England v Australia Twenty20 match abandoned due to rain

Sun, Aug 30 11:40 PM

Heavy rain forced the first of two Twenty20 internationals at Old Trafford between England and Australia to be abandoned on Sunday.

Australia notched up 145 for four wickets from their 20 overs and had reduced the hosts to four for two before rain intervened.

The visitors found themselves 54 for three but Cameron White smashed 55 from 36 balls and added 78 for the fourth wicket with captain Michael Clarke who compiled a watchful 27 not out.

England lost openers Joe Denly for a golden duck after he top-edged a spitting Brett Lee bouncer to square leg and Ravi Bopara for one when the Englishman nudged Mitchell Johnson to slip.

The second Twenty20 will be played on Tuesday before the seven-match one-day international series from Sept. 4 to 20 begins in London at the Oval.

Reuters

Cricket Australia unveils schedule for 2009-10

MELBOURNE: Australia will play six Tests, 10 ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals on home soil against West Indies and Pakistan as per the 2009-10 International Program announced by the Cricket Australia on Wednesday.

The 2009-10 schedule again sees two separate five-match, head-to-head Commonwealth Bank Series against the West Indies in January followed by a series against Pakistan in February.

There will be another three KFC Twenty20 Internationals this summer, one against Pakistan and two against the West Indies in February.

Australia will play Pakistan on home soil for the first time in a Test series since 2004-05, when they won 3-0.

The Aussies will start on November 26 in Brisbane against the West Indies, with the subsequent matches in Adelaide (December 4-8) and Perth (December 16-20).

The Test series against Pakistan will start from December 26 with the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, followed by the second Test in Sydney (January 3-7) and the third at Hobart (January 14-18).

"The last time Australia played Pakistan in Hobart it was a thrilling encounter that saw a magnificent partnership between Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist steer Australia to victory on the final day. It was a fine example of Test cricket," Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland said.

"In addition to the 3 Mobile Test, Hobart will also host their first KFC Twenty20 International against the West Indies in February.

"Melbourne hosts back-to-back international matches in early February. A KFC Twenty20 International against Pakistan is followed by the opening Commonwealth Bank Series match against the West Indies two days later," he added.

After the Tests, Australia will play Pakistan and West Indies in back-to-back five-math ODI series starting January 22.

Ponting won't play in IPL II, to focus on national duty

MELBOURNE: Australia skipper Ricky Ponting on Thursday revealed that he will skip this year's Indian Premier League to concentrate on national commitments.

"My country comes first and there was no way I could give my all for Australia if I used the only two-week break we have to go and play in India," Ponting, who is contracted with the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, wrote in his column in 'The Australian'.

"I have been talking with my team, the Kolkata Knight Riders for a month or two now and in the end my only choice was to withdraw from the 2009 competition, but I will most certainly be back for 2010 when I hope to be able to make a much greater contribution," he said.

Ponting, who is currently in South Africa with the Australian squad for a Test and ODI series, thanked Knight Riders for letting him go this time around.

"The franchise has been fantastic about the whole thing and I want to thank them for their understanding," he wrote.

The Australian skipper said he could have played in the IPL for two weeks but said it would have been unfair on both Knight Riders and the national team.

"And then there was the issue of giving up the chance to be with my family for a fortnight. It is always hard to leave Rianna (wife) and I cherish every second I spend with my daughter Emmy."

Ponting said part of his decision not to play in IPL this year was that Twenty20 cricket was physically demanding and he wanted to preserve himself for the World Cup of the shorter format in England in June.

"Part of the reason I decided to withdraw from the IPL is that Twenty20 is such a physically demanding game and you have to be at your best to play the game and I want to be at my best for the (Twenty20) World Cup. I am really in good physical shape at the moment but have to admit that there is a bit of tiredness after the summer.

"It (not playing in IPL) is not an indication of any intention to ease myself out of Twenty20 cricket. I am really looking forward to the (Twenty20) World Cup. It's one trophy we do not have on the shelf and have never had," Ponting said.

"I have given no thought to not playing any form of the game or retiring from any form of the game. I love captaining my country and will not let go while I have a contribution to make," he added.

The Australian skipper said he would catch up Knight Riders' progress in the second edition of the IPL on television.

"It will be painful not to be with the Knight Riders and I am going to be sneaking out in the night to catch as many of their matches as I can on the television," Ponting said.

http://ipl.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ponting-to-miss-IPL-to-focus-on-national-duty/articleshow/4156951.cms

Michael Clarke pulls out of IPL

Michael Clarke, the Australian vice-captain, has pulled out of this year's Indian Premier League citing a hectic international schedule as his reason. Michael Clarke's base price was set at USD 1 million, the second highest after Kevin Pietersen.

