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Kambli retires from international cricket
Vinod Kambli, who last played international cricket in 2000 and senior domestic cricket in 2004-05, has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will continue to make himself available for domestic selection.
Kambli made the announcement at the inauguration of his sports academy, Khel Bharati, in the presence of Virender Sehwag, who inaugurated the academy, and Ramakant Acharekar, who coached Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar during their youth.
Kambli, 37, has gradually gone farther and farther from the selectors' sights after he was dropped in 2000. His international career was a classic story of promise gone wrong. He announced himself to the world with double-centuries in his third and fourth Tests, but sadly took the fast route to destruction. He made nine comebacks into the ODI team, but played his last Test in 1995, before he had turned 24. Since being out of the Indian and Mumbai teams, he has tried his hand at movies and reality shows on the small screen.
Vinod Kambli, who last played international cricket in 2000 and senior domestic cricket in 2004-05, has announced his retirement from international cricket. He will continue to make himself available for domestic selection.
Kambli made the announcement at the inauguration of his sports academy, Khel Bharati, in the presence of Virender Sehwag, who inaugurated the academy, and Ramakant Acharekar, who coached Kambli and Sachin Tendulkar during their youth.
Kambli, 37, has gradually gone farther and farther from the selectors' sights after he was dropped in 2000. His international career was a classic story of promise gone wrong. He announced himself to the world with double-centuries in his third and fourth Tests, but sadly took the fast route to destruction. He made nine comebacks into the ODI team, but played his last Test in 1995, before he had turned 24. Since being out of the Indian and Mumbai teams, he has tried his hand at movies and reality shows on the small screen.
Tamim gatecrashes Coventry's party
Charles Coventry made the joint highest individual score in an ODI but his effort was outweighed by a sparkling, cool-headed century from Tamim Iqbal, who broke the record for the most runs in an innings by a Bangladesh batsman. Coventry's blockbuster innings pushed Zimbabwe beyond 300, far more than Bangladesh have chased before, but the visitors were rarely troubled as they hunted down the target to take their third consecutive series.
Two things which stood out in Tamim's innings were the calmness he displayed, even when the required-rate started to soar, and the clean straight hitting - each of his six sixes were in the arc between long-on and long-off.
Bangladesh needed a solid opening stand after Coventry inspired Zimbabwe to 312, and Junaid Siddique and Tamim provided them that. Both openers were particularly harsh on Elton Chigumbura, who pitched the ball too short right through his opening spell. Junaid was the aggressor, hammering his way to a 27-ball 38 before, as has so often been the case, he threw away the start with a loose shot.
Junaid's dismissal, and the introduction of Zimbabwe's spinners, sucked the momentum out of the chase. Mohammad Ashraful took his time to settle, and Tamim cut out the big hits for a while, which made the asking-rate make a steady slide upwards.
Tamim was generally content to knock the ball around, but had short bursts when he hit out to keep Bangladesh in touch. One such was in the 22nd over; Malcolm Waller was blasted over long-on and long-off off consecutive deliveries, followed by a powerful cut for four. He also come down the track and cracked Price over long-on to push Bangladesh's run-rate up to six. There was a similar volley of brutal hitting in the 36th over, Hamilton Mazakadza being taken for a couple of big sixes.
Raqibul Hasan was also a calming influence, nudging the ball around for comfortable singles to keep the strike rotating. He added 119 with Tamim at nearly a run-a-ball before falling in the 37th over. Soon after, Chigumbura dropped a dolly at long-on, Tamim getting a reprieve on 118. Two new batsman and Zimbabwe could have applied more pressure. However, Bangladesh's best batsman, Shakib Al Hasan, made a 12-ball 19 and Tamim also opened out to slam the door shut on Zimbabwe. By the time Tamim was dismissed the target was only 34 away, which Bangladesh knocked off with 13 deliveries to spare.
It was the flattest of tracks, and Zimbabwe could have piled on even more than 312 had Coventry got a little more support. It was a superbly paced innings from him; Coventry provided the impetus after the early dismissal of Mark Vermeulen, then tempered his aggression when wickets tumbled around him in the middle overs, before finishing off with an awesome display of power hitting. What made it even more astonishing was that the next highest score in the innings was 37, 157 less than Coventry. It was also his first ODI century, and he had never before crossed 106 in any form of senior cricket.
He stomped on the gas soon after reaching his hundred in the 38th over, particularly targeting the swathe from long-on to midwicket, where he slammed six of his seven sixes. Still, at the end of the 42nd over he was on 129, and the world record didn't seem in his sights. By the end of the 47th he was on 180, and all the interest was around whether he would make an ODI double-century, a feat not achieved in 2872 previous one-dayers.
He only managed three singles in the 48th, but a massive six over long-on took him 191 with the final over still to come. A drive to cover on the first ball took him off strike, and he wasn't back facing the bowling till the final delivery; Waller was dismissed off the second and Prosper Utseya faced the next three. Two were needed to equal Saeed Anwar's 12-year-old mark, and a tired punch straight past the bowler gave Coventry a share of the record. His final 91 had come off 43 deliveries.
Bangladesh would have been facing a far smaller target had Syed Rasel held on to a simple catch at deep square leg when Coventry was only 13. Coventry was then dropped on 137 in the 44th over, with Mahmudullah the culprit at square leg. Coventry celebrated by plundering 16 each off the next two overs, the crowds behind midwicket kept busy by the balls hammered by Coventry.
In the end, his effort didn't prove to be enough, as Tamim, a placid pitch and shoddy Zimbabwean bowling and fielding combined to ruin Coventry's day. A month ago, the most Bangladesh had chased successfully was 250, a mark they have improved on twice since, a sign of the progress they have made.
Charles Coventry made the joint highest individual score in an ODI but his effort was outweighed by a sparkling, cool-headed century from Tamim Iqbal, who broke the record for the most runs in an innings by a Bangladesh batsman. Coventry's blockbuster innings pushed Zimbabwe beyond 300, far more than Bangladesh have chased before, but the visitors were rarely troubled as they hunted down the target to take their third consecutive series.
Two things which stood out in Tamim's innings were the calmness he displayed, even when the required-rate started to soar, and the clean straight hitting - each of his six sixes were in the arc between long-on and long-off.
Bangladesh needed a solid opening stand after Coventry inspired Zimbabwe to 312, and Junaid Siddique and Tamim provided them that. Both openers were particularly harsh on Elton Chigumbura, who pitched the ball too short right through his opening spell. Junaid was the aggressor, hammering his way to a 27-ball 38 before, as has so often been the case, he threw away the start with a loose shot.
Junaid's dismissal, and the introduction of Zimbabwe's spinners, sucked the momentum out of the chase. Mohammad Ashraful took his time to settle, and Tamim cut out the big hits for a while, which made the asking-rate make a steady slide upwards.
Tamim was generally content to knock the ball around, but had short bursts when he hit out to keep Bangladesh in touch. One such was in the 22nd over; Malcolm Waller was blasted over long-on and long-off off consecutive deliveries, followed by a powerful cut for four. He also come down the track and cracked Price over long-on to push Bangladesh's run-rate up to six. There was a similar volley of brutal hitting in the 36th over, Hamilton Mazakadza being taken for a couple of big sixes.
