Akhtar dope-tested ahead of World Cup

Updated at: 1158 PST,  Thursday, February 17, 2011
DHAKA: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal were some of the first players to be taken for random dope testing ahead of the World Cup, a source said on Thursday.
Akhtar, 35, and Akmal, 29, were tested after a practice session on Wednesday by the International Cricket Council's drug inspectors, the source said."It's normal to test players before and during a tournament," he said. "Nothing fishy about it. Others will also be tested."Akhtar, recalled for the World Cup after being out of action for a major part of the last three years due to a spate of injuries, tested positive for a banned drug nandrolone in 2006.Pakistan face England in a practice match in the Bangladeshi town of Fatullah on Friday, a game the ageing Akhtar needs to perform in to make the team for their World Cup opener agaainst Kenya on February 23.Akhtar did not bowl against Bangladesh on Tuesday with coach Waqar Younis admitting the fast bowler had yet to regain full fitness.Akhtar, who last played a Test match in 2007, has claimed 244 one-day wickets in 160 matches at an average of 24.78.He was picked for the recent tour of New Zealand where he "improved in patches," according to Waqar.
"Shoaib is not in touch at the moment," the fast bowling great said. "It is important he gets into full throttle before we get him into the side." (AFP)

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WC opening ceremony today

Updated at: 1016 PST,  Thursday, February 17, 2011
DHAKA: The biggest event of the cricket- the World Cup - would open today with a gala opening ceremony here on Thursday.This evening all eyes are going to be glued on Bangabandhu National Stadium, where the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will kick off at 5:00 pm PST with a grand ceremony that is going to feature about 4,000 performers.The other host country Sri Lanka starts off its campaign against Canada in a Group 'A' encounter in Colombo on Sunday. For first time co-host Bangladesh, the honour has coincided with a historic occasion, as 2011 marks the silver jubilee of its first ever ODI game against Pakistan in 1986.Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, who have composed the official song for the World Cup, and Sonu Nigam will represent India while Runa Laila of the Dama dam mast kalandar fame and Mila, a local pop icon, will be the prominent Bangladeshis on display. Legendary Canadian singer Bryan Adams will add variety to what promises to be a spectacular show.The culture of Pakistan will not be seen at the over two-hour ceremony. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will declare open the 45-day tournament.

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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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Shehzad hands Pakistan morale-boosting win

Updated at: 2034 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
DHAKA: Ahmed Shehzad and Misbah-ul-Haq helped to put Pakistan's recent troubles behind them as the duo hit centuries to steer their team to a morale-boosting 89-run victory over Bangladesh in a World Cup warm up match on Tuesday.The win would have helped to put the players in the right frame of mind for the Feb 19-April 2 tournament after their recent on-field exploits were overshadowed by the ban handed to three former team mates for spot-fixing.Pakistan scored 285 for nine in their 50 overs before skittling out Bangladesh 196 in the 42nd over, with the hosts losing their last three wickets for the addition of just two runs.Bangladesh were put on the back foot from the start as they lost opener Tamim Iqbal when Abdul Razzaq knocked over his bails with the very first delivery.Shehzad made the most of benefitting from two dropped catches to hit 103 from 122 balls with a six and nine boundaries while Misbah smashed a 100-ball century with four sixes and eight fours.Suhrawadi Shuvo and Abdur Razzak dropped Shehzad while he was on 42 and 56 respectively, which allowed the match to swing Pakistan's way."I am not disappointed with the (dropped) catch by Razzak as he has never been our best fielder but the other catches which went down were disappointing," said Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons.Pakistan play their first World Cup Group A match against unfancied Kenya on Feb. 23 in Hambantota.Bangladesh meet fellow co-hosts India in Group B in the opening match of the tournament on Feb. 19 in Dhaka.

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Pakistan set 286-run target for Bangladesh

Updated at: 1949 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Brilliant centuries by opener Ahmed Shahzad and middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq helped Pakistan to set a difficult target of 286 for hosts Bangladesh in their warm-up match here on Tuesday.Pakistan piled up 285 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs after captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat on the slow wicket of the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Openers Mohammad Hafeez and Shahzad provided a good start making 42 runs before Hafeez was dismissed for 21.Later, Pakistan lost two more wickets for 16 runs as experienced batsmen Kamran Akmal and Younis Khan fell out cheaply.
Then, Shahzad was joined by vice-captain Misbah and both steered Pakistan to 210 before Shahzad departed. Both added 152 runs for the fourth wicket.Ahmed Shahzad made 103 off 122 balls with nine fours and a six.Misbah-ul-Haq also completed his hundred from 99 balls. He smashed four sixes and eight boundaries.After the two centurions got out no other batsman could make any significant score.For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan and Rubel Hossain were the most successful bowlers taking three wickets each.

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Pakistan bat against Bangladesh in warm-up

Updated at: 1906 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
MIRPUR, Bangladesh: Pakistan are batting in their first warm-up match, being played against Bangladesh here on Tuesday.Captain Shahid Afridi won the toss and elected to bat on the slow wicket of the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Shoaib Akhtar has been rested for today’s match.Teams:Pakistan: Shahid Afridi (captain), Misbah-ul-Haq, Hafeez Ahmed, Ahmed Shahzad, Younis Khan, Kamran Akmal (wk), Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz.Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Ashraful, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Naeem Islam, Mehmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Shafiul Islam, Rubel Hossain.

