Tag Archives: paceman

Glenn McGrath inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

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Legendary Australian fast bowler McGrath to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

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UPDATED:

15:56 GMT, 31 December 2012

Former Australia paceman Glenn McGrath will become the latest inductee into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame during the third Test against Sri Lanka in Sydney.

McGrath, who holds the record for most Test wickets by a fast bowler with 563 at an average of 21.64, will be inducted during the lunch interval on the opening day at the SCG on Friday.

Legend: McGrath was a thorn in England's side throughout the 90s and 00s

Legend: McGrath was a thorn in England's side throughout the 90s and 00s

The 42-year-old, who retired in 2007, will become the 68th male member of the Hall of Fame and join West Indian Brian Lara and Englishwoman Enid Bakewell as the 2012/13 inductees.

'I am honoured that the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame voting academy, which includes all the current living Hall of Famers, have nominated and voted me to be inducted into the Hall of Fame,' McGrath said.

'I am very much looking forward to celebrating the occasion on 4 January with not only my friends and family, but all those at the SCG which is of course is like a second home to me.'

Paceman: McGrath has taken more wickets than any other quick bowler

Paceman: McGrath has taken more wickets than any other quick bowler

McGrath, a key member in Australia's domination of world cricket in the 1990s and 2000s, made 124 Test and 250 ODI appearances, claiming a combined total of 944 wickets in a career spanning 14 years.

He still holds the record for the most wickets in ICC World Cup competitions with 71.

His seven for 15 against Namibia at the 2003 World Cup remains the best bowling effort in the event's history.

A fourth and final inductee for 2012-13 will be announced next July.

Steven Finn ruled out of second Test with thigh injury

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Broad set for reprieve as Finn is ruled out of second Test with thigh injury

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 20 November 2012

Steven Finn has been ruled out of England's second Test against India in Mumbai by a thigh injury.

England coach Andy Flower revealed that the Middlesex paceman faces a second scan on Wednesday to assess the injury.

England will be without Ian Bell as they bid to bounce back from their first Test defeat in Ahmedabad as he has already returned home for the birth of his first child.

Flower explained Finn has aggravated his initial injury.

Ruled out: Finn has a thigh injury

Ruled out: Finn has a thigh injury

Paceman: Finn

But if the scan shows no major problem
on Wednesday, he will be considered for an England Performance Programme
match – with a view to returning in time for the final two Tests in
Kolkata and Nagpur.

'Steven has been working hard to get back to full fitness,' said the coach.

'He has unfortunately hurt his leg again, a couple of days ago, and is having another scan tomorrow.

'We don't think he's got any structural damage, but it would be careless to suggest that he might play the second Test.'

England will tread carefully with Finn, but remain optimistic.

'What we might do is send him off to the performance programme that arrived in India earlier this morning,' added Flower.

'They've got a three-day game starting on the 27th. If he's ready for
that, which is the last day of the second Test, we'll put him through
his paces in that.

'If he comes through that well, he'll be available for the third and fourth Tests.'

Homeward bound: Bell (right) also misses the second Test

Homeward bound: Bell (right) also misses the second Test

Finn missed the nine-wicket defeat in Ahmedabad with the same problem but it was hoped he would be fit to return for Friday's Test in Mumbai.

Fellow seamers Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan were expected to make way for Finn and spinner Monty Panesar, but now it appears that Broad will play alongside James Anderson, Graeme Swann and Panesar in a four-man attack.

Bell, meanwhile, is celebrating the birth of son Joseph William.

Bell's wife Chantal gave birth on Monday, shortly before Bell arrived
back in England despite leaving the first Test early once it became
clear his son was on the way.

Alastair Cook nominated for ICC Player of the Year Award

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England opener Cook nominated for ICC player award for second successive year

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UPDATED:

12:35 GMT, 13 August 2012

Alastair Cook is nominated as one of the nine candidates for the LG International Cricket Council player of the year award, for a second successive year.

Cook last year won the Test cricketer category, and his England team-mate Jonathan Trott took the overall award, following their exploits in the historic 2010/11 Ashes success.

Opener Cook is joined in the 2012 list by his team-mate Stuart Broad, Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal, South Africa's Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander, Australia captain Michael Clarke, Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara, India's Virat Kohli and West Indies' Stafanie Taylor – the first woman to be nominated for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.

