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Kevin Pietersen has been left out of England’s Test squad for the tour of India while Joe Root and Nick Compton have been called up

Andrew McGlashan18-Sep-2012Kevin Pietersen has been left out of England’s Test squad for the tour of India while Joe Root and Nick Compton have been called up. Eoin Morgan has also been recalled and Monty Panesar is one of three spinners alongside Graeme Swann and Samit Patel.Talks between Pietersen and the ECB remain ongoing although the batsman is currently in Sri Lanka working as a TV pundit during the World Twenty20. Last week Pietersen was not handed a central contract, a clear indication that problems still exists although he can be offered one at any time in the future.Hugh Morris, the managing director of England cricket, said: “Both ECB and England team management have had meetings with Kevin Pietersen to address the issues that led to his omission from the final Investec Test match against South Africa. These discussions remain private and confidential and, as there are issues still to be resolved, Kevin has not been considered for selection for the India tour.”In the absence of Pietersen and the retired Andrew Strauss, England’s batting order is inexperienced. That is likely to have been one of the reasons for Morgan’s recall despite very little success in first-class cricket since he was dropped from the Test side following the series against Pakistan in the UAE.Compton and Root could well be vying for one place in the line-up, depending on how Andy Flower and Alastair Cook decide to balance the team. Compton was the leading run-scorer during the 2012 English season with 1494 runs and was within touching distance of making 1000 runs before the end of May.Root, 21, who was named the Cricket Writers’ Club Young Cricketer on Monday, had been tipped for a place on the tour squad having been a regular in the England Lions set-up over the last 12 months, where he has impressed batting coach Graham Thorpe. He scored 964 first-class runs in the season with a best of 222 against Hampshire.”Nick Compton has performed well consistently for Somerset in county cricket this season, made big hundreds and shown that he has the temperament and the technique to play at a higher level,” Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. “Joe Root is a player who has been successful at every level from county cricket through to EPP and England Lions, and he deserves this opportunity to step up to the next level and press his case for a place in the Test side. “The two notable omissions in the batting department are Ravi Bopara and James Taylor, who both played Tests during the recent series against South Africa. Bopara withdrew from the second Test at Headingley due to personal problems, which handed Taylor his debut. He returned for the one-day matches against South Africa but has suffered a horror run of form and is unlikely to make the starting XI in the World Twenty20. He does not even feature in the Performance squad that will be based in India at the same time as the Test party.Taylor, though, does have the compensation of a spot with the Performance players who will be the first in line for a call-up should injury or illness strike.The bowling line-up is largely as expected, with Panesar again preferred as the support, or back-up, to Swann despite a difficult time in Sri Lanka earlier this year. James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, was another option after solid performances in recent one-day matches. Patel, who made his Test debut in Sri Lanka, provides an option to balance the side at No. 7.The first Test against India starts in Ahmedabad on November 15.Squad Alastair Cook (capt) James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Graham Onions, Eoin Morgan, Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, Matt Prior, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott

The appearance of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels created a great buzz and expectation around the cavernous ANZ Stadium but the match was as lacklustre as the crowd, as the Renegades relegated the Thunder to their second loss

Alex Malcolm14-Dec-2012
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe game meandered for Sydney Thunder despite Chris Gayle’s presence•Getty ImagesThe appearance of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels created a great buzz and expectation around the cavernous ANZ Stadium but the match was as lacklustre as the crowd, as the Renegades relegated the Thunder to their second loss of the tournament while staking their own claim as title contenders.Neither captain was certain at the toss as to what to do on the drop-in surface. Aaron Finch decided chasing again, after the Renegades success against the Stars, was the best policy when the coin fell his way.The game meandered early despite Gayle’s presence. He and Usman Khawaja managed just 10 off the first three overs before Gayle clubbed Will Sheridan into the long-off seats to spark some interest.But Gayle’s dismissal was a metaphor for the Thunder innings. He was run out when his bat got bogged in the soft turf as he tried to slide it safely to complete a tight but straightforward single.Thereafter the Thunder got bogged down at the hands of Muttiah Muralitharan and Man-of-the-Match Aaron O’Brien. At 1 for 41 after 8 overs with Khawaja and Mark Cosgrove struggling to find any fluency, Muralitharan delivered four dot balls to Khawaja before trapping him lbw with the fifth. Khawaja’s dismissal sparked a horror collapse with the Thunder losing 6 for 19 in 6 overs of spin. O’Brien claimed three scalps, including Chris Rogers and Azhar Mahmood in the same over, while Muralitharan added Cosgrove to his tally. Samuels removed Cameron Borgas to leave the Thunder reeling with just 36 balls remaining in the innings.It was left to Chris Tremain and Ryan Carters to salvage the unsalvageable and they did an admirable job. The pair added 56, unbroken, to raise the total to a defendable 7 for 116, clearing the rope four times in the process.Their partnership allowed Dirk Nannes to charge in with the hope of wreaking havoc. His first two overs were frightfully quick and although they went unrewarded, Mahmood was able to claim the scalps of Daniel Harris and Samuels at the other end. Samuels fell in unusual fashion, deceived by a high full toss that dropped like a stone onto the base of middle stump. It was a brilliant slower ball that stunned Samuels to the point where he had to be reminded he was out.It rocked the Renegades momentarily but the heroes of their opening night victory came together again to control the situation. Although Finch and Ben Rohrer were unable to see the chase to its conclusion, their composure and lack of panic during sporadic periods of stagnation meant the unfancied Melbourne side could cruise to their second win of the tournament and ascend to the top of the table.

