***Offical 2007 Twenty20 World Championship*** (CricketC) - Streams Available

[Kevin McF]

It is quickly approaching allow us to discuss it here

Squads

Australia
Ricky Ponting (c), Adam Gilchrist (vc), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin (wk), Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds, Ben Hilfenhaus Shane Watson

Scotland
Ryan Watson (c), John Blain, Dougie Brown, Gordon Drummond, Gavin Hamilton, Majid Haq, Ross Lyons, Neil McCallum, Gregor Maiden, Dewald Nel, Navdeep Poonia, Qasim Sheikh, Colin Smith (wk), Fraser Watts, Craig Wright

England
Paul Collingwood (c), Ravi Bopara, Stuart Broad,Andrew Flintoff, James Kirtley,Darren Maddy, Kevin Pietersen,Matt Prior (wk),Chris Schofield,Owais Shah,Ryan Sidebottom,Jeremy Snape,Vikram Solanki,Chris Tremlett,Luke Wright


Pakistan
Shoaib Malik (c),Abdur Rehman,Fawad Alam,Iftikhar Anjum,Imran Nazir,Kamran Akmal (wk),Misbah-ul-Haq,Mohammad Asif,Mohammad Hafeez,Salman Butt,Shahid Afridi,Shoaib Akhtar,Umar Gul,Yasir Arafat,Younis Khan


India
MS Dhoni,Ajit Agarkar,Gautam Gambhir,Harbhajan Singh,Joginder Sharma,Dinesh Karthik (wk),Irfan Pathan,Yusuf Pathan,Piyush Chawla,Virender Sehwag,Rohit Sharma, Rudra Pratap Singh,S Sreesanth, Robin Uthappa,Yuvraj Singh


Bangladesh
Mohammad Ashraful (c),Mashrafe Mortaza (vc),Abdur Razzak,Aftab Ahmed,Alok Kapali,Farhad Reza,Junaid Siddique,Mahmudullah,Mushfiqur Rahim (wk),Nadif Chowdhury,Nazimuddin,Shakib Al Hasan,Syed Rasel,Tamim Iqbal,Ziaur Rahman


New Zealand
Daniel Vettori (c),Shane Bond,Peter Fulton,Mark Gillespie,Gareth Hopkins,Brendon McCullum,(wk),Nathan McCullum,Craig McMillan,Chris Martin,Jacob Oram,Jeetan Patel,Bradley Scott,Scott Styris,Ross Taylor,Lou Vincent

Sri Lanka
Mahela Jayawardene (c),Tillakaratne Dilshan,Dilhara Fernando,Hasantha Fernando,Sanath Jayasuriya,Kaushal Lokuarachchi,Farveez Maharoof,Lasith Malinga,Jehan Mubarak,Muttiah Muralitharan,Kumar Sangakkara (wk),Chamara Silva,Upul Tharanga,Chaminda Vaas,Gayan Wijekoon

South Africa
Graeme Smith (c),Gulam Bodi,Loots Bosman,Mark Boucher (wk),AB de Villiers,Jean-Paul Duminy,Herschelle Gibbs,Justin Kemp,Albie Morkel,Morne Morkel,Makhaya Ntini,Vernon Philander,Shaun Pollock,Thandi Tshabalala,Johan van der Wath

[Quincy]

who rated this thread terrible?

[Kevin McF]

who rated this thread terrible?
obviously someone not enlighten enough on the awesomeness of cricket!

[Sydneyfan]

It's Cricket Chat time again. Yessssss.

[Sydneyfan]

Who do we think is looking good for this competition? Twenty20 seems so much more random, it's hard to pick sides on form.

[Kevin McF]

Kallis is out of the SA line up because he is a slow starter, I must say that he would have been on my team if I was a SA selector

[Kevin McF]

I think that the usual favourites still apply, but we could see someupsets

[Sydneyfan]

Kallis is out of the SA line up because he is a slow starter, I must say that he would have been on my team if I was a SA selector

They are right about the slow starts, but that power hitting is immense. I'd be taking a chance on him too if I were a selector.

