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Showing posts with label legends of cricket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label legends of cricket. Show all posts

Afridi quits international cricket

Tracknfieldgear On May 31, 2011


Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has retired from all forms of international cricket, according to reports in his homeland.31-year-old, who has played 27 Tests, 345 ODIs and 43 Twenty20s, has ended his career with the national side. Afridi stepped down from the Test game after last year's tour of England, but remain a key part of the limited-overs sides and captained Pakistan to the World Cup earlier this year.

He was rejected for following a 3-2 ODI series win in the West Indies earlier this month, though; with reports suggesting it was owing to a variation of opinion with coach Waqar Younis."We had very solid reasons to remove Afridi and I will reveal them when the time is right," PCB chairman Ijaz Butt said at the time."We haven't taken this action without any reasons."Afridi, who missed the two-game series with Ireland after losing the armband, also commented at the time, hinting at a difference of opinion with Waqar.

Batting Details:

Matches

Inns

Runs

50

100

Avg

SR

HS

Test

27

48

1716

8

5

36.51

86.97

156

ODI

325

303

6695

31

6

23.49

113.82

124

T20

43

41

683

3

0

17.97

144.09

54*

Bowling Details:

Matches

Wickets

Best Bowling

Econ

Test

27

78

5/52

3.21

ODI

325

315

6/38

4.60

T20

43

53

4/11

6.21

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Zaheer Khan says that he performs well under pressure

Tracknfieldgear On February 7, 2011

Indian pace-ace Zaheer Khan says that he plays better under pressure, unlike many other payers who are not contented playing in such situations. With the World Cup nearing, there is a lot of pressure on all the teams participating in the mega occasion. However, hosts India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are likely be under added pressure to perform in front of their home crowds. This pressure doesn’t worry Zaheer and he said, “I like that pressure. I look forward to go on the field with prospect from people. It’s a good feeling, a liability. And if you are able to perform at that highest level, the fulfillment you get is a different kind of high. It’s hard to explain.”

The left-arm pacer further stated that by performing under pressure, the players get a lot more fan following and respect among the other teams. He said that the capability to perform well in hard situations turns normal players into stars. The Indian team is known to play badly in pressure situations and Zaheer will be looking forward to improve on that record. Lately, the team has an imposing record but many cricket experts claim that the Men in Blue will choke under pressure yet again. India are considered to be one of the favourites to win the World Cup. Other teams which are expected to do well are South Africa, Sri Lanka and Australia.

Although Australia looked tarnished in the Ashes series against England, the team bounced back in the One Day Internationals and won the seven-match series by a 6-1 margin. The 2011 World Cup might also be the last one for legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar. He will be looking forward to do well in the tournament and win the mega event for his country. This World Cup will also be the last task for Indian coach Gary Kirsten. The South African has been a key factor behind the success of the Indian team in the recent past. The Indian players will be looking forward to pay compliment to both Tendulkar and Kirsten by winning the mega event.

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Don't feel pressure, just enjoy cricket

Tracknfieldgear On February 2, 2011

Terming India as one of the favourites to lift the World Cup, former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist today cautioned the co-hosts not to get bogged down by the power of expectations, instead enjoy playing in front of the home crowd. Gilchrist said if Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men play their natural game, they can go a long distance in the mega-event, starting from February 19 to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."Pressure of expectations will be very high and it would depend on the players and management how they deal with it. If the Indians just focus on cricket and overlook everything else, they will have a good possibility. They are one of the favourites," said Gilchrist, who would be captaining the Kings XI Punjab in the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League.

The former Aussie, however added that other sub-continent teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan would also be fancying their chances. Gilchrist also said that despite Australia's forgettable Ashes series, which they lost 1-3 to England at home, they can still be considered as strong contenders for winning their fourth consecutive World Cup title."Australia also have a good chance to win the World Cup. They can do it," he said.



Australia have been laid low by injury concerns to some of their key players including captain Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Shaun Tait and Nathan Hauritz but Gilchrist expressed confidence that the team would be talented to deal with the position."There have been injury concerns earlier also but the Australian team had faced it accordingly. It depends on the team management what final combination they come out with. I hope that these players get fit before the World Cup," a veteran of 96 Tests and 287 ODIs, said.

