Warwickshire Cricket

Nannes returns to Surrey

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:06:00 +0000

Surrey have boosted their hopes of achieving T20 success this season after re-signing pace bowler Dirk Nannes for the competition. The Australian-born Dutch international represented the county in last year's tournament, impressing hugely by taking 19 wickets at an average of 20.05 – the highlight of that collection being his 5-40 against Middlesex at Lords. Nannes couldn't quite help Surrey qualify from the group stage but will now have another chance to help the county to T20 glory.

The 35-year old will join Murali Kartik in the Surrey bowling attack after the spinner was also signed up for the competition. Nannes' return will be a huge boost to Surrey's chances, especially as the left-armer will have plenty of unfinished business after last year's disappointment. Those looking at the cricket betting online will be keeping an eye on them.

Surrey manager Chris Adams revealed the county were delighted to welcome the one-day specialist back to the Oval this summer, admitting Nannes would add another option to their attack.

"He was very popular in the dressing room and with the members and he bowled really well," he said.

"I was gutted for him when we didn't qualify because he really started to settle into our environment, he enjoyed it, and by his own admission he didn't think he was going to enjoy it as much as he did."

"He brings new ball prowess and an ability to bowl very well at the death, which we don't naturally have available in the squad all the time as we have bowlers who may have to go off on England duty."

Nannes is a match-winning player, and match-winning players are just what teams need to be successful in the T20 tournament. Those looking at the online betting should remember this.

The fast bowler could well be the difference between another disappointment and possible T20 glory.

Cook confident of England Batting

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:37:00 +0000

England might have lost four wickets in the final session against Pakistan, but Alastair Cook believes England still enjoyed a good second day in the victor chandler review.

It didn't take long for England to finish off the Pakistan innings before Cook and Jonathan Trott put together a strong run that took Englands total to 166-1 as the betvictor free bets gathered pace.

At that stage England looked set for a big lead but Saeed Ajmal removed Cook (94), Kevin Peitersen (14) and Eoin Morgan (3), while Abdur Rehman dismissed Trott (74).

That left the total at 207-5, a deficit of 50, but Cook remained upbeat.

"I think we've had a good day," he told Sky Sports.

"To wrap up their innings (was good). The last half-hour has shifted it back maybe to evens but we're one partnership away from that 50 deficit being a 50 lead at lunch.

"It was nice to get off to a good start, so it was a shame to lose those wickets; it turned a really good day into just a good day I suppose."

"In subcontinent conditions, you never get to 20 very easily," added Cook.

"Sometimes in English conditions, you can get to 20 quickly. But here it's always hard work for the new guy coming in.

"When the partnership gets going, it's hard to break it. Not that much happens, and you get used to the conditions as a batter. You can get into a groove."

Don't Panic says Flintoff!

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:37:00 +0000

Former England all rounder and betvictor racing favourite Freddy Flintoff has warned that the panic buttons shouldn't be pressed just yet, after England fell to a disappointing first test match defeat against Pakistan in Dubai.

Flintoff does say that England looked a little rusty in their first Test defeat against Pakistan, but he has also pointed out that England should bring Graham Onions and Monty Panesar into the team to improve their stan james betting chances of a test victory, and says that they can turn things around in Abu Dhabi.

Nicknamed the 'Batsmans paradise', the wicket in Abu Dhabi will not help Englands cause as it will be another slow one and open to some big hitting, but Flintoff insisted there was no reason to believe the world's number one Test team had suddenly lost all their ability

"They've not played Test cricket for a while, the conditions are pretty different to what they're used to, and we've always been slow starters," Flintoff told Sky Sports News.

"Pakistan played better than probably anybody thought, and England looked a little bit rusty.

"The hard thing now is trying to get back into the series because the next one's in Abu Dhabi, it'll be another low, slow wicket which doesn't make for entertaining cricket. So it's going to be tough but I think we can salvage something from it.

"Everyone's jumping to the panic buttons already, saying we're not very good, but it's only a matter of months ago we were beating everyone so I wouldn't worry too much about it."

The batsmen were largely to blame for the first tests but there looks like being changes to the bowling unit for Abu Dhabi, and Flintoff would like to see a couple of bowlers introduced to the attack.

"It's often the case, batters run the team! They're deemed the ones who have the brains so the bowlers get changed all the time.

"I'd love to see Monty in the side. The other guy I'd like to see play is Graham Onions, I think on those wickets he's slightly smaller, he's skiddy, he attacks the stumps and he can reverse it, so I'd be tempted to bring Onions in for Tremlett and see how he goes."