[Quincy]

England might have a better chance than most because they've been playing it more than most nations, but then again, I never have any faith in Englands ability in high-pressure games.

[Quincy]

Though the England squad includes no player from the county that won the domestic Twenty20 cup this year.

[Kevin McF]

England might have a better chance than most because they've been playing it more than most nations, but then again, I never have any faith in Englands ability in high-pressure games.
I agree that at the county level they are probably playing it the most, but how many of the people on the WC team are playing county right now?

[Quincy]

I agree that at the county level they are probably playing it the most, but how many of the people on the WC team are playing county right now?

Ravi Bopara, James Kirtley,Darren Maddy, Owais Shah,Jeremy Snape,Vikram Solanki,Luke Wright


They don't feature in the England Test set-up and so have played a large part in the county season.

[Kevin McF]

Are they "twenty20" specialists? or just up and coming allrounders?

[Quincy]

Darren Maddy and Jeremey Snape are the twenty20 specialists. They're both 35+, I think. James Kirtly isn't that young either. Luke Wright was the top run scorer in the competition, including a century, and Chris Scofield was the leading wicket taker.

[Kevin McF]

Darren Maddy and Jeremey Snape are the twenty20 specialists. They're both 35+, I think. James Kirtly isn't that young either. Luke Wright was the top run scorer in the competition, including a century, and Chris Scofield was the leading wicket taker.
sounds like England stands a good chance compared to the chances they had at the last WC ;)

Australia will be interesting because they play it so rarely but when they do, they look dominant.

a century in Twenty20 is impressive, I wonder what the high score in Twenty20 is

[Kevin McF]

International
Player Runs Balls 4s 6s SR Team Opposition Ground Match Date Scorecard
RT Ponting 98* 55 8 5 178.18 Australia v New Zealand Auckland 17 Feb 2005

Domestic
Player Runs Balls 4s 6s SR Team Opposition Ground Match Date Scorecard
CL White 141* 70 14 6 201.42 Somerset v Worcs Worcester 9 Jul 2006 Twenty20

[Quincy]

And Cameron White isn't even in your squad.

Justin Lnager has done pretty well down at Somerset too.

[Kevin McF]

And Cameron White isn't even in your squad.

Justin Lnager has done pretty well down at Somerset too.
I probably would have put White instead of Hogg, but what do I know

[Sydneyfan]

Kallis has spat the dummy...

Jacques Kallis has resigned as South Africa's vice-captain following his omission from the country's Twenty20 world championship squad.

He also said on Monday he was considering his playing future in the wake of his non-selection.

Selection convenor Joubert Strydom said Kallis was being rested for the tournament, which will be played in South Africa in September, but the all-rounder said he was disappointed to be left out.

"I have resigned as vice-captain and I'm considering my options with regard to the rest of my career," Kallis told reporters.

"I have been thinking long and hard over the weekend and there is still a lot of emotion involved because I am extremely disappointed.

"I was very excited about the tournament and hoping to make a huge contribution."

[Kevin McF]

that is a big move, look for Kallis to sign up with the ICL this week ;)

[Kevin McF]

Australia hungry for another trophy - Clarke


Michael Clarke, the Australian batsman, has said that Australia are approaching the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa with enormous confidence and were eager to annex another trophy after their recent World Cup triumph.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of playing in the inaugural Twenty20 championship and I'm certain we can bring home the trophy," Clarke told journalists in Johannesburg during an ICC conference call from Sydney.

"In a game of such a short amount of overs, one player can win the match, whether it be in batting, bowling or fielding. We have a lot of talent, a lot of guys who can win a game on their own."

Clarke named hosts South Africa and England as Australia's main rivals for cricket's newest prize, but it is, as usual, going to take something special to snatch another trophy from Ricky Ponting's grasp.

In the last year, Australia have widened their lead in the ICC Test Championship rankings, won the Champions Trophy and the World Cup and they will come to South Africa with almost the same squad that triumphed in the Caribbean. Brett Lee comes in for the retired Glenn McGrath and Clarke believes the passing of one great generation will provide the gap for new stars to reveal their talents.