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Never-before riches for World Cup hopefuls

Updated at: 0826 PST,  Tuesday, February 15, 2011
DHAKA: World Cup contenders are set for a financial bonanza with a record prize money of eight million dollars on offer for cricket's latest showpiece event.It marks a rise of three million dollars from the previous 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, which itself was a five-fold increase from the 1999 edition in England.
The World Cup has come a long way since it was first held in England in 1975 with eight teams contesting just 15 matches over five playing days.Clive Lloyd's West Indians earned 4,000 pounds for winning the inaugural tournament, and took home 10,000 pounds after retaining the World Cup four years later.When Australia won their third successive title in the Caribbean in 2007, they carried home 2.2 million dollars, while losing finalists Sri Lanka pocketed a cool one million dollars.When the champions of the 43-day, 2011 edition are crowned one-day kings at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on April 2, they will receive 3.25 million dollars for their efforts.The losing team can console itself with 1.5 million dollars.With an additional 30,000 dollars kept aside for the winners of each first round match, the champions stand to gain another 180,000 dollars if they win all their six preliminary games.The two losing semi-finalists will take home 500,000 dollars each, while teams that are knocked out in the quarter-final stage will get 250,000 dollars each.The prize money does not include the share of the profits the International Cricket Council dishes out to all the 14 participating teams from its joint revenue pool.The financial bonanza for the February 17-April 2 event should not surprise anyone.India, co-hosts of the six-week tournament with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, are regarded as cricket's financial powerhouse generating nearly 70 percent of the sport's world revenues.Former Indian cricket chief Inderjit Singh Bindra said South Asia beat a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand for the 2011 event by promising higher profits."We assured them a profit of 400 million dollars," Bindra, who was one of the chief architects of the Asian bid and now works as an adviser with the ICC, said.

"No one can make money for cricket as India can."With the ICC expected to spend around 50 million dollars on the event, the tournament is already assured of a healthy balance sheet even before the first
ball is bowled.Cricket, with just 10 full member nations, is no match for football's money power where a prize fund of a whopping 420 million dollars was handed out for the last World Cup in South Africa.But officials at the ESPN-Star Sports network, who paid a billion dollars to be the ICC's official broadcasters from 2007 to 2015, are not complaining."There is nothing bigger in the world of cricket than the World Cup and when it is held in the subcontinent it evokes passion and excitement like none other," said the network's managing director Manu Sawhney."We have not only roped in several big sponsors like Pepsi, Sony, Nokia, Maruti Suzuki and Philips, but have received a positive feedback from other advertisers."ESPN-Star Sports have syndicated the coverage to 200 networks around the world, with all the 49 matches to be broadcast live in the High Definition (HD) format for the first time. (AFP)

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Pakistan to play tomorrow first warm-up against Bangladesh

Updated at: 1924 PST,  Monday, February 14, 2011
DHAKA: The participating teams of the ICC World Cup 2011 are playing warm-up matches before the mega event. Pakistan will play their first warm-up against co-host Bangladesh here tomorrow.Both teams will meet at 1-30 pm (Pakistan standard time) while Australia and South Africa will face each other at 2-00 pm (PST).Besides, two more warm-up matches will be played on the same day between Zimbabwe and Ireland at Nagpur, India, and Kenya and Holland at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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Waqar wants World Cup jinx broken

Updated at: 1453 PST,  Monday, February 14, 2011
COLOMBO: As a player, Waqar Younis had nothing but bad memories of the World Cup. Now as a coach, he has the challenge of turning around Pakistan's talented yet unpredictable team."Well, it's true that the World Cup hasn't been too kind to me, but that is motivation and challenge enough to fight on and take another chance as coach of a talented team which can win the tournament," Waqar said.Waqar, now 39, was regarded as one of the most potent fast bowlers in his prime, producing wicket-taking deliveries on any surface, the most notable being his toe-crushing yorker.Together with compatriot Wasim Akram, one of the best left-arm pacemen ever to have played cricket, Waqar formed a destructive new-ball pairing, fondly remembered as "two Ws", wrecking the best of batting line-ups on their day.Waqar was considered Pakistan's main weapon in the 1992 World Cup in Australia, but a week before the event started he had to return home in tears without playing a match due to injury."It was a nightmare to return with an injury," remembers Waqar."Yes, it does hurt sometimes that I wasn't part of it but I still remember going to Lahore airport to receive the winning team when they returned."It will always stay with me, the moment they arrived and I always cherish that great triumph of Pakistan."I had watched the World Cup at home in Lahore. Every single game was fun to watch and as we got into the later stages of the tournament it got very thrilling and that was the time when I missed it the most."But soon after Pakistan's win in the World Cup, Waqar recovered from injury and along with Wasim wreaked havoc in England, leading Pakistan to a 2-1 win in a Test series marred by allegations of ball-tampering.By 1996, Waqar had matured into a world class bowler, but his World Cup jinx continued.Pakistan, again title favourites in the event jointly hosted by them, India and Sri Lanka, crashed out in the quarter-finals.Up against their arch-rivals India in front of a vociferous Bangalore crowd, Waqar ran into free-stroking Indian batsman Ajay Jadeja who clobbered him for 22 runs in one of the death overs.Pakistan lost by 39 runs."That was one of those days when I couldn't control the aggression, but we could still have won the game had the batsmen capitalised on a good start," recalled Waqar.By 1999, he and Wasim developed some serious differences. Wasim preferred express paceman Shoaib Akhtar over Waqar, who managed to play just one match in the event held in England -- that too in an embarrassing defeat to minnows Bangladesh."Again, it was another forgetable event," said Waqar."I could play only one match, against Bangladesh, and we lost that match," said Waqar of the defeat, which was investigated for allegations of fixing.In 2001, the roll of the dice fell in Waqar's favour as he was appointed captain after his career was revived through notable performances ahead of the 2003 World Cup held in South Africa.But things didn't change as Pakistan crashed out in the first round after defeats against Australia, India and England."It was unfortunate that we couldn't manage to win any of these World Cups because we had the best teams from 1996-2003," said Waqar, who retired in 2004 after claiming 373 Test and 416 one-day wickets.During the 2007 World Cup, where Pakistan again crashed out in the first round, Waqar was busy changing his base from Lahore to Sydney and took over as coach in 2010.This time around, Waqar is very confident the World Cup jinx will be broken."In 1992, nobody thought that Pakistan would win the World Cup. This time the event is in our part of the world and we stand a very good chance."I would love to deliver the best I can as a coach this time and have ever-lasting memories of the event." (AFP)

