay down marker
South Africa started their World Cup campaign with a confident seven wicket victory over the West Indies in Delhi. AB de Villiers and debutant Imran Tahir were the Protes' stand out performers as South Africa laid down an intimidating marker with a thoroughly professional job.
Leg-spinner Tahir, making his first South Africa, was the main threat to the Pakistan batsmen, finishing with impressive figures of 4-41. West Indies recovered from losing Chris Gayle early to take the score to 113-1, with Devon Smith and Darren Bravo taking the game to South Africa. Johan Both picked up the first of his two wickets with the scalp of Bravo to break the partnership, Tahir quickly picked up the wickets of Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan to put the West Indies on the back foot and the Cricket World Cup predictions suggested they would struggle to recover.
From their relatively strong position, the West Indies quickly collapsed to 222 all out withTahir and Dale Steyn tearing through the tail to end the innings, the fast bowler finishing with 3-24. South Africa won't have been to worried about reaching their target of 223 but things looked a little worrying when they slumped to 20-2 after Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis went in quick succession and the Cricket World Cup betting tips suggested there was hope.
Graeme Smith's 45 got the innings back on track but it was AB de Villiers who stole the show with a stunning 107 not out at over a run a ball. JP Duminy supported de Villiers to take the South African's over the line with a useful 42 not out.
On this kind of form, South Africa look a very tempting bet to finally lift the World Cup after coming close on numerous occasions. It is going to take a quality side to beat Graeme Smith's intimidating side.
Leg-spinner Tahir, making his first South Africa, was the main threat to the Pakistan batsmen, finishing with impressive figures of 4-41. West Indies recovered from losing Chris Gayle early to take the score to 113-1, with Devon Smith and Darren Bravo taking the game to South Africa. Johan Both picked up the first of his two wickets with the scalp of Bravo to break the partnership, Tahir quickly picked up the wickets of Smith and Ramnaresh Sarwan to put the West Indies on the back foot and the Cricket World Cup predictions suggested they would struggle to recover.
From their relatively strong position, the West Indies quickly collapsed to 222 all out withTahir and Dale Steyn tearing through the tail to end the innings, the fast bowler finishing with 3-24. South Africa won't have been to worried about reaching their target of 223 but things looked a little worrying when they slumped to 20-2 after Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis went in quick succession and the Cricket World Cup betting tips suggested there was hope.
Graeme Smith's 45 got the innings back on track but it was AB de Villiers who stole the show with a stunning 107 not out at over a run a ball. JP Duminy supported de Villiers to take the South African's over the line with a useful 42 not out.
On this kind of form, South Africa look a very tempting bet to finally lift the World Cup after coming close on numerous occasions. It is going to take a quality side to beat Graeme Smith's intimidating side.
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