"That's a part of the game, people come and go and they will be missed," Clarke said. "But other players in Australia will see it as an opportunity and some new blood has now moved into the national team. That is good, it keeps the team fresh and I'm looking forward to seeing how we go without Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn."

Clarke is one of those players who can be a match-winner in all three departments and after making merry in the World Cup, he is looking forward to providing more entertainment in South Africa. He said Twenty20 cricket is the most instinctive form of the game.

"It would be wrong to plan too much ahead of a match. You've got to go with the flow, go with your instincts. As a batsman, you've probably got to go for it a bit earlier than you'd like. Twenty20 cricket is fantastic. I love it, especially how fast it is."
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/307029.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

[Kevin McF]

Symonds fears for the fun of Twenty20s

Australia's allrounder Andrew Symonds could well emerge as the key player in next month's Twenty20 World Championship, but he fears that the ever-increasing popularity of the game's newest format could detract from the fun.

Symonds has been a sensation in his 17 Twenty20 matches to date, cracking a century and four fifties at a strike-rate of more than 200 runs per 100 balls. "It's a game of fun for me," he said. "But it looks like it's heading down the serious route, unfortunately."

Australia have made plain their intentions for the inaugural tournament, which for them begins with a match against Zimbabwe at Cape Town on September 12. Unlike several teams, most notably India, they have selected a full-strength squad and fully intend adding to their hat-trick of titles in the 50-over format.

That marks something of a break from their previous attitude to the Twenty20 game. Australia's first match, against New Zealand at Auckland in February 2005 featured retro-1970s clothing and facial hair, and Dennis Lillee-tribute headbands. Australia won by 44 runs, but seriousness was far from the players' thoughts.

"Playing the [Twenty20] games in the past the captain doesn't mind if you interact with the kids in the crowd and muck around a bit," said Symonds, "but now I don't know if that's going to be the case, I think it may end up heading down that serious road.

"I think probably in the end pride will take over and it will probably end up being a full blown battle, but we'll have to wait and see."
http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/307041.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

[Kevin McF]

Symonds tips tough tournament

Power-packed Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has conceded winning next month's inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa could be a more challenging proposition than success at the 50-over World Cup.

Australia dominated the recent 50-over tournament, but the electrifying Symonds declared the shortened version of the condensed game was likely to be an even tougher affair.

"Probably," admitted Symonds, who also revealed the Australians are yet to discuss how they will approach the tournament.

"I've always said that the shorter the game the easier it is for the lesser sides to beat you."

"In 20 overs anything can happen."

After a long break to recharge the batteries, Symonds has spent the past few weeks taking part in conditioning training with NRL side Brisbane Broncos.

Reports have suggested Australia's selectors have asked him to concentrate on his off spin in the wake of Shane Warne's international retirement at the end of the Ashes series victory over England.

But he maintained he rarely alters his build-up to major competitions regardless of the format.

"I practice my skills the same for all forms," said Symonds.

"As long as I've got my basics all up to scratch and they're all firing I tend to be able to change for the different formats. I try not to complicate things too much."

Critics of the format have suggested younger players be shielded from playing too many Twenty20 matches for fear of developing traits unconducive to Test cricket.

However, Symonds' fellow squad member Mitchell Johnson told reporters that playing Twenty20 cricket can encourage skills for the 50-overs game.

"It's all about execution - executing each ball," the 25-year-old Johnson said.

"But I think there is a little bit of luck involved as well."

"You can bowl your best ball and still get hit for six or four … (but) you've still got to stick to your own plans."

The 15-man touring party to head to South Africa under new coach Tim Nielsen is almost identical to the all-conquering outfit that dominated in the Caribbean.

Brett Lee, who missed the series through injury, replaces the retired Glenn McGrath.

The players will come together at the end August on Queensland's Sunshine Coast to begin preparations for the tournament.

Australia plays its first game in the fledgling Twenty20 event on September 12 in Cape Town.
http://cricket.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=39691

[Faded Rose]

Are we going to have a sweepstake on this to generate more interest?

[Sydneyfan]

Are we going to have a sweepstake on this to generate more interest?