Raqibul Hasan was also a calming influence, nudging the ball around for comfortable singles to keep the strike rotating. He added 119 with Tamim at nearly a run-a-ball before falling in the 37th over. Soon after, Chigumbura dropped a dolly at long-on, Tamim getting a reprieve on 118. Two new batsman and Zimbabwe could have applied more pressure. However, Bangladesh's best batsman, Shakib Al Hasan, made a 12-ball 19 and Tamim also opened out to slam the door shut on Zimbabwe. By the time Tamim was dismissed the target was only 34 away, which Bangladesh knocked off with 13 deliveries to spare.
It was the flattest of tracks, and Zimbabwe could have piled on even more than 312 had Coventry got a little more support. It was a superbly paced innings from him; Coventry provided the impetus after the early dismissal of Mark Vermeulen, then tempered his aggression when wickets tumbled around him in the middle overs, before finishing off with an awesome display of power hitting. What made it even more astonishing was that the next highest score in the innings was 37, 157 less than Coventry. It was also his first ODI century, and he had never before crossed 106 in any form of senior cricket.
He stomped on the gas soon after reaching his hundred in the 38th over, particularly targeting the swathe from long-on to midwicket, where he slammed six of his seven sixes. Still, at the end of the 42nd over he was on 129, and the world record didn't seem in his sights. By the end of the 47th he was on 180, and all the interest was around whether he would make an ODI double-century, a feat not achieved in 2872 previous one-dayers.
He only managed three singles in the 48th, but a massive six over long-on took him 191 with the final over still to come. A drive to cover on the first ball took him off strike, and he wasn't back facing the bowling till the final delivery; Waller was dismissed off the second and Prosper Utseya faced the next three. Two were needed to equal Saeed Anwar's 12-year-old mark, and a tired punch straight past the bowler gave Coventry a share of the record. His final 91 had come off 43 deliveries.
Bangladesh would have been facing a far smaller target had Syed Rasel held on to a simple catch at deep square leg when Coventry was only 13. Coventry was then dropped on 137 in the 44th over, with Mahmudullah the culprit at square leg. Coventry celebrated by plundering 16 each off the next two overs, the crowds behind midwicket kept busy by the balls hammered by Coventry.
In the end, his effort didn't prove to be enough, as Tamim, a placid pitch and shoddy Zimbabwean bowling and fielding combined to ruin Coventry's day. A month ago, the most Bangladesh had chased successfully was 250, a mark they have improved on twice since, a sign of the progress they have made.
Dravid returns to one-day squad
Rahul Dravid has, as expected, made a return to India's ODI plans with his inclusion in the squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy next month. Dravid replaces Rohit Sharma, who managed 15 runs in three ODI innings in the West Indies and 43 runs in three innings against major opposition in the World Twenty20. The selectors didn't risk taking Virender Sehwag, who is yet to fully recover from his shoulder injury, to the Champions Trophy. He was not expected to make it to the Sri Lanka tri-series anyway.
Dravid last played an ODI for India in October 2007, but his form in the second IPL season in South Africa - where the Champions Trophy will be held - and the vulnerability of India's younger middle-order batsmen in the recent World Twenty20 prompted the selectors to fall back on his experience and technique.
Sachin Tendulkar, who had opted out of the West Indies ODIs, makes a comeback. Suresh Raina, who was out because of a hairline fracture of the thumb, also returns. Amit Mishra breaks into the ODI squad, replacing Pragyan Ojha as the back-up spinner to Harbhajan Singh, on the back of his impressive showings in the IPL and the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia.
Terming Dravid as "one of the best players India has produced", Harbhajan Singh welcomed his and Tendulkar's return. "We have some senior players like Tendulkar and Dravid back in the side, so we have the required experience," he said. "It is important to do well as after the tri-series, we have important tournament like Champions Trophy coming up. Responsibility will be there on all the players."
Dinesh Karthik, who came in for the West Indies ODIs as replacement for Sehwag, and Abhishek Nayar, who edged out Ravindra Jadeja, have retained their places.
Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, said it was the "best possible Indian team". "It's a very balanced team and we are confident they would go on to win the Champions Trophy in South Africa," Srikkanth said.
India one-day squad: Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra, RP Singh, Amit Mishra, Dinesh Karthik, and Abhishek Nayar
Rahul Dravid has, as expected, made a return to India's ODI plans with his inclusion in the squad for the tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy next month. Dravid replaces Rohit Sharma, who managed 15 runs in three ODI innings in the West Indies and 43 runs in three innings against major opposition in the World Twenty20. The selectors didn't risk taking Virender Sehwag, who is yet to fully recover from his shoulder injury, to the Champions Trophy. He was not expected to make it to the Sri Lanka tri-series anyway.
Dravid last played an ODI for India in October 2007, but his form in the second IPL season in South Africa - where the Champions Trophy will be held - and the vulnerability of India's younger middle-order batsmen in the recent World Twenty20 prompted the selectors to fall back on his experience and technique.
Sachin Tendulkar, who had opted out of the West Indies ODIs, makes a comeback. Suresh Raina, who was out because of a hairline fracture of the thumb, also returns. Amit Mishra breaks into the ODI squad, replacing Pragyan Ojha as the back-up spinner to Harbhajan Singh, on the back of his impressive showings in the IPL and the Emerging Players Tournament in Australia.
Terming Dravid as "one of the best players India has produced", Harbhajan Singh welcomed his and Tendulkar's return. "We have some senior players like Tendulkar and Dravid back in the side, so we have the required experience," he said. "It is important to do well as after the tri-series, we have important tournament like Champions Trophy coming up. Responsibility will be there on all the players."
Dinesh Karthik, who came in for the West Indies ODIs as replacement for Sehwag, and Abhishek Nayar, who edged out Ravindra Jadeja, have retained their places.
Kris Srikkanth, the chairman of selectors, said it was the "best possible Indian team". "It's a very balanced team and we are confident they would go on to win the Champions Trophy in South Africa," Srikkanth said.
India one-day squad: Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni (capt/wk), Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Ashish Nehra, RP Singh, Amit Mishra, Dinesh Karthik, and Abhishek Nayar
Fascinating, not regressive
Let's get the immediate question out of the way. The return of Rahul Dravid to the ODI scene is not knee-jerk, nor is it regressive. The failures of some of India's young ODI batsmen against testing bowling has been a matter of concern for some time. Dravid is not out of touch with modern cricket; he showed as much in the IPL in South Africa, where the par score had come down by about 20 from the inaugural edition and where batting was not all about plain hitting. So it is not as if Mark Ramprakash has come back. It is open to debate as to what this move says about the reserves of talent in India, but Dravid's comeback is every bit a fascinating story.
He was 34 when dropped, an "old man", a "misfit" in the youngsters' game, a terrible failure in his last few matches (80 runs in the last 10, to be specific). India's ODI team did well without Dravid for long enough to raise questions as to why he was not retiring from limited-overs cricket. For the shorter version of the game was supposed to have changed so much over the last two years as to not have any place for Dravid-like one-dimensional non-big-hitters. Why was he even playing the IPL?
With 333 ODIs and 10,585 runs to his name, it was not as if Dravid had anything to prove to anybody, although most of his ODI career has been about proving people wrong. But something inside must have told him, "This is not how I go". The thought of that drop would not have consumed Dravid over the last two years, during which he has faced a Test slump and come respectfully out of it, but he sure had some unfinished business left. There were no statements in the press that he wanted to play ODIs one more time, but neither was he going to let an opportunity pass.