It will be another difficult test for England in tough conditions but we hope that Flintoff is proved right as we hope for a much improved England performance.

England 'Undercooked' in Dubai, Says Flower

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:51:00 +0000

England coach, Andy Flower, has lamented his team's recent loss to Pakistan as a "proper reality check" for the Rankings-topping outfit. A subdued and "undercooked" England, to quote Flower, were dispatched by ten wickets in the United Arab Emirates, over the course of three days.

The loss was, perhaps, inevitable. England had not played an international fixture, Test or otherwise, since October 2011, when they won a Twenty20 match against India. Their most recent Test was contested in August; an innings and eight run victory over India, at the Oval in Kennington.

In other words, Andrew Strauss' boys had gone five months without playing a Test match, and three months without any experience of international cricket, at all. Add in the obligatory festive hijinks over the Christmas period, and England, on paper, should have been in sorry shape in Dubai. People looking to make a best cricket bet online should remember this.

Unfortunately, they were; England's batting was described as "woeful" by the BBC. The visitors' dour performance at the crease was exacerbated by a stunning bowling display from Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal, who took three wickets in five balls on the first day. Ajmal dismissed seven players with lbw calls, overall, a new record.

"If there were any thoughts of complacency, they have been banished", Flower said. "We weren't on the ball and weren't sharp enough to deal with what Pakistan challenged us with in this game." The coach added that England simply could not cope with Ajmal and his cohort, spin-bowler, Umar Gul.

England have a lot of work to do before the second Test against Pakistan, which begins on January 25 in Abu Dhabi. Flower told the BBC that England's batters would practise with a versatile bowling machine called 'Merlyn', over the next few days, in a bid to overcome the threat posed by Ajmal.

England need to get used to Pakistan conditions.

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000

After a disappointing first test match performance from England which lost a number of stan james free bets, England will need a lot of patience in their next test with Pakistan in the UAE.

It was only a year ago when England were taking advantage of the fast paced pitches in Australia in front of huge crowds and an electric atmosphere, but the situation against Pakistan is very different and the Victor Chandler odds show how difficult there task is going to be.

Playing cricket in Dubai, Pakistan's second home, will feel very alien to the the English team.

Apart form one or two of the Barmy Army faithful, the stadiums will be very much empty which can often make it difficult to raise the energy levels required in the game. Bowlers will find it hard attack the opposition while batsmen will find it equally hard to score quickly on pitches that produce more turgid cricket.

This is quite a concern for the England side who tend to rise to the big occasions.

They hit the ground running in Australia in 2010 and didn't let up and they were just as ruthless when they demolished India last summer in front of packed houses.

But then they were no where near as promising when it came to playing against Sri Lanka. England did demolish the tourists but there wasn't that usual spark or intensity in their play.

So if England want to win this three test series against Pakistan and prove to the world that they can hold their position as world number one, then they need to quickly adapt to the conditions and understand that the challenges will change from day to day.

Strauss targets more Ashes glory

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Andrew Strauss wants to become the first England captain to win four consecutive Ashes series in the post-war era.

Although he is now 34, the batsman believes he can carry on and wants to add series wins at home against Australia in 2013 and then repeat the feat down under in 2013-14.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live he revealed that he felt the goal of at least playing in the series was a realistic one, although admitted that there was a lot of cricket to come between now and then. People looking at the in-play cricket betting online will know this.

“But I'm not going to say that is definitely what is going to happen. There's a lot of cricket to be played between now and then,” he said.

"We will see where we are in 12 months, then another 12 months and go from there.”

Strauss became the first England captain to win back-to-back Ashes series for 24 years when he led the side to a 3-1 win in Australia last winter.

If the side can win the 2013 series, he would take his place next to Mike Brearley who led England to victory in 1977, 1979 and then took charge of the team midway through the 1981 series after Ian Botham was stripped of the captaincy.

However, the world’s number one Test side have a lot of work to before they can even start thinking about the 2013 series.

They will face Pakistan and Sri Lanka this winter before hosting tours by the West Indies and South Africa in the summer.

Taskforce to look at domestic cricket in Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:53:00 +0000

A taskforce has been formed by the Pakistan Cricket Board as the body looks to improve domestic cricket in the country.

The new team will undertake a review of the current structure of the game in nation, its strength and weaknesses and then make its recommendations after two months. Those who bet on international cricket will be keeping an eye on things.