On whether the Australian national selectors have made a wrong choice by naming Ponting as the skipper for the World Cup instead of Michael Clarke, Gilchrist warned against doubting Ponting's abilities and insisted that the regular captain was the right candidate to lead the side."Clarke has done a fantastic job as a captain. He is a great player. But you can't underestimate Ricky Ponting's abilities. He is such a wonderful player and leader. Ponting has captained the side in the previous two World Cups and he knows exactly what it takes to be at that level. He has been there. He is correct candidate to lead the side," he said.

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We would like to win the World Cup for Sachin

Tracknfieldgear On January 19, 2011

India opener Gautam Gambhir on Monday exuded assurance that the national team would do all it takes to win the upcoming World Cup for a certain Sachin Tendulkar, who will be making his sixth appearance in the quadrennial show."I sincerely wish that this would not be Sachin's last World Cup and he would play one more. All members of the Indian side would like to win it for him," Gambhir said. The dashing southpaw also felt that Yuvraj Singh's form would be crucial to India's fortunes in the tournament, scheduled to held in the sub-continent from February 19 to April 2.

"Yuvi can bat and bowl very nicely. He is a very passionate player," Gambhir said.Contrary to the common insight that he is a 'party animal', Gambhir said that Yuvraj is a hard worker."The fact is that he devotes a lot of his time on cricket. He is a very focused and passionate player," Gambhir told a news channel. Fitness has been a cause for concern in recent times, with quite a dew including himself, carrying injuries, but Gambhir hoped things would be alright before the World Cup."They would be fully fit before the start of World Cup," he said.



Gambhir, who returned to India just before the start of the five-match one-day series against South Africa after hurting his left knuckles, assured that he would attain peak fitness before the mega event."I suffered an injury during the South African tour, but I will be fully fit before the World Cup," he said. Asked if he would like to see Sourav Ganguly as mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Gambhir said, "Of course I would be happy to see him as mentor of KKR. It goes without saying that KKR is his team and I am sure that he would be happy to see us winning the IPL. Honestly, Sourav is an important part of KKR."

"He was and is a legend. There is no question about that. This is also true that you have to retire one day. You cannot play for forever," he said. Gambhir confessed that he was not expecting to be bought at an astronomical sum of 11.6 crore in the IPL auction."I never expected that IPL franchise would take so much interest in me. I will give my hundred per cent to KKR and play with whole passion," he said, adding that he will soon meet the KKR support staff. Gambhir was modest when sharp out that he had left behind both Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the auction.

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Akram backs Chawla selection

Tracknfieldgear On January 18, 2011

Sub-continent conditions demand a leg-spinner, feels former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram.While, Wasim Akram defended the ‘surprise’ choice of Piyush Chawla in India’s 15-man World Cup squad, he was stunned over Rohit Sharma being snubbed.“The pure cricketing reason for Chawla’s selection is that he is a leg-spinner and in the sub-continental conditions, he has the mixture in his range including a googly, which could come handy on turning tracks,” he explained.

Chawla, who, plays the role of a utility cricketer in his IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab, last appeared in an ODI for India way back in July 2008 against Pakistan. Therefore, his selection ahead of Pragyan Ojha raised some eyebrows on Monday. However, Akram says it’s more than just bowling that gave Chawla the edge over Ojha.



“Ojha has been in good form of late in Test cricket. However, apart from being a spinner with a lot of variety, Chawla is a handy bat, and a young and energetic fielder. These small, yet important choice calls are taken after discussions with the captain, the coach and the selectors. I am sure they have made the decision on Chawla keeping everyone in the loop,” said the 44-year-old.Overall, Akram was satisfied with the outlook of the MS Dhoni-led team, but one decision that surprised him was the exclusion of Mumbai batsman Rohit Sharma.

Rohit, who, was the find of India’s triumphant 2007 ICC World T20 campaign, has failed to do full justice to his skills as a frontline batsman since then. An average of a mere 28.34 in 58 ODIs with just five fifties and two hundreds in his career, rightly suggests that he has been failed in displaying consistency. Akram too hinted on the same lines.“The most shocking thing for me is that Rohit has not been picked. He is such a talented batsman. But again, if you do not score runs at the top level on a regular basis, you are bound to get the axe,” he concluded.