It took just over a session of the final day for England to wrap up the opening Test with Gavin Griffiths taking two important wickets.

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jan-2013
ScorecardDominic Sibley’s second-innings 62 proved vital•Getty ImagesIt took just over a session of the final day for England to wrap up the opening Test with Gavin Griffiths taking two important wickets.Andries Gous had held England up with a fine 83 from 162 balls but when he was bowled by Griffiths, any faint chance that South Africa retained of chasing 271 was extinguished. Griffiths then sealed victory by having Clyde Fortuin caught by Ed Barnard – who was named man of the match for his first-innings century.South Africa needed another 205 runs for victory on the day four and badly needed a partnership to have any chance. But the day began in poor fashion as two wickets went down for just 17 runs.Finally, Gous found a partner in Fortuin and the pair batted to lunch at 141 for 6. But again they failed to deal with the start of a new session and in the second over of the afternoon Gous was gone and South Africa were staring defeat in the face. The final two wickets added only 11.South Africa will hope to square the series in the second Test at Paarl which begins on February 3. They have called up Tshepo Moreki, a 19-year-old right-arm bowler who has taken seven wickets in three first-class matches for KwaZulu-Natal this season, to replace Craig Kirsten who only bowled four overs in this Test before breaking down with a stress fracture of the lower back.

Essex sign Australian Rob Quiney as their overseas player for the first part of the 2013 county season

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Jan-2013Essex have bolstered their top-order batting by signing Rob Quiney, the Australian batsman, for the first half of the season. Quiney will initially be available until the end of the Friends Life t20.It will be Quiney’s first stint in overseas first-class cricket. He has a modest record in the format with 3,101 runs at 36.48 in 55 matches but his 2011-12 season suggested he is capable of more than his record suggests. 938 runs at 49.36 prompted his call up for the first Test of the Australian summer against South Africa where he made 9 in his only innings. He was then dropped after making a pair in Adelaide.”I am delighted to have signed to play for Essex this summer,” Quiney said. “The 2012-13 season has been an amazing one for me, fulfilling my ambition of playing international cricket and I am now able to achieve one of my other major cricketing ambitions by playing county cricket.”Having spoken to Paul Grayson, I am very excited about the plans for Essex this season and I look forward to helping our drive to securing silverware in 2013.”Quiney, 30, will provide valuable experience at the top of the order. Essex have struggled in recent times to find a consistent top three and next season will be without Derbyshire-bound Billy Godleman, and Alviro Petersen, who isn’t returning as overseas player. Mark Pettini, primarily a middle-order player and 22-year-old Jaik Mickleburgh were installed as openers towards the end of the last season.Essex head coach Paul Grayson said the club would look to retain Quiney for the whole season. “We’ll revisit the situation after the T20 because obviously Australia are touring over here and he wants to try and make a big impression with them. I’ve met Rob and spoken to him a few times, he’s a quality player and a very good man who comes highly recommended from some good people that we know.”He’s desperate to play county cricket which is great for us and he comes across as an extremely good team player as well and we are delighted to bring him to the club. It’s an exciting signing and I’m sure he will have a positive impact on the team.”