It will feature a number of faces already linked to the administration of cricket in the country, with former Pakistan captains Javed Miandad, Intikhab Alam, Zaheer Abbas and Moin Khan involved.

Ex-players Sarfraz Nawaz, Iqbal Qasim, Imtiaz Ahmed and Zakir Khan are also involved, with the latter being director of Pakistani domestic cricket.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Nawaz said: "There is definitely some problem with our existing domestic structure that is hampering the quality of our players. We have to sit down and discuss it right from the start."

He added the fact that the taskforce was made up of ex-pros means that everyone involved will understand the way in which the game works and as such should be able to identify the flaws which are stopping the development of world class players.

Nawaz also stated that the PCB had "invested a huge amount in domestic cricket" but it still was not a "quality" product.

Despite the fact he seems convinced that the domestic game needs to be changed in some way, the recommendations the taskforce makes to the PCB will not be binding so it could be that the body's work will be in vain.

Worcestershire makes big strides with new signing

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Worcestershire will be out to improve on their LV County Championship Division One showing this year when the 2012 campaign gets underway, and they already have a huge boost with the news Australia opener Phil Hughes will join for the second half of the season.

The 23-year-old made his Australia debut aged only 20 and went on to become the youngest player to score successive centuries in both innings of a Test Match.

Hughes boasts previous experience of English domestic county cricket from periods with Middlesex and Hampshire, while his international class will be a big boost to a Worcestershire side looking to improve on a struggling LV County Championship Division One campaign just gone. Those looking at the cricket betting promotions should remember this.

Their seventh-place finish in the table saw them win only four games all season and they will want to be sitting in a good position when Hughes joins them during the first week of June 2012, and he will stay at New Road for the remainder of the season. Anyone following the cricket odds should bear this in mind.

Director of Cricket, Steve Rhodes, admitted the signing of Hughes will be huge for the club as they go looking for LV County Championship Division One honours in 2012.

“To gain the signature of the current Australian Test Match opener is a tremendous boost for the Club and the players for the 2012 season,” he added.

“Phil is a heavy run scorer with a career ratio of a century every four games in First Class cricket. In 2009 he amassed 574 First Class runs in three games for Middlesex including three centuries which demonstrates his hunger for run scoring.”

The LV County Championship 2012 season starts on Thursday 5 April with the last round commencing on Tuesday 11 September, with the first game seeing defending Division One champions Lancashire taking on Sussex at Old Trafford.

Arthur calls for maturity

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:40:00 +0000

Australian cricketers must grow up and understand they may not be picked for every game, head coach Mickey Arthur has warned.

Mike Hussey has expressed concerns about the wisdom of shuffling batsmen around, fearing it could impact on form and confidence, but Arthur believes that the rigours of modern cricket mean that no one can expect to play in every game. Anyone looking at the best cricket online betting should remember this.

"We need to keep rotating guys through the summer because there is just so much cricket, guys are going to break down and we need others ready to come in at any given time," he told ESPNcricinfo.

He added that players need to be "mature enough" to accept this issue, but also stated that he and the selectors understood that there is a need to ensure the reasons for any changes in personnel are properly communicated to everyone involved.

Arthur also spoke about the form of Philip Hughes, with the 23-year-old suffering from something of a slump in form lately.

The coach called on him to work on some technical issues with his game, because the batsman has been getting out in the same way recently.

Arthur seems to be causing something of a stir in Australian cricket already, not least because he is the first foreign-born head coach the side has ever had.
He also has his work cut out, with the once all-conquering side suffering something of a decline in fortunes, most notably their home defeat against England in the Ashes last summer.

Bopara and Panesar Given England Call-up

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:53:00 +0000

English cricketers, Ravi Bopara and Monty Panesar, will travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with England in 2012, when the national team takes on Pakistan, from January 17. The fixture, which is being played on neutral ground, mirroring the arrangements for Pakistan's matches with neighbouring country, India, will be a three-Test series.

The development is part of a wider announcement detailing England's 16-player squad, which includes a number of staples, such as long-suffering captain, Andrew Strauss, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, and Kevin Pietersen. Bopara and Panesar are provided as relief batsman and second spinner, respectively. Those following the latest betting will be keeping an eye on things.

Panesar, a crowd favourite, will make his first appearance in a Test match since the Ashes in 2009, in the UAE. His performance in the County Championship is ostensibly the reason for England's newfound confidence in the Sultan; his "plate-sized hands", to quote ESPN, took 69 wickets during the 2011 season.