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Tendulkar's biggest fan

Tracknfieldgear On January 7, 2011

Actor Shah Rukh Khan will pay a special compliment to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar when he takes the phase for a concert in Durban to celebrate 150 years of India-South Africa friendship. The star apparently will also invite Sachin to dance with him on the stage. Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are also probable to give a joint performance on stage which will be the couple’s first after their patch-up.



“Apart from Shah Rukh, Priyanka and Shahid will also be performing at the event. Shah Rukh has planned a special segment for his child’s cricketing hero who is Sachin. Aryan is also expected to be there, but we are not sure because his school is also on,” says a source close to the star.Priyanka and Shahid have also apparently intended a small safari together after their performance. The concert will be hosted by actor Anil Kapoor. The occasion which will be attended by the biggies in the South Africa government will also honour South African bowler Makhaya Ntini for his outstanding contribution to cricket.

“The event will be held in commemoration of the arrival of the first Indian labourers in 1860 to work on the sugarcane plantations in South Africa. Several South African artistes are also scheduled to perform at the event, including Liquideep, Locnville, Drum Cafe, HHP, and 1st Project. It is likely to be one of the biggest entertainment functions of South Africa and the stars will be the visitors of the government,” the source adds. Even though the government has extended an invitation, it is unlikely that Shah Rukh will be capable to stay back because of his choc-a-bloc schedules.

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Sachin, Sehwag, Kapil in ODI dream team

Tracknfieldgear On January 6, 2011

Fans from around the world have selected the all-time ODI Dream Team, an International Cricket Council plan as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of the first one-day International (ODI).The first ever ODI was played between Australia and England, on January 5, 1971 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.In total, fans from 97 countries cast almost 600,000 votes on the ICC website, between December 22 and January 2, to select the team. Three players each from India and Australia, two from the West Indies and one each from South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have made the final XI with another Aussie named as 12th man.



Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar and the explosive Virender Sehwag were selected the openers of the team India’s World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev was voted the all-rounder for the Dream XI.The middle-order of the team comprises of Vivian Richards, Brian Lara and Ricky Ponting.Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralidharan was the choice for the spinner’s slot while Wasim Akram, Allan Donald and Glenn McGrath were chosen to handle the fast-bowling department.The historic match between South Africa and Australia, in Johannesburg, in 2006, was voted the best ODI.

The match, at the Wanderers, saw Australia put up a record 434 four in 50 overs with captain Ricky Ponting setting the day alight with 164 off just 105 balls.But then a magical innings from Herschelle Gibbs (175 off 111 balls) backed up by cameos by Graeme Smith (90 off 55), Mark Boucher (50 not out) and Johan van der Wath (35) saw the Proteas achieve the virtually impossible target, making 438 for nine. South Africa thus won the match by one wicket and just a ball to spare. As part of the celebrations, the Australian ODI team from 1971 will also be presented to the crowd through the innings break of the first ODI of the series, between Australia and England, at the MCG, on January 16.

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Kapil sowed India's winning habit

Tracknfieldgear On December 10, 2010

Vivian Richards has once again reiterated Kapil Dev’s status as one of the world’s best all-rounder ever. Speaking at the ESPN-STAR Sports-organized World Cup promotional event in New Delhi on Thursday, Richards said, “Kapil, in my opinion, created the winning habit in the Indian team. You always felt you never really had the better of him. He was as much determined as his opponents to do well.”Recalling the events of the 1983 India-West Indies World Cup final at Lord’s, Richards said the catch that Kapil took to dismiss him would always remain special.

He reminisces: “There were no other Indian fieldsmen (on that day) who would have taken that catch. The minute the ball went up in the air and I saw Kapil getting underneath the ball, I knew my time was up.”Queried on West Indies’ chances in the upcoming World Cup, the charming 58-year-old Richards said, “The team has the capacity but needs to get themselves organized and play together as a group more often. The recent Test series against Sri Lanka should have helped them in this regard. We are hoping and praying in a big way that they do something special in the World Cup.”

