Ranadeb Bose has lashed out against national selector Ranjib Biswal for suggesting he was not quick enough. Biswal, the East Zone selector in the five-member committee, said recently that it was tough to “fight” for Bose because the team management believes he “is almost as slow as Dada (Sourav Ganguly).”Hurt by the statement, Bose said, “If he has said that, he’s lying. Nobody in his right mind can say I am as slow as Souray. I was between 132-134 kmph at the Challenger Trophy. It was live on TV and those who want can check. Souray bowls at around 120 and the difference in our pace is significant. Biswal saw me in the recent Ranji match against Orissa where the keeper was collecting it from near his chest. I must say he is a liar if he says I bowl at Sourav’s pace.”Biswal had also said that the competition for the fast bowler’s slot for Australia tour was between Pathan, Ishant, Munaf, VRV Singh and Pankaj Singh. “Of the five, only VRV and Pankaj are faster than me,” Bose said. “Given the pace Munaf has bowled at of late, that is. And I am not talking about performance, since the selector has talked just about pace.”I know I don’t have a chance to play for India anymore. Maybe because I don’t do a lot of things like sending messages to certain people on their birthdays, marriage anniversaries or don’t try to please them by doing things that go beyond performing in the cricket field. It’s disappointing, but I have to accept it.”
The Barmy Army’s woeful start to the Ashes series has continued, mirroring the fortunes of their countrymen on the field. After threatening a boycott of the series because of what they said was unfair treatment by Gabba security staff, the group of supporters has come under fire from the England board for alleged copyright breaches on merchandise.The reported the ECB had started legal proceedings to stop Barmy Army Ltd from selling items such as polo shirts and t-shirts bearing references to the Ashes and carrying the ECB’s logo of three lions and a crown. The board denied legal action had been started but said it was a possibility in the future.The ECB spokesman Colin Gibson told the board had written to the Barmy Army querying the use of the logo and the term “Ashes” on merchandise. “We have written to them pointing out breaches of our IP [intellectual property] and are waiting for their response,” he said. “No one wants legal action if possible.”The Sports HQ, the company that produces the merchandise, said the ECB had only made applications for The Ashes trademark. “The Barmy Army have used The Ashes mark since 1994, so they have a prior claim to it which potentially prevents the ECB from using it,” Simon Millington, a partner of The Sports HQ told the .”The shame is that the Barmy Army do a wonderful job in organising supporters and supporting grass roots cricket. The ECB should try to work together instead of making spurious claims.” Millington plans to speak to the ECB next week.
Canterbury completed the formality of knocking off the paltry 89 runs set by Otago at Carisbrook. They did so with just the loss of two wickets, Peter Fulton (31*) and Craig McMillan (30*) were the not-out batsmen. Otago’s innings ended early on the third morning, with Hamish Bennett finishing with 4 for 43. It was a difficult match for batting, with no total above 200 and only Brendon McCullum, with 80, looked assured at the crease.Central Districts beat Wellington by 54 runs at the Basin Reserve but that wasn’t the big news from the day. It was confirmed that Stephen Fleming, the New Zealand captain, had broken his finger. The injury might keep him out of the new-year series against Sri Lanka. Attempting to chase the target of 329 for victory, Wellington slumped to 103 for 6 with only Michael Parlane (54) of the top order getting any traction at the crease. Jesse Ryder was run out for 0 while Fleming managed just 7 before being trapped in front. Chris Nevin (90) and Jeetan Patel (50) offered spirited, but ultimately futile, resistance. Ewen Thompson took 4 for 52. Central picked up their first points of the championship, while Wellington still lead on 16 points.Auckland’s match with Northern Districts was destined for a draw after another rain-interrupted day at Eden Park’s outer oval. Chasing Northern’s 255 for first-innings points, Auckland was deep in trouble at 172 for 9 when rain chased the players from the field. Scott Styris (51) scored a breezy half-century but no other Auckland batsman got going, though Kyle Mills battled hard for his 36. Joseph Yovich’s golden summer continued as he took 7 for 61 off 18 overs after top scoring in Northern’s innings. In the likely event that Northern will take first-innings points and nothing else from this match, the result will leave both these sides at the bottom of the State Championship table. One of the highlights of the day was a magnificent catch by Mark Orchard in the gully to dismiss Tim McIntosh for 3. Lou Vincent (0), one of the few in-form batsmen in the New Zealand line-up injured an ankle and could only bat down the order.