Australia are currently playing New Zealand in a 5-match ODI series following which they will head to South Africa for a 2-month long tour. With an ODI series against Pakistan before the Ashes, Australian players would only have a two-week window to participate in the tournament.

"Speaking with my management, my family, my fiancee and the hierarchy of the IPL and for me this year I won't be going to the IPL," Clarke said.

"There's probably a number of reasons but the most important thing for me is we've only got a couple of weeks off, we've got a really busy schedule and I just think for where I'm at with my body and that time at home it's valuable for me."

"I'd love to take part in it one day. It's just about finding the right time for me to be a part of it."

"There's obviously a lot of great things about the IPL and that's why I say I certainly want to be a part of it at some stage. Every player is in a different position as well but for me - mentally, physically where I am - I just think those two weeks at home will be great for me to come home and see family and friends."

Asked whether he was surprised that so many Australians were taking part in the IPL, Clarke said that the tournament had its positives and it was a matter of personal choice.

"I think it's a wonderful thing for cricket. It's definitely improved Twenty20 cricket, certainly played a part in improving one-day cricket and the lead-up to the Twenty20 World Championship is the IPL, so it's pretty good preparation."

"It doesn't surprise me so many guys are going there. It's just a personal choice at this stage."

Clarke joins teammate Mitchell Johnson and England paceman Stuart Broad, both of whom also opted out of the Twenty20 tournament, keeping in mind the hectic international commitments.

Clarke was not part of the first edition of the IPL either after he wished to spend time with his family and his fiancee's ailing father.

© Cricbuzz

Hughes, McGain, North make the cut

Australian selectors opted for youth over experience when they picked 20 year old NSW(New South Wales) opening batsman Phillip Hughes ahead of Phil Jaques for the touring party to South Africa. Victorian legspinner Bryce McGain also makes a comeback after undergoing a shoulder surgery after coming back home from the tour of India.

The only surprise was the selection of Western Australia's batting all-rounder Marcus North who was picked over Andrew Symonds.

Chairman of selectors, Andrew Hildtich, said he was excited by Hughes's potential.

"It is one of the most exciting things I have had the pleasure of doing since being a selector in naming Phillip Hughes in the Test touring squad," he said.

"Phillip has been given the fairly daunting task of filling the shoes of one of Australia's greatest batsmen Matthew Hayden.

"From the time of his century in the Sheffield Shield final last season and through this year, he has played extremely well and we are confident that he is someone with the potential to have a long international career."

Surprisingly only two specialist openers have been selected for the arduous tour which means Hughes will debut alongside his state captain, Simon Katich. Talking about Jaques Andrew Hildtich, said "Phil Jaques has not been selected in the squad. Phil has bravely come back from back surgery in an attempt to make himself available for the tour, but in the [selection panel's] view, he has simply not played enough cricket since surgery to force his way into the team."

The selection of both Hughes and McGain will present a delicious irony, in the sense that while Hughes at 20 will become Australia's youngest Test debutant since Craig McDermott played his first match as a teenager against the West Indies in December 1984, McGain at the ripe old age of 36 will become Australia's oldest Test debutant since Bob Holland in 1984.

With both Brett Lee and Stuart Clark ruled out with injuries, Mitchell Johnson will be the leader of one of the most inexperienced bowling attacks that Australia would have fielded in recent memory.

Andrew Hildtich though was confident about the squad when he said "There is probably no greater challenge in world cricket at present than playing South Africa away." "South Africa has an extremely strong side and will be extremely tough, particularly in home conditions. The tour represents an exciting challenge for the squad which contains a very good blend of experienced, proven international batsmen and some of our outstanding young talent.

"We have the utmost faith in the young group of Australian cricketers coming through. Whilst the next 12 months will undoubtedly be extremely testing and challenging, we are confident that the new breed of Australian cricketers will hold Australian cricket in a strong position moving forward."

Andrew McDonald keeps his place while Nathan Hauritz was preferred over Tasmanian offie Jason Krejza who took 12 wickets on his Test debut against India. The squad contains 5 batsmen, 1 keeper, 2 all rounders, 4 quickies and 2 spinners. The first Test of the three match series starts in Johannesburg from February 26.

Australia Test squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Phillip Hughes, Simon Katich, Michael Hussey, Andrew McDonald, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Bryce McGain, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Hauritz, Marcus North.

