Tag Archives: kiwis

Alastair Cook is just shy of Ken Barrington"s 50 year old record

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Top spin at the Test: Captain Cook just shy of 50 year record

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UPDATED:

21:47 GMT, 16 December 2012

Cook falls just short

Alastair Cook’s second iffy dismissal
of the Test — given out caught behind off Ashwin when replays showed he
didn’t hit it — meant he finished the series with 562 runs at an
average of 80. He didn’t beat Ken Barrington’s England record for most
runs in a series in India: 594 in 1961-62 (from five Tests to Cook’s
four). But Cook has now scored more Test runs in India in his career
than any other Englishman: 866, beating Mike Gatting’s 862.

Close: The iffy dismissal of Alastair Cook meant the England captain was just out of reach of Ken Barrington's record of must runs in a series against India

Close: The iffy dismissal of Alastair Cook meant the England captain was just out of reach of Ken Barrington's record of must runs in a series against India

One giant leap for Mankad

Ravi
Ashwin said he wouldn't ‘Mankad’ Jonathan Trott if he backed up too far
— a practice immortalised by India’s Vinoo Mankad when he ran out
Australia’s Bill Brown at Sydney in 1947-48. But India’s off-spinner has
previous. In a one-dayer against Sri Lanka at Brisbane in March, Ashwin
ran out Lahiru Thirimanne at the non-striker’s end — but only after
warning him about leaving his crease. It needed Sachin Tendulkar to
persuade then captain Virender Sehwag to withdraw the appeal.

Who bats at the top

What batting line-up will England plump for when they play three Tests in New Zealand in March The performance of Joe Root in the first innings suggested it can’t be long before he is asked to assume the role he fills at Yorkshire at the top of the order. But Nick Compton finished with a creditable 208 runs in the series at an average of nearly 35 — and must now hope for another chance to impress against the Kiwis.

Duel: Nick Compton (left) faces a battle with Joe Root for a spot at the top of the England order

Duel: Nick Compton (left) faces a battle with Joe Root for a spot at the top of the England order

History is against India

India will have to make history of their own if they are to win this Test today and square the series at 2-2. Discounting the 1999-2000 Test at Centurion between South Africa and England (later found to have been fixed by Hansie Cronje), only two teams have ever won a Test after declaring behind on their first innings, as MS Dhoni did here. Both games took place at Bridgetown, and on both occasions West Indies lost — to England in 1934-35, and Australia earlier this year.

Slow play stuns Anderson

India’s tactics in the first hour of play seemed designed to help England in their quest to limit the time they needed to bat in their second innings. In 12.5 overs, the Indians added only 29 runs for the loss of No 10 Pragyan Ojha, before Dhoni’s bold declaration. ‘We were a little bit surprised,’ admitted Jimmy Anderson. ‘We certainly thought Ashwin would come out and be more aggressive than he was. It took time out of the game, which was fine for us.’

Pleased: James Anderson (pictured) was pleasantly surprised by the slow over rate employed by India

Pleased: James Anderson (pictured) was pleasantly surprised by the slow over rate employed by India

We
are unable to carry live pictures from the fourth Test in Nagpur due to a
dispute between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and
international news organisations.

The
BCCI has refused access to Test venues to established picture agencies
Getty Images and Action Images and other Indian photographic agencies.

MailOnline consider this action to be a strike against press freedom and supports the action to boycott BCCI imagery.

Sam Warburton says Wales must beat New Zealand to become immortal

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EXCLUSIVE: Warburton claims Wales must forget the defeats and beat New Zealand to become… IMMORTAL

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UPDATED:

22:30 GMT, 18 November 2012

Sam Warburton believes his Wales team will become 'immortal' if they can stop the rot and beat the world's No 1 team New Zealand on Saturday.

The Wales captain was left on the bench for Friday night's gruesome defeat by Samoa but will return to the starting line-up to face the World Cup winners.

After five defeats on the trot, Warburton admits this will be his hardest week as leader of a team desperately fighting for form.

Humiliated: Samoa beat Wales on Friday

Humiliated: Samoa beat Wales on Friday

Head coach Warren Gatland, who has been focusing on his duty as Lions head coach for the past eight months, returns this morning to take his first hands-on training session since preparing for Wales's Grand Slam game against France in March.

He inherits a team who haven't won a real Test match since then, and has only five days to prepare them to face an imperious All Blacks side they haven't beaten since 1953.

