Australian cricketers must grow up and understand they may not be picked for every game, head coach Mickey Arthur has warned.
Mike Hussey has expressed concerns about the wisdom of shuffling batsmen around, fearing it could impact on form and confidence, but Arthur believes that the rigours of modern cricket mean that no one can expect to play in every game. Anyone looking at the best cricket online betting should remember this.
"We need to keep rotating guys through the summer because there is just so much cricket, guys are going to break down and we need others ready to come in at any given time," he told ESPNcricinfo.
He added that players need to be "mature enough" to accept this issue, but also stated that he and the selectors understood that there is a need to ensure the reasons for any changes in personnel are properly communicated to everyone involved.
Arthur also spoke about the form of Philip Hughes, with the 23-year-old suffering from something of a slump in form lately.
The coach called on him to work on some technical issues with his game, because the batsman has been getting out in the same way recently.
Arthur seems to be causing something of a stir in Australian cricket already, not least because he is the first foreign-born head coach the side has ever had.
He also has his work cut out, with the once all-conquering side suffering something of a decline in fortunes, most notably their home defeat against England in the Ashes last summer.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Bopara and Panesar Given England Call-up
English cricketers, Ravi Bopara and Monty Panesar, will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with England in 2012, when the national team takes on Pakistan, from January 17. The fixture, which is being played on neutral ground, mirroring the arrangements for Pakistan's matches with neighbouring country, India, will be a three-Test series.
The development is part of a wider announcement detailing England's 16-player squad, which includes a number of staples, such as long-suffering captain, Andrew Strauss, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, and Kevin Pietersen. Bopara and Panesar are provided as relief batsman and second spinner, respectively. Those following the latest betting will be keeping an eye on things.
Panesar, a crowd favourite, will make his first appearance in a Test match since the Ashes in 2009, in the UAE. His performance in the County Championship is ostensibly the reason for England's newfound confidence in the Sultan; his "plate-sized hands", to quote ESPN, took 69 wickets during the 2011 season.
National selector, Geoff Miller, intimated that Monty could play a "very big part" in the upcoming Test series, while Bopara, who replaces Paul Collingwood, has "another opportunity to show his growth as a Test player".
Joining Panesar in Dubai will be James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Alistair Cook, and Steven Davies. Middlesex's Steven Finn and Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, of Sussex fame, Surrey's Chris Tremlett, and Jonathan Trott, from Warwickshire, have also been handed their orders by the England brass.
Speaking about the finalised squad list, former cricketer, Geoffrey Boycott, said: "I don't think anybody expected any big changes". The 71-year-old added that he has "always liked" new-entrant, Panesar. "I'm sure he will get a chance to prove he can still be effective for England."
The development is part of a wider announcement detailing England's 16-player squad, which includes a number of staples, such as long-suffering captain, Andrew Strauss, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, and Kevin Pietersen. Bopara and Panesar are provided as relief batsman and second spinner, respectively. Those following the latest betting will be keeping an eye on things.
Panesar, a crowd favourite, will make his first appearance in a Test match since the Ashes in 2009, in the UAE. His performance in the County Championship is ostensibly the reason for England's newfound confidence in the Sultan; his "plate-sized hands", to quote ESPN, took 69 wickets during the 2011 season.
National selector, Geoff Miller, intimated that Monty could play a "very big part" in the upcoming Test series, while Bopara, who replaces Paul Collingwood, has "another opportunity to show his growth as a Test player".
Joining Panesar in Dubai will be James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Alistair Cook, and Steven Davies. Middlesex's Steven Finn and Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, of Sussex fame, Surrey's Chris Tremlett, and Jonathan Trott, from Warwickshire, have also been handed their orders by the England brass.
Speaking about the finalised squad list, former cricketer, Geoffrey Boycott, said: "I don't think anybody expected any big changes". The 71-year-old added that he has "always liked" new-entrant, Panesar. "I'm sure he will get a chance to prove he can still be effective for England."
Friday, December 9, 2011
Australia name unchanged side
Australia have named an unchanged liner-up to the team that won at Brisbane for the second test against New Zealand at Hobart.