If he chooses to be perverse, Dravid can draw pleasure from the knowledge that after the batting failures in the ICC World Twenty20 the selectors have had to come back to him, discarded when the going was good. Instead he has been practicing for about a week now at the NCA in Bangalore, even on a public holiday when the academy was closed, with a white ball. That is how success has come to Dravid: more hard work, less flash.
In making this comeback, he has also taken a gamble. Playing ODIs again could have an effect on what remains of his Test career. Dravid can easily keep on playing Test cricket, go out on his own terms, and the memories of his struggles against Australia in home ODIs two years ago won't even be evoked. Now he has put on line the relaxed state of mind he attained after giving up captaincy, and playing only Test cricket.
It is a bold move by the selectors too, because it will be all too easy to criticize if it goes wrong. The seeds for Dravid's comeback perhaps were sown when West Indies first employed the short ball successfully against India in the World Twenty20, only for South Africa and England to take cue and expose their frailties against the bouncer. Virender Sehwag's unavailability must have made the decision easier.
It is a short-term selection all right, one that as of now doesn't keep the 2011 World Cup in mind; a lot of it anyway depends on how well Dravid does during the tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. The selectors see him as a bridge for the Rainas and the Rohits, who have the obvious talent, but are yet to graduate to the next level. Rohit Sharma will surely be disappointed, but dejected he shouldn't be. He will know he needs better than four half-centuries in 41 matches to show for the talent he has. Perhaps the selectors also thought that in performing the Dravid-type role, in giving the other big-hitters the license, MS Dhoni might have lost his explosive game a bit.
Dravid is quite familiar with that "Dravid-like" role. He has batted around the Gangulys, the Sehwags and the Tendulkars all throughout his ODI career. Not much will change for him this time around. It's quite possible that he comes back and finds that ODI cricket has indeed changed drastically, but come Sri Lanka not much will have changed in Dravid's commitment.
Let's get the immediate question out of the way. The return of Rahul Dravid to the ODI scene is not knee-jerk, nor is it regressive. The failures of some of India's young ODI batsmen against testing bowling has been a matter of concern for some time. Dravid is not out of touch with modern cricket; he showed as much in the IPL in South Africa, where the par score had come down by about 20 from the inaugural edition and where batting was not all about plain hitting. So it is not as if Mark Ramprakash has come back. It is open to debate as to what this move says about the reserves of talent in India, but Dravid's comeback is every bit a fascinating story.
He was 34 when dropped, an "old man", a "misfit" in the youngsters' game, a terrible failure in his last few matches (80 runs in the last 10, to be specific). India's ODI team did well without Dravid for long enough to raise questions as to why he was not retiring from limited-overs cricket. For the shorter version of the game was supposed to have changed so much over the last two years as to not have any place for Dravid-like one-dimensional non-big-hitters. Why was he even playing the IPL?
With 333 ODIs and 10,585 runs to his name, it was not as if Dravid had anything to prove to anybody, although most of his ODI career has been about proving people wrong. But something inside must have told him, "This is not how I go". The thought of that drop would not have consumed Dravid over the last two years, during which he has faced a Test slump and come respectfully out of it, but he sure had some unfinished business left. There were no statements in the press that he wanted to play ODIs one more time, but neither was he going to let an opportunity pass.
If he chooses to be perverse, Dravid can draw pleasure from the knowledge that after the batting failures in the ICC World Twenty20 the selectors have had to come back to him, discarded when the going was good. Instead he has been practicing for about a week now at the NCA in Bangalore, even on a public holiday when the academy was closed, with a white ball. That is how success has come to Dravid: more hard work, less flash.
In making this comeback, he has also taken a gamble. Playing ODIs again could have an effect on what remains of his Test career. Dravid can easily keep on playing Test cricket, go out on his own terms, and the memories of his struggles against Australia in home ODIs two years ago won't even be evoked. Now he has put on line the relaxed state of mind he attained after giving up captaincy, and playing only Test cricket.
It is a bold move by the selectors too, because it will be all too easy to criticize if it goes wrong. The seeds for Dravid's comeback perhaps were sown when West Indies first employed the short ball successfully against India in the World Twenty20, only for South Africa and England to take cue and expose their frailties against the bouncer. Virender Sehwag's unavailability must have made the decision easier.
It is a short-term selection all right, one that as of now doesn't keep the 2011 World Cup in mind; a lot of it anyway depends on how well Dravid does during the tri-series in Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. The selectors see him as a bridge for the Rainas and the Rohits, who have the obvious talent, but are yet to graduate to the next level. Rohit Sharma will surely be disappointed, but dejected he shouldn't be. He will know he needs better than four half-centuries in 41 matches to show for the talent he has. Perhaps the selectors also thought that in performing the Dravid-type role, in giving the other big-hitters the license, MS Dhoni might have lost his explosive game a bit.
Dravid is quite familiar with that "Dravid-like" role. He has batted around the Gangulys, the Sehwags and the Tendulkars all throughout his ODI career. Not much will change for him this time around. It's quite possible that he comes back and finds that ODI cricket has indeed changed drastically, but come Sri Lanka not much will have changed in Dravid's commitment.
New Zealand face test of character
It's a telling statistic that Daniel Vettori (5), Daryl Tuffey and Jacob Oram (2 each) are the only players in the New Zealand squad to have featured in Tests in Sri Lanka. Such are the odds stacked against the visitors as they head into another two-Test series in Sri Lanka, this time with an inexperienced squad not accustomed to victory. While New Zealand possess a decent record on the island - three wins, three losses and five draws - it's their recent form that raises a question about their chances of success.
While Sri Lanka have just completed their first home series win against Pakistan by a 2-0 margin, New Zealand have won only four Tests in the past two seasons - three of which were against Bangladesh. What makes Sri Lanka their toughest test in recent years is that hardly any of their squad have played on similar pitches or in such grueling heat and humidity. Vettori had admitted that drawing both Tests would be a positive result for this inexperienced side, and how their newer members adapt to Sri Lankan conditions could have a significant bearing on the result.
The most irritating problem for Vettori is the inconsistency of the top order. New Zealand posted totals of 297 and 240 for 6 against an unassuming attack in their final tour match and their batsmen haven't showed the deliberation and purpose necessary to survive on unfamiliar tracks. Among the bowlers, Vettori is the most experienced and needs the rest to step up. Chris Martin and Iain O'Brien, the most likely new-ball pair, have no experience in Sri Lanka. Galle may be New Zealand's best bet for success given how much seam has worked at the venue, and so they may consider playing three seamers.
Not surprisingly, Sri Lanka start as favourites. They are fearsome at home - since New Zealand's last tour in 2003, Sri Lanka have won nine out of 12 series, losing only to Australia and Pakistan. Their success owes plenty to the tenacity of their batsmen, led by current and former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, whose abilities to bat long periods have resulted in victories. The hosts have a loaded top and middle order with Tillakaratne Dilshan set to open the innings. The fast bowling has rarely looked better with two crafty medium-pacers paving the way for Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath, who is enjoying a successful comeback. Also up for grabs is the No. 2 spot for Sri Lanka if they seal the series, though its not like they need further incentive to win.