But Warburton believes history can inspire Wales.

'The players know the team that beat the All Blacks 60 years ago are all remembered for that victory,' he said.

'The players appreciate that if they were fortunate enough to beat the All Blacks then it would almost make them immortal.

'I think Wales would go crazy. It would be one of the biggest achievements in the modern game for Welsh rugby because nobody has experienced it for a long time.

'We've had such good support over the last few years in packed houses because the supporters believe we can actually win these now.'

Warburton himself can expect plenty of scrutiny over his personal duel with All Blacks captain and fellow openside Richie McCaw.

Immortal Sam Warburton (right) hopes Wales can forget the defeats and beat New Zealand

Immortal Sam Warburton (right) hopes Wales can forget the defeats and beat New Zealand

ITALY FORCE THE KIWIS TO DIG DEEP

World champions New Zealand overcame a sluggish start to beat Italy 42-10 on Saturday in front of a 70,000 crowd in Rome's Olympic Stadium.

Tries from Kieran Read, Ma'a Nonu, Cory Jane and Julian Savea (2), plus 17 points from the boot of Aaron Cruden were enough for New Zealand to see off Jacques Brunel's team.

But Italy trailed just 13-7 at half-time after an Alberto Sgarbi try and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said: 'I thought the attitude of Italy's game was outstanding.'

McCaw has been the master openside flanker of the modern game and if the Wales skipper can win that battle then he can set the tone for his team to follow.

'I've only faced McCaw once so I'm looking forward to a second battle against him,' he said.

'He's a player I definitely looked up to growing up.

'The style McCaw plays is the type of back rower similar to myself. But I've never tried to become any player, I've always wanted to be my own player.

As a kid I'd try to pick the best bits from certain players' games and try to implement them into my own.

'How many turnovers each No 7 gets in a game has become a one-on-one battle. You're not responsible for all of them but you can try to be responsible for about half. The turnover contest is probably the most intense battle a seven has.'

After the defeat by Samoa, the Welsh public made their feelings clear.

Warburton's sister quit Twitter at the weekend because she was fed up of reading the abuse the players were getting.

Wales are in genuine danger of slipping outside the world's top eight by the end of the autumn internationals – which would leave them facing two teams ranked higher in their World Cup group when the draw is made on December 3 – but Warburton believes they can turn it around.

'The players aren't going to forget the way we played back in the World Cup, in the Six Nations and in the summer – that doesn't just go with the click of the fingers,' he said.

Relishing it: Warburton is looking forward to going up against Richie McCaw (right)

Relishing it: Warburton is looking forward to going up against Richie McCaw (right)

'It's the same players. It's not as if it's a new squad and we've brought new guys in. We're just going through a rough patch but we know we can pull it out the bag.

'It's definitely been the toughest time since I've been involved in the starting team. That's five Tests on the bounce we've lost and I haven't experienced that before.

'It's easier when you're winning and it's a test now for a lot of the leaders in the squad to make sure that we put things right. I couldn't play solo sports because I'd beat myself up. We're a great bunch of lads, good mates, and as long as we stay tight and keep working our nuts off we'll get the rewards.'

Warburton has downplayed the return of Gatland, but the head coach must do something radical. 'Warren's been floating around the camp anyway and not too much has changed because the environment has stayed the same with Rob.

Underdogs: Warburton claims the pressure is off when Wales welcome New Zealand

Underdogs: Warburton claims the pressure is off when Wales welcome New Zealand

The intensity in training has been similar but I'm sure his presence will be felt, as a great coach, and hopefully that can be a factor in playing better next week.'

As for the weekend, the pressure is off. 'I guess now there's no pressure on us because nobody will expect anything on Saturday. It's a game which I'll always look forward to, playing the All Blacks at home. That's why it's sold out.

'That's why there are underdogs in sport. If it was predictable nobody would watch it. There's every chance we can win on Saturday.

'We have to believe we can win. Whether people think that's realistic or not is up to them.'

World Twenty20 2012: Eoin Morgan relishing pressure

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Morgan thriving under pressure ahead of must-win clash with Sri Lanka in World Twenty20

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UPDATED:

14:37 GMT, 30 September 2012

Eoin Morgan's senior statesman role for England has perhaps been forced on him – but is one he is relishing as crunch time approaches in the ICC World Twenty20.

