Sangakkara urges Sri Lankan bowlers to improve

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara urged his bowlers to stem the flow of runs in the first 15 overs despite comfortable wins for his team in both of their World Cup warm-up matches.Sri Lanka produced another near-perfect show against the West Indies with a four-wicket win at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday, following their 156-run thrashing of the Netherlands."It's good to have won both the warm-up matches," said Sangakkara after the match."I think there is still a lot of work to be done, mainly the first 15 overs. They were a worry and they were not good enough for World Cup cricket."
Chris Gayle (58) and Darren Bravo (54) helped propel the West Indies to 281 with a second-wicket partnership of 85, with Gayle hitting eight fours and a six during his quickfire 38-ball knock.Bravo added 74 for the third wicket with Ramnaresh Sarwan (39) before paceman Lasith Malinga (3-33) and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath (3-39) checked the West Indies' progress.Sangakkara (71), Tillakaratne Dilshan (62) and Thilan Samaraweera (55) made sure Sri Lanka go into their first World Cup match -- against Canada on February 20 -- full of confidence but the skipper eyed improvements."I think we should have chased it down with one or two wickets less than we did, but I think mentally we are slightly better chasing under lights now probably than a few years ago."West Indian captain Darren Sammy felt his team should have scored more runs after Gayle gave them a good start."We should have scored more runs than we did, because we were well placed after 15 overs and then got some key wickets when they chased, but we didn't finish it off, that's what we should do when we play the main tournament," he said.The West Indies face a tough opening game in Group B, against South Africa in New Delhi on February 24, but Sammy believes his team is battle ready.
"We know what we need to do and whether it's the first match or the last in the group, we need to give it the best," said Sammy.The 14-team World Cup starts with a clash between India and Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.

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All-rounders will play crucial role: Simmons

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ireland coach and former West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons feels that all-rounders will play a decisive role in the World Cup.The 47-year-old Trinidadian said all-rounders play a pivotal role in all forms of cricket, more so in the World Cup."All-rounders are important in all forms of the game and in the World Cup they can be game changers. Teams that have good all-rounders can add an extra batsman or a bowler in the eleven," Simmons, himself an explosive all-rounder, told IANS over phone from Nagpur.Simmons picked up Abdul Razzaq, Shane Watson and Yuvraj Singh as the all-rounders to watch out for in the World Cup."Razzaq, Yuvraj and Shane will be the all-rounders who can destroy any team if you give them an inch. I think these three players will be crucial to Pakistan, Australia and India's chances of making the semi-finals. They will not only add depth to the team's batting, but will also allow their captains to strengthen the bowling as well," he said.Asked about West Indies' Chris Gayle, Simmons said: "The cricket world is well aware of his destructive nature. But the problem about Gayle is that he is not consistent. Much will depend on Gayle, if West Indies are to make at least the quarterfinals stage."Simmons, who made his debut in the 1987 World Cup in the sub-continent, knows conditions here will be challenging for Ireland, who shocked Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, on way to the second round."Playing in the sub-continent is always challenging. But I have always enjoyed playing here. I still remember the 1987 World Cup. In my debut match I hit 50 in Lahore, but lost to Pakistan by one run. It wasn't a memorable World Cup for us. Playing in the sub-continent is a tough job and you need patience," said Simmons.Though not expecting Ireland to create another shock this time, Simmons is confident that the Irish won't be pushovers either.
"I am not expecting anything from Ireland. We had an advantage in 2007 since we were an unknown entity. This time it would be tough, but I can tell you we won't be pushovers either," said Simmons.He knows that it will be tough for Ireland as they are in a group that comprises favourites India, South Africa, England, West Indies, the Netherlands and Bangladesh."We are in a tough group and we have prepared hard. We know it won't be easy for us and we have to play hard cricket. We have a balanced squad and the players have a fair experience of playing at the international level. We can't be thinking of results. We have to take one match at a time. We have to just give our best on the very day and results will be taken care of," he said.Simmons also said that home conditions will make India the favourites, but it won't be easy for them."India surely are the favourites. They have a strong batting line-up and the advantage of home conditions. But it won't be easy for them," he said.Asked if the Indian Premier League (IPL) has robbed India of the home advantage, Simmons said: "Not exactly. Because even before the IPL, a lot of international cricket was being played and players had a fair knowledge of the conditions. It is good to have the knowledge, but tough to implement it."