It's a telling statistic that Daniel Vettori (5), Daryl Tuffey and Jacob Oram (2 each) are the only players in the New Zealand squad to have featured in Tests in Sri Lanka. Such are the odds stacked against the visitors as they head into another two-Test series in Sri Lanka, this time with an inexperienced squad not accustomed to victory. While New Zealand possess a decent record on the island - three wins, three losses and five draws - it's their recent form that raises a question about their chances of success.
While Sri Lanka have just completed their first home series win against Pakistan by a 2-0 margin, New Zealand have won only four Tests in the past two seasons - three of which were against Bangladesh. What makes Sri Lanka their toughest test in recent years is that hardly any of their squad have played on similar pitches or in such grueling heat and humidity. Vettori had admitted that drawing both Tests would be a positive result for this inexperienced side, and how their newer members adapt to Sri Lankan conditions could have a significant bearing on the result.
The most irritating problem for Vettori is the inconsistency of the top order. New Zealand posted totals of 297 and 240 for 6 against an unassuming attack in their final tour match and their batsmen haven't showed the deliberation and purpose necessary to survive on unfamiliar tracks. Among the bowlers, Vettori is the most experienced and needs the rest to step up. Chris Martin and Iain O'Brien, the most likely new-ball pair, have no experience in Sri Lanka. Galle may be New Zealand's best bet for success given how much seam has worked at the venue, and so they may consider playing three seamers.
Not surprisingly, Sri Lanka start as favourites. They are fearsome at home - since New Zealand's last tour in 2003, Sri Lanka have won nine out of 12 series, losing only to Australia and Pakistan. Their success owes plenty to the tenacity of their batsmen, led by current and former captains Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, whose abilities to bat long periods have resulted in victories. The hosts have a loaded top and middle order with Tillakaratne Dilshan set to open the innings. The fast bowling has rarely looked better with two crafty medium-pacers paving the way for Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath, who is enjoying a successful comeback. Also up for grabs is the No. 2 spot for Sri Lanka if they seal the series, though its not like they need further incentive to win.
We need to start all over again - Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara has played down Sri Lanka's tag of overwhelming favourites for the two-Test series against New Zealand, saying instead that the past mattered little when it came to game day.
"It doesn't matter what we done against Pakistan we've got to get into this Test series as a new game and play tough, fair and really competitive cricket and do what we know really well. If we do that we got a great chance of winning," said Sangakkara. "Day by day over five days if you can perform better than New Zealand yes, we will win. But if we go into a match thinking we are going to win on recent form, walk in there with no plans and no attitude, no positive body language or intent then we are not going to do well."
Sri Lanka are bound to target the inexperience of New Zealand's batsmen against spin in hot and humid conditions and especially against Ajantha Mendis, against who they struggled in the ICC World Twenty in England. None of the batsmen have played a Test in Sri Lanka and this is a factor that the hosts are looking to put pressure on.
In that aspect Mendis stands the likely choice to partner the world's leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan despite the fact that left-arm spinner Rangana Herath played a major role in Sri Lanka's 2-0 win over Pakistan with 15 wickets.
"If it comes down to the choice of picking Mendis or Herath it will be one of the most difficult ones. But at the end of the day you've got to make the right choice," said Sangakkara. "To do that sometimes the decisions are tough but they got to be made. Whichever way they go the decision will be made for the good of the side and towards winning the Test match.
"Having watched Mendis bowling against New Zealand in the Twenty20 we've also got Murali who's coming back after injury. We got a very strong spin attack and both of them have been spinners who've won us games. We are looking forward to having that same combination. Herath's had a wonderful Test series against Pakistan we have the choice but once you make that choice you've got to go out there and really perform."
Also returning to the Test side after injury is specialist wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene whose presence forced Sri Lanka to change their opening batting combination. Malinda Warnapura, who opened with Tharanga Paranavitana against Pakistan, will have to make way for the return of Tillakaratne Dilshan who is being promoted to open the batting. "Dilshan will play a very important role. We know that he's been our No. 1 opener in the shortest version of the game," said Sangakkara. "We might ask him to do that role in Test matches as well. He's one player who can win matches for us he's done it in the past."
In recent times Sri Lanka's bowling has moved away from spin to seam as their main weapon for success with the advent of bowlers like Nuwan Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara, who spearheaded the bowling against Pakistan. The Galle pitch too has interestingly not proved to be what it has been over the years.
"It's not been a traditional Sri Lankan pitch which is really good for the make up that we have in the side," said Sangakkara. "We've got lots of fast bowlers coming through, most of them are bowling 140 plus now and we've got two of the best spinners in the world going around. We've got the balance of the side to meet the requirements of the wicket and opposition.
"New Zealand's got really good and capable players it's a very interesting mixture. We've seen most of them over the years and they've got a lot of quality as well. They are a side that you really can't take for granted for the variation they have, the spinners and fast bowlers. We know they got their bases covered what we got to do is try and play better cricket."
Kumar Sangakkara has played down Sri Lanka's tag of overwhelming favourites for the two-Test series against New Zealand, saying instead that the past mattered little when it came to game day.
"It doesn't matter what we done against Pakistan we've got to get into this Test series as a new game and play tough, fair and really competitive cricket and do what we know really well. If we do that we got a great chance of winning," said Sangakkara. "Day by day over five days if you can perform better than New Zealand yes, we will win. But if we go into a match thinking we are going to win on recent form, walk in there with no plans and no attitude, no positive body language or intent then we are not going to do well."
Sri Lanka are bound to target the inexperience of New Zealand's batsmen against spin in hot and humid conditions and especially against Ajantha Mendis, against who they struggled in the ICC World Twenty in England. None of the batsmen have played a Test in Sri Lanka and this is a factor that the hosts are looking to put pressure on.
In that aspect Mendis stands the likely choice to partner the world's leading wicket-taker Muttiah Muralitharan despite the fact that left-arm spinner Rangana Herath played a major role in Sri Lanka's 2-0 win over Pakistan with 15 wickets.
"If it comes down to the choice of picking Mendis or Herath it will be one of the most difficult ones. But at the end of the day you've got to make the right choice," said Sangakkara. "To do that sometimes the decisions are tough but they got to be made. Whichever way they go the decision will be made for the good of the side and towards winning the Test match.
"Having watched Mendis bowling against New Zealand in the Twenty20 we've also got Murali who's coming back after injury. We got a very strong spin attack and both of them have been spinners who've won us games. We are looking forward to having that same combination. Herath's had a wonderful Test series against Pakistan we have the choice but once you make that choice you've got to go out there and really perform."
Also returning to the Test side after injury is specialist wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene whose presence forced Sri Lanka to change their opening batting combination. Malinda Warnapura, who opened with Tharanga Paranavitana against Pakistan, will have to make way for the return of Tillakaratne Dilshan who is being promoted to open the batting. "Dilshan will play a very important role. We know that he's been our No. 1 opener in the shortest version of the game," said Sangakkara. "We might ask him to do that role in Test matches as well. He's one player who can win matches for us he's done it in the past."
In recent times Sri Lanka's bowling has moved away from spin to seam as their main weapon for success with the advent of bowlers like Nuwan Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara, who spearheaded the bowling against Pakistan. The Galle pitch too has interestingly not proved to be what it has been over the years.