National selector, Geoff Miller, intimated that Monty could play a "very big part" in the upcoming Test series, while Bopara, who replaces Paul Collingwood, has "another opportunity to show his growth as a Test player".

Joining Panesar in Dubai will be James Anderson, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Alistair Cook, and Steven Davies. Middlesex's Steven Finn and Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior, of Sussex fame, Surrey's Chris Tremlett, and Jonathan Trott, from Warwickshire, have also been handed their orders by the England brass.

Speaking about the finalised squad list, former cricketer, Geoffrey Boycott, said: "I don't think anybody expected any big changes". The 71-year-old added that he has "always liked" new-entrant, Panesar. "I'm sure he will get a chance to prove he can still be effective for England."

Australia name unchanged side

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:26:00 +0000

Australia have named an unchanged liner-up to the team that won at Brisbane for the second test against New Zealand at Hobart.

The Aussies picked-up a convincing win in the first match of the series, defeating their opponents by nine wickets and captain Michael Clarke believes that its only fair that he and the selectors stay true to those players. Fans of cricket betting will be keeping an eye on things.

This means all-rounder Dan Christian will continue as 12th man in place of the injured Ben Cutting.

Hobart is traditionally a pitch that suits the team that bowls first and Clarke says there is a good chance that he will decide to bowl first, if he wins the toss on Thursday morning.

“I'll wait and see tomorrow. I think overhead conditions will play a part. For me it's more about looking up than looking down to see what the weather is like," he said.

"If the wicket doesn't change much from what I see and it's still a little bit tacky and there's overhead conditions, there's a big chance I'll bowl first.

"But I've said that a few times in the past and gone out there and batted.

"I guess the two things I find really hard are bowling first when I win the toss and not picking a spinner” he added.

The only injury concern for Clarke surrounds opening batsman Shane Watson. The 30-year-old has been truly superb in recent months and Clarke says he expects the all-rounder to be fit for Hobart. Those betting online should remember this.

"Watto has got a slight calf strain. It's put him a couple of days behind but we're confident he'll be right for the Boxing Day Test."

Boycott calls for tough action on cheats

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 09:16:00 +0000

Just a few days after England captain Andrew Strauss referred to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as a "toothless tiger" cricket legend Geoff Boycott told a radio show that the ICC should begin running its own 'sting operations' to catch cheats.

Boycott's comments arrived in the wake of a recent court case, in which a number of high-profile cricket players and officials were found guilty of cheating, chiefly by intentionally bowling no-balls in Test matches.

The convicted include Salman Butt, former captain of the Pakistan team, and his agent, Mazhar Majeed, who is believed to have been the ring-leader behind the scam. People who look at cricket betting online will want the game to be made as clean as possible.

When asked a fan-submitted question about a possible means of preventing match-fixing, Boycott suggested that governments in South Asia should consider legalising betting on cricket, to reduce the popularity of "back-street, illegal bookmakers".

The 71-year-old also said that the ICC should try to emulate the investigative journalism of the News of the World or the undercover skills of the Secret Intelligence Service, otherwise known as MI6, to weed out illicit behaviour.

However, the crux of Boycott's argument was that the ICC was "wringing hands", rather than being pro-active in the fight against corruption.

Boycott is just one of a number of pundits, fans, and cricket officials calling for the Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), the ICC's equivalent of the secret service, to "get tough on crooks", to quote former Aussie cricketer, Ian Chappell.

Chappell recounted a recent conversation with an ACSU official on the ESPN website, in which he claimed that the ICC's 'cricket police' didn't understand the mechanics behind a betting scam; notably, that criminals, rather than players, orchestrate match-fixing.

Many cricketers, such as England's Michael Vaughan, are hoping for a zero-tolerance approach to cheating, involving an immediate and permanent ban from cricket for those found guilty of a swindle.

County stars sign fresh deals

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:27:00 +0000

While the end of the County Championship has left cricket fans wandering aimlessly or perusing other sports, many players have begun the obligatory contract negotiations with their club, a development that has seen Nottinghamshire, Essex, Derbyshire, and many others, throw contract extensions at their players.

Paul Franks, who previously "challenged" himself to remain at Nottinghamshire for the remainder of his career, has secured a new contract at Trent Bridge, meaning that the cricketer will be able to extend his tenure at the club until at least 2013. The all-rounder says that he is "proud" to remain at Notts. Those betting online will be keeping an eye on him.