The venues of the three Tests and five one-day internationals for Pakistan’s tour of India, which starts next month, have been announced. According to the rotation policy followed by the Indian board, Delhi, Mohali and Ahmedabad were in line to host the Tests. However, with Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium still undergoing renovation, Bangalore got the opportunity to stage its second Test of the season, having hosted the Australians in October.Pakistan, who will arrive on February 25, will also play a five-match one-day series in Kochi, Vishakapatnam, Kanpur, Jamshedpur and New Delhi. Though the dates for the matches have been announced, the order in which they will be played will be decided only after the Indian government cleared the itinerary.Ahmedabad could come under scrutiny from Pakistani security experts after the state of Gujarat was hit by communal riots as recently as three years ago. According to Kamal Morarka, chairman of the fixtures committee of the BCCI, “It is up to the government to consider since it is an India-Pakistan matter. A Pakistan security team will tour the venues before their cricket board gives its approval.”India currently have nine Test venues, with each ground given an opportunity on a rotation basis. Of these nine, six have already hosted a Test in the 2004-05 season – Bangalore, Chennai, Nagpur and Mumbai staged Tests against Australia, while South Africa played at Kanpur and Kolkata.The last time Pakistan toured India, in 1998-99, Delhi hosted a historic match in which Anil Kumble took all ten wickets in Pakistan’s second innings and guided India to a huge win. That was Pakistan’s second loss in four Tests in Delhi. Given their record in Bangalore – two draws and a win in three matches – Pakistan would be only too happy to skip Delhi and play in Bangalore instead.Pakistan will start the tour with a three-day warm-up game from February 27, while the first Test will start on March 4.
Glamorgan CCC has won the “Spirit of Cricket” Award for the third successive summer.The highly prestigious M.C.C. Spirit of Cricket Award was presented to theGlamorgan team on Monday night at the annual P.C.A. awards evening.The award, voted upon by the first-class umpires, was won by Glamorgan in2001 and 2002.
Is the current Australian team the best ever in the history of Test cricket?That was one of the questions we asked our users in the Cricinfo Survey of Test Cricket. Today, as Australia continue to assert their superiority over South Africa in the current series, we examine your response to this question as the first in a number of weekly articles related to users’ replies to our survey.It is, of course, extremely difficult to identify a consensus from a sample of in excess of 3,000 Test cricket fans. Nevertheless, there do seem to be a number of running themes among the comments received that are worth highlighting.Michael Breitsameter from Canada summed up the thoughts of many. "Australia are definitely the dominant side, and perhaps one of the best ever seen. They attack from the first ball to the last, their run rates are higher than any other side, they position themselves to get a result. This is definitely good for the game."Cecil Snell in the UK doffs his cap to Steve Waugh’s men "The Australian side of 2000 in England was probably the best Test side ever as the batting, bowling and fielding were at an astonishingly high level."Harry Commerbutch in New Zealand disagrees strongly: "Australia the best team of all time? Don’t make me laugh! They’re a solid team well past their sell by date, flattered by some suspect results against not so great teams."So the debate is well and truly on. Many users tempered our provocative question with reference to recent results in India and at home against New Zealand. Angela Moore in the UK summed up the thoughts of many. "The Australian team is awesome, but they are getting older and will the up and coming youngsters be as good? As New Zealand and India proved, they cannot win every series."Many felt that Waugh’s 21st century Australians were rivalled only by the West Indian team of the late 70s and early 80s.Peter Jonkers in the UK sums up a recurrent theme when he says "The Australian Test side is as good as any that I have seen in my life as a sports fan. Best of all time? Close, I think the West Indies team of the late 70s early 80s was all class and probably gets my vote."Malcolm Sergeant in Australia hails the current Australian side, while yearning for the – hypothetical – greatest cricket fixture ever. "The current Australian side would be up there with the best. However, I would have liked to see how well they would have performed against the great West Indian sides of the 80s and 90s, against the likes of Richards, Lloyd, Holding and Marshall."Rai Ratan Kumar in Singapore disagrees, and it is the same opposition that draws the plaudits. "Australia are nowhere near the best team of all time. In my memory, Lloyd’s West Indians were the best by miles."Richard Corry in New Zealand is equally assertive. "I do not believe they should yet claim the title of best team of all time. They have only two bowlers that could be genuinely rated as greats of the game. This does not compare with the West Indian team of the 1970s and early 80s."Urel Sawyers from America proposes an honourable draw: "The title of best team of all time must be shared between this Australian team and the all-conquering West Indies team that ruled for nearly two decades."Many users chose to hark back further in their comparisons. Andrew Eaton in the UK states "The Australians may be the best in the world at the moment, but are they the best ever? Impossible to tell. How would they have coped with the 1921 Australians or the England of 1902? All you can say is that they would have given any other side, ever, a great