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South Africa crush Zimbabwe in warm-up

Updated at: 1249 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
CHENNAI, India: Morne Morkel grabbed three wickets and Jacques Kallis hit an unbeaten 49 as South Africa raced to an emphatic eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in a World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.Paceman Morkel took 3-16 and Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir bagged 3-35 as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 152 after electing to bat in the day-night match in Chennai.
South Africa achieved the target with more than 26 overs to spare in the one-sided contest, with Hashim Amla (45), skipper Graeme Smith (41) and Kallis being the main run-scorers.All-rounder Kallis, who missed a recent home one-day series against India due to a rib injury, did not bowl but smashed three sixes and as many fours in his 39-ball knock.Amla played some handsome shots in his 33-ball cameo, hitting seven fours, while Smith hit one six and three fours in his 54-ball knock.South Africa were earlier well-served by Morkel and Tahir, who did not allow Zimbabwe to build a big partnership with their disciplined spells.The pair were backed by left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, who took two wickets, and off-spinner Johan Botha (1-18).Opener Brendan Taylor top-scored with 40 in a disappointing Zimbabwean batting performance. Sean Williams (35) and Charles Coventry (21) were the other main run-getters.South Africa are in Group B with India, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands, while Group A comprises Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya.Four teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.India meet Bangladesh in the opening World Cup match in Dhaka on February 19.

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Three-wicket Lee restricts India to 214

Updated at: 1807 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
BANGALORE: Brett Lee grabbed three wickets in a superb display of fast bowling to help Australia restrict hosts India to a modest 214 in a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday.Lee finished with 3-35 off 10 impressive overs as India were dismissed in the 45th over after electing to bat in a day-night match before a sizeable crowd at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.The paceman had Suresh Raina (12) caught behind for his first victim and then bowled Harbhajan Singh and Piyush Chawla to prove he is bang in form for the World Cup, which starts February 19.Lee was backed by John Hastings (2-24). Australia's only concern was 25 runs they conceded in wides, with off-song paceman Mitchell Johnson giving away 10.Opener Virender Sehwag gave a good account of himself in India's below-par batting performance, top-scoring with a 56-ball 54 with one six and eight fours. He fell soon after reaching his half-century with a six over long-off, inside-edging off-spinner Jason Krejza's delivery on to his stumps.India, who rested batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar, struggled against pace. Yusuf Pathan (32), Ravichandran Ashwin (25 not out) and Virat Kohli (21) were the only other batsmen to cross the 20-mark.Pathan smashed two sixes off spinner David Hussey before falling in the same over, caught by Krejza in the deep. Kohli looked like steadying the innings after opener Gautam Gambhir's early dismissal but was caught at point by Hussey while attempting to drive Hastings. He added 42 for the second wicket with Sehwag.Since the practice match does not have an official status, each team can use 15 players, but only 11 will bat and field.(AFP)

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Pakistan desperate for World Cup glory

Updated at: 1557 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
DHAKA: Pakistan must clinch the World Cup if they are to win back their fans, paceman Shoaib Akhtar said on Sunday as his team try to emerge from the damaging spot-fixing scandal.Pakistan have endured a troubled build-up to the tournament after former captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif were banned on charges of corruption during the Lord's Test against England last year."Obviously we are very hurt inside by whatever has happened to us," Akhtar, 35, told reporters in Dhaka. "Pakistan need to win this World Cup at any cost. It will bring the charm back for people in Pakistan."The fast bowler said his team had enough bowling resources at their disposal despite the absence of the new-ball pair Aamer and Asif."We are unfortunate that they are not there," he said. "But what can we do now? We have got to move on. I think whatever pace attack we have is good enough to win matches."We have the bowlers who can bowl at the death and we can restrict the sides. The main thing is that the ball is going to reverse swing as the match progresses. That is where I think Pakistan's strength lies."Akhtar said he was confident of rattling up a good pace as he used to when at his prime."I still bowl 150 kph (93 mph). Obviously when you are 26 and 36, it's a bit different. I will try to do as well as I can with whatever ability I have. I am going to push my limits and give it all to the team."Akhtar, who missed the last World Cup in the wake of a doping ban and fitness problems, also said he was looking forward to a likely duel with India's Sachin Tendulkar."We all know he is a great player. Every bowler gets hit. Even Brett Lee gets hit a long way, so I am now worried about being hit for sixes by Tendulkar. I have got him off the first ball too."Not only Sachin, we will try to get other key players early because they can single-handedly win matches. Put them under pressure, and get them out early -- that's what I will like to do."India and Pakistan have been placed in different groups for the tournament, beginning in Dhaka on February 19.The 14 teams have been divided into two groups for the initial round-robin league, with the top four from each half advancing to the quarter-finals.

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India elect to bat in Aussie warm-up

Updated at: 1521 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
BANGALORE: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni elected to bat after winning the toss against Australia in a World Cup warm-up match on Sunday.Since the practice match does not have an official status, each team can use 15 players, but only 11 will bat and field.
Defending champions Australia are in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya, while Group B comprises India, South Africa, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.Four teams from each group will advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra,
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla, Ravichandran Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Sachin Tendulkar.Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine, Steve Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger, Callum Ferguson.Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Richard Kettleborough (ENG), TV umpire: Amiesh Saheba (IND) Match referee: Ranajan Madugalle (SL)

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New Zealand down fighting Ireland