I think the emotional rollercoaster that is cricket blew their minds last time around. :lol

I don't know, if there's any interest, sure.

[Kevin McF]

Tait waits on Twenty20 fate

Australia's physiotherapist is not convinced Shaun Tait will be fit enough to take part in the Twenty20 World Championship and the only reason he has not been ruled out already is because of the tournament's small workload. Tait has struggled to recover from an elbow operation in June - a subsequent infection prevented him from attending a bowling camp in Brisbane last week - and the prospect of a maximum of four overs a match is what is keeping him in contention for next month's tour to South Africa.

Alex Kountouris, the physio, and Trefor James, the team doctor, were due to speak with Tait in Melbourne on Friday to decide if he should remain in the squad. "I'm not 100% convinced he'll be right to go so there is some doubt over him," Kountouris told the Australian.

"The only reason I'm harbouring thoughts of him going is because it's a Twenty20 tournament and it's just four overs a game. If we were going into a one-day series or a Test series he'd almost certainly be ruled out already."

The seven-match India contest begins on September 29 and Tait has developed into a strong one-day performer after his 23 wickets at 20.30 at the World Cup. Kountouris expected to delay a final decision on Tait until the pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast at the end of the month.

"If he's not right we're going to err on the side of caution and give him that bit of extra time to be right for India," Kountouris said. "He's making slow progress." Tait started gentle bowling last week.

Kountouris told the paper the Twenty20 tournament was the ideal lead-up for Tait and his team-mates because of its short length. "One-dayers are a longer game where he'd have to bowl ten overs and he'd need more fitness so it would be nice if we could get him to the Twenty20 to have a nice build-up," he said. Australia's opening match is against Zimbabwe on September 12 and if they reach the final they will play seven games in less than two weeks.

ditch Tait, bring in White!

[Sydneyfan]

Tait will concede too many runs in this type of match. Actually, he concedes too many soft runs in any type of match.

[Kevin McF]

I agree, I am hoping that Mitchell can get his act together and be the "next brett lee" instead of Tait

[Kevin McF]

QUESTION:
What will be the highest score of the WC (combine both teams)
What will be the highest score of the WC for one team
What will be the highest score of the WC for one batsman

[Sydneyfan]

QUESTION:
What will be the highest score of the WC (combine both teams)
What will be the highest score of the WC for one team
What will be the highest score of the WC for one batsman

Hmmm, I need to wake up properly and give this some thought .......

[Kevin McF]

Hilfenhaus wins Twenty20 promotion

Ben Hilfenhaus, the right-arm swing bowler, will join his first tour with Australia in September after he was nominated to replace Shaun Tait in the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa. Tait's participation was doubtful after he recovered slowly from an elbow operation in June and he will now aim to make the seven-match one-day series in India starting in late September.

"This news is very disappointing for Shaun after such a successful World Cup campaign," Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said. "The flip side is that this presents a great opportunity for a good young fast bowler who had such a good season last year."

Hilfenhaus, the Tasmanian who made his one-day international and Twenty20 debuts in 2006-07, was the leading domestic bowler last summer, picking up 60 wickets. "Ben is highly regarded and the chance to be part of an Australian touring squad will greatly assist his development," Hilditch said. "We're really keen, fitness permitting, for Shaun to take part in the India tour."

Tait met with Alex Kountouris, the physiotherapist, and Trefor James, the team doctor, in Melbourne on Friday. "Recent efforts to resume bowling have resulted in some elbow discomfort, which is an indication that more time is required for him to start training at a greater intensity," Kountouris said. He was able to start in the nets only in the past two weeks and was further disrupted by an infection to the elbow.

Michael Brown, Cricket Australia's operations manager, has written to the ICC requesting the change in Australia's 15-man squad. The team's first match is against Zimbabwe on September 12.

[Kevin McF]

I guess they wanted that extra pace bowler instead of White's spin

[Kevin McF]

Lee back to bowling at full tilt

In an ominous development for the rest of the world, Brett Lee is back to his top bowling speed ahead of next month's Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa. Lee missed Australia's triumphant World Cup campaign earlier this year after undergoing major surgery on torn ligaments in his left ankle.