game. I wish I could watch it." Peter Unsworth in the UK agrees on the ultimate fantasy fixture "The Australians are by far the best side since the West Indies of the 70/80’s and believe that a game between these two sides would sort the men from the boys."Many found comparisons difficult to make. Paul Spice in Australia comments: "Comparing different eras rarely, if ever works."As with all great empires, the reign must come to an end, and a number of those who took part in the survey foresee the fall of Australia. Simon Davis (admittedly in New Zealand) stated "Australia are at the end of their reign" while Kiwi Heather says "I think the Aussie team will soon be challenged, not only by South Africa but another unsuspecting team, and the Aussie reign will be over."John Haywood echoes the thoughts of many when he says: "In the future, Australian cricket will come back to earth because of the retirements of the Waugh twins, McGrath and Shane Warne. Still a lot of praise should be placed with this Australian Test side because it has done cricket immense credit for getting the game where it is today."And when talking of the "Millennium" Aussies, Dominic Lane in New Zealand cautions over-enthusiasm for the current crop. "It is useless calling any team the best of all time, if it does not contain Bradman." David Vine in Australia harks back the Invincibles: "The greatest of all-time? The Don’s Invincibles of ’48 must be up there as the greatest I think." John Field in the UK agrees. "The 1945-6 Australian Invincibles were the best team of all time."Whether or not they are the greatest of all time, CricInfo users feel that one thing is for certain: Steve Waugh and his side are changing Test cricket – for the better. Ralph Sunley in the UK sums it up neatly when he says "The current Australian team has redefined Test cricket over the last 18 months. Their attacking and innovative play has reinvigorated the game."But if the Australians are reinvigorating the game, was it in a poor state previously? It takes only a quick straw poll among the comments raised to see again and again the theme of resurgent Test cricket.Kyan Barucha, USA: "Test cricket is definitely making a comeback." Dr Krishna Kaphle in Nepal: "Today, Test cricket is in a state of re-emergence." Rishabh Bhandari in the UK highlights the perceived trend: "The crowds that had left the Test match arena for the quick thrills of the one day version are back! And Test cricket is charming all over again!"Jason Macca in New Zealand suggests that Test cricket constantly needs to assert its quality: "Test cricket is becoming stale and requires results like the India v Australia series and the recent Australia v New Zealand series to show that it is still strong."But any negative thoughts tend to be outweighed by praise for the trend towards positive cricket embodied by the side that features in both of the series mentioned by Jason Macca – the Australians. This theme occurs repeatedly in the comments of CricInfo users.Positive play makes for good cricket and entertains the crowds, which is vital for the long-term health of the game. Kapil Gupta relishes battles to come: "The Australians are good players but what puts them apart is their attitude. With other teams ready to go against them with a positive attitude, anything is possible!"Rob Byrne in the UK sums up the general optimism of CricInfo users: "Particularly heartening for me as an avid cricket follower is the attitude of the Australians. They try and win every game and simply do not know how to block out for a draw. This kind of attitude will ensure that Test cricket has a very healthy future."In future articles based on the views of CricInfo users, we will look at the state of the game, suggested improvements to Test cricket, the influence of one-day cricket, the aftermath of match fixing and the Sehwag affair, the behaviour of players, the role of the governing bodies, and concerns about the future of cricket.
Ben Smith’s patience brought Leicestershire through an awkward day againstDurham’s competent pace attack led by John Wood (5-60) on a pitch unfavourable to batting in their championship at Leicester. The hosts’ innings ended at 222. Smith (111 n.o.), his fourteenth century, was tested by the unpredictable bounce and movement off the seam but attained his first championship half-century of the season.He contributed exactly half of his county’s total, a tribute to his courage and tenacity. And Leicestershire certainly needed somebody of his combativeness for, coming from a hammering by Surrey, Leicestershire lost two batsmen without a run on the board after the first two overs – Darren Maddy was caught at the wicket and Iain Sutcliffe played a short ball into his stumps. Skipper VinceWells, another early victim, would have doubted his own wisdom in battingfirst.Aftab Habib stayed for 14 overs without threatening seriously to reverse the trend. That was 37-4 but Smith, hit about the forearm by a delivery from Wood, started to organise the defence. Yet Darren Stevens (40) seemed to be the most confidence batsman until his 61 runs stand with Smith ended in a catch to point not long after lunch. Simon Katich held two catches at slip from deliveries which rose sharply.With the Durham bowlers exploiting every weakness Smith bided his time. His first half-century contained six fours but there wereonly another three when he moved into three figures from 239 deliveries.Leicestershire were 179-8 at tea, after which James Ormond settled down to support Smith over 25 overs in a 49-runs partnership. Durham had time to reach only 8 without loss by the close.Smith admitted it had been difficult at the crease: “It wasn’t easy, especially against the new ball. But we always thought it was one of those wickets where if we could get through the first hour it would get easier”.