New Zealand, led by their seamers, began their Super Six stage with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai

The Report by Vishal Dikshit in Mumbai08-Feb-2013
ScorecardLea Tahuhu recorded her career-best figures of 4 for 27 against Sri Lanka•ICC/Solaris ImagesNew Zealand began their Super Six campaign with a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Their seamers set the stage for a big win after Sri Lanka were put in to bat and were dismissed for 103 in 42 overs. In four matches, this is the third time New Zealand have dismissed their opposition for a low score, after bowling South Africa out for 170 and Pakistan for 104 in their first two matches. New Zealand now have four points, after carrying forward two points from the first stage.Opening bowlers Sian Ruck and Lea Tahuhu shared seven wickets between them and conceded merely 43 runs in their 20 overs. Nicola Browne, Morna Nielsen and Frances Mackay also kept the Sri Lankan batsmen under pressure, with Browne and Mackay being the most expensive bowlers at three per over.The New Zealand seamers rocked and choked the Sri Lankan batsmen, making use of the slightly moist conditions in the morning. Ruck and Tahuhu bowled in tandem; Ruck swung the ball without giving any room to the batsmen and Tahuhu made them uncomfortable with her pace and bounce.Tahuhu struck with her first ball, cleaning up Yasoda Mendis, who had played big knocks in Sri Lanka’s two victories in the first round. Lanka were pushed to the back foot with that as their runs dried up for the next few overs. Deepika Rasangika broke a few shackles when she loosened up for three consecutive fours on both sides of the pitch in Tahuhu’s third over. Chamari Atapattu, on the other hand, looked out of sorts, not able to open her account for 24 balls and was bowled by Ruck in the next over. Before Rasangika could swing her arms again, she was yorked by Tahuhu for 20. It soon became three wickets in three overs when the captain Shashikala Siriwardene flashed hard outside the off stump and Katie Perkins took a diving catch to her left at point, leaving Sri Lanka at 23 for 4.What followed was a drought of runs for Sri Lanka. They managed only three runs in the next six overs, which included four maidens – three alone from Ruck.Dilani Manodara and Sandamali Dolawatte faced roughed up by the seamers but they survived and took the score past 50 in the 22nd over. They could have been in a worse situation had the wicketkeeper Rachel Priest not dropped Dolawatte off Browne in the 18th over and not missed Manodara’s stumping in the 21st over.Manodara helped her team pick up the pace a little bit, driving and cutting Browne and left-arm orthodox Morna Nielsen for boundaries in consecutive overs. But the partnership was ended soon, when Tahuhu came back for her second spell and made Dolawatte give another catch to Perkins.Eshani Kaushalya joined Manodara and had made only two runs when she called for a quick single after driving to mid-off but was run-out by the time she was sent back. Sri Lanka were struggling at 74 for 6 and Manodara eased some nerves again, taking the score from 74 to 86 in two overs. Offspinner Mackay ended her innings when a bit of extra bounce got the ball to touch her bat and fall into Priest’s gloves. Weerakkody also edged one to Priest in the next over off Ruck, who finished with figures of 3 for 16 from her 10 overs.Mackay and Tahuhu picked the last two wickets, restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total of 103. Tahuhu picked four wickets and bowled two maidens, and her economy in the tournament now stands at a parsimonious 2.94 from 35 overs.Chasing 104, the New Zealand openers provided a strong start with a 71-run stand in 15 overs. Mackay started the innings with a firm cover drive for four off the first ball. She and Suzie Bates, the leading run-scorer in the World Cup so far, batted in good batting conditions under the sun. Bates struck six boundaries, driving and pulling the Sri Lankan bowlers during a knock of 37. Inoka Ranaweera provided some consolation for Sri Lanka, avoiding a 10-wicket loss. She struck twice in her third over, first getting Bates caught by Manodara behind the stumps and then catching Amy Satterthwaite off her own bowling. Sophie Devine made the job easier for New Zealand with a quickfire 29, sealing the win with a six in the 23rd over.

Graeme Smith is unlikely to play a part in the fifth and final ODI against Pakistan in Benoni on Sunday due a recurrence of an ankle injury during South Africa’s defeat in the fourth ODI in Durban

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Mar-2013Graeme Smith is unlikely to play a part in the fifth and final ODI against Pakistan in Benoni on Sunday due a recurrence of an ankle injury during South Africa’s defeat in the fourth ODI in Durban. Smith was unable to field for a majority of Pakistan’s innings due to the injury.”Graeme’s chronic left ankle problem has surfaced again during this ODI series,” Dr Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, said. “We have been trying to manage him but unfortunately the impingement syndrome slowed him down today and he is quite symptomatic.”As things stand, he is unlikely to play in the last ODI but we will make a final decision tomorrow (Friday). He has had surgery on this ankle a while ago and I think the load and the volume of cricket for the year, and particularly during this ODI series, has troubled him.”Smith was bowled by Junaid Khan for 12 in Pakistan’s three-wicket win that levelled the series 2-2.The selectors will decide on Friday, whether or not to name a replacement.