Known for his destructive strokeplay and commanding presence at the crease, the dashing Caribbean hero of the past said every time he walked out to bat, he felt he belonged there.Former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan said the ability of Richards to dominate bowling attacks and not let himself get frightened by the bowlers made him stand out from the other batsmen of his era.Richards also paid glowing tributes to Virender Sehwag, saying the Indian opener is the most destructive player in world cricket at the moment.

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Lara wants to play in 2011 IPL

Tracknfieldgear On December 3, 2010

Former West Indian batting legend Brian Lara has expressed his want to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) but said he has to be match-fit to stand a sensible chance of featuring in next year’s Twenty20 event.Lara, who made a comeback to competitive cricket two months ago by playing in the Zimbabwe T20 league after a three-year hiatus, said he needs to get into the groove as soon as possible to give himself a chance to be picked for the 2011 IPL season.“I tried negotiating with Surrey in May and that fell through. I am not going to say that I am ready for the IPL.

The option is around the corner, and I have put my name in the hat. But I need to play cricket regularly from now till then to get fit and capable of doing justice to the game and to my form in such a highly spirited league,” he said.The 41-year-old southpaw said he wants to take a mentor-cum-player role in the profitable competition, same as Rajasthan Royals’ Shane Warne or Chennai Super Kings’ Stephen Fleming.“I see myself in that light as well. I don’t want to be fighting with the youngsters for a game ... left out today, playing tomorrow.

I would like to see myself as someone who can make a contribution even if I am not in the final XI. I would like to get involved in a holistic way and not just as a player,” said Lara, who scored 11953 runs in 131 Tests.Lara, who played in the now defunct Indian Cricket League for one year, said he does not regret the decision.“Well, when the ICL first came to me, it was not a rebel league. It had the likes of Tony Greig and Kapil Dev (associated with it).

That was a league that was trying to bring the game forward,” said Lara, who turned out for Mumbai Champs for one season.“I put my name in ink, which was obviously a mistake at the end of it. But I have no regrets. That’s gone. I played one season and I asked them to excuse me, because obviously after having such a long career, you don’t want to be playing ICL cricket and considered a rebel and banned from all levels of cricket,” he added.

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UDRS can be used in bilateral ODI series - ICC

Tracknfieldgear On December 2, 2010

The ICC has extended the use of the Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) to bilateral one-day internationals to help teams get used to the technology ahead of the 2011 World Cup in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The system has been used in Tests since 2008, and the board has already accepted its use in the World Cup, along with Hot Spot, the imaging technology, which will used for the semi-finals and finals.However, the use of UDRS in the World Cup does not mean it will continue following the event.The ICC cricket committee will evaluate its long-term use only after the World Cup.

While several international teams and captains have called for the UDRS to be implemented equally, and come out in strong support of the system, India have not warmed to it. India have played a series in which the UDRS was used only once - in Sri Lanka in 2008 and struggled with their referrals on that tour.Since then the UDRS has been used in Australia, South Africa, England, New Zealand and West Indies and has establish favour with several captains and players.The Indians and the BCCI, however, are firmly opposed to the system, even though the ICC have approved its use in principle during the 2011 World Cup.

Officials of the Indian cricket board agreed to take a closer look at the UDRS system and how it worked, and are scheduled to watch the system in action at some point during the ongoing Ashes series. ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat announced in October that he "had agreed with Cricket Australia to attend the Ashes matches ... with representatives of the BCCI, to understand the successful application of the skill and its contribution to correct umpiring decisions."India captain MS Dhoni, recently reiterated his reluctance to accept the system during the recent home series against New Zealand, calling for the standard of on-field umpiring to be improved instead.

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Muralitharan's 800th wicket celebration

Tracknfieldgear On November 25, 2010

Muttiah Muralitharan became the first bowler in the history of Test cricket to pick up 800 wickets. He achieved the milestone when he picked up the wicket of Pragyan Ojha on the last day of the Test match against India at Galle.






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Rare images of Sachin tendulkar's double century in odi

Tracknfieldgear On November 4, 2010

Sachin tendulkar cuts the ball to the point........




Sachin raises his bat after scoring the world record score 200.......


Sachin tendulkar and Dhoni on the middle of ground




Sachin thanked the god for this opportunity...




Sachin thanked the audience and his fans......

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