Eyes on the prize: Cook has been impressive with the bat once again this year

Eyes on the prize: Cook has been impressive with the bat once again this year

The awards will be presented at the ninth annual ceremony, before the start of the ICC World Twenty20, in Colombo on September 15.

Cook, and his rivals, will be judged on performances between August 4 last year and August 6 this year – a period which began with his career-best 294 as England went to the top of the ICC world Test rankings with a series-clinching victory over India at Edgbaston.

Further England interest in next month's awards includes seamer Broad, wicketkeeper Matt Prior and Cook for Test cricketer of the year, fast bowler Steven Finn and Cook again – nominated in the one-day international player category – and Ravi Bopara and Alex Hales, for their respective bowling at The Oval and batting at Trent Bridge, as Twenty20 performance of the year.

Broad appeal: The England paceman has been nominated for best test player

Broad appeal: The England paceman has been nominated for best test player

Lydia Greenway and Sarah Taylor will be up against the Windies' Taylor for the women's cricketer of the year awards – and Irishmen dominate the ICC affiliate and associate category, with six of the 10 nominees.

England fast bowler James Anderson was named earlier this month as one of the five candidates for the people's choice award.

England paceman Stuart Broad dismisses Kevin Pietersen claims of dressing room unrest

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England paceman Broad dismisses KP claims of dressing room unrest

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UPDATED:

23:45 GMT, 8 August 2012

Stuart Broad insists it is vital all
of England's players are 'singing from the same hymn sheet' when they
meet up for next week's third Investec Test with South Africa at Lord's.

Broad was speaking in the aftermath of
Kevin Pietersen's post second Test press conference in which he claimed
there were dressing room issues that needed to be resolved.

Pietersen is also believed to be upset at a fake twitter account which is being followed by several members of the squad.

High spirits: England's Stuart Broad

High spirits: England's Stuart Broad

Nottinghamshire paceman Broad insists the dressing room environment is fine but stressed the need for any problems to be resolved before the next meeting with the Proteas.

When asked if there were dressing problems, Broad told Sky Sports News: 'To be honest, no, not really. When we turn up for a Test match week it is very focused about that job, making sure we score runs and take wickets.

'There is not a lot of time for discussing that sort of stuff.

'But what is vital, and what needs to come out of this week, is that we turn up to Lord's with all 11 players making sure England win that Test and all our energies and focus is going towards that.

'If you just have one player slightly off, it can be quite damaging.

'It is important that once we get to Lord's as a group, whoever is there, we make sure we are fully there mentally and win that game.'

Pietersen also hinted at feeling isolated in the dressing room but Broad insists spirits are high.

Not amused: Kevin Pietersen

Not amused: Kevin Pietersen

He said: 'From that press conference, you could be led to think that (feeling isolated) but in the changing room it is an amazing place to play.

'We spend virtually every day together, it is thoroughly enjoyable, we have a laugh. There is not a better working environment to go into.

'You get out of bed to go and play with your mates for your country. It is one of the biggest honours you could ever have and within that changing room everyone values that.

'Certainly within the four walls, I wouldn't have thought there was a problem.

'But if there is a problem, it is important it gets sorted and we take the field at Lord's with 11 guys who want to win for England.

'What is important, is everyone in that changing room is singing from the same hymn sheet and we are there to win for England.'

Broad played down the significance of the fake Pietersen twitter account.

He said: 'It is not been a conversation brought up in the changing room but, with the rules, when we get to the ground we hand our phone in at 8am and get it back at 8pm.

'It would take a bit of genius to tweet from the wicket!

'It is not a major problem. It is a bit of fun for whoever is doing it and I don't think it is as big a story as the papers are making out.'

Pietersen has also expressed a desire to play a full IPL season which would cut across his England Test commitments.

But Broad is adamant that for him the honour of playing for his country is more important than the financial gains.

He said: 'You grow up dreaming of walking out at Lord's in a Test match.

'Also England players in the current climate get looked after fantastically well.'

Dale Steyn exclusive: South Africa are coming for you, England

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Dale Steyn exclusive: Watch out England, South Africa are coming for you

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UPDATED:

23:38 GMT, 18 July 2012

The South Africa paceman is the world’s No 1 bowler and a series victory over England would propel his side to the top of the Test rankings. He introduces his team-mates…

Graeme Smith

It’s just amazing that our leader is about to play his 100th Test match. Wow! What an achievement that is. Graeme has captained every game that I’ve played for South Africa and has been a fantastic leader and a great player for the team.