Monty Panesar is committed to a full programme of championship cricket in an attempt to bowl himself into form ahead of the three-Test series against New Zealand in May

David Hopps21-Mar-2013Monty Panesar is committed to a full programme of championship cricket in an attempt to bowl himself into form ahead of a two-Test series against New Zealand ijn May, which starts England’s international summer.Panesar’s spin partnership with Graeme Swann was a prime reason for England’s mastery over India on their home soil in the Test series before Christmas.But he has found rewards harder to find in New Zealand and, with Swann recuperating from an elbow operation and uncertain whether he will be fit to face New Zealand, Panesar’s well-being at the start of a packed England schedule is even more important than usual.Panesar has persuaded England’s management that, despite a heavy touring schedule, he has no need for the prolonged rest which has been drawn up for most other England players. He will be pitched straight into Sussex’s championship season, against Yorkshire at Headingley on April 10.Warwickshire, the defending county champions, will have to wait for the involvement of their England batsmen, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, until May under the player availability schedule drawn up by the England management.Bell and Trott will be available two Warwickshire championship matches – against Sussex and Middlesex – ahead of England’s three-Test series against New Zealand, which begins at Lord’s on May 16.Under a scrupulously balanced decision process, most England players are guaranteed to play two championship games ahead of the first Investec Test.Durham will benefit from Graham Onions’ inactive winter. Onions’ 64 wickets at 14.98 were instrumental in securing Durham’s Division One status, eventually achieved with ease under the inspirational captaincy of Paul Collingwood, and he will be running in again for the opening championship match of the season against Yorkshire in Chester-le-Street on April 10.Somerset are another winner with Nick Compton’s appetite for match practice meaning that he is scheduled to return against Surrey at The Oval on April 17.England player availability: James Anderson (Lancashire): Available for LV= County Championship games against Kent (24-27 April) and Glamorgan (1-4 May). Unavailable for Yorkshire Bank 40 game against Durham (6 May) and Derbyshire (12 May). Schedule to be reviewed after 4 May ahead of first Investec Test.Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire): Available for all cricket from the start of season.Ian Bell (Warwickshire): Available for championship games against Sussex (1-4 May) and Middlesex (8-11 May). Available for YB40 game against Kent (6 May). Unavailable for YB40 game against Sussex (12 May).Ravi Bopara (Essex): Available for all cricket.Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire): Availability to be determined following recovery from an elbow operation.Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire): Available for championship games against Derbyshire (24-27 April) and Durham (29-2 May). Schedule to be reviewed after 2 May ahead of first Test.Jos Buttler (Somerset): Available for all cricket.Alastair Cook (Essex): Available for championship games against Hampshire (29 April -2 May) and Lancashire (7-10 May). Unavailable for YB40 fixtures against Hampshire (3 May), Durham (5 May) and Scotland (12 May).Nick Compton (Somerset): Available for championship games against Surrey (17-20 April), Warwickshire (25-28 April) and Yorkshire (7-10 May). Available for YB40 fixture against Unicorns (5 May). Unavailable for YB40 fixture against Yorkshire (11 May).Jade Dernbach (Surrey): Available for all cricket.Steven Finn (Middlesex): Available for championship games against Derbyshire (17-20 April) and Surrey (2-5 May). Unavailable for game against Cambridge MCCU (24-26 April). Schedule to be reviewed after 5 May ahead of first Test.Eoin Morgan (Middlesex): Participating in the IPL. Available for all cricket on return.Graham Onions (Durham): Available for championship games against Somerset (10-13 April), Warwickshire (17-20 April), Yorkshire (24-27 April) and Nottinghamshire (29 April -2 May). Schedule to be reviewed after 2 May, ahead of first Test.Monty Panesar (Sussex): Available for all cricket from 10 April.Samit Patel (Nottinghamshire): Available for all cricket.Kevin Pietersen (Surrey): Availability to be determined following recovery from knee injury.Matt Prior (Sussex): Available for championship games against Surrey (24-27 April) and Warwickshire (1-4 May). Available for YB40 fixture against Worcestershire (5 May) and Northamptonshire (10 May). Unavailable for YB40 fixture against Warwickshire (12 May).Joe Root (Yorkshire): Available for game against Lancashire (16-18 April) and championship games against Durham (24-27 April), Derbyshire (29 April-2 May) and Somerset (7-10 May). Available for YB40 games against Glamorgan (5 May) and Somerset (11 May).Graeme Swann (Nottinghamshire): Availability subject to recovery from elbow operation.James Tredwell (Kent): Available for all cricket.Chris Tremlett (Surrey): Available from start of season.Jonathan Trott (Warwickshire): Available for championship games against Sussex (1-4 May) and Middlesex (8-11 May). Available for YB40 game against Kent (6 May). Unavailable for YB40 game against Sussex (12 May).Chris Woakes (Warwickshire): Available for championship games against Derbyshire (10-13 April), Durham (17-20 April) and Sussex (1-4 May). Schedule to be reviewed after 4 May ahead of first Test.