© Cricbuzz

Matthew Hayden calls it quits

BRISBANE, Jan 13 (PTI): Matthew Hayden, Australia’s most prolific opening batsman who had a stunning Test average of 59 against India but was battling poor form of late, today announced his retirement from international cricket bringing an end to an illustrious 15-year-old career. The 37-year-old Hayden, who had come under scrutiny for a prolonged form slump which saw him fail in the Test series against India and South Africa took the decision even though his original plan was to continue till the Ashes. “Today I’m announcing my retirement from representative cricket, effective immediately,” Hayden read out from a statement as his son Thomas looked on. “Now is the time to move on to the next stage of my life. I’ve lived the dream of every kid who’s ever picked up a bat and ball...It is a privilege and an honour that I’ll always remember,” said Hayden, whose prolonged bad patch saw him being dropped from the ODI squad against South Africa. Australia’s recent decline and his form slump had led to intense speculation on Hayden’s future with a number of former players demanding his axing. Hayden thus joined Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer — all members of the ‘Invincible’ Australian team which dominated world cricket for years. Hayden made his Test debut against South Africa in 1993-94 but became a regular only in 2000 and went on to play 103 Test matches, scoring 8625 runs — highest by an Australian opener — at an average of 50.73. Against India alone, he scored 1888 runs, including six centuries, from 18 matches with a stunning average of 59. Overall, Hayden slammed 30 Test centuries and only two Australians — Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh — scored more. Hayden formed a lethal opening pair with Gilchrist in the one dayers, scoring 6133 runs in 161 matches at an average of 43.80 with 10 hundreds and two World Cups against his name. Hayden is part of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. Revealing his original plan was to quit after the Ashes, Hayden said, “If it was, I believe I would be going on that tour. This is the point where I want to step off.” Even though it was not the ideal way to go, Hayden said he had no regrets whatsoever. “There’s absolutely zero fear. I’ve got zero regrets. I’ve tried to, rightly or wrongly, extract every ounce of whatever ability that I’ve been given and turn it into performance,” he said. Taking the opportunity to thank his teammates, Hayden said, “To my team-mates who have shared this exciting part of my life, I want to say thank you for your support and friendship. We have all relished in the opportunity to play in one of the iconic eras of Australian cricket and as brothers of the baggy green, it is our calling to ensure that cricket remains strong.” Post-retirement, Hayden said he wanted to do charity work and pursue passions like cooking, fishing and boating. “Importantly for me today I’m retiring from cricket but not from life. This is a decision that I’ve not taken lightly and I’m here after much thought and consideration and discussion with my family,” he said. Hayden’s exit creates a void in Australia’s lineup and Simon Katich’s potential opening partners include Phil Jaques, Chris Rogers and Phillip Hughes.

Watson, Warne on the brink of IPL glory

A match-winning performance from Shane Watson has propelled the Rajasthan Royals into the final of the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

Watson plundered 52 from just 29 deliveries before wreaking havoc with the ball, taking a parsimonious 3 for 10 to thrash Glenn McGrath's Delhi Daredevils by 105 runs in Mumbai.
The Shane Warne-skippered Royals were sent in to bat after losing the toss, and raced a to monstrous 9 for 192 from their allotted 20 overs.

South African captain Graeme Smith (25) and Swapnil Asnodkar (39) laid the platform atop the Royals' order, before Watson and Yusuf Pathan (45 from 21) took to the Daredevils with reckless abandon.

McGrath was expensive, going for 38 runs without return from his four-over spell.
Delhi offered little in response in a one-sided semi-final, skittled for just 87 runs with 3.5 overs to spare.

Watson starred with the ball alongside Warne (2 for 21) and Munaf Patel (3 for 17), with Tillakaratne Dilshan's 33 from 22 posting the Daredevils' highest individual score.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/31/2261252.htm?section=sport

Cricket Australia unlikely to review IPL policy due to Hayden

ANI Wednesday, May 21, 2008 11:29:35 PM

Cricket Australia (CA) is unlikely to review its policy vis-a-vis loaning its players for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in spite of opener Mathew Hayden receiving an Achilles heel injury while playing the tournament.According to The Australian, Hayden has been rated as having only a 50-50 chance of playing Australia's first Test against the Wes Indi es in Kingston, Jamaica, from Thursday. The 36-year-old Queensland opening batsman is almost certain to be ruled out as he has been struggling with an Achilles tendon injury that surfaced three weeks ago during his brief stint with the Chennai Super Kings."In doing the IPL exercise, we were always conscious that (injury) was one of the risks with it," said CA public affairs manager Peter Young.

"Having said that ... it's possible (Hayden) may be where he is now even if he hadn't gone to IPL. It's a common issue (injury) and it's the sort of thing that commonly arises with players that go and play English county cricket. I don't think the rigours of Twenty20 are a particular issue. The stress and strain on a top-class batsman like Matthew Hayden is far more rigorous in a Test match where he has to bat for sustained periods and field for sustained periods," Young added.
Physio Alex Kountouris said the cause of Hayden's injury was simply wear and tear over a 15-year career.