"It's not been a traditional Sri Lankan pitch which is really good for the make up that we have in the side," said Sangakkara. "We've got lots of fast bowlers coming through, most of them are bowling 140 plus now and we've got two of the best spinners in the world going around. We've got the balance of the side to meet the requirements of the wicket and opposition.
"New Zealand's got really good and capable players it's a very interesting mixture. We've seen most of them over the years and they've got a lot of quality as well. They are a side that you really can't take for granted for the variation they have, the spinners and fast bowlers. We know they got their bases covered what we got to do is try and play better cricket."
Patel keen on being a regular feature
New Zealand off spinner Jeetan Patel, who is scheduled to make his eighth Test appearance against Sri Lanka in Galle tomorrow, believes the two-match series will be an ideal opportunity to cement his position in the XI. "This is a chance for me to push my claims to play more for New Zealand; play more Tests, more one-dayers and maybe get back in the Twenty20 side," he told NZPA.
Since making his debut at Cape Town in April 2006, Patel has been a regular feature of New Zealand's test squad. However, in many cases, when final pitch inspections warranted the inclusion of only one specialist spinner, he has to cede the spot to captain Daniel Vettori. However, having featured in both Tests in Bangladesh last October it is likely that Patel would be an integral part of New Zealand's side in Sri Lanka.
Patel will also be looking to improve on his 26 wickets, given the opportunity on the turning tracks of the subcontinent. And he showed what an asset he could be, taking 3 for 81 against Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI in a tour game, an effort that complemented his 72 in the first innings with the bat. "It was just good to get 25 overs under my belt and spend some time in the middle," Patel said.
He said the county stint at Warwickshire had benefited him tremendously as well. The decision to play in England after Warwickshire tabled a three-month deal followed a season where Patel felt he had been under bowled at national and provincial level.
"I went over there purely to play cricket because I felt as if I'd lost a few overs [in New Zealand], I didn't bowl as many as I'd have liked," Patel said. " I wasn't looking at a county but fortunately we picked up one. I actually did get confidence out of the experience. Because I got my loads up and found some rhythm again."
Patel also believed that New Zealand Cricket's secondment of former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as a part-time technical advisor has also worked wonders. "He's been fantastic with all the guys," Patel said. "For me, we'd go through a check list and just talk about what's going on out in the middle from a spinner's perspective.
"He's keen to keep me kosher, keep me in line. I don't think there's too much to change now but in future years hopefully we'll spend some more time together and work on different deliveries."
New Zealand off spinner Jeetan Patel, who is scheduled to make his eighth Test appearance against Sri Lanka in Galle tomorrow, believes the two-match series will be an ideal opportunity to cement his position in the XI. "This is a chance for me to push my claims to play more for New Zealand; play more Tests, more one-dayers and maybe get back in the Twenty20 side," he told NZPA.
Since making his debut at Cape Town in April 2006, Patel has been a regular feature of New Zealand's test squad. However, in many cases, when final pitch inspections warranted the inclusion of only one specialist spinner, he has to cede the spot to captain Daniel Vettori. However, having featured in both Tests in Bangladesh last October it is likely that Patel would be an integral part of New Zealand's side in Sri Lanka.
Patel will also be looking to improve on his 26 wickets, given the opportunity on the turning tracks of the subcontinent. And he showed what an asset he could be, taking 3 for 81 against Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI in a tour game, an effort that complemented his 72 in the first innings with the bat. "It was just good to get 25 overs under my belt and spend some time in the middle," Patel said.
He said the county stint at Warwickshire had benefited him tremendously as well. The decision to play in England after Warwickshire tabled a three-month deal followed a season where Patel felt he had been under bowled at national and provincial level.
"I went over there purely to play cricket because I felt as if I'd lost a few overs [in New Zealand], I didn't bowl as many as I'd have liked," Patel said. " I wasn't looking at a county but fortunately we picked up one. I actually did get confidence out of the experience. Because I got my loads up and found some rhythm again."
Patel also believed that New Zealand Cricket's secondment of former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq as a part-time technical advisor has also worked wonders. "He's been fantastic with all the guys," Patel said. "For me, we'd go through a check list and just talk about what's going on out in the middle from a spinner's perspective.
"He's keen to keep me kosher, keep me in line. I don't think there's too much to change now but in future years hopefully we'll spend some more time together and work on different deliveries."
Time to set the record straight
The last time New Zealand visited Sri Lanka, both Tests were drawn. This is an opportunity to learn from that experience and put things right
Mahela Jayawardene
It's been a busy and satisfactory season for us so far, and up next we have New Zealand, a team I really like playing. I got my first century against them, in Galle, in 1998.
I have a couple of very good ODI hundreds against them as well, and the one in the World Cup semi-final two years ago was an especially memorable knock. Hopefully I can continue to have the same kind of success over the next month or so.
It's not just because I have had success against them that I like playing New Zealand. They are tough opponents, they play hard and keep coming at you, and they are a very tough team to beat. We know New Zealand might lack in terms of superstars and big names, but they have a very good bunch of players who play very well as a unit and feed off each other's success, and they can't be taken for granted. We need to beware of that talent and concentrate on doing well.
It's unfortunate that we haven't played New Zealand as often as we would have liked to. It's the same with some other countries as well. We need some sort of system where we play cricket on a consistent basis against all opposition, home and away.
It would have been great to play a three-Test series, but then it's a long season. We have already played a series against Pakistan, and have a lot of one-day cricket and a number of other tournaments around the corner, so it's difficult to get all this into the picture.
The tight schedule means that we have to switch off from Pakistan mode and on to New Zealand fairly quickly. But it's not that difficult; it's all about mental preparation. There are a lot of positives to be taken from the Pakistan series, and we need to translate that into good form in this series. We need to recognise that New Zealand is a different challenge, identify that difference, prepare for it and go ahead and enjoy ourselves.
Going into the series as favourites involves a certain set of challenges. We need to guard against being complacent, and do the things that we have been doing well for the last two or three years. We have played some really good Test cricket, and we have to continue doing that. It's about doing the things that matter right: building partnerships, building pressure, winning sessions. If we concentrate on doing that, the results will come our way.
New Zealand's Test batting line-up is a bit inexperienced but there is a lot of talent in their team. They have good quality spinners backed up by some really good fast bowlers. So it should be an interesting challenge, one that we are looking forward to.
The last time New Zealand visited Sri Lanka, both Tests were drawn. This is an opportunity to learn from that experience and put things right
Mahela Jayawardene
It's been a busy and satisfactory season for us so far, and up next we have New Zealand, a team I really like playing. I got my first century against them, in Galle, in 1998.
I have a couple of very good ODI hundreds against them as well, and the one in the World Cup semi-final two years ago was an especially memorable knock. Hopefully I can continue to have the same kind of success over the next month or so.
It's not just because I have had success against them that I like playing New Zealand. They are tough opponents, they play hard and keep coming at you, and they are a very tough team to beat. We know New Zealand might lack in terms of superstars and big names, but they have a very good bunch of players who play very well as a unit and feed off each other's success, and they can't be taken for granted. We need to beware of that talent and concentrate on doing well.
It's unfortunate that we haven't played New Zealand as often as we would have liked to. It's the same with some other countries as well. We need some sort of system where we play cricket on a consistent basis against all opposition, home and away.