The Aussies picked-up a convincing win in the first match of the series, defeating their opponents by nine wickets and captain Michael Clarke believes that its only fair that he and the selectors stay true to those players. Fans of cricket betting will be keeping an eye on things.
This means all-rounder Dan Christian will continue as 12th man in place of the injured Ben Cutting.
Hobart is traditionally a pitch that suits the team that bowls first and Clarke says there is a good chance that he will decide to bowl first, if he wins the toss on Thursday morning.
“I'll wait and see tomorrow. I think overhead conditions will play a part. For me it's more about looking up than looking down to see what the weather is like," he said.
"If the wicket doesn't change much from what I see and it's still a little bit tacky and there's overhead conditions, there's a big chance I'll bowl first.
"But I've said that a few times in the past and gone out there and batted.
"I guess the two things I find really hard are bowling first when I win the toss and not picking a spinner” he added.
The only injury concern for Clarke surrounds opening batsman Shane Watson. The 30-year-old has been truly superb in recent months and Clarke says he expects the all-rounder to be fit for Hobart. Those betting online should remember this.
"Watto has got a slight calf strain. It's put him a couple of days behind but we're confident he'll be right for the Boxing Day Test."
The Aussies picked-up a convincing win in the first match of the series, defeating their opponents by nine wickets and captain Michael Clarke believes that its only fair that he and the selectors stay true to those players. Fans of cricket betting will be keeping an eye on things.
This means all-rounder Dan Christian will continue as 12th man in place of the injured Ben Cutting.
Hobart is traditionally a pitch that suits the team that bowls first and Clarke says there is a good chance that he will decide to bowl first, if he wins the toss on Thursday morning.
“I'll wait and see tomorrow. I think overhead conditions will play a part. For me it's more about looking up than looking down to see what the weather is like," he said.
"If the wicket doesn't change much from what I see and it's still a little bit tacky and there's overhead conditions, there's a big chance I'll bowl first.
"But I've said that a few times in the past and gone out there and batted.
"I guess the two things I find really hard are bowling first when I win the toss and not picking a spinner” he added.
The only injury concern for Clarke surrounds opening batsman Shane Watson. The 30-year-old has been truly superb in recent months and Clarke says he expects the all-rounder to be fit for Hobart. Those betting online should remember this.
"Watto has got a slight calf strain. It's put him a couple of days behind but we're confident he'll be right for the Boxing Day Test."
Monday, November 14, 2011
Boycott calls for tough action on cheats
Just a few days after England captain Andrew Strauss referred to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a "toothless tiger" cricket legend Geoff Boycott told a radio show that the ICC should begin running its own 'sting operations' to catch cheats.
Boycott's comments arrived in the wake of a recent court case, in which a number of high-profile cricket players and officials were found guilty of cheating, chiefly by intentionally bowling no-balls in Test matches.
The convicted include Salman Butt, former captain of the Pakistan team, and his agent, Mazhar Majeed, who is believed to have been the ring-leader behind the scam. People who look at cricket betting online will want the game to be made as clean as possible.
When asked a fan-submitted question about a possible means of preventing match-fixing, Boycott suggested that governments in South Asia should consider legalising betting on cricket, to reduce the popularity of "back-street, illegal bookmakers".
The 71-year-old also said that the ICC should try to emulate the investigative journalism of the News of the World or the undercover skills of the Secret Intelligence Service, otherwise known as MI6, to weed out illicit behaviour.
However, the crux of Boycott's argument was that the ICC was "wringing hands", rather than being pro-active in the fight against corruption.
Boycott is just one of a number of pundits, fans, and cricket officials calling for the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), the ICC's equivalent of the secret service, to "get tough on crooks", to quote former Aussie cricketer, Ian Chappell.
Chappell recounted a recent conversation with an ACSU official on the ESPN website, in which he claimed that the ICC's 'cricket police' didn't understand the mechanics behind a betting scam; notably, that criminals, rather than players, orchestrate match-fixing.