Shiv Thakor and Matt Boyce both scored centuries to guide Leicestershire to an unlikely first-innings lead against Kent on the third day at Grace Road.

19-Apr-2013
ScorecardShiv Thakor was a key part of a revival by the Leicestershire batting order•Getty ImagesShiv Thakor and Matt Boyce both scored centuries to guide Leicestershire to an unlikely first-innings lead against Kent on the third day at Grace Road.England Under-19 star Thakor, who was forced home from the winter tour of South Africa with a broken finger, made his maiden Championship hundred and Boyce a career-best 135 as they shared a record sixth-wicket partnership of 181. When rain and bad light forced an early finish, Leicestershire had reached 452 for 7 to lead by 46 runs, having started the day on 250 for 5, still 156 behind.But 19-year old Thakor and 27-year-old Boyce stayed together for two sessions before Kent finally claimed their first wicket of the day with the last ball before tea.Boyce was out lbw sweeping at a delivery from Brendan Nash – the seventh bowler used by Kent – having hit 19 fours and faced 309 balls. It was the sixth century of Boyce’s career and beat his previous best score of 122 against Yorkshire last season. The stand was a Leicestershire record for the sixth wicket against Kent.Thakor once again showed why he is regarded as one of the best young prospects on the county circuit and already on the radar of the England selectors. He survived a sharp chance to Darren Stevens at slip off Charlie Shreck on 47, but that apart, rarely looked in trouble. He batted with calmness and patience in only his 11th first-class match, showing fine defensive technique as well as a good range of shots.He was the perfect foil for Boyce who has been switched from opener to batting in the middle order. The change seems to have worked with the left-hander showing plenty of confidence as he reached his century off 264 balls with 15 boundaries.At times it was slow going and Leicestershire could only manage three batting points, falling short of the 350 target required by the 110th over. But having been forced to follow-on in the first game of the season against Hampshire, it was a confidence booster for Leicestershire to see two batsmen occupy the crease for such a length of time.Thakor, who scored 134 on his first-class debut against Loughborough University two years ago, completed his first Championship century off 227 balls with a cover drive for two off Tredwell.Jigar Naik was run out for 3 soon after Boyce’s departure, but Thakor was still there on 105 when rain swept in and ended play 50 minutes before the close.

Gurunath Meiyappan’s suspension from cricket is the first big news on a day when the IPL final threatens to be totally overshadowed by off-field events

ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-2013

Ankeet Chavan, the Rajasthan Royals bowler who was arrested on allegations of spot-fixing, has been granted conditional bail till June 6

ESPNcricinfo staff30-May-2013Ankeet Chavan, the Rajasthan Royals bowler who was arrested on allegations of spot-fixing, has been granted conditional bail till June 6 by a Delhi court. Chavan had sought bail on the grounds that his wedding was scheduled for June 2.Chavan had to deposit two sureties of Rs 1 lakh (US$1780) each and a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with the court before he was released.”By denying the accused [bail] to solemnise marriage which is already fixed, not only he but also the would-be bride and other relatives would suffer for no fault of theirs,” the judge said.He was one of three Royals cricketers – Sreesanth and Ajit Chandila being the others – arrested on May 16, following which they were suspended by the BCCI pending an inquiry. Sreesanth has been remanded to judicial custody till June 4.Royals had suspended the contracts of all three players and also filed a police complaint against them. The players were allegedly promised money ranging from US$36,000 to 109,000 by bookies for each over of under-performance.Eleven bookies were also arrested along with the three players on May 16. One of the middlemen was identified as Jiju Janardhan, described by the police as Sreesanth’s close friend and team-mate at the Ernakulam club. Delhi Police had registered cases under the Indian Penal Code section 420 and 120B, which deal with fraud, cheating, and criminal conspiracy.