It would have been great to play a three-Test series, but then it's a long season. We have already played a series against Pakistan, and have a lot of one-day cricket and a number of other tournaments around the corner, so it's difficult to get all this into the picture.
The tight schedule means that we have to switch off from Pakistan mode and on to New Zealand fairly quickly. But it's not that difficult; it's all about mental preparation. There are a lot of positives to be taken from the Pakistan series, and we need to translate that into good form in this series. We need to recognise that New Zealand is a different challenge, identify that difference, prepare for it and go ahead and enjoy ourselves.
Going into the series as favourites involves a certain set of challenges. We need to guard against being complacent, and do the things that we have been doing well for the last two or three years. We have played some really good Test cricket, and we have to continue doing that. It's about doing the things that matter right: building partnerships, building pressure, winning sessions. If we concentrate on doing that, the results will come our way.
New Zealand's Test batting line-up is a bit inexperienced but there is a lot of talent in their team. They have good quality spinners backed up by some really good fast bowlers. So it should be an interesting challenge, one that we are looking forward to.
Murali closes in on another record
Muttiah Muralitharan is only four wickets away from 100 Test scalps in Galle, the third venue where he would have achieved such a landmark
New Zealand start the two-Test series in Sri Lanka as clear underdogs, not only because of the hosts' awesome record at home, but also as a result of their own recent struggles in Test cricket. In their last 20 Tests against opposition other than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh - a period spanning more than three years - New Zealand have won only two matches, against Sri Lanka in Christchurch in 2006, and England in Hamilton last year. Their overseas record against the top eight Test teams is even worse - since 2000, they've only won one Test out of 28, against West Indies in Bridgetown in 2002. During this period they've lost 16 matches.
New Zealand have an overall advantage in their head-to-head record against Sri Lanka - nine wins and five losses - but four of those victories came in the 1980s, when Sri Lanka were still finding their way in international cricket. Since then, both teams have won five matches each, but New Zealand have won only one out of seven in Sri Lanka since 1990.
Muttiah Muralitharan is only four wickets away from 100 Test scalps in Galle, the third venue where he would have achieved such a landmark
New Zealand start the two-Test series in Sri Lanka as clear underdogs, not only because of the hosts' awesome record at home, but also as a result of their own recent struggles in Test cricket. In their last 20 Tests against opposition other than Zimbabwe and Bangladesh - a period spanning more than three years - New Zealand have won only two matches, against Sri Lanka in Christchurch in 2006, and England in Hamilton last year. Their overseas record against the top eight Test teams is even worse - since 2000, they've only won one Test out of 28, against West Indies in Bridgetown in 2002. During this period they've lost 16 matches.
New Zealand have an overall advantage in their head-to-head record against Sri Lanka - nine wins and five losses - but four of those victories came in the 1980s, when Sri Lanka were still finding their way in international cricket. Since then, both teams have won five matches each, but New Zealand have won only one out of seven in Sri Lanka since 1990.
Pietersen out of England ODI squad
Kent's opening batsmen, Joe Denly, has been called up to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen in England's one-day squad for their seven ODI series against Australia, plus the subsequent Champions Trophy in South Africa. Denly, 23, is the only uncapped player in a 15-man squad, and will also travel to Old Trafford for the two Twenty20 internationals on August 30 and September 1.
"Joe Denly has impressed the selectors for a while with some excellent performances in one-day cricket and with Kevin Pietersen unavailable through injury, this is an excellent opportunity for Joe to step up to the next level and show what he is capable of," said the ECB's national selector, Geoff Miller, who added that the selectors had kept faith with the bulk of the squad which was successful in the ODIs against West Indies earlier in the summer.
"It is a dream come true for me," said Denly, who averaged 51.85 in the Friends Provident Trophy this season, and who made 66 and 36 for England Lions against the Australians at Worcester in July. "As a youngster, I dreamt about representing Kent and now I have the honour of hopefully playing for my country. I've always had ambitions of playing for England; whether it be at one-day or Test match level. I feel very proud and hope to forge a long international career.
"I won't look to change too much. I'm confident that I've got the game to step up to the next level and I cannot wait to represent England. I've played for the Lions but stepping up into the main side is great for me. I did pretty well against the Aussies for the Lions and will hope to carry that on for the rest of the summer.
"Hopefully I will get a go in a few of the one-dayers and Twenty20 matches and you never know where that will lead. If I continue my form in the County Championship then hopefully they will consider me, for Test match cricket too, although I realise that could be a while off as there are a few players ahead of me. I just need to keep performing for Kent and now hopefully for England too. I cannot wait to link-up with the group."
Andrew Strauss will once again lead England in their major ODI campaigns, although not in the two Twenty20s where Paul Collingwood continues in the role he assumed for the ICC World Twenty20 in June. Collingwood will also take charge for the one-off ODI against Ireland in Belfast on August 27 that serves as a warm-up for the main events that follow.
"Andrew Strauss has led the side extremely well in both forms of cricket this summer," said Miller, "but the selectors felt it would be beneficial for him to have a short break from international cricket following the conclusion of the npower Ashes Test series and Paul Collingwood will lead the side in Ireland and in The NatWest International Twenty20s. "
As expected Ravi Bopara, who was axed from England's Test squad for Thursday's Ashes decider, is included for all formats, alongside Andrew Flintoff, who will retire from Test cricket this week, but who will remain available to England in the limited-overs format for the foreseeable. Jonathan Trott, Bopara's replacement in the Test side, has been named in the squad for the two T20Is at Old Trafford, having previously played two such matches for England in 2007.
Luke Wright and Adil Rashid, who impressed for England during the World Twenty20, have been rewarded with places in the ODI squads, but three other squad members from that tournament have not been retained. Denly's Kent captain and opening partner, Robert Key, is back on the sidelines, along with Essex's specialist wicketkeeper, James Foster, who has been superseded by an in-form Matt Prior, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, who has been discarded from all formats.
Squad for ODIs v Australia & Champions Trophy: Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Joe Denly, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright.
Squad for ODI v Ireland: Paul Collingwood (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright.
Squad for Twenty20 internationals v Australia: Paul Collingwood (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright.
Kent's opening batsmen, Joe Denly, has been called up to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen in England's one-day squad for their seven ODI series against Australia, plus the subsequent Champions Trophy in South Africa. Denly, 23, is the only uncapped player in a 15-man squad, and will also travel to Old Trafford for the two Twenty20 internationals on August 30 and September 1.
"Joe Denly has impressed the selectors for a while with some excellent performances in one-day cricket and with Kevin Pietersen unavailable through injury, this is an excellent opportunity for Joe to step up to the next level and show what he is capable of," said the ECB's national selector, Geoff Miller, who added that the selectors had kept faith with the bulk of the squad which was successful in the ODIs against West Indies earlier in the summer.
"It is a dream come true for me," said Denly, who averaged 51.85 in the Friends Provident Trophy this season, and who made 66 and 36 for England Lions against the Australians at Worcester in July. "As a youngster, I dreamt about representing Kent and now I have the honour of hopefully playing for my country. I've always had ambitions of playing for England; whether it be at one-day or Test match level. I feel very proud and hope to forge a long international career.
"I won't look to change too much. I'm confident that I've got the game to step up to the next level and I cannot wait to represent England. I've played for the Lions but stepping up into the main side is great for me. I did pretty well against the Aussies for the Lions and will hope to carry that on for the rest of the summer.