"It was actually doing fitness work, he was doing some routine running that he does as part of his conditioning and he just started to feel it. He has had other tendon problems in the past so it wasn't a surprise to us. To be honest he's not the only one with tendon problems in the team. You would find at least half of them would have some sort of tendon injury. It is a bit of luck to be honest, some people get away with them and some don't," Kountouris said.

Now in the twilight of a remarkable career, Hayden may soon have to reconsider his own playing commitments if he wants to continue to next year's Ashes series, with the possibility he may have to focus solely on Test cricket to give his body adequate rest.

Source: http://in.sports.yahoo.com/cricket/ipl/news/news_20080521_440.html

Australia dump annual tri-series

Tuesday, 20 May , 2008, 12:05

Australia's triangular one-day cricket series, which has been played since the 1979-80 season, has been scrapped in favour of two five-match series against the visiting New Zealand and South African sides.

The decision, which had been expected, was confirmed when Cricket Australia (CA) announced its domestic international programme on Tuesday.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said he expected the two five-match series to generate immense public interest, even if the fourth and fifth matches were dead rubbers.

"There is huge demand for the Australian public to watch the Australian team play, no matter where they play," Sutherland told reporters.

"That level of anticipation no matter where the series is alive or not is there, (especially) when you consider the (Australian) team only comes once or twice to each capital city.

"The anticipation for each match will be there and I'm sure that ticket sales will reflect that. Hopefully those series will be well fought and go to the wire, but we can't control that."

The triangular series, which had witnessed a drop off in interest particularly with matches not involving Australia, was first played between West Indies, Australia and England during the 1979-80 season.

Australia had generally dominated the competition, though it had lost the finals of the last two series to England and India.

Ricky Ponting's team will open the season with two Tests against New Zealand in Brisbane and Adelaide before Daniel Vettori's side return home for their own programme.

New Zealand will return for five one-day internationals in early February, after Australia have completed a three-Test, five one-day international programme against South Africa.

The schedule also includes three Twenty20 internationals, two against South Africa and one against New Zealand.

"There is no disputing the popularity and the level of public interest in Twenty20 is very high," Sutherland added.

"I think we have got it just about right for Twenty20.

"Our position has always been with Twenty20 cricket is that we see great opportunity at the domestic level...and we anticipate that will grow, so we don't want to overdo Twenty20 cricket on the international scene."

Source: http://sify.com/sports/fullstory.php?id=14677540

Aus play down Warne return

Tuesday, 20 May , 2008, 11:48

Cricket Australia (CA) has played down reports that retired leg-spinner Shane Warne could return to international cricket for next year's Ashes tour of England.
The former leading Test wicket-taker, who quit the international arena after Australia's 5-0 victory over England in early 2007, was quoted in local media as saying he would consider returning for the next Ashes series.
"If Australia really needed me and there was no one else around, and Ricky (Ponting) thought I could do the job, you would weigh up the options," Warne was quoted as saying in Tuesday's Herald Sun newspaper.
"If Stuey (Stuart) MacGill fell over and broke his leg, and there were no other spinners around, and Ricky came out and said, 'Mate, can you please help us out for this one-off tour? We need you', that is something I would weigh up."
CA chief executive James Sutherland, however, distanced his organisation from Warne's comments.
"I've been in cricket long enough not to be surprised of any headlines that Warnie grabs," a smiling Sutherland told reporters.
"The simple answer to that is that Shane is retired from international cricket and has been for 15 months or so.

"I acknowledge there has been speculation in the newspapers...but the reality is that Shane is retired and not available for selection.
"It is up to him if he wants to make himself available and that is something only he can decide. I haven't spoken to him."
Sutherland said if Warne made himself available, then it would be up to the selectors to decide on the best team.
"I'm not a selector," he added. "They make decisions in the best interests of Australia cricket.
"They choose the best Australian cricket team based on those players that are available at the time.
"It's not for me to be determining what the Australian cricket team needs."
Warne, who took 708 Test wickets, has since retired from first-class cricket and is only playing in a domestic Twenty20 competition in India.
"If I wanted to keep playing I don't think there would be an issue with me being the number one spinner and performing," he said.
"I would still love to be playing international cricket, and miss it because I devoted 20 years to first-class cricket. It is a big part of my life.
"If you could just turn up and play Test cricket, that would be cool. I would definitely consider that."

Source: http://sify.com/sports/cricket/fullstory.php?id=14677522