Akram to coach budding Delhi cricketers for whopping Rs 75,000 a day

Islamabad, July 18: The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has roped in former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram to coach young talent during the coming season. The DDCA has struck a deal with Akram under which the former Pakistan captain would be paid 75000 rupees per day during his stint.

“He will be a coach and we expect him to be with the team for 10 or 12 days during camp before the season, to begin with,” DDCA Sports Secretary Sunil Dev said. Dev expressed hope that Akram's vast experience in both Tests and limited over matches would hugely benefit budding cricketers. “His vast experience will benefit all players, and not just the pace bowlers here,” The Dawn quoted Dev, as saying. The DDCA earlier thought of hiring former South African middle-order batsman Jonty Rhodes, but officials said Rhodes's expertise was in fielding.

Moreover, Rhodes reportedly demanded one lakh per day, to which the DDCA refused. (Agencies)

Pietersen, Johnson in an argument

Cardiff, July 12: England batsman Kevin Pietersen and Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson were involved in a heated argument before the start of the final day’s play in the first Ashes Test here on Sunday. The tiff took place when Pietersen struck a ball that landed where the Australian players were warming up and missed Johnson narrowly. The Australian bowler confronted Pietersen, and the duo were seen standing against each other and exhanging words before Johnson was pulled away by Stuart Clark.

The incident completely rattled Pietersen. When the day’s match began, he played some rash strokes during his 16 minutes’ stay at the crease before his stumps were flattened by fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus.

Pietersen edged Johnson just short of second slip and also survived a leg-before shout from Peter Siddle and was dismissed for just eight runs. (IANS)