"Hopefully I will get a go in a few of the one-dayers and Twenty20 matches and you never know where that will lead. If I continue my form in the County Championship then hopefully they will consider me, for Test match cricket too, although I realise that could be a while off as there are a few players ahead of me. I just need to keep performing for Kent and now hopefully for England too. I cannot wait to link-up with the group."
Andrew Strauss will once again lead England in their major ODI campaigns, although not in the two Twenty20s where Paul Collingwood continues in the role he assumed for the ICC World Twenty20 in June. Collingwood will also take charge for the one-off ODI against Ireland in Belfast on August 27 that serves as a warm-up for the main events that follow.
"Andrew Strauss has led the side extremely well in both forms of cricket this summer," said Miller, "but the selectors felt it would be beneficial for him to have a short break from international cricket following the conclusion of the npower Ashes Test series and Paul Collingwood will lead the side in Ireland and in The NatWest International Twenty20s. "
As expected Ravi Bopara, who was axed from England's Test squad for Thursday's Ashes decider, is included for all formats, alongside Andrew Flintoff, who will retire from Test cricket this week, but who will remain available to England in the limited-overs format for the foreseeable. Jonathan Trott, Bopara's replacement in the Test side, has been named in the squad for the two T20Is at Old Trafford, having previously played two such matches for England in 2007.
Luke Wright and Adil Rashid, who impressed for England during the World Twenty20, have been rewarded with places in the ODI squads, but three other squad members from that tournament have not been retained. Denly's Kent captain and opening partner, Robert Key, is back on the sidelines, along with Essex's specialist wicketkeeper, James Foster, who has been superseded by an in-form Matt Prior, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, who has been discarded from all formats.
Squad for ODIs v Australia & Champions Trophy: Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Joe Denly, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright.
Squad for ODI v Ireland: Paul Collingwood (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Luke Wright.
Squad for Twenty20 internationals v Australia: Paul Collingwood (capt), James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Joe Denly, Andrew Flintoff, Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Adil Rashid, Owais Shah, Ryan Sidebottom, Graeme Swann, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright.
Sehwag wants to quit Delhi team - report
Virender Sehwag is reported to be seeking a move from Delhi, the state he has represented since 1998, to Haryana from the 2009-10 season, citing the heavy interference in selection matters.
"I am trying to leave Delhi and play for Haryana," he was quoted as telling the Delhi-based newspaper Mail Today. "I spoke to the Delhi District and Cricket Association (DDCA) president, Arun Jaitley, [on Sunday] and he has asked me to discuss the issue with him and then take a decision. If I am not satisfied with the outcome of our meeting, I will surely leave Delhi."
Though international commitments have kept Sehwag away from much of Delhi's recent campaigns, he said there was too much manipulation in the Ranji Trophy selection. "It has often happened that four selectors get together and vote for 'their' players, leaving the chairman of the committee and me defeated," he is quoted as saying. "Especially, when I am on national duty, they put pressure on the stand-in captains and the interference becomes more rampant."
He was even less satisfied with selection process for the junior teams in the state. "There is too much interference and manipulation from the sports committee in selection committees," he said. "The sports committee has got too much power. There is more interference at the under-16 and under-19 levels than the Ranji Trophy. In a squad of 15, for instance, the sports committee tries to influence the selectors and slip in one or two of 'their own' boys."
To play for another state, Sehwag requires a No-Objection Certificate from the DDCA. Sunil Dev, the DDCA general secretary, who is authorised to issue NOCs, said he had not been contacted by Sehwag yet. "He has not talked to me and I have not signed the NOC," Dev said. "But if he comes to me, I will give him the NOC immediately."
One of the selection-related controversies involving the DDCA was in 2006, when the entire selection committee was sacked midway through the season for picking Navdeep Tomar as the 16th man for a couple of Ranji matches. Tomar was not in the list of 21 players from which the side was to be chosen, and the selectors allegedly named him after being threatened by his supporters.
Virender Sehwag is reported to be seeking a move from Delhi, the state he has represented since 1998, to Haryana from the 2009-10 season, citing the heavy interference in selection matters.
"I am trying to leave Delhi and play for Haryana," he was quoted as telling the Delhi-based newspaper Mail Today. "I spoke to the Delhi District and Cricket Association (DDCA) president, Arun Jaitley, [on Sunday] and he has asked me to discuss the issue with him and then take a decision. If I am not satisfied with the outcome of our meeting, I will surely leave Delhi."
Though international commitments have kept Sehwag away from much of Delhi's recent campaigns, he said there was too much manipulation in the Ranji Trophy selection. "It has often happened that four selectors get together and vote for 'their' players, leaving the chairman of the committee and me defeated," he is quoted as saying. "Especially, when I am on national duty, they put pressure on the stand-in captains and the interference becomes more rampant."
He was even less satisfied with selection process for the junior teams in the state. "There is too much interference and manipulation from the sports committee in selection committees," he said. "The sports committee has got too much power. There is more interference at the under-16 and under-19 levels than the Ranji Trophy. In a squad of 15, for instance, the sports committee tries to influence the selectors and slip in one or two of 'their own' boys."
To play for another state, Sehwag requires a No-Objection Certificate from the DDCA. Sunil Dev, the DDCA general secretary, who is authorised to issue NOCs, said he had not been contacted by Sehwag yet. "He has not talked to me and I have not signed the NOC," Dev said. "But if he comes to me, I will give him the NOC immediately."
One of the selection-related controversies involving the DDCA was in 2006, when the entire selection committee was sacked midway through the season for picking Navdeep Tomar as the 16th man for a couple of Ranji matches. Tomar was not in the list of 21 players from which the side was to be chosen, and the selectors allegedly named him after being threatened by his supporters.
Dravid's recall worries Vengsarkar
Dilip Vengsarkar, the former chairman of selectors under whose reign Rahul Dravid was last dropped from India's ODI squad, has expressed surprise at his recall.
Vengsarkar said he was worried about the reason and thought process behind the recall, "If Rahul is back because he plays the short balls well, it is a matter of great concern for Indian cricket," he told Daily News & Analysis. "It means the youngsters cannot play the short balls. This decision means the cupboard is empty. If the youngsters are not technically equipped to play the short ball, then they should be sent to the National Cricket Academy. But I have my doubts.
"Rohit Sharma has missed out because, I thought, he went into a comfort zone. But youngsters like Virat Kohli, Piyush Chawla, Ajinkya Rahane and Dhaval Kulkarni need to be given opportunities at the right time."
Vengsarkar hoped that Dravid would seize the opportunity. "I hope, wish and expect him to do well," he said. "Rahul is a great batsman with a very sound technique. The ODIs, unlike the Tests, is a batsman's game. Unless you make mistakes you don't get out. Rahul doesn't commit too many mistakes."
Offspinner Harbhajan Singh had no doubt that Dravid's return to India's one-day side would provide the experience the team needs for the Champions Trophy. "(It's) good to have him back in the side," Harbhajan told PTI. "Rahul Dravid is a great player. He is one of the best players India has produced. It's great for the side."
Sachin Tendulkar has also been picked in the 15-member squad for the tournament to be held in South Africa in September-October and the tri-series in Sri Lanka prior to that next month, and Harbhajan said the experience of both players would lend balance to the team.