He has always led from the front with the bat. He never has to force people to listen to him.

Be prepared: South Africa captain Graeme Smith at The Oval

Be prepared: South Africa captain Graeme Smith at The Oval

Alviro Petersen

I have known Alviro for many years, ever since I started playing for the Titans when I was about 20. One of his biggest assets is how mentally strong he is.

Everything is in order in his game and he’s a very organised person off the pitch too.
I remember going to his flat years ago and everything was so neat and tidy. He brings that to his game.

Hashim Amla

The silent warrior. He is a very quiet man but just a great batsman for us with a very good head on his shoulders and a real thinking cricketer who has a lot of experience now.

He’s played some county cricket so knows the scene and conditions here well and that should stand him in good stead for this series.

Nuggety: Hashim Amla hit 275 runs on tour in England in 2008

Nuggety: Hashim Amla hit 275 runs on tour in England in 2008

Jacques Kallis

He’s the ultimate professional with the the most incredible career behind him.

Does everything — bat, bowl, catch, and if he wanted to he could probably captain!

He’s got new hair, too! Jacques steps in when you really need him and has a golden arm with the ball, delivering it with more pace than you realise. But more than anything he’s just a great batter.

Jacques Rudolph

Jacques has played a lot of cricket here with Yorkshire but has now come back to play for South Africa again and has been welcomed back to the fold.

He proved that he deserved his recall and then got a hundred against New Zealand. He’s always been a very good player in the 10 years that I’ve known him.

All-rounder: AB de Villiers will keep wicket in the first Test after Mark Boucher's horrific eye injury

All-rounder: AB de Villiers will keep wicket in the first Test after Mark Boucher's horrific eye injury

AB de Villiers

Perhaps the best of the lot. He’s a great batsman, could bowl if you wanted him to and has ridiculously good wicketkeeping skills too.

Would probably be playing for South Africa at rugby or tennis if he wasn’t doing so at cricket, he’s just the complete all-round sportsman.

Another guy I’ve known since I was a teenager, we all grew up together.

JP Duminy

A very good left-handed batsman, which is nice to have, and also bowls some off-spin which is a bonus for us.

Whenever there are guys in the team who can bowl some overs and give me a break I’m pleased!

He has always had to fight for a place in the side but got some good runs in Australia and has his opportunity now after the injury to Mark Boucher.

A long hop: JP Duminy lengthens the Proteas' batting order

A long hop: JP Duminy lengthens the Proteas' batting order

Morne Morkel

An awkward customer. His pace and bounce mean it’s really ugly to face him.

All of these tall guys get this bounce from nowhere and no batsmen enjoy the ball coming at their ribs or under their armpits.

And when he drags you forward he still hits the splice, so he’s always bowling those nasty lengths. He really is such an important bowler for us.

Hitting the heights: Vernon Philander

Hitting the heights: Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander

Vernon is unbelievably skilful in the way he can bring the ball in to the batsman and then take it away.
He can swing the ball but he’s probably more of a seamer and batsmen never know when to leave him because he’s so adept at nipping it back and getting lbws.

His career has just taken off since he first played Test cricket last year. Vernon has been around a while but has only just got his chance and has grabbed it with both hands.

Imran Tahir

He has taken over from Paul Harris but is a completely different spin bowler, with a more attacking style.

He
has so many variations: leggies, googlies, flippers, top spinners or
whatever. Morne, Vernon and I are mature enough to hold up an end now
when necessary to allow Imran to attack from the other end.

And me….

I
feel good, fit and as strong as I can be. I started bowling a little
bit quicker in the nets on Tuesday than I have been doing so far on this
tour.

At Taunton and Canterbury I was just
trying to get some miles in my legs and sort out my lines and lengths
but now I feel ready to step it up a level.

It’s now time for me to concentrate on that little bit of extra pace…

Pace demon: Dale Steyn is chomping at the bit to get amongst England's batsmen

Pace demon: Dale Steyn is chomping at the bit to get amongst England's batsmen

And how about the opposition

I have watched Jimmy Anderson playing a lot for England over the years on TV and he’s a fantastic bowler with the Duke ball.

We’re pretty similar bowlers but I’m probably a little bit quicker and more aggressive in my body language.

At the end of the day we’re both trying to get away shape with the ball so in that regard we’re similar bowlers.

He would be the guy in the England team I would look at to say ‘what works for him might work for me’, whereas Stuart Broad is more like Morne in height and what they are trying to achieve.