England retain realistic prospects of defending their title only thanks to Saturday's much-needed win over New Zealand, and know that Monday's final Super Eight match against Sri Lanka at Pallekele could yet finish their tournament early.

It was Sri Lanka who ended England's interest in last year's World Cup, with a 10-wicket quarter-final trouncing in Colombo, and they could repeat an unpalatable double in this competition.

Loving it: Eoin Morgan is relishing the extra pressure put on his shoulders in Sri Lanka

Loving it: Eoin Morgan is relishing the extra pressure put on his shoulders in Sri Lanka

TEAM NEWS

England (from): SCJ Broad (captain), C Kieswetter (wkt), AD Hales, LJ Wright, EJG Morgan, JM Bairstow, JC Buttler, SR Patel, GP Swann, ST Finn, JW Dernbach, DR Briggs, TT Bresnan

Sri Lanka (from): M Jayawardene (captain), T Dilshan, K Sangakkara (wkt), A Mathews, J Mendis, L Thirimanne, T Perera, N Kulasekera, L Malinga, R Herath, A Mendis, A Dananjaya, D Chandimal

Umpires: S Taufel (Aus) and S Davis (Aus)

Third umpire: A Rauf (Pak)

Match referee: J Srinath (Ind)

England's chances are enhanced, however, by the presence of Morgan – back to form after a lacklustre year in his favoured limited-overs format.

He restored England's belief, although not in victory, with his unbeaten 71 from only 36 balls against West Indies last week; then, as Luke Wright hit the most telling blows against the Kiwis, the Irishman also helped to shepherd a successful chase.

At 26, Morgan is one year Wright's junior – and has also played seven fewer Twenty20 internationals.

Both have been notable performers in Twenty20 leagues around the world, making their presence so key in an England top six otherwise full of youthful potential but not relevant experience.

Morgan's billing as the wise head, as well as pivotal force, in England's middle order is one consequence of Kevin Pietersen's controversial absence.

While the latter continues his role instead as a television pundit – and as of Monday will no longer hold an England and Wales Cricket Board central contract either – it is ever more incumbent on Morgan to organise and encourage the apprentices around him.

Salvation: England kept hopes of defending their title alive by beating New Zealand in Pallekele

Salvation: England kept hopes of defending their title alive by beating New Zealand in Pallekele

Salvation: England kept hopes of defending their title alive by beating New Zealand in Pallekele

'I think the role that I play within the side has changed over the last six to 12 months,' he said.

'The responsibility on my shoulders is one that I enjoy.

'I relish batting in the middle order and towards the end of the innings, and nurturing guys along and getting us over the line.

'It's a role I enjoy a hell of a lot.'

England promoted Jonny Bairstow, to no avail, ahead of Morgan against the West Indies – and captain Stuart Broad, and the man himself, have since pointed out his suitability to batting after the six-over powerplay once the ring field retreats.

'My skills as a middle-order batter – and the stats back it up – the success I've had all guide towards batting from six to 20 overs,' said Morgan.

'When I get in early in those six overs, I don't seem to do well.

'Having looked at my strengths within the side – when we do well, and I do well – everything seems to point to me batting in the middle order, seeing things through and enjoying the responsibility and playing the situations.

Me again: Steven Finn celebrated the dismissal of New Zealand's Ross Taylor

Me again: Steven Finn celebrated the dismissal of New Zealand's Ross Taylor

'It's a role I've thrived on. It's worked really well, and we'll stick with it.
“For some random reason, I like it.

'I think it's built on the experience I've had in the past.

'What I know best is doing that.'

However England deploy Morgan, they will go into Monday's must-win match with confidence renewed after their comfortable win over the Kiwis.

Morgan was especially impressed with number three Wright, who has been a revelation since returning to the team just this month.

'The way Luke played last night was fantastic,' he said.

'He struck the ball really, really well – as well as anyone in the tournament so far.

'Seeing him in the form he's in is great for us.'

England know nonetheless they face no easy task against opponents with honed skills in their own climate.

'It's a great opportunity for us to test ourselves in very tough conditions,' added Morgan, who is convinced England can beat anyone on their day.

Big hitter: Luke Wright was in great form for England

Big hitter: Luke Wright was in great form for England

Asked that very question, he said: 'Yes, absolutely. We have a huge amount of match-winners.

'The performances from the guys last night summed that up. Three or four of us played exceptionally well – and world-class players, like Brendon McCullum, found it very difficult to deal with us.