"We have some senior players like Tendulkar and Dravid back in the side, so we have the required experience," Harbhajan said. "At the same time, this will give an opportunity to the youngsters like RP Singh to cement their place in the side. I am sure we will do well in the tri-series."
Dilip Vengsarkar, the former chairman of selectors under whose reign Rahul Dravid was last dropped from India's ODI squad, has expressed surprise at his recall.
Vengsarkar said he was worried about the reason and thought process behind the recall, "If Rahul is back because he plays the short balls well, it is a matter of great concern for Indian cricket," he told Daily News & Analysis. "It means the youngsters cannot play the short balls. This decision means the cupboard is empty. If the youngsters are not technically equipped to play the short ball, then they should be sent to the National Cricket Academy. But I have my doubts.
"Rohit Sharma has missed out because, I thought, he went into a comfort zone. But youngsters like Virat Kohli, Piyush Chawla, Ajinkya Rahane and Dhaval Kulkarni need to be given opportunities at the right time."
Vengsarkar hoped that Dravid would seize the opportunity. "I hope, wish and expect him to do well," he said. "Rahul is a great batsman with a very sound technique. The ODIs, unlike the Tests, is a batsman's game. Unless you make mistakes you don't get out. Rahul doesn't commit too many mistakes."
Offspinner Harbhajan Singh had no doubt that Dravid's return to India's one-day side would provide the experience the team needs for the Champions Trophy. "(It's) good to have him back in the side," Harbhajan told PTI. "Rahul Dravid is a great player. He is one of the best players India has produced. It's great for the side."
Sachin Tendulkar has also been picked in the 15-member squad for the tournament to be held in South Africa in September-October and the tri-series in Sri Lanka prior to that next month, and Harbhajan said the experience of both players would lend balance to the team.
"We have some senior players like Tendulkar and Dravid back in the side, so we have the required experience," Harbhajan said. "At the same time, this will give an opportunity to the youngsters like RP Singh to cement their place in the side. I am sure we will do well in the tri-series."
Mendis to join Hampshire
Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spinner, has been signed by Hampshire to play in the 2010 season. He will take over from Imran Tahir, who is due to return to The Rose Bowl in 2011, depending on his international commitments.
"Ajantha Mendis is the most exciting new bowler to explode onto the world stage since Shane Warne," said Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire chairman. "We are particularly excited that he has decided to join Hampshire having been courted by a number of counties over the past few months."
Mendis, 24, has played eight Test Matches for Sri Lanka, taking 39 wickets with career-best figures of 6 for 117 against India. He also won the ICC Emerging Player of the Year in 2008.
Ajantha Mendis, the Sri Lankan spinner, has been signed by Hampshire to play in the 2010 season. He will take over from Imran Tahir, who is due to return to The Rose Bowl in 2011, depending on his international commitments.
"Ajantha Mendis is the most exciting new bowler to explode onto the world stage since Shane Warne," said Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire chairman. "We are particularly excited that he has decided to join Hampshire having been courted by a number of counties over the past few months."
Mendis, 24, has played eight Test Matches for Sri Lanka, taking 39 wickets with career-best figures of 6 for 117 against India. He also won the ICC Emerging Player of the Year in 2008.
'This vindicates my belief in setting goals' - Tamim
Tamim Iqbal has termed his career-best 154 against Zimbabwe as a personal best and dedicated the innings to his father. Tamim's century downed a world record unbeaten 194 from Charles Coventry and took Bangladesh to their third ODI series win in a row, a feat Tamim attributed to hard work.
"This again vindicates my belief in setting goals and working hard to achieve that. This was easily the best innings I have ever played and it is dedicated to my late father," Tamim told TigerCricket.com. "I am an international cricketer today because of him.
"Over the last few months I have often breezed through to 20s and 30s and then played a rash shot to get out. The difference yesterday was that I could pace my innings exactly the way I wanted and according to the need of the hour."
Tamim's 154 was the highest individual score for Bangladesh and turned a record chase into a breezy affair. Bangladesh chased down a target of 313 with four wickets and 13 deliveries to spare and Tamim credited the coach Jamie Siddons for helping instill a calmness before Bangladesh began their innings.
"When you are chasing 300 plus there is a lot of stress on the mind and the natural tendency is to go and start hitting. But he [Siddons] never put us under any pressure," said Tamim. "We were told that we will get there easily if we play normal cricket. The coach also said that it was not a problem if we got to 50 in the first 10 overs as long as we didn't lose too many wickets.
"The dressing room was abuzz too after the Zimbabwe innings. Guys were relaxed, laughing and enjoying themselves. There was confidence oozing from everywhere and I could feel that we were going to get those runs. When the batting started we never panicked and stuck to the plan."
Tamim said the players had worked hard on their fitness and that helped him keep pace during a difficult innings - he batted for 44.3 overs - given the altitude in Zimbabwe. His century eventually grabbed the headlines because it helped Bangladesh clinch their highest chase and with it take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. Tamim said he spoke to Coventry, who was joint Man of the Match with Tamim after he equaled former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar's 12-year record, and hailed a "magnificent" innings.
"I congratulated him and told him that he could keep the trophy. He deserved it," said Tamim. "You don't make world records everyday. It was a truly magnificent innings."
Tamim Iqbal has termed his career-best 154 against Zimbabwe as a personal best and dedicated the innings to his father. Tamim's century downed a world record unbeaten 194 from Charles Coventry and took Bangladesh to their third ODI series win in a row, a feat Tamim attributed to hard work.
"This again vindicates my belief in setting goals and working hard to achieve that. This was easily the best innings I have ever played and it is dedicated to my late father," Tamim told TigerCricket.com. "I am an international cricketer today because of him.
"Over the last few months I have often breezed through to 20s and 30s and then played a rash shot to get out. The difference yesterday was that I could pace my innings exactly the way I wanted and according to the need of the hour."
Tamim's 154 was the highest individual score for Bangladesh and turned a record chase into a breezy affair. Bangladesh chased down a target of 313 with four wickets and 13 deliveries to spare and Tamim credited the coach Jamie Siddons for helping instill a calmness before Bangladesh began their innings.
"When you are chasing 300 plus there is a lot of stress on the mind and the natural tendency is to go and start hitting. But he [Siddons] never put us under any pressure," said Tamim. "We were told that we will get there easily if we play normal cricket. The coach also said that it was not a problem if we got to 50 in the first 10 overs as long as we didn't lose too many wickets.
"The dressing room was abuzz too after the Zimbabwe innings. Guys were relaxed, laughing and enjoying themselves. There was confidence oozing from everywhere and I could feel that we were going to get those runs. When the batting started we never panicked and stuck to the plan."
Tamim said the players had worked hard on their fitness and that helped him keep pace during a difficult innings - he batted for 44.3 overs - given the altitude in Zimbabwe. His century eventually grabbed the headlines because it helped Bangladesh clinch their highest chase and with it take an unassailable lead in the five-match series. Tamim said he spoke to Coventry, who was joint Man of the Match with Tamim after he equaled former Pakistan opener Saeed Anwar's 12-year record, and hailed a "magnificent" innings.
"I congratulated him and told him that he could keep the trophy. He deserved it," said Tamim. "You don't make world records everyday. It was a truly magnificent innings."
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