Heading south; bowler, Tim Philips, has signed an improved deal at Essex. The 30-year-old is a prolific spinner, taking 26 wickets in Twenty20 tournaments last season. His one-day successes are likely the reason for Essex's decision to keep him on the books for another year, but Paul Grayson, chief at the cricket side, says that he wants Philips to "push on" with his four-day cricket.

At Derbyshire, young starlet, Peter Burgoyne, has penned a contract keeping him in the Midlands for the next two years. However, the 17-year-old will not play as a professional until 2013. Burgoyne, described as "refreshingly fearless" by coach, Karl Krikken, is tied to a summer contract, while he completes his education. Pundits like Michael Vaughan will be keeping an eye on his progress.

Two more changes of note; Tim Linley, bowler at Surrey, walked away from the negotiating table with a new two year deal, while opening batsman, Karl Turner, who is Franks' team mate at Notts, has signed a one year contract, following a successful trial period. "We feel that he is a player who could develop, given an opportunity," Notts boss, Mick Newell, said, of Turner.

Ponting needs to help Australia revival

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:48:00 +0000

Ricky Ponting insists he is enjoying being one of the Australia squad, without the pressure of captaincy, and he can play a pivotal role in helping the team go forward.

Many felt when Ponting stepped down as skipper following the home Ashes defeat to England that was the end of his illustrious career, but the battler continues to fight on.

'Punter' has never been a player to accept things and roll over in defeat, with his Test figures highlighting the type of batsman he has been for his country. Over 12,400 Test runs and an average of 53.26, tells its own story!

At the age of 36, the Tasmanian still has plenty to offer and could yet play on for another three or four years at the top level – and Australia need him to. People looking at the mobile sports betting will know this.

The drubbing by England in 2010-11 may have finished off some players, but Ponting is determined to bounce back and drag the youngsters with him, as the Baggy Greens look to recover and compete with the world's best again.

An outstanding knock of 63 in the rain-affected 1st ODI with South Africa at Centurion highlighted how much his country still needs him and the veteran appears happy to continue. People betting online should remember this.

Ponting said: "I'm a lot more relaxed with the things I can do outside of the training paddock. When I get back to the hotel, it's pretty much just my time and catching up with the boys."

"What I'm trying to do now is spend as much time as I can with the young guys, away from the cricket ground as well, learn a bit about them and try and help them to learn as fast as possible."

Bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, at the age of just 18 and 20 respectively, were surprise inclusions in the latest squad and Ponting says he has been impressed with both players.

They couldn't have a better mentor than a man who has been there and won everything there is to win in cricket and Ponting remains keen to help the team progress.

Aussie coach steps down

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:18:00 +0000

Tim Nielsen has announced he is stepping down from his role as head coach of the Australian cricket team after four years of 'living the dream'.

The 43-year-old confirmed his departure after his side's draw in the final test of the series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, a result which means the team have won nine series out of 15 since the London-born coach took over. Those looking at the mobile betting will know that's not a bad return.

Nielsen says he decided to quit after being told he would have to reapply for his job after the Australian Cricket board announced they were restricting the management team and admits that despite the disappointment of not being offered a new contract, it may just be the right time to walk away from the job.

"Unfortunately I wasn't good enough to play cricket for Australia, so I've been living the dream. This has been the greatest job that I could do," said Nielsen.

"I'm very proud of the fact that I've been able to do it for the past four years, which I feel is a long term in international sport."

Nielsen has had a relatively successful time as coach of his country but unfortunately he'll always be remembered for his side's disappointed 3-1 Ashes defeat against England earlier this year. That loss has prompted the board's decision to change the selection panel with head of selectors Andrew Hilditch and selector Greg Chappell also falling foul of the changes. People who bet on sports will be keeping a close eye on the shake up.

However, the experience hasn't deterred him and he says he will be looking for other opportunities within the game."I'm a cricket coach, I'm a cricket person. I certainly will be looking at other opportunities and seeing what's out there," he added.

Australia name final Test side

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Australia have left both Ryan Harris and Usman Khawaja out of the final test against Sri Lanka starting in Colombo on Friday.

Paceman Harris has been one of the stars of the series so far, taking 11 wickets in the first two tests of the series and is now being rested because of a slight hamstring strain. Peter Siddle comes in as his replacement while the return of former captain Ricky Ponting means Khawaja drops out.

Ponting missed the drawn second test after returning home to Australia for the birth of his second child and his replacement Shaun Marsh marked the occasion by scoring a century. It means Marsh keeps his place in the side in place of Khawaja who has only managed to score 60 so-far in the series. Fans of mobile betting wouldn't have been surprised by this move.