'In crunch games, producing a performance at this time of the tournament is crucial.'

England will not be fazed either by what is sure to be a full house of noisy home support.

'It's brilliant; it's cricket in the sub-Continent – the home teams out here get absolutely huge crowds, noise like you've never heard as a cricketer.

'It really gets the blood flowing. It will be a great experience for the young guys in particular, and I hope we'll thrive on it.'

Winning again: Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene chatted to Chris Gayle (right) during their victory over West Indies

Winning again: Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene chatted to Chris Gayle (right) during their victory over West Indies

Captain Mahela Jayawardene led Sri Lanka to their second successive win on Saturday, over the Windies, and knows his team will lap up the attention from their vocal following.

'We have enjoyed the crowds,' he said.

'The way they go with the music, it's part and parcel of our cricket.

'We grew up with our school cricket with those kind of bands playing in our big matches, so everybody enjoys that kind of atmosphere.'

He will not under-estimate England either, though.

'They are a very exciting team. They have some quality players and are good with the ball as well,' he said.

'They are defending champions and will throw us a different challenge.'

World Tenty20 2012: Don"t write England off, says England captain Stuart Broad

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Don't write England off! Broad delighted as T20 holders find form at last

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UPDATED:

16:58 GMT, 29 September 2012

England captain Stuart Broad was a happy man as England kept their ICC World Twenty20 hopes alive with victory over New Zealand.

Luke Wright and Steven Finn starred in a much-improved all-round performance as England won by six wickets to put the defence of their ICC World Twenty20 crown back on track.

After Wright's runs and Finn's wickets at Pallekele, Stuart Broad's team are likely to need another success against hosts Sri Lanka when they return on Monday if they are to book a trip back to Colombo for the semi-finals.

Bowled over: England were impressive in the Super Eight victory over New Zealand

Bowled over: England were impressive in the Super Eight victory over New Zealand

Broad said: 'It was really important to get a win tonight. I thought Steven Finn set the tone fantastically with the new ball and Luke and Eoin (Morgan) batted really well.

'The pitch was a lot drier, we knew that from ball one – and we're obviously delighted to have won. Now we've got a huge game coming up on Monday. We've got a job to do then and hopefully we can build on the positives from tonight.

'We'll have a meeting over the next day or so and come back stronger on Monday.'

Wright, voted man of the match for his 76 from 43 balls, told the post-match presentation ceremony: 'I'm very chuffed as it was a very important win for us. It was disappointing the other day (the defeat against West Indies) so it's nice to come back and get some runs.

Three of the best: Finn was in the wickets as England restricted the Kiwis to 148

Three of the best: Finn was in the wickets as England restricted the Kiwis to 148

Three of the best: Finn was in the wickets as England restricted the Kiwis to 148

'It was all about getting going really. We kept talking about having a batsman in at the end and luckily that was me today.

'There are a lot of positives to come out of the game. Personally I think Steven Finn should be here (receiving the man of the match award) for the way he bowled – he was outstanding.'

New Zealand captain Ross Taylor is relying on Sri Lanka beating West Indies and England to keep alive the Black Caps' hopes of progress.

He said: 'I think 140 was about a par score. It was hard to start on that wicket and James Franklin was outstanding to get us there but the total just wasn't enough.

'The spinners bowled very well – we were probably only five off a par score. We had our moments but weren't able to capitalise when we were on top. Good luck to Sri Lanka in the next two games!'

Wright stuff: A stunning 76 helped England on to victory

Wright stuff: A stunning 76 helped England on to victory

London 2012 Olympics: Gold for women rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning

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At last! Stanning and Glover make history with stunning gold at Eton Dorney

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UPDATED:

11:00 GMT, 1 August 2012

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning have made British history by claiming Team GB's first gold medal of the Olympic Games, and the first of any women rowers ever.

The pair fought off competition from defending champions Romania as well as world champions New Zealand and clinched glory by a stretch.

The duo, who have been unbeaten all year, flew out of the blocks and never relinquished the lead.

At the halfway stage they had clear water between them and the chasing pack and maintained their stunning stroke rate to the end.

Australia claimed silver, while the Kiwis took bronze.

More to follow…

Glory: Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won Team GB's first gold of London 2012

Glory: Helen Glover and Heather Stanning won Team GB's first gold of London 2012