Though his recovery has been a gradual one, Lee was bowling at full pace at a net session at the SCG last week. "I'm fit and refreshed and felt I could have gone flat out a month ago, but I've had to be patient," Lee told the Sunday Telegraph.

"Now I'm back running flat out and felt like I was bowling at full pace again. As each session has gone on I've got quicker and quicker. I'm back to bowling where I finished up before the injury."

The retirement of Glenn McGrath has increased the focus and burden on Lee. "But I don't want to be like I was six months ago, I want to keep improving and become a better player."

Lee is still only training in up to six-over blocks but said the Twenty20 tournament offered him the perfect platform for an international return. "It's something I've been looking forward to for a long time now, and I've been given the opportunity with Glenn leaving the scene and retiring from Tests. We're not going into this competition as favourites - England and South Africa would definitely be favourites, as far as Twenty20 cricket is concerned."

Troy Cooley, Australia's bowling coach, echoed Lee's confidence, claiming he would be the bowler to fear at the tournament. "He's been training the house down and he looks good," he said. "He slotted straight back into that classical action, he had a beautiful seam position and was swinging the ball away nicely."
:banana

[Kevin McF]

new uniforms for the Aussies
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/7175/00018365imagezr5.jpg
Australia's cricketers are set to wear a stylish new sleeveless uniform at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup that is designed to increase player strength and hopefully lead the Aussies to glory at the inaugural tournament.

The Australian team will unveil the brand new uniforms, which have been designed specifically for the Twenty20 format, in its opening round clash against Zimbabwe at Cape Town's Newland's ground, but regardless of the location, the revolutionary strip looks set to turn heads.

While the most obvious difference between this uniform and previous ones is that it's sleeveless, the new top also integrates high tech breathable fabrics, designed to keep player's cool in South Africa's warm October conditions, with new compression fabrics that assist muscle support and ensure energy loss and muscles recovery times are minimised.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has declared that such advances will play a significant part in helping Australia win the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.

"The ICC World Twenty20 Tournament will involve fast games with short recovery periods," said Ponting. "This new uniform has been specifically designed with the player’s comfort and performance in mind."

Australian coach Tim Nielsen also feels the uniforms could give Australia a valuable edge.

"The ICC World Twenty20 Tournament is an exciting and new frontier for the Australian team," he said.

"It's fantastic that adidas and Cricket Australia have taken the initiative to develop a highly innovative uniform that will deliver the team a competitive edge on the field."

[Quincy]

Overkill

[Kevin McF]

you are right, Matty Hayden and Symmo don't really need to increase their strength ;)

[Quincy]

I still love that they go camping together.

[Kevin McF]

I havent read that, but I think its pretty great :lol do you have a link for that?

[Quincy]

I don't know of one, but C probably can find one.

[Sydneyfan]

new uniforms for the Aussies
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/7175/00018365imagezr5.jpg

All they need is superhero capes now :lol

[Sydneyfan]

I don't know of one, but C probably can find one.

www.doityourselfuseless.com

[Quincy]

www.doityourselfuseless.com

:lol FINGER

[Kevin McF]

Murali ruled out of Twenty20 Championship

Muttiah Muralitharan has sustained an elbow injury that will rule him out of next month's Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa. No replacement has been announced as yet but it is believed that Dilruwan Perera, the offspinning allrounder who was on standby when the original squad was announced, is the front-runner.

"Murali is affected by an elbow injury and he will be out for four to six weeks," the secretary of the Sri Lankan cricket board, Kangadaran Mathivanan, told AFP. "He is definitely out of the Twenty20 [championship]." The injury also means that Murali may not be fit in time for the five-ODI home series against England which starts on October 1.

Murali walked off the field with a right bicep strain after bowling more than 33 overs on the first day of Lancashire's game against Kent on Wednesday. Though he returned before the close of play, he did not bowl any further during Kent's innings.