As per a ‘top club insider’, speaking to Claret & Hugh, there has been a major West Ham United transfer update as David Moyes enters pole position to sign another player.
The Lowdown: Hammers favourites for Johnstone…
Over the last week, reports of West Ham leading the chase for Championship stars have surfaced.
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The Sun, sharing an update on transfer chief Rob Newman’s pursuit of goalkeeping target Sam Johnstone, claimed at the weekend that West Ham are ‘clear leaders’ in the race for West Bromwich Albion’s ace with a deal ‘way down the line’.
Moyes has been tipped to turn to England’s second tier in pursuit of talent for his squad with news now also emerging on Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall.
The Latest: West Ham also in pole for Worrall…
As per C&H, it appears the Hammers are also in pole position for towering centre-back Worrall after the development involving Baggies ace Johnstone.
The insider says West Ham now ‘appear poised to win the race’ for Forest’s colossal defensive presence who is ‘very much a Moyes type player’.
Irons youngster Emmanuel Longelo could even be used in a part-exchange deal, going by what C&H have heard from a ‘top club insider’.
The Verdict: Get it done?
Nottingham Post writer Leigh Curtis, taking to Twitter, branded both Worrall and fellow Forest centre-back Scott McKenna ‘magnificent’ on Twitter last year with Steve Cooper possessing ‘some partnership’.
Drawing acclaim from the media for his performances over 2021/2022, the 25-year-old could be a very attractive option for Moyes, especially considering he is homegrown and possesses a real physicality for the top flight.
The 6 foot 4 powerhouse has averaged the joint-most interceptions and joint-most blocks per 90 for Forest in the Championship this season, standing out as a colossal figure (WhoScored).
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He ranks in and among Cooper’s best performers with a solid 7/10 rating per 90 over the campaign, leaving little wonder Moyes is reportedly eyeing a move.
As West Ham enter pole, there is reason to believe Irons supporters could get excited by Worrall as a potential addition.
In other news: Journalist says Moyes could now green-light exit for West Ham player he called ‘really important’, find out more here.
Luke Wright, the Sussex allrounder, has been forced to fly home from the England performance camp in Mohali with a foot injury. He will receive treatment back at Hove in conjunction with the ECB academy with a view to him rejoining the squad in the New Year.Steven Finn, the 18-year-old Middlesex fast bowler, will bolster the squad in India after impressing during the second half of last season. His performances during the Under-19 series against Pakistan caught the eye and he operates with a high action and generates decent pace.Wright is one of the bright prospects in English cricket after making a half-century on his ODI debut against India at The Oval in September. However, since then runs have been harder to come by and his five innings at the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa brought 43 runs including two ducks. He was part of the one-day squad in Sri Lanka but didn’t play in any of the five matches.The performance squad will spend the first part of the camp in Mohali before moving to Chennai. Ashley Giles and Martyn Moxon are providing specialist coaching alongside Kevin Shine while David Parsons, the interim academy director, will replace Giles in December.
Central Districts v Otago A staggering 466 runs were scored on the first day at Napier, thanks largely to a career-best 217 from Ross Taylor. Many pundits were picking Taylor to be part of the New Zealand squad playing Sri Lanka and he showed why, scoring his runs off just 212 balls with 26 boundaries and two sixes. Magnifying his innings was the fact of the other Central batsmen only Bevan Griggs passed 30, scoring 75 in a third-wicket partnership of 158. James McMillan continued his impressive start to the season with 4 for 82. Central might even feel a little disappointed with their total of 394, given that Otago had cruised serenely to 72 for 1 at stumps, Sean Haig and Aaron Redmond the not-out batsmen.Wellington v Northern Districts A far more sedate day’s play was taking place in Hamilton, where last season’s runner-up Wellington cruised through to stumps at 351 for 4. A toothless Northern attack could do nothing to upset the visitors, particularly Matthew Bell, who scored his 17th first-class century before being dismissed for 101. Joining in the run feast were the Parlanes, with Michael scoring 61 and Neal unbeaten on 66. Chris Nevin chipped in with an even 50. Graeme Aldridge was the best of a disappointing attack with 2 for 69.Canterbury v Auckland Canterbury put the yawns on everybody by limping through to a sleep-inducing 251 against home side Auckland at the Eden Park Outer Oval. Only discarded New Zealand batsman Peter Fulton quickened the pulse with a well-made 68 off 99 balls. Michael Papps scored 21 on his comeback from injury. Andre Adams was Auckland’s best bowler with 3 for 57 off 25 overs. Tim McIntosh, the Auckland opener, scored four runs off the only available over before stumps.