The Australians go into the final match holding a 1-0 lead after dominating the series so-far, winning the first and only being foiled by rain and bad light in the second while holding a commanding lead. The sports betting online suggests they should win the series.

Skipper Michael Clarke is understandably delighted with the form of his side and says he's delighted with the return of Ponting but admits it was also tough to leave out Khawaja.

"It's brilliant to have Ricky back, he was always going to walk back into the team," Clarke told reporters.

"It is hard for Uzzie (Khawaja). It's obviously been a tough selection, but with Shaun making 141 on debut, it was really hard to leave him out."
Clarke added that resting Harris was a precautionary measure to make sure he's fit for the side's upcoming schedule which includes test series against South Africa, New Zealand and India.

One Day success the next step for England

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:05:00 +0000

Andy Flower is right to turn attention to England's One Day team. The Test team is evidently in good order and with Twenty20 success ticked off the list of goals, improvement in the 50-over format is the logical next target.

For all England's recent success, their World Cup campaign in the subcontinent was as abject as many of the preceding ones. The team's performance at the showpiece event in cricket was at least four years in planning, yet they ended up switching wicketkeeper and opening partnership on the eve of the tournament. Squad reserves were brought in for first choice selections in crucial matches and the online betting shows how this hurt them.

Looking too far ahead is foolhardy, so the near future should be the priority. The installation of Alastair Cook as captain is enough of a statement of forward planning, so all eyes should be on the forthcoming series against the world champions, who are unlikely to be as accommodating as they have been in Tests.

Much of the team picks itself, despite the selection confusion in India and Sri Lanka. Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell and Eoin Morgan are an in-form middle order to compliment the anchor role provided by Cook. James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan and Graeme Swann are instant bowling selections.

A firm decision on the keeper needs to be made. There must be a temptation to yet again try and convert Matt Prior's superb Test form into the ODI arena, especially as Craig Kieswetter's technique is susceptible at international level. This series might define the Somerset man's career. The Betfair Ambassadors certainly think so.

The fifth bowler is the hardest role to fill. Bresnan, Broad and Swann are capable enough with the bat to fill numbers seven to nine in the order, so the need for the fifth bowler to be handy with the bat is less crucial. Chris Tremlett's form demands he has another chance, but Chris Woakes has shown enough promise to try and oust Jade Dernbach, who needs a better grasp of the basics to go alongside his variations.

Hildreth Praises County Youngsters

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:04:00 +0000

Third place Somerset have an "exciting future" in the County Championship, according to batsman, James Hildreth. The 26-year-old believes that the likes of Lewis Gregory and Alex Barrow, described as promising "young lads" by Hildreth, will ensure that Somerset can compete at the top level into the next decade.

Somerset are contesting the Clydesdale Bank 40 (CB40), at present, and stand two points ahead of Essex, at the top of Group C. Those following the cricket betting will know how good they look.

The Taunton-based club is ostensibly using the CB40 event as a 'showcase' for emerging talent. The club has added 19-year-old Craig Meschede and Essex-born batsman, Chris Jones, to their team sheets, in order to give the pair some experience in major competition.

Alex Barrow and 'pace man', Lewis Gregory, have also made appearances in Somerset's CB40 campaign.

"They have all shown they can cut it in first-class cricket", Hildreth said. "It's good for the squad because it's putting pressure on people that are currently in the first team." The cricketer is likely hoping that the threat of replacement by a younger player will prevent Somerset's senior cricketers becoming complacent on the pitch.

Somerset's first team includes some of the best cricketers in England, namely, Marcus Trescothick, Craig Kieswetter, and Peter Trego. Fans of Betfair Michael Vaughan will know how good these players are.

The club are unbeaten in one-day competition, such as the CB40. "We are very confident as a team with our roles", explained Hildreth. The Milton Keynes-born player praised Trescothick and Kieswetter for helping the side get off to "electric starts" in matches; the duo sit in first and second place in the batting order, respectively.

Somerset will play Glamorgan on Sunday 14 August. The match, which is a CB40 fixture, will be followed by two games against Nottinghamshire, on Monday and Wednesday.

England in control at Edgbaston

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:27:00 +0000

The Indian cricket team is floundering against England at Edgbaston, losing eight wickets on the first day of the third Test. The tourists looked truly awful before being spared by an attack from team captain, M.S. Dhoni.