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Broad halts Canada's spirited charge

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Canada put up a spirited performance but still fell short by 16 runs against England in its final warm-up match before ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
Stuart Broad with a spell of 5-37 starred in England's win.England opted to bat and posted 243 in 49.4 overs and Canada in its reply was bowled out for 227 in 46.1 overs.England opened with Kevin Pietersen, but lost wickets at regular intervals. It required another responsible innings from Jonathan Trott (57: 81b, 4x4) to steady the ship.Later, wicketkeeper Matt Prior rallied the lower order with his 80-ball 78 (4x4, 1x6). Henry Osinde (2-42), Khurram Chohan (3-34), Harvir Singh Baidwan (3-50) and Khurram Chohan (3-34) shared the wickets around.In its chase, Canada had slipped to 28 for 5, but lower-order batted superbly to bring the side back into the contest.Rizwan Cheema (93: 71b, 10x4, 5x6) teamed up with Zubin Surkari (22) first. Then Cheema added 60 runs with Chohan (44: 74b, 3x4, 1x6) for the seventh wicket.But after Cheema fell, Chohan held the innings together with the tail. In the end, England's spinners backed Broad's opening spell well to script a win.
For England, Michael Yardy, James Tredwell and Paul Collingwood picked up a wicket each. Ajmal Shahzad was the other successful bowler with 2-44.

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Boundaries for Books campaign to 'hit illiteracy for a six'

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Reliance Life Insurance has joined hands with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Room to Read - a global non-profit organization committed to promoting literacy and gender equality in education, to launch the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign.Reliance Life Insurance, in a first-of-its-kind initiative - 'Boundaries for Books' - will contribute Rs. 25,000 for every six hit during the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. This donation will be made to Room to Read, towards establishing libraries and providing local language and English books to underserved children across India. Every single six will ensure that at least 30 children get access to fully functional libraries with books and trained teachers, thereby catalyzing a long-term revolution amongst young minds that will lead the future of India.Cricket fans and the public in general will have the opportunity to contribute to this fight against illiteracy, through convenient payment gateways, details of which will be announced shortly.The announcement, which builds on the ICC's partnership with Room to Read that was unveiled last week, has received the support of a number of high profile players. These include Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews and Australia's Shane Watson, who have become the first cricketers to become global Room to Read Ambassadors, while the likes of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Dale Steyn have all recorded promotional messages for the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign."Reliance Life Insurance is delighted to launch the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign in association with ICC and Room to Read to hit illiteracy for a six. Introducing the minds of disadvantaged young children to the enchanting world of books and the learnings they will get from that rare experience is a joy and privilege for us", said Amitabh Jhunjhunwala, Vice-Chairman, Reliance Capital Ltd.
India captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who along with the other 14 members of India's ICC Cricket World Cup squad have recorded promotional messages for Room to Read, added: "The 'Boundaries for Books' campaign is an opportunity for all of India to get involved and bring their love of their country and love of cricket together for the betterment of our children. If every six I hit will allow children to access books and libraries, then there is no better inspiration for me to play my best!"John Wood, Room to Read Founder and Board Chair, stated "It is a matter of great pride that prominent organisations like Reliance Life Insurance and the International Cricket Council are partnering with us to combat the significant challenge of illiteracy. These organisations are investing their resources in building awareness and making a change. Room to Read is honoured to be a part of this campaign and looks to all cricket fans to play a role in ensuring that the next generation can build their futures on the foundations of a quality education."Australia all-rounder and Room to Read Ambassador, Shane Watson said, "I am honoured to be associated with Room to Read and the 'Boundaries for Books' campaign during this year's ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. I first got into reading when I was about eighteen, and I now realise how important it is for everybody to have the opportunity to have access to books. Room to Read is making reading a reality for millions of children - as they say 'World Change Starts with Educated Children'- and I am committed to helping this organisation reach as many children as they possibly can."Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka all-rounder and Room to Read Ambassador said, "From the time the tsunami hit Sri Lanka, Room to Read has been with our children, ensuring quality education programs across the country. As an ambassador of this cause, I ask each of you to get involved and do what you can to make sure that the next generation is empowered with an education."Reliance Big FM, with a special 'Hit illiteracy for a Six' segment, Big Cinema, Big CBS and various other Reliance ADA Group platforms will be used to reach across the masses. Prizes for top donors - such as invitations to an exclusive Reliance event in Mumbai with cricketers and other prominent personalities, signed memorabilia, photo opportunities and other incentives - will help propel the cause.