Updated at: 1345 PST,  Sunday, February 13, 2011
NAGPUR: New Zealand posted a 32-run win after surviving a scare from a feisty Ireland in their high-scoring World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.Martin Guptill struck a fine 130 off 134 balls as New Zealand racked up 311-6 in the day-night game at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur before bowling out Ireland for 279 off 48.2 overs.Ireland enjoyed a flying start to their chase, with captain and opening batsman William Porterfield hammering a 74-ball 72 containing eight fours and a six.Left-hander Ed Joyce hit 41 off 53 balls to keep Ireland in the hunt after Porterfield's dismissal in the 23rd over but the total proved too much for his team in the end Joyce had switched allegiance to England in 2006 and was part of their World Cup squad in the Caribbean a year later but is now back with his native Ireland.Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori picked four wickets for 42 runs off his 10 overs and fast bowler Kyle Mills chipped in with 3-52.Put in to bat, New Zealand lost attacking opener Brendon McCullum (one) cheaply to seamer Boyd Rankin, but Guptill ensured a huge total with his attacking knock, containing 12 fours and three sixes.
Guptill, set to play in his first World Cup, found strong support from the middle-order comprising Jesse Ryder (48), Ross Taylor (33) and James Franklin (49).Ireland bowlers leaked 61 runs off the last five overs with Scott Styris hitting 29 runs off just 15 balls with the help of three sixes and one four.New Zealand, placed in Group A, open their World Cup campaign with a match against Kenya in Chennai on February 20, and Ireland take on Bangladesh in Dhaka on February 25.

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Maynard looks ahead to ICC Europe Men's Academy in Dubai

Updated at: 1514 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
Former England assistant coach Matthew Maynard this weekend travels to Dubai ahead of the start of ICC Europe Men's Academy.
The ICC Europe Men's Academy is the pinnacle of the Development Programme calendar and is held annually every February. The academy brings together expert coaches across Europe to work with emerging talent across the men's game. It is being held at the ICC Global Cricket Academy (ICC GCA) at Dubai Sports City, Dubai from 13-23 February 2011.This year Maynard has been brought on board to join four coaches ICC Regional Performance Officer Philip Hudson, ECB's Head of Elite Coach Development Gordon Lord, strength and conditioning coach Mark Nash and Dr Joce Brooks, Sports Psychologist. Maynard has previously worked for Glamorgan CCC and as England batting coached from the winter of 2004 until 2007.Maynard is keen to work in other aspects of the game: “This is the first academy I have worked on with ICC Europe, in previous roles I have worked with professional first class players, as well as full member international teams; what excites me regarding this role is to be able to try and help develop players at Associate cricket level and to see how this would differ from previous roles I have worked in, I'm very much looking forward to working with a new breed of player."There are many months of preparation that goes into organising the logistics and the programme for this event, but also from the coaches involved themselves: “After looking through all the players' history, I contacted them to ask which two specific areas they would like to concentrate on, they all responded their specific areas; I now have a basic idea before I have even stepped into the nets what areas the players themselves are looking at. I am hoping that with this preparation I can help them feel more comfortable in these areas and then see the progressive development," said Maynard.The ICC Global Cricket Academy (ICC GCA) is a fantastic location to stage an Academy with its facilities and resources. Opened for four months, Europe region is the first of the five regions to use the facilities and Maynard pinpoints this as a great aspect of the academy.“The different conditions available at the ICC Global Cricket Academy (ICC GCA) are great for the players and for coaches alike, the different pitches ranging from sub-continent to Australia wickets preparing the players for different conditions is a real positive. We will be working on batting and bowling skills for the players, with the One Day International aspect of manipulating different skills for different forms of the game."Joce Brooks who is a member of the coaching team will be very important to prepare and analyse the players mental approach side to the game which in modern international cricket is becoming more and more important,"said Maynard.The academies are very important to assist in the development of cricket within the ICC Pepsi Development Programme and Maynard is thoroughly looking forward to his role: “The academy environment is always very rewarding experience, the players we have are a good range of experienced and youth players and with the training programme in place it should be great for all those involved.“On a personal coaching level I am hoping to build relationships on the trip and see how these develop, helping progress the players and within the coaching environment," concluded Maynard.

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Gambhir takes inspiration from India's ICC CWC 1983 victory

Updated at: 1514 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
On this week's ICC Cricket World Radio Show, India's Gautam Gambhir says he will be looking to India's ICC Cricket World Cup 1983 victory when it comes to inspiration and motivation ahead of this year's ICC Cricket World Cup which begins in just nine days time with the first match between India and Bangladesh in Mirpur.
"I definitely look to the 1983 World Cup win for inspiration as we want to get the World Cup back. We were pretty close to winning in 2003 and hopefully we can turn it around and win this time in India."There's a lot of pressure on us but hopefully if we can continue to perform as we have done over the last year-and-a-half in both Test and 50-over format, we can be in the right frame of mind to win the 50-over World Cup," says Gambhir.Also on this week's show, Ireland's head coach and former West Indies international cricketer, Phil Simmons, who says his side is ready to cause another upset at the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011."You can expect Ireland to play as hard as they have done previously, the side will play as hard as we can in this tournament. We've had the opportunity to play a lot of matches since the last World Cup, against the likes of England and Australia and so we have picked up things and learnt from these things which are extremely positive coming into this World Cup," says Simmons.
Finally, Australia's Cameron White reflects on his ICC Cricket World Cup hero, "My World Cup hero is Shane Warne. In the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final against South Africa, Australia got a reasonable score and South Africa came on to bat and Warne just took them apart. I think it was Herschelle Gibbs that just didn't see the ball turning in and Warne had South Africa four down with not many runs on the board."Apart from these exclusive interviews, the show has the usual round up of cricketing news plus an update of the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for Test and ODI cricket.The 15-minute ICC Cricket World audio show has been put together by the ICC's global broadcast partner, ESPN STAR Sports.