Similar bowlers: James Anderson bowls during a net session at The Oval

Similar bowlers: James Anderson bowls during a net session at The Oval

Will my battle with Jimmy be the key to the series Not necessarily, because you can sometimes see someone bowling outstandingly well and ending up on the losing side. I don’t really care if I get one or 20 wickets in this series provided I do what the team needs from me to win Test matches.

Don’t get me wrong, I would love to take a lot of wickets here but there is something that is more important than the individual and that is the team.

We don’t think we’re going out there to dominate, but we’re confident in our preparations and the batsmen look ready while the bowlers look hungry.

Let’s go.

Brett Lee retires from international cricket

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Enough is enough, says Lee as Australian great retires from international cricket

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UPDATED:

05:58 GMT, 13 July 2012

Brett Lee revealed a loss of desire to compete at the highest level led to his decision to retire from international cricket on Friday.

Lee, 35, was forced to return home early from Australia's one-day tour of England earlier this month with a calf injury.

And his appearance in the fourth match of the series in Durham – where he took 0-12 off 2.2 overs in an eight-wicket loss – proved to be his last for his country.

Last wicket: Lee celebrates the dismissal of Ian Bell in the 1st ODI at the Oval - his last international wicket

Last wicket: Lee celebrates the dismissal of Ian Bell in the 1st ODI at the Oval – his last international wicket

Lee confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: 'It's official, I have retired from international cricket! Thanks for all your love and support. It's been an amazing 13 years.'

Lee had been hopeful of playing in Australia's Twenty20 World Cup team in August and September in Sri Lanka.

But after his latest injury setback, the paceman decided enough was enough.

'The last two or three nights I thought about it a lot,' Lee told Australia's Channel 9 today. 'I woke up this morning and just felt like I was ready.

'I think personally in a team environment you have to have 100 per cent commitment – mentally and physically.

'And I guess looking at the next few months I just didn't have that desire any more.

'It wouldn't be fair on me, or my team if I went with that attitude.

Australian great: Lee won two World Cups and three Ashes series

Australian great: Lee won two World Cups and three Ashes series

'You get to the point in life where you say enough is enough.'

The paceman will continue to play domestic cricket for New South Wales in the shorter forms, although he turned down a Cricket New South Wales contract last month, while he is also likely to continue playing in the Indian Premier League.

Lee retired from the Test arena in February 2010 after claiming 310 scalps at an average of 30.81 in 76 matches.

He continued to play one-day international and Twenty20 cricket at both international and domestic level and, in the absence of the likes of Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie, spearheaded the pace attack in the 50-over format of the game.

Lee finished his one-day career with 380 wickets – one short of McGrath's Australian record haul of 381 – from 221 matches at an average of 23.36 and an economy rate of 4.76.

He also had a handy batting average of 20.15 in Test cricket and 17.81 in one-day cricket.

Heartbreaker: Lee is consoled by Andrew Flintoff after losing the Edgbaston Test in 2005

Heartbreaker: Lee is consoled by Andrew Flintoff after losing the Edgbaston Test in 2005

Alongside Pakistan quick Shoaib Akhtar, Lee was one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and he was recorded bowling at 99.5mph in a 2003 World Cup match against Sri Lanka.

National selector John Inverarity said: 'Today one of Australia's most outstanding fast bowlers announced his retirement.'

He added: 'The statistics only tell part of the story.

'Brett has been an absolute ornament to the game; a fine player, a fierce and brave competitor, a generous opponent and one who always upheld the highest standards of sportsmanship.

'He has been a cricketer in every sense of the word.'

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: 'His record as a wicket-taker and leader of the attack is fantastic and speaks for itself but his resilience and ability to bounce back after numerous injuries has also been impressive.

'On top of this, and this is a significant part of his legacy, Brett inspired young Australians to play cricket and bowl fast.'