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ICC chief hits out at Butt TV role

Updated at: 1937 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
DUBAI: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has slammed the appointment of banned former captain Salman Butt as a television pundit during the World Cup.So incensed are the global governing body, they have asked the lawyer who was chairman of the tribunal that banned Butt to determine whether his employment by the television channel contravenes the terms of the opening batsman's 10-year ban, five of which have been suspended.Lorgat, in a statement issued after an ICC executive board meeting here on Wednesday, said: "The Board, having a zero tolerance attitude towards corruption, expressed disappointment at the decision by a television channel to employ the suspended Mr Salman Butt as a studio pundit during the World Cup."Butt, when his TV role was announced earlier this month, said: "I have signed a contract with a television channel to do expert commentary.
"As I am not playing in the event I thought it was worth participating as an expert," he added.
The 26-year-old player said he could no reason why hoped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC would object to his new role."I don't see any reason for objection to it as it does not come under their jurisdiction."But Lorgat made it clear on Wednesday the ICC did object."We are not satisfied with this appointment and we have written to Tribunal chairman Michael Beloff QC to enquire whether this could be viewed as a breach against the terms of his suspended sentence," the South African said. (AFP)

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I hid wife in hotel room cupboard, reveals Saqlain

 Updated at: 1939 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
KARACHI: Former Pakistan spin bowler Saqlain Mushtaq revealed Wednesday he smuggled his wife into his hotel room and hid her in a cupboard the day before the 1999 World Cup final in London.

"It was a double trouble for all of us because the management had barred us from keeping our wives with us and on the other hand people accused us of going out with girls, so I breached the code by asking my wife to stay with me," Saqlain said.

"My wife Sana was with me in the room when the management decided to have a check on the players whether they were in the room or not, so I had to lock Sana in the cupboard, but I had to do that otherwise I would have been punished."

Saqlain was one of the top off-spinners in his prime and was credited with inventing the "doosra" -- a delivery which spins the opposite way from normal off-spin.

Saqlain said he was forced to keep his wife with him as a lot of people accused the Pakistani players of going out with girls.

"At one point of time my wife, because she was with me in the hotel during the World Cup, saved me from a group of women who was alleging that they saw me with another girl, so keeping wife in the hotel came out to be a blessing," he said.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has admitted worries over bowler Shoaib Akhtar's poor form ahead of the 2011 World Cup that has left the team's pace attack without a spearhead.

But Saqlain said the tournament was open and any of the top six teams could lift the trophy.

"My prayers are always with Pakistan which is a very dangerous team, but any of the top six teams can win the trophy," said Saqlain, 34. (AFP)

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India to take on New Zealand today

Updated at: 1144 PST,  Wednesday, February 16, 2011
CHENNAI: India must raise their World Cup intensity, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Tuesday, with star batsman Sachin Tendulkar poised to play a crucial role.India, strong favourites to win the showpiece tournament, stuttered in their warm-up game against defending champions Australia in Bangalore on Sunday before pulling off an unlikely 38-run win.The Indians take on New Zealand in their second and final practice match on Wednesday in Chennai ahead of their tournament opener against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday.Tendulkar missed the win over Australia, a legacy of the hamstring injury that forced him to cut short his participation in the one-day series in South Africa last month.
But he came through a long net session on Tuesday and is poised to open the batting against the Black Caps in what will be only his third one-dayer since his historic double-century against South Africa in Gwalior a year ago."Of course we did not have a very good game against Australia," Dhoni said."We needed a partnership but that did not happen and we could not score big."The lower order helped and added some 45-odd runs. But at 214 we did not have a par score on the board. We want to score more runs in the warm-up and try various bowling options."We need to pick up intensity as we progress into the World Cup."
Dhoni said the performance of spinners in the game against Australia had opened up his options.
Leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, a surprise inclusion in India's squad, picked up 4-31 in nine overs and off-break bowler Harbhajan Singh took 3-15 from five."We have a very good side," said Dhoni. "That is what I have said always. I don't believe in comparisons. We have a mix of players who are very good."But obviously what we have on paper is not important, it is what we do on the field which matters. We need to see what the conditions are and pick our best 11 accordingly."Dhoni said bowling spearhead Zaheer Khan would be rested for Wednesday's warm-up to allow him to be fresh for the tournament opener. The left-arm paceman had missed out on the Australia game as well."He has a very mild groin strain. It is nothing to worry about. It is just that we want to give him rest. He will definitely play against Bangladesh."The Indian skipper, leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, also said his team will treat New Zealand with respect despite their recent poor form in one-dayers in the sub-continent."They don't depend on any one particular player. They have some very talented players. When we talk about New Zealand we talk about their contributive effort rather than singling out players."India, winners in 1983, are placed in Group B with England, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, the West Indies and Ireland. (AFP)

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