Match facts January 20, 2015Start time 1500 local (0900 GMT) Bangladesh are a step away from their second successive T20I series win over Zimbabwe © AFP Big Picture It is becoming increasingly difficult to predict playing XIs from both sides, who aren’t afraid to tinker with their combinations in their quest to narrow down on an ideal combination going into the World T20 in India. Both Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have…
De Kock to have fitness test, Steyn out
Quinton de Kock missed the third Test after injuring his knee the night before © Gallo Images Quinton de Kock will undergo a final fitness test on Wednesday to asses whether he is able to return as wicketkeeper at Centurion. South Africa have also confirmed that Dale Steyn will not play and released Stiaan van Zyl from the 17-man squad announced on Tuesday – increasing the likelihood that 33-year-old Lions…
McCullum to deliver MCC Spirit of Cricket address
Brendon McCullum will retire from international cricket next month © Getty Images Brendon McCullum, New Zealand’s captain who is set to retire from international cricket next month, will give the annual MCC Spirit of Cricket lecture at Lord’s in June. McCullum has been widely praised for the way his side have played the game since he took charge at the start of 2013. An emphasis on team spirit, enjoyment and…
Shaun Tait Can Cause Damage on Indian Pitches During World Twenty20, Says Jason Gillespie
Shaun Tait, who last played for Australia in 2011, will aim for a spot in the Australian Squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in India. © AFP Backing Shaun Tait’s surprise T20 return against India, former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie has said the tearaway speedster will cause a lot of damage on Indian tracks if he makes the squad for the World T20 starting March 8. (Shaun Tait Recalled to…
Compton must dare to be dull
Like attending a wedding and pointing out that nearly half of marriages end in divorce, it seems churlish to find fault in England’s Test team in the immediate aftermath of their series victory in South Africa. To defeat the No. 1-ranked side in the world on their own pitches is a fine achievement. Yes, South Africa are in decline – or at least transition – and yes, they have missed…
A privilege to be called-up at this stage of career – Tait
Shaun Tait bowled with plenty of gas in the Big Bash League, taking 10 wickets in eight matches © Getty Images Fast bowler Shaun Tait had planned to spend Australia day with a few beers at Port Elliot in South Australia, but is now in the selection mix for the T20s against India starting January 26 at the Adelaide Oval, after getting his first international call-up in five years. “Like…
Gayle takes aim at critics as he leaves BBL
‘I build leagues around the world and Big Bash is one of them’ – Chris Gayle © Getty Images Chris Gayle has farewelled the Big Bash League for this summer – and possibly forever – with a social media outburst in which he hit back at former cricketers who criticised his behaviour during an interview with journalist Mel McLaughlin. Gayle also declared himself a league-builder in the Twenty20 format and…
Pakistan Cricket Board Relying on Twenty20 Super League to Boost Revenue
Chris Gayle is among the several big attractions in the Pakistan Super League thanks to his Twenty20 prowess. © Getty Images Pakistan is rolling the dice on global superstars such as Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen to boost the country’s cash-strapped cricket board when its new high-octane, short-form Twenty20 league begins in the UAE next month. (Pakistan Super League Promises IPL-Style Cricket) But insiders warn Pakistan’s first franchise-based league may…
Dippenaar calls for psychological strength
‘Someone like Stiaan van Zyl – when he goes out to bat he is thinking about what he has done wrong in the past and what can go wrong again’ – Boeta Dippenaar © AFP The twenty-odd steps from the Wanderers dressing room to the field is not the longest walk in world cricket but it may be the loneliest. The journey is hidden from prying eyes by a tunnel…
Sri Lanka Captain Angelo Mathews Defends Players After Coach Gets Fixing Ban
Angelo Mathews was questioned for nearly five hours in connection with match-fixing scandal. © AFP Colombo: Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews defended the team’s cricketers on Tuesday after recording a statement before police in connection with a match-fixing scandal that has led to the suspension of a bowling coach. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) handed Anusha Samaranayake a two-month ban on Monday over his relationship with net bowler Gayan Vishwajith, who…