BRETT LEE FACTFILE

1976: Born on November 8 in Wollongong, New South Wales.
1999: December 26 – Makes his Test debut against India in Melbourne and takes five wickets in an innings.
2000: January 9 – One-day international debut against Pakistan in Brisbane.
March – Reported for an illegal action but later cleared.
2001: February – Undergoes elbow surgery for the first time and is ruled out for three months.
2003: Takes two wickets in Australia's 125-run win over India in the World Cup final at Johannesburg.
2005: August 8 – Was at the
non-striker's end when Australia suffered a heartbreaking two-run defeat
in the memorable second Ashes Test at Edgbaston. England go on to win
the series 2-1 and reclaim the Ashes for the first time in two decades.
November – Claims his Test-best figures of five for 30 against West Indies in Brisbane.
2006: November – Named in the ICC Test and ODI Team of the Year.
2007: February – Undergoes ankle surgery which rules him out of the World Cup in the Caribbean.
2008: February 26 – Wins Allan Border Medal as Australia's best player in all forms of the game during the past year.
June 29 – Takes his 300th ODI wicket
against West Indies at St George's to become just the second Australian
to achieve the feat.
August – Rules himself out of the ODI series with Bangladesh following the break-up of his marriage.
October – Surpasses Craig McDermott's 291 Test wickets to become Australia's fourth-highest wicket taker of all-time.
November – Takes his 300th Test wicket against New Zealand in Brisbane.
2009: January – Ruled out of series against South Africa and undergoes surgery on his left ankle.
July – Suffers side strain in final
warm-up match ahead of the Ashes and does not play in the series despite
being fit for the fourth Test at Headingley.
December 3 – Has surgery on his troublesome elbow injury.
2010: February 24 – Announces his retirement from Test cricket.
2011: January – After more than a year out of the international set-up through injury, Lee comes back to face England.
February-April – Is Australia's leading wicket-taker at the World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh with 13 scalps.
2012: March 23 – Hits 59, his best ODI score, in a 42-run loss to West Indies.
July 7 – Picks up a calf injury in the fourth ODI against England in Durham and subsequently returns home early.
July 13 – Announces retirement from all international cricket.

Andrew Strauss backs decision to rest James Anderson

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Strauss backs decision to rest Anderson but remains tight-lipped on Broad inclusion

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UPDATED:

12:17 GMT, 6 June 2012

England captain Andrew Strauss has insisted the decision to rest fast bowler James Anderson for the third Test against West Indies would benefit both player and team in the long run.

The 29-year-old was cast into the role of frustrated onlooker on Sunday when England's selectors opted to overlook him for the dead rubber at Edgbaston, which gets under way on Thursday.

Anderson's exclusion had been expected after England had hinted at a desire to rotate their seamers amid a busy summer schedule – their No 1 Test status is on the line in the three-Test series South Africa from next month.

Tough decision: Strauss practices at Edgbaston on Wednesday

Tough decision: Strauss practices at Edgbaston on Wednesday

Tough decision: Strauss practices at Edgbaston on Wednesday

The Lancashire paceman had said sitting out would be 'extremely disappointing', but Strauss feels the correct call was made.

'Jimmy Anderson's missed out on this one, with good reason,' the 35-year-old said on Sky Sports News.

Missing out: Anderson has been England's key man for several series

Missing out: Anderson has been England's key man for several series

'It's a tough thing for any player to not play in a Test match, but with the schedules that there are in international cricket, from a management point of view you've got to manage your resources sensibly.

'This was one of those occasions where an opportunity presented itself and we all think it's prudent that we take the opportunity with Jimmy and hopefully that will allow him to be fresh for the rest of the summer and beyond.

'I think the idea of rotating and resting is that you end up then playing more – not less. The last thing we want is someone to be playing to an extent they're dead on their feet and then get injured and are out for months.

'That's what we're trying to avoid and hopefully, by missing the odd game here and there, that will allow that not to happen.'

In contention: Steven Finn (left) and Graham Onions (right) could play at Edgbaston

In contention: Steven Finn (left) and Graham Onions (right) could play at Edgbaston

Stuart Broad could also be rested ahead of an arguably even more hectic schedule than Anderson – the 25-year-old is a fixture in all three formats and also has the responsibility of captaining England's Twenty20 team ahead of their title defence in Sri Lanka later this year.

Strauss was tight-lipped on whether the Nottinghamshire man would be included, saying only: 'Stuart's in the squad of 12. He's played a full part in the series so far and he's obviously going to have a chance of playing.'

In contention: Broad could also be rested

In contention: Broad could also be rested

In contention: Broad could also be rested

Strauss was also keen to move on from talking about Kevin Pietersen's decision to retire from international 50-over cricket.

'In a lot of ways I think it's probably a relief for him to get it out there and get it done and dusted,' the skipper said.