Many cricketers, such as England's Michael Vaughan, are hoping for a zero-tolerance approach to cheating, involving an immediate and permanent ban from cricket for those found guilty of a swindle.
Boycott's comments arrived in the wake of a recent court case, in which a number of high-profile cricket players and officials were found guilty of cheating, chiefly by intentionally bowling no-balls in Test matches.
The convicted include Salman Butt, former captain of the Pakistan team, and his agent, Mazhar Majeed, who is believed to have been the ring-leader behind the scam. People who look at cricket betting online will want the game to be made as clean as possible.
When asked a fan-submitted question about a possible means of preventing match-fixing, Boycott suggested that governments in South Asia should consider legalising betting on cricket, to reduce the popularity of "back-street, illegal bookmakers".
The 71-year-old also said that the ICC should try to emulate the investigative journalism of the News of the World or the undercover skills of the Secret Intelligence Service, otherwise known as MI6, to weed out illicit behaviour.
However, the crux of Boycott's argument was that the ICC was "wringing hands", rather than being pro-active in the fight against corruption.
Boycott is just one of a number of pundits, fans, and cricket officials calling for the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), the ICC's equivalent of the secret service, to "get tough on crooks", to quote former Aussie cricketer, Ian Chappell.
Chappell recounted a recent conversation with an ACSU official on the ESPN website, in which he claimed that the ICC's 'cricket police' didn't understand the mechanics behind a betting scam; notably, that criminals, rather than players, orchestrate match-fixing.
Many cricketers, such as England's Michael Vaughan, are hoping for a zero-tolerance approach to cheating, involving an immediate and permanent ban from cricket for those found guilty of a swindle.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Aussie coach steps down
Tim Nielsen has announced he is stepping down from his role as head coach of the Australian cricket team after four years of 'living the dream'.
The 43-year-old confirmed his departure after his side's draw in the final test of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, a result which means the team have won nine series out of 15 since the London-born coach took over. Those looking at the mobile betting will know that's not a bad return.
Nielsen says he decided to quit after being told he would have to reapply for his job after the Australian Cricket board announced they were restricting the management team and admits that despite the disappointment of not being offered a new contract, it may just be the right time to walk away from the job.
"Unfortunately I wasn't good enough to play cricket for Australia, so I've been living the dream. This has been the greatest job that I could do," said Nielsen.
"I'm very proud of the fact that I've been able to do it for the past four years, which I feel is a long term in international sport."
Nielsen has had a relatively successful time as coach of his country but unfortunately he'll always be remembered for his side's disappointed 3-1 Ashes defeat against England earlier this year. That loss has prompted the board's decision to change the selection panel with head of selectors Andrew Hilditch and selector Greg Chappell also falling foul of the changes. People who bet on sports will be keeping a close eye on the shake up.
However, the experience hasn't deterred him and he says he will be looking for other opportunities within the game."I'm a cricket coach, I'm a cricket person. I certainly will be looking at other opportunities and seeing what's out there," he added.
The 43-year-old confirmed his departure after his side's draw in the final test of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, a result which means the team have won nine series out of 15 since the London-born coach took over. Those looking at the mobile betting will know that's not a bad return.
Nielsen says he decided to quit after being told he would have to reapply for his job after the Australian Cricket board announced they were restricting the management team and admits that despite the disappointment of not being offered a new contract, it may just be the right time to walk away from the job.
"Unfortunately I wasn't good enough to play cricket for Australia, so I've been living the dream. This has been the greatest job that I could do," said Nielsen.
"I'm very proud of the fact that I've been able to do it for the past four years, which I feel is a long term in international sport."
Nielsen has had a relatively successful time as coach of his country but unfortunately he'll always be remembered for his side's disappointed 3-1 Ashes defeat against England earlier this year. That loss has prompted the board's decision to change the selection panel with head of selectors Andrew Hilditch and selector Greg Chappell also falling foul of the changes. People who bet on sports will be keeping a close eye on the shake up.
However, the experience hasn't deterred him and he says he will be looking for other opportunities within the game."I'm a cricket coach, I'm a cricket person. I certainly will be looking at other opportunities and seeing what's out there," he added.
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