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Don't take us lightly, warns Afridi

Updated at: 1514 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Saturday warned World Cup rivals not to underestimate his team, saying the players had turned a new leaf after the match-fixing scandal.Afridi admitted Pakistan had been blown away by the scandal, which saw former captain Salman Butt and two leading pacemen, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer, punished for their alleged involvement.All three were banned for a minimum of five years by the International Cricket Council, which ruled them out of the World Cup, and also face criminal proceedings in England."I think we're really going through a very tough situation," Afridi told reporters in the Bangladeshi capital ahead of the marquee tournament opening on February 19."But I am very happy because we are trying to rebuild the team and keep the morale high. I am confident the team is in very good shape now.Afridi's team will play practice matches against Bangladesh and England in Dhaka over the next few days, before their first Cup match against Kenya in the Sri Lankan town of Hambantota on February 23.The Pakistan captain said his team was "focussed and united" under his leadership."They feel hungry to win a big event and want to play good cricket," he said, adding recent wins in New Zealand had bolstered the team's morale.Afridi said fans would see a vastly improved Pakistan in the World Cup. "Inshallah (God willing), we will achieve our goal," he said.Afridi paid tribute to manager Intikhab Alam and coach Waqar Younis for keeping the team in good spirits amid the controversy.Pakistan was initially due to co-host the tournament with India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, but were stripped of hosting rights after gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan team in March, 2009.Pakistan, World Cup winners in 1992, have been drawn with reigning champions Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Canada in group A of the preliminary league.
Four teams from the group will advance to the quarter-finals.Afridi said he wanted Pakistan to meet India in the April 2 final at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai."That would be the perfect final for the cricket-loving people in both countries," he said.

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Bangladesh whip Canada in World Cup warm-up

Updated at: 1810 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
CHITTAGONG: Skipper Shakib Al Hasan led from the front as World Cup hosts Bangladesh trounced lowly Canada by nine wickets in a one-sided practice match on Saturday.

Shakib grabbed three wickets for five runs with his left-arm spin as Canada were shot out for 112 in 37.3 overs after being sent in to bat at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong.

The left-handed opening pair of Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes then put on 106 by the 17th over to ensure the day-night match finished early.

Tamim smashed seven boundaries and three sixes in his 69 off 50 balls before he was bowled by Rizwan Cheema when just seven runs remained for victory.

Kayes remained unbeaten on 39 and Junaid Siddique was on one when the hosts surpassed the modest target in the 20th over.

Shakib was supported in the field by two wickets apiece from seamers Shafiul Islam and Rubel Hossain and off-spinner Mohammad Mahmudullah.

Canada were reduced to 22-2 by the seventh over before skipper Ashish Bagai (30) and Amarbir Hansra (22) added 39 for the fourth wicket.

But the Canadians lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out with 12.3 overs still remaining in their innings.

The warm-up match, which did not have official status, involved all the 15 players from either side, but batting and fielding was restricted to 11.

Bangladesh take on co-hosts India in the World Cup opener in Dhaka on February 19.

Canada's first match is against the third co-host, Sri Lanka, in the island's southern town of Hambantota on February 20.

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Sarwan shines as West Indies beat Kenya

Updated at: 1800 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
COLOMBO: Ramnaresh Sarwan struck a masterful 123 to set up a comfortable 61-run victory for West Indies in a World Cup warm-up match against Kenya on Saturday.

Sarwan, 30, hit 11 fours and five sixes in his 125-ball knock and put on 94 runs with Dwayne Bravo (54) for the fifth wicket to propel his side to 253-8 after they were put in to bat at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Kenya started their chase confidently with Collins Obuya making 68 and opener Seren Waters 43, but they lost quick wickets in the middle overs and were bowled out for 192 off 45.3 overs.

Young West Indies paceman Andre Russell, who is yet to make his one-day debut, impressed the most among the bowlers, picking four wickets for 43 runs off his 10 overs while Kemar Roach took 3-23.

West Indies were in early trouble when veteran Kenyan seamer Thomas Odoyo (3-34) removed openers Devon Smith and Adrian Barath inside the first 10 overs.

Fast bowler Peter Ongondo then had Darren Bravo caught by wicketkeeper Maurice Ouma for 12 and Alex Obanda sent back the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul (seven) to reduce the West Indies to 65-4.

Sarwan, recalled to the World Cup squad after being dropped in May last year, showed his worth once again in sub-continent conditions as he set out to rebuild the innings.

The right-hander has an excellent one-day record in India, where West Indies play five of their six World Cup group games. He has played 15 matches there with an average of 57.30 and five half-centuries.

Dwayne Bravo provided solid support to Sarwan before Steve Tikolo brought an end to his 56-ball innings that included six fours and a six.

Kenya have played every World Cup since 1996 and pulled off a couple of surprises. They beat West Indies in 1996 and even qualified for the semi-final in 2003.

Kenya and the West Indies are in different groups in this edition of the World Cup starting on February 19 in Dhaka.

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Sri Lanka smash Netherlands in warm-up match

Updated at: 1759 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
COLOMBO: Hosts Sri Lanka proved far too strong for minnows Netherlands, posting a crushing 156-run victory in a morale-boosting World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, runners-up at the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean, scored 351-5 off their allotted 50 overs even without prolific run-getters Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, who did not bat.

The Netherlands, who have not beaten an ICC full member country in their previous three World Cup appearances, were bowled out for 195 in the 48th over at the Sinhalese Sports Club ground in Colombo.

The highlight of their innings was a fighting 76 by Tom de Grooth, who cracked one six and 10 fours in his 96-ball knock. He added 80 for the fifth wicket with Bas Zuiderent (38) and 62 for the seventh with Atse Buurman (25).

Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando finished with 4-43 for Sri Lanka, while seamer Thisara Perera and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath bagged two wickets apiece.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (78), Thilan Samaraweera (60), Chamara Silva (54) and Chamara Kapugedera (50 not out) earlier made the most of a mediocre Dutch attack, each scoring a half-century after the hosts elected to bat.

Openers Dilshan and Upul Tharanga (47) put Sri Lanka on course for a big total with a 117-run stand before Silva and Kapugedera added 94 for the fifth wicket to help their team set a stiff target.

Paceman Mudassar Bukhari was the most successful Dutch bowler with 2-52 off 10 overs, while seamer Bernard Loots conceded 83 runs off nine overs and fast bowler Ryan ten Doeschate gave away 75 off nine overs.

The Netherlands also conceded 21 runs in wides.