"He's had a scan, which revealed a strain in his bicep. We'll just have to see how that settles down," Mike Watkinson, Lancashire cricket manger, told PA Sport. "We are waiting for the radiologist to report on it and then we'll see how we go." Murali has sent down nearly 400 overs in his 8 appearances for Lancashire this season, sparking concerns that he has been over-bowled.

Murali, who is the quickest to take 200 wickets for Lancashire, was making his last county appearance this season and was scheduled to fly home over the weekend to join the Sri Lankan team's preparations for the Twenty20 tournament.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/308955.html?CMP=OTC-RSS


bit of a blow for the Sri Lankans

[Sydneyfan]

And possibly a blow for the Australians.....


Australian captain Ricky Ponting may miss this month's ICC World Twenty20 Championships after missing today's squad departure due to "private family reasons".

Cricket Australia said today vice-captain Adam Gilchrist would lead the Australian squad which was leaving for South Africa this morning and a decision on whether Ponting joined them for the tournament was expected later in the week.

Allrounder Shane Watson (hamstring injury) and paceman Stuart Clark (ill son) were also remaining behind and may join the squad later in the week.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said "a private family issue" had arisen with Ponting during the weekend.

"The situation is expected to be clearer later in the week, at which time Ponting's availability would be re-assessed," said Sutherland.

"Any decision on whether or not a squad replacement is needed will be assessed at that time as well."

[Quincy]

Are we going to bother with a sweeps for this, but seeing as there's only 3 of us interested in it.

[Kevin McF]

I feel really bad for Shane Watson, he seems to have really bad luck with injuries :(

[Faded Rose]

Are we going to bother with a sweeps for this, but seeing as there's only 3 of us interested in it.

I'm interested so that's 4 but I think you may be right that we can't generate enough interest. What we need is more people willing to participate just for the fun of it. What's happened to by TBY's fun people?

[Sydneyfan]

Are we going to bother with a sweeps for this, but seeing as there's only 3 of us interested in it.

I'd like to do it, but I'm already sick of begging people to join the Rugby Sweep. I think this place needs more infractions and a couple of major bannings actually. Yesss.

[FrigidRoses]

I'd join. But it would nice to do a sweepstakes on a sport I know something about or won't have to buy a satellite dish to here it mentioned. :)

[Sydneyfan]

I'm suprised nobody does an American football or baseball one. I'd join in. :upyours

[Sydneyfan]

And should I give the Cricket Sweepstakes a go anyhow, Cricket Crew? Or better still, do one of you want to volunteer to run it. :upyours

[FrigidRoses]

I'd love to do a football one, but I'm not sure if we can get enough people.

[Sydneyfan]

I'd love to do a football one, but I'm not sure if we can get enough people.

You would find that a lot of non-Americans would join in I'm sure. How many people would you need?

[FrigidRoses]

32 teams in the National Football League.

How do you do these things? A person per team?

[Sydneyfan]

32 teams in the National Football League.

How do you do these things? A person per team?

Normally yes, although 32 might be stretching it a bit. In that past when I haven't been able to get the numbers, I've just randomly allocated some people 2 teams. You might have more response with an American sport though - the vast majority of people reading TBY are from the US.

[FrigidRoses]

The season starts Thursday...We'd have to throw it together pretty fast.

[Sydneyfan]

The season starts Thursday...We'd have to throw it together pretty fast.

If you want to do it, its worth a shot. Your long weekend finishes soon, so people should be back on the board tomorrow.

[Kevin McF]

Australian captain Ricky Ponting was among three players who did not fly to South Africa today with the team for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20.

Ponting did not travel with the squad on Monday due to a family related issue but is expected to take a mid-week flight with Shane Watson and Stuart Clark, who were also notable absentees.

Earlier, Adam Gilchrist, who will lead the side in Ponting's absence, would not speculate on the details behind his skipper's delayed departure but is confident he will join the side for the tournament.

"I've been in touch with Punter (Ricky Ponting) and he said that he's most likely at the moment to join us again in a few days time but as I say we'll just wait and see how things pan out over the next few days," Gilchrist said.

All-rounder Watson is nursing a sore hamstring suffered at a training session on Sunday but a precautionary scan cleared him of any serious damage.