'Kevin's made that decision. We all respect it. He went into it with his eyes open and he knew what the ramifications were. We're all just looking forward now. It's nice that we're clear and everyone knows where they stand.'

James Anderson rested by England for third Test against West Indies

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EXCLUSIVE: Anderson rested for third Test… and Broad next to go as Onions waits

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UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 1 June 2012

Jimmy Anderson, the leader of England’s attack, is to be left out of the squad for the third Test against West Indies as Andy Flower attempts to protect his leading players from a crippling workload.

England have decided that, with the Wisden Trophy already retained, it is in their interests to rest their best bowler and instead give a well-earned opportunity to Steven Finn at Edgbaston.

It could well be that Stuart Broad, another bowler at the peak of his powers, joins Anderson on the sidelines but England have not yet decided whether Broad needs a break and will name him in a 12-man squad. Then he will be monitored when England begin practice at Edgbaston on Tuesday ahead of the final Investec Test, which starts on Thursday.

Well earned rest: Jimmy Anderson will sit out the third Test at Edgbaston

Well earned rest: Jimmy Anderson will sit out the third Test at Edgbaston

England squad (probable)

Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior (wkt), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, Graham Onions.

The news will disappoint Anderson, who is desperate to carry on while at the top of his game even though he has bowled 111 overs in the two Tests against West Indies so far and ended the second match at Trent Bridge with stiffness in a thigh.

Broad is another frontline England player who, as he told Sportsmail this week, is keen not to stand down for even one game while bowling so well but he could well be replaced by the equally deserving Graham Onions in Birmingham.

Flower, the England team director, has decided to risk being unpopular with his spearheads for what he considers are the best of reasons, keeping them fresh for the tougher assignments ahead.

Back in the runs: England's No 6 Jonny Bairstow, retained for next week's Third Investec Test despite a working over by West Indies paceman Kemar Roach at Trent Bridge, hit 68 for Yorkshire against Northants at Headingley

Back in the runs: England's No 6 Jonny
Bairstow, retained for next week's Third Investec Test despite a working over by West Indies paceman Kemar
Roach at Trent Bridge, hit 68 for Yorkshire against Northants at Headingley

Chance to shine: Steven Finn

Chance to shine: Steven Finn

England lost one key player from all limited-overs cricket this week in Kevin Pietersen and Flower is desperate that the non-stop cricket over the next two years will not claim any other casualties. It is a fair argument with England facing a congested calendar which features one-day series against West Indies and Australia before the Test showdown with South Africa.

In truth the move should not reduce England’s chances of winning again and defeating West Indies 3-0, even though the tourists have been far more competitive than expected.

Finn has become the fastest of all England bowlers and a regular in the one-day side but has been consistently kept out of Tests because of the excellence of those in front of him. He deserves a chance now and can be expected to take it.

Onions, too, has proved himself ready to return to international cricket after recovering from a serious back injury and has been in exceptional form for Durham this season, taking five for 43 in their current match against Lancashire.

Tim Bresnan, man of the match for his eight wickets at Trent Bridge, will carry on because he is only just back to his best after elbow surgery and will be given the chance to record his 14th Test victory out of 14.

Another who will be told to carry on is Jonny Bairstow, despite the working over he received from Kemar Roach at Trent Bridge.

Something to ponder: Andy Flower (right) could also rest Stuart Broad (left)

Something to ponder: Andy Flower (right) could also rest Stuart Broad (left)

England know Bairstow will have to work on his technique against the short ball but are confident he will come through the problem, particularly as his tormentor-in-chief Roach has been ruled out of the rest of the tour.

Bairstow was back in form for Yorkshire, scoring 68 against Northants in front of selector James Whitaker, and will retain his place at six, particularly as his main rival Ravi Bopara is yet to play for Essex after recovering from a thigh injury.

Pietersen, meanwhile, has told Surrey that he will commit to playing for them far more often now he has become simply a Test player. Surrey expect a man who has rarely shown much appetite for county cricket before to be available for their Twenty20 campaign from the end of June and beyond.

It raises the possibility of Pietersen being dominant for Surrey in Twenty20 while being denied the chance to play in the shortest format internationally, England having decided that as he wants to retire from 50-over cricket he will not be picked for their Twenty20 matches either.

Fine form: Graham Onions has been bowling well for Durham this year

Fine form: Graham Onions has been bowling well for Durham this year

At least Pietersen will be able to carry on playing the shot he pioneered, the left-handed switch-hit, without restrictions for now as the ICC’s cricket committee announced that they will recommend no changes to the lbw law to be ‘fairer’ to bowlers. Instead they have asked MCC, custodians of the laws of the game, for further direction.