Dhoni hit 77 runs from 96 balls at the end of the first innings, to increase India's score from a miserable 111-7, to 224 all-out. Dhoni scored an impressive 39 more runs than the next-highest scorer, 29-year-old, Gautam Gambhir, with 38 from 64 balls. Those who bet on cricket matches will know that sort of thing just isn't good enough.

The development will no doubt concern fans in Asia, who have already had to contend with two humiliating losses at the hands of England, at Lord's Cricket Ground and Trent Bridge, in the first and second Test, respectively. The home team's margin of victory currently stands at 515 runs for the two matches combined.
A win at Edgbaston in the third Test will elevate England to the coveted top spot on the Reliance ICC Team Rankings and the Michael Vaughan tips suggest this will happen.

Strauss' England team has been described as "pretty ruthless" this year. The opening day in Birmingham proved a fine demonstration of the side's lack of mercy for their opponents. Stuart Broad and last-minute arrival, Tim Bresnan, took four wickets each to flatten Indian hopes.

"There was a broad smile on Strauss' face as he walked off [after the first innings]", explained cricket pundit, Vic Marks. However, the same commentator noted that England had been "impressive, but slightly disappointing"; the home team's supremacy is ostensibly a product of India's sluggish batting, rather than England's rampaging fielders.

England is currently 130 for 0 at Edgbaston. Strauss has claimed 75 runs from 133 balls (as of 12:43), while Alistair Cook is at 41 runs for 117 balls.

Aussie skipper wary of spin

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:41:00 +0000

Australia captain Michael Clarke reckons spin is going to be a massive factor in his side's upcoming battles with Sri Lanka and his team must improve if they wish to prevail.

The two nations are meeting in Twenty20, one-day and Tests matches, with Australia already having gone down 2-0 in the two-match Twenty20 series. Those following the cricket odds will be wondering if they can bounce back.

In the second match, spin king Ajantha Mendis claimed a world record six-wicket haul and Clarke is hoping his side can stand up better to such bowling when the 50-over one-day series begins.

But Australia are a team suffering for form, as they are coming off their 3-1 Ashes reverse last winter, and have looked to revitalise their fortunes by calling up a host of younger players to bring through a new generation. The cricket betting promotions show they need improvement from somewhere.

At least Clarke, who takes over the captaincy from T20 skipper Cameron White, can bring senior batsmen Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey back into the side as Australia look to prove their mettle in the one-day series before the vital three Tests.

"We will get a lot of spin to face. If we are to win the series we have to play spin well," said the skipper.

"If we play our best cricket there is no reason why we can't win the series."

Clarke has described Mendis as a "good bowler in all forms of the game" and the Sri Lanka spinner looks likely to play a major part in the upcoming one-day and Test series between the sides.

India hit by Sehwag blow

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:36:00 +0000

India are not sure when Virender Sehwag will join up with their squad in England, but the batsman will miss the first two Tests.

The 32-year-old missed the recent tour of the West Indies after having an operation on his shoulder, although it was originally thought he would be fit for the first Test against England.

But Indian officials say his recovery if taking longer than expected and they await further news on his progress. People looking at the India cricket betting will know what a big miss he'll be.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admits Sehwag will be a big loss for the tourists and coach Duncan Fletcher says they have heard that he "maybe over for the third and fourth Test".

The opener is expected to be replaced by Abhinav Mukund for the opening two Tests – at Lord’s and Trent Bridge – after impressing in the Caribbean.

Mukund scored a half-century (62) in the third Test against the Windies and is likely to be asked to open with the ever-impressive Gautam Gambhir.

Dhoni admits that India are a team that "relies on the openers quite a bit" and feels a good start will help them "capitalise with the middle order".

The India skipper added: "There aren't many cricketers in the world who can have the impact he (Sehwag) can. Of course we'll miss him, but the good thing for Indian cricket is it gives a chance to a youngster like Mukund."

The first of four Tests begins at Lord’s on Thursday July 21, with the two teams then doing battle at Trent Bridge, Edgbaston and The Oval, before one Twenty20 international and five ODIs.

Warks vs MCC Universities SEC

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Davies) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:17:00 +0000

With my car needing to go to the garage for its MOT i have had the day off today and this morning i went along to Edgbaston to catch the morning session of day 3 of the Second Eleven Championship game between the Warwickshire 2nd XI and MCC Universities. Of course there is another cricket match going on somewhere but this was more fun. I took my camera along and took a few photos which you can see in the slideshow or you can view the full set here.