Sri Lanka are in Group A with defending champions Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya, while Group B comprises India, South Africa, England, the West Indies, Bangladesh, Ireland and the Netherlands.

Four teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

The World Cup opens in Dhaka on February 19 with a match between India and Bangladesh.

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Murali hopes to end on World Cup high

Updated at: 1424 PST,  Saturday, February 12, 2011
COLOMBO: Record-breaking Sri Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan goes into his fourth and final World Cup praying that he ends his glorious international career on a high.

"My role for this World Cup is to take as many wickets as possible," says the 38-year-old off-spinner. "I just want to focus on my performance and not think about anything else.

"My aim is to put up my best for Sri Lanka."

The world's leading wicket-taker in both Tests (800) and one-dayers (517), Muralitharan bowed out of Test matches in July last year after the opening game against India in Galle.

He recently announced that he would quit one-day internationals as well after the World Cup, which starts on February 19 in Dhaka.

Sri Lanka, co-hosting the showpiece event with Bangladesh and India, last lifted the World Cup in Lahore in 1996 and were the losing finalists of the 2007 edition.

Muralitharan admitted there had been growing pressure from home fans to repeat the 1996 feat.

"A win would be a memorable one for me and for Sri Lankan fans," he said. "A winning team is made up of players who have that mindset. It ultimately rests in the players' hands, how well we play and how well opposing teams play."

He declined to compare the present team with the one that won in 1996, saying playing technique and conditions had changed over time. Looking backwards, he says, won't help.

"1996 was one of the greatest moments for us. It put Sri Lanka on the world map. The cricket world started to take us seriously. The team has now got more professional and expectations are much higher," he said.

"This time, from the first step onwards, things have to work for us, whether it's our performances, confidence levels or even peaking at the right time. I also believe we need blessings of the gods and a little bit of luck too."

Sri Lanka have been placed into Pool A with defending champions Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Canada.

The island will host 12 World Cup matches, including three at a new 22,000-seater stadium in Murali's home district of Kandy.

The other nine matches will be played at the renovated Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and a new cricket facility in Hambantota in the island's south.

Muralitharan said Sri Lanka had the advantage of playing at home and players were accustomed to the wickets and weather conditions.

"The disadvantages are minimal, unless we go out and play badly."

He declined to pick favourties for the tournament, saying all the 14 teams in fray had enough experience of playing in the sub-continent.

"In the end, it boils down to the team that takes it one match at a time."

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Strauss confident of World Cup revival

Updated at: 1345 PST,  Wednesday, February 09, 2011

England captain Andrew Strauss has predicted an upturn in his side's One-day fortunes at the World Cup when he expects to finally have his first-choice attack at his disposal.

Strauss returned to London on Tuesday after England's 6-1 defeat in the recent One-day series in Australia still insisting his team could match anyone in the world when their frontline bowlers were available.

Graeme Swann, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad and Ajmal Shahzad, all members of the World Cup squad, plus Chris Tremlett, who is a reserve, were missing for all or part of the beating in Australia. But Strauss expects them to be firing and giving England a much-needed lift ahead of their first World Cup fixture, against the Netherlands in Nagpur on February 22.

"Our bowling attack has been the basis of a lot of our One-day victories over the last 12 or 18 months, Strauss said. "We have had a settled bowling unit who really know their roles really well and have bowled very well in tandem together. There is no doubt we missed that in Australia and I believe our bowling attack is a match for anyone in the world. They should be fit but they need to find some rhythm pretty quickly and the batsmen need to do their job," the left-handed opener added.

"The atmosphere at the World Cup is going to be very intoxicating and very motivating. All the best players in the world will be there and ultimately only one team is going to walk away with that World Cup. We would have liked to have won the One-day series in Australia as preparation, but some of our players who have not been involved have had an opportunity to have a little bit of a rest through the fact that they were injured," Strauss explained.

"They are going to come back into the fold and add a huge amount of impetus."

England's collapse in the One-day series took the shine off their Ashes triumph and Strauss has urged his side, some of whom won the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean last year, to go on and claim the World Cup.

England have not won the International Cricket Council's showpiece event, despite appearing in three finals, and Strauss told his team that lifting the trophy would crown the best six months of their career.

He added: "We didn't do as well as we would have liked in the One-dayers and we won't hide away from that. Our aim when we went to Australia was to retain the Ashes and the fact that we did that and the style in which we did it speaks volumes for the players.

"But the nature of international cricket is you always move onto the next thing. When we are old and grey we will sit down and look over the footage of that Ashes series and still be very proud of what we achieved. It will go as one of the highlights if not the highlight of our careers. But now is not the time to look back on it. If we were to complete the double of an Ashes win and a World Cup win in the space of six months that certainly would be the highlight of all our careers."

England head to the subcontinent without batsman Eoin Morgan who was ruled out with a broken finger and coach Andy Flower repeated his criticisms of a gruelling schedule that has left several of his players nursing injuries.

They fly to Bangladesh on Saturday ahead of two warm-up games with Flower hitting out at an itinerary that gives England's players just four nights at home in between coming back from the Ashes and travelling to the World Cup.

"We have played three-and-a-half-months of high intensity cricket and it is inevitable you will pick up injuries. But to have the tour ending just before the World Cup starts doesn't make a lot of sense to me," the former Zimbabwe batsman added. "So that is a very simple lesson to be learned."

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Bangladesh eyes World Cup quarter-final spot

Updated at: 2013 PST,  Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan on Tuesday said his team are aiming for a quarter-final place in the World Cup and warned they are capable of "something big" on home turf.

The ace all-rounder said his side had grown in confidence recently after posting back-to-back victories over New Zealand and Zimbabwe in home one-day series.

"Certainly, we have been playing good cricket for the last 15 months. I think we have improved a lot. If we qualify for the second round, why not think of something big," said Shakib, 23.

"We have to win at least four matches to win a place in the second round. It is not difficult. I think we are capable of booking a place in the second round."