The world governing body’s cricket committee, which has made a number of recommendations to the ICC executive board, also issued a vote of confidence in the accuracy of HawkEye and the new improved Hot Spot as part of the decision-review system.

The ICC will retain the Duckworth-Lewis method for revising targets in rain-affected matches and also suggested yet more tinkering to the 50-over format in an attempt to make it less formulaic.

The bottom line is that one-day internationals all too often provide predictable, tired cricket, however much tinkering is made to the rules, as Pietersen would undoubtedly agree.

Tino best replaces Shannon Gabriel in West Indies squad

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Mind the windows! Tino's back for West Indies after Gabriel is ruled out of series

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UPDATED:

10:10 GMT, 22 May 2012

West Indies paceman Shannon Gabriel has been ruled out of the remainder of the Investec Test series against England, with Tino Best recalled to the squad in his place.

Gabriel was a surprise call-up for the tour but impressed on his debut at Lord's, returning three for 60 in the first innings and adding the prize scalp of Kevin Pietersen as England chased victory on the final day.

But he managed just five overs in that second innings before leaving the field with back spasms.

Game over: Gabriel has succumbed to a back injury and will fly home

Game over: Gabriel has succumbed to a back injury and will fly home

Having been assessed by the tourists' medical team ahead of Friday's second Test at Trent Bridge, Gabriel has now been told to fly home.

West Indies team physiotherapist C.J. Clark said: 'Shannon made the complaint late in the first Test against England and scans conducted following the match showed a stress reaction in the lower spine.

Back to his Best: Tino will replace Gabriel in the Windies squad

Back to his Best: Tino will replace Gabriel in the Windies squad

'He was subsequently ruled out of the second Test and, after further consultation, we feel that to prevent this injury developing any further it is in Shannon's best interest for him to return to T&T for rest and rehabilitation to ensure he is fully fit when selected for West Indies in the future.'

Best, 30, has 14 Test caps and 12 one-day international appearances to his name, but last represented the Windies in 2009.

VIDEO: Mind the windows, Tino… famous sledging from Freddie

Mitchell Johnson: I could have retired over poor form

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It was embarrassing… I could have quit, admits paceman Johnson over Oz struggles

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UPDATED:

09:19 GMT, 11 May 2012

Australia paceman Mitchell Johnson has admitted his form prior to being sidelined through injury was so bad that it could have prompted his retirement.

Johnson, who was named in the squad for the one-day international tour of England that starts in June and the Australia A matches which follow it, has not played since succumbing to a toe injury in South Africa last November.

The injury came at a time when the 30-year-old was desperately struggling for form having taken just 13 wickets in six Tests at an average of 57 in 2011.

Fall from grace: Mitchell Johnson has struggled to live up to his reputation

Fall from grace: Mitchell Johnson has struggled to live up to his reputation

His confidence issues came to a head in Australia's record-breaking loss in the first Test against the Proteas. Australia looked set to post an easy win after bowling out South Africa for just 96 and holding a first innings lead of 188, but crumbled to lose by eight wickets.

'That was really hard to come back from. It was a little bit embarrassing really,' Johnson said. 'My wife came over because she could tell I was really struggling.

'Going into that (second) Test in Johannesburg I was unsure if I could perform to be honest. It was at that point where I really just wanted to get away from the game and step back from it.

'If I didn't get the injury, if I kept going, I could have got dropped and that could have been it. I'd probably lost a bit of interest in playing the game … I think I got to the stage where I started to believe what was being said about me.

He bowls to the right... Johnson was taunted by the Barmy Army

He bowls to the right… Johnson was taunted by the Barmy Army

'(An early retirement) could have been on the cards for sure.

'The injury did come at the right time. For two months I was in a brace on my foot. I was pretty much doing nothing and I didn't miss cricket at all at that stage, it was actually good to get away from it.'

Despite his lack of match practice, Johnson is confident he can contribute in England after working with mentor and legendary paceman Dennis Lillee during his six-month absence.

'I feel as strong and fit as I ever have,' he said. 'I feel like I've got my confidence and my belief back so I'm ready to test it out and go out there and do the best job that I can.

'I'm that keen at the moment, the last couple of days I've just been itching to get out and play some cricket.'