Afterwards in town i had another lovely coffee at 6/8 Kafé which has become my favourite coffee shop in the whole world already.

Donald backs England for top spot

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:30:00 +0000

Former South Africa bowler Allan Donald says England deserve to replace India at the world's top ranked Test nation.

England are currently engaged in a series with the Indians and lead 1-0 after winning the opening test by 196 runs at Lord's and if they win the series by two Tests or more they will rise to the top of the rankings. Those looking at the England cricket betting wouldn't be surprised if this happened.

England are currently on an impressive streak of results having recently beating Sri Lanka to follow up their impressive 3-1 win in the Ashes over the winter and Donald believes this proves that they deserves to be at the top of the standings.

"England deserve to be the number one, there's no question about it," Donald told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"They are a good side, they're progressing every game. They're progressing as a really good unit."

Donald was England's bowling coach in 2007 and believes they currently have the best attack in world cricket, and those who bet on Test cricket may agree. Donald recently took over as bowling coach of his own nation and his claims could have a major impact on his bowlers.

Currently there is a debate throughout cricket over whether England or the Proteas have the best bowlers but Donald believes there is no doubt that James Anderson, Chris Tremlett, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann are the best group of bowlers.

"Chris Tremlett, Broad, Anderson and Graeme Swann are fantastic. Then you've got a few more in the bank - Tim Bresnan still in the wings," he added.
"It's amazing how the guys have grown since 2007. Anderson has led the attack with absolute disdain."

Clydesdale Bank 40 gets interesting

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:01:00 +0000

The Clydesdale Bank 40 has been in action over the weekend with six games happening on Sunday as well as a game between Northamptonshire and Hampshire on Monday.
In group A Sussex beat Worcestershire by eight wickets to go top of the table with a game in-hand. The loss for Worcestershire leaves them rooted to the bottom of the table having only won one game from seven matches. Also in group A Derbyshire saw of Kent by 31-runs to go just one point behind Sussex and Middlesex at the top of the league. Those looking at the Betfair betting online will know just how close things are.

In group B Surrey extended their unbeaten run at the top of the table seeing off Warwickshire by three wickets. Surrey are currently on a seven match unbeaten run in the Clydesdale Bank 40 and are looking like one of the better teams in the competition. In the same league Leicestershire beat Northamptonshire by five wickets to record their second win in the Clydesdale bank 40 putting them fifth in the league. A disappointing performance by Northamptonshire caused them to lose ground on the two leaders of the group, Surrey and Durham. Fans of cricket betting will be expecting them to bounce back.

In group C the most exciting match was between Nottinghamshire and Gloucestershire. In the end Nottinghamshire won by 19-runs however the match wasn’t settled until the final over where Gloucestershire failed to make the runs needed. The win for Nottinghamshire lifts them into a clear third place, whereas the defeat for Gloucestershire means they stay in sixth place just one place of the bottom. In the other match in group C Lancashire thrashed the Unicorns by eight wickets confirming their inconsistency having won three matches but also losing three matches. The Unicorns have yet to win a match and remain cut a drift at the bottom of the table.

Hayden comes out of retirement

noreply@blogger.com (guestblogger) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:38:00 +0000

Former Australia opening batsmen Matthew Hayden has announced he is coming out of retirement to play for the Brisbane Heat in the Twenty20 Big Bash League in December.
The new look competition is hoping to attract the same attention that the likes of the Indian Premier League has received and recruiting a player of Hayden's stature will only help the organisers. Those following the cricket betting will also be keeping an eye on things.

the 39-year-old retired from international cricket after an illustrious career which saw him play 103 tests and win two world cups. Hayden finished his career in fitting style by helping the Chennai Kings to win the 2010 Champions League after being the leading scorer in the 2009 IPL.

Since his retirement, Hayden has set-up his own leisure company and is expected to purchase a stake in the franchise as well as provide sponsorship to the side and believes that the new competition could breathe life into the Australian game as well as helping his business interests.

"Now is the time to start turning up the Heat," Hayden said Monday. "T20 brings a new energy to the sporting landscape in a space I refer to as 'critainment.'

"T20 is now at the forefront of the development and expansion of our great game, both domestically and internationally. An 8-team Big Bash League structure has re-launched my interest as a highly viable business decision."

Tipsters like Betfair's Michael Vaughan will no doubt be keeping an eye on things.

The Heat will be coached by Hayden's former teammate Darren Lehmann and have already confirmed the signings of experienced internationals Daniel Vettori and Brendan McCullum to their line-up ahead of the event.