India, South Africa, England, the West Indies, the Netherlands and Ireland are the other teams in Group B, with the top four making it to the quarter-finals.

Bangladesh start their campaign in Dhaka with the tournament's opening game on February 19 against India, a repeat of their 2007 World Cup opening clash when they upset their rivals in the Caribbean.

The defeat eventually led to India's first-round exit.

"Since we played the last two series well, we are very confident. We have more positives than negatives. We have very good preparations for the first game," Shakib said.

He said playing his "dream" tournament in front of the home crowd would not put his young side under extra pressure.

"The crowd support us. Hosting the meet is a bonus for us. All players know the conditions better than anyone," said Shakib.

He said the team's morale received a boost after their one-day ranking moved a one notch higher to the eighth place -- the first time Bangladesh have risen to this position since they started playing one-day cricket in the 1980s.

The World Cup is being hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with the final to be played in Mumbai on 2 April.

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Event Technical Committee confirms Morgan's replacement

Updated at: 2013 PST,  Tuesday, February 08, 2011

The ICC has confirmed the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 has approved Ravi Bopara as a replacement player for the injured Eoin Morgan in the England squad for the tournament.The confirmation was conveyed to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on behalf of the event technical committee. Bopara will replace Morgan, who is suffering from a finger injury.The injured player was declared unfit by his board and, as a result, the ECB chose to seek a replacement for the entire event.The 25-year-old Bopara has previously played 54 ODIs for England having scored 1,140 runs at an average of 28.50.Any injury-based replacement requires a written submission to the Event Technical Committee along with a diagnosis from a medical practitioner as to the extent of the injury. Once replaced, a player cannot return to the squad.As with all players in the tournament, the eligibility of a replacement player is subject to approval by the ICC before that player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 consists of David Richardson (ICC, chairman), Prof. Ratnakar Shetty (Tournament Director), Campbell Jamieson (IDI representative), Anil Kumble (host nominee), David Lloyd (independent nomination) and Sanjay Manjrekar (independent nomination).

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CWC stars reveal why they love their favourite books

Updated at: 2013 PST,  Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Shane Watson (Australia) - Open by Andre AgassiI have read many books but my favourite out of all of these is Andre Agassi's autobiography, "Open". Throughout the whole book he describes his thoughts and feelings going through his mind so unbelievably well. It is like you, as the reader, are in the moment with him. An amazing man with an amazing story.Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh) - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK RowlingI was actually imagining myself as Harry Potter. That's the power of the writer. I thought I could do anything. It was such an engaging tale that I was reading it day and night, at every break.Zubin Surkari (Canada) - Life by Keith RichardsBeing a closet rocker, this book was a great look into the life of someone society has labeled and rebel or trouble maker. On the contrary, his life, although extreme and at times dangerous, started in humble beginnings in what seemed a normal family upbringing with a massive passion for all varieties of music. The book however quickly reassures you about the myth that is Keith Richards and delivers full value on his many years of experience and that of the Rolling Stones. A great read and a window into the life of a real music entertainer.

Luke Wright (England) - Goosebump Series by R L StineThe Goosebumps series by R L Stine were my absolute favourite books growing up and they were the first books I really enjoyed reading when I was about 10. Sometimes scary, sometimes funny and always exciting the books follow kids dealing with monsters, ghosts and strange goings on. A brilliant read.Virat Kohli (India) - Open by Andre Agassi I like Andre Agassi's autobiography. The author tells the story of his remarkable career, which featured many ups and downs. The best part about the book is that at no point does the author try to project himself as a 'superhuman.' He is as human as you and me, but a champion and an inspiration.Ed Joyce (Ireland) - 1984 by George OrwellI first read 1984 by George Orwell when I was about 14 and I can't remember loving reading something as much as I did this book. It was scary and clever in equal measure and I think I finished it in a couple of sittings. I love being able to go back to a book and discover it anew and I must have read it 10 times since. Concepts such as 'doublethink' and 'big brother' were of course introduced in this book and it is interesting to see how these ideas have played out in the years since the book was first published in 1949. Definitely a must-read!Steve Tikolo (Kenya) - Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela is a legend and an icon who is admired all over the world. When I heard that his biography was out on sale, I told myself this was a book I must read. I have always admired him for his humility and the sacrifices he made in life for the people of South Africa so they could have a free country where everyone lives freely as brothers and sisters. When I read the book I was deeply moved and learn a lot of lessons have helped me in life.

Peter Borren (Netherlands) - Night train to Lisbon by Pascal MercierI loved this book because it was so thought provoking. Whilst reading it, one cannot help but question one?s own life and the reasons for and the consequences of the decisions we make.Kane Williamson (New Zealand) - Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child The books I?m reading at the moment are my favourite ? the Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child. I enjoy biographies and autobiographies but I like the action and crime of the Jack Reacher books and they are a great read. I used to read a little bit at school and neglected it through college but have recently got right back into it and am glued to these books.Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) - Fazail-E-Amaal by Muhammad Zakariya Kandhlawi This book did affect me as a human being, as well as a Muslim, since the first time I read it in 2003. This book is about the simple life of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Peace be Upon Him and his sayings. He spent his whole life as a role model for humanity, showing them the right pathway to help and care about others.Wayne Parnell (South Africa) - The Stand by Stephen King I love the thrill and the suspense in his novels. His style of writing has a way of involving the reader, so you can kind of feel like 'you are in the novel', and there is nothing better than a book that you just can?t put down. The reason I fell in love with his books is because when I was younger, my mother and I would spent a lot of time watching movies that recreated his books. As I got older and started reading at school, I chased after his books and became very fond of them.Angelo Mathews (Sri Lanka) Talent Is Never Enough by John Maxwell.Maxwell has identified 13 choices that we need to make so as to maximise our talent which I found to be very enlightening. This includes ?teamwork?, which divides the effort and multiplies the effect. So, I find the book thought-provoking considering its relevancy in helping me to be the very best that I can be as a cricketer and human being.Sulieman Benn (West Indies) ? Supercat: The Authorised Biography of Clive Lloyd by Simon Lister

Clive Lloyd is one of the greatest West Indian cricketers of all time and his book gave me a good idea of the challenges he faced and how he overcame them. Reading about his performances and the thinking that went into his game, provided me with a good idea of what it means to represent the West Indies and what playing for the West Indies means to the people.Graeme Cremer (Zimbabwe) - It?s Not About The Bike by Lance Armstrong.I like this book because I found it inspirational. I read it about a year ago. It is a sports autobiography so I found it particularly relevant to me and my career to see how another sportsman overcame the difficulties he faced in the sporting arena. I found his attitude of resilience in the face of illness and extreme challenges to be particularly motivating.

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Pakistan cricket team is fully united: Misbah

Updated at: 2013 PST,  Tuesday, February 08, 2011

KARACHI: Rubbishing rumours about grouping in the team, Pakistan cricket team vice-captain for the upcoming World Cup, Misbah-ul-Haq said that all the players are united with an eye on the World Cup."Winning against New Zealand in the Test series and then in the ODI series would has helped the team lift its confidence before the upcoming World Cup," Misbah told reporters on his return from New Zealand.Pakistan lost the twenty20 series during New Zealand tour, however, they bounced back strongly and managed to clinch the Test and ODI series against hosts to end the marathon 45-day tour with celebration.The middle order batsman, who spearheaded the team in the Test series said that the team badly needed series triumph in ODIs against New Zealand to boost their morale ahead of the world cup.He further said that the team is fully united and he also rubbished rumours of rift among players over captaincy row. "The team is united and we all played as one unit in New Zealand series, which we eventually won. There was no grouping not the on the basis of captaincy or anything else," he stressed."I am enjoying my good form I would try my level best to perform well in the World Cup as well," he added.Former skipper Younis Khan said that he is very hopeful or Pakistan bid in the World Cup because the team is in high spirits after an impressive series triumph against New Zealand."The team played well in the New Zealand and I feel that the spirit, the team displayed in the series against New Zealand, if the team manage to replicate in the World Cup then we have a high chance to perform well in the World Cup," he added.Pacer Umer Gul, concurred that the team is in high spirit after their Tests and ODI series victory, which puts them among the top title contenders for the World Cup.

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Intikhab, Waqar call for Pakistan fresh start

Updated at: 1427 PST,  Tuesday, February 08, 2011

LAHORE: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis and team manager Intikhab Alam called Tuesday for a fresh start for the national side after three key players were handed lengthy bans on corruption charges.Riding high after winning the Test and one-day series in New Zealand, the Pakistan team flew home to Karachi and Lahore three days after an International Cricket Council (ICC) tribunal sanctioned the trio.Salman Butt was banned for 10 years, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer for seven and five years respectively, after allegations surfaced during last year's tour of England that they were willing to deliberately bowl no-balls."It is important that it's finished now and we can start afresh," Waqar told reporters at Lahore airport."We can now make a fresh start after a lot of controversies affected Pakistan cricket and I am happy that it's over now."Waqar was coach during England tour where the scandal erupted and gave testimony to the ICC tribunal in Qatar by tele-conference, but said the bans did not affect the successful New Zealand tour."The players didn't talk about it at any time, so there was no way it could affect the team's performances on the tour," said Waqar, who welcomed the 3-2 one-day series win in New Zealand."I am sure this one-day series win will give us a good build-up for the World Cup," said Waqar, who took over as coach in March last year."We have good momentum, having played South Africa recently and now this hard-fought win in New Zealand gives us good momentum for the World Cup."Team manager Alam expressed sadness at the bans but added, "we must move on from here, for the sake of our cricket."One-day captain Shahid Afridi, who earlier flew into Karachi from New Zealand, refused to answer questions on the bans.Pakistan is in Group A of the 14-team World Cup which is hosted by Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka between February 19 and April 2.They open their campaign against Kenya in the Sri Lankan town of Hambantota on February 23.

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Hussey, Hauritz out of WC squad

Updated at: 1041 PST,  Tuesday, February 08, 2011

SYDNEY: Veteran batsman Mike Hussey and spinner Nathan Hauritz have been forced out of Australia's World Cup squad by injury.

They will be replaced in the 15-man squad by young South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson and Tasmanian tweaker Jason Krejza.

Hussey was ruled out with a hamstring tendon injury and Hauritz by a shoulder dislocation, with selectors deciding it was not worth taking the risk with players below full fitness.

"The NSP (national selection panel) has determined that the best strategy to ensure a successful campaign is for Australia to enter the tournament with a fully fit squad of 15 from the first game," chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.Hilditch said Krejza, who made his one-day international debut against England at the WACA on Sunday, would be helped by having previously played in India.He took 12 wickets in his Test debut in India in 2008, but after playing one more Test later that year, had not represented Australia again until Sunday."Jason toured India with the Australian Test team in 2008 and understands those conditions. We're certain he'll be a key member of our squad," Hilditch said.He said 26-year-old Ferguson, who averages 44 in his 28 previous one-day internationals, was picked on the basis of his past performances for Australia."Callum has an excellent record in one-day international cricket and played well in the one-day game against England in Sydney recently," he said."We think he'll play well in subcontinental conditions."The Australian squad departs for India on Wednesday night.Hilditch said in-form West Australian batsman Shaun Marsh (hamstring strain) and left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty (back injury) were not considered as replacements due to their own injury concerns.In brighter news, team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said other squad members who had been under slight injury clouds were progressing well."Ricky Ponting is going well in his rehabilitation following his finger fracture," he said."He is batting regularly and is expected to transition into unrestricted training soon after the team arrives in India."Kountouris said wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin's knee became swollen after being struck while batting during the final one-dayer against England on Sunday, but that was expected to heal quickly.Likewise, leg-spinning all-rounder Steve Smith was making good progress after straining a groin muscle at the SCG last Wednesday.

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