Watson will remain in Brisbane under the watchful eye of team physio Alex Kountouris but at this stage is expected to join the team later in the week.

"It's frustrating for Watto (Shane Watson), the good thing is he's had a scan and there's no sign of any tearing of the muscle," Gilchrist said.

"He's had a little bit of a history there but I guess everyone, himself included, is sort of erring on the side of caution to make sure that there's not a replication of what happened last year where he did strain it and really fought hard to get back into that team and ended up missing out on most of the summer."

Paceman Clark is also expected to join the squad later this week after he was granted permission to delay his departure to care for his young son who is ill.

Gilchrist was quick to praise administrators for allowing players to tend to family matters.

"It's a sign of the times the compassion that we get from the administrators now that players like Ricky (Ponting) and Stuart (Clark) are able to stay behind if there are serious enough issues that are non-cricket related," Gilchrist said.

"That's terrific to see that understanding from administration now and I think that's only going to help players get by in what is a very busy schedule."
http://cricket.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=39737

good to hear

[Kevin McF]

Ponting's Twenty20 place still uncertain


Adam Gilchrist: "I wouldn't think [Ponting will] miss the whole tournament"

Australia are hopeful that Ricky Ponting will fly to South Africa by Sunday, ahead of Australia's opening ICC World Twenty20 match against Zimbabwe on Wednesday. However, even if he meets that time-frame - and that is no certainty - he will miss both Australia's warm-up games against South Africa and New Zealand on Sunday.

Adam Gilchrist, the acting captain in Ponting's absence, was unsure when Ponting would arrive but was confident he would play some part in the two-week event. "We're just waiting to see with Ricky," Gilchrist told the Australian after the squad arrived in South Africa.

"We're not 100% sure when [he'll fly out]. We'll be in touch with him day by day and he'll let us know what's going on then. I wouldn't think that he's going to miss the whole tournament. I'm pretty sure he'll be here at some stage."

Ponting did not leave Australia with the rest of the squad on Monday due to "private family reasons". Gilchrist said Stuart Clark, who also remained at home to care for his ill son, was expected to join the group "in the next day or so". Uncertainty remained over Shane Watson's part in the tournament after he stayed in Brisbane to have a minor hamstring problem monitored.

[Kevin McF]

Bond ready for difficult pitches



Shane Bond: "If you go out there just trying to be defensive, you're going to get smacked"

New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond expects the pitches for the ICC World Twenty20, just emerging from the South African winter, to be easy paced once the tournament gets underway on September 11.

"It's quite difficult for the groundsmen to prepare pitches at this time of year and, as far as our practice facilities go, the wickets have been pretty flat and slow," Bond said in Johannesburg.

The last time New Zealand played one-day cricket in South Africa was in October 2005 - in early summer and conditions should be fairly similar to now. "Yeah, the last time I was here, the wickets were pretty easy paced and I expect them to be relatively slow now as well," Bond said.

Bond was an outstanding performer during New Zealand's ride to the World Cup semi-finals in the Caribbean and he said he would bring the same combination of aggression and economy to the Twenty20.

"You figure this game is even more stacked in favour of the batsmen, the boundaries keep getting shorter and shorter. But you still have to bowl aggressively and try to take wickets. Otherwise, if you go out there just trying to be defensive, you're going to get smacked.

"So you need to bowl [both] aggressively and defensively and you can't allow the batsman to set himself. That can sometimes be difficult when you've got a hard-hitting batsman really coming at you, but then you need to use the bouncer. That gives you one dot ball per over. The bouncer has made a difference; it's been a good thing to bring in to one-day cricket."

Bond also believes the expectation that the ICC World Twenty20 will basically be a shootout between the most destructive batsmen might allow bowlers to sneak into the limelight.

"There's less pressure on the bowlers in some ways because they expect to get hit for six, the expectation is that the batsmen will win the game."

Bond has not played since the World Cup, in which he took 13 wickets in eight matches and was the most economical bowler, but he said the southern winter was well spent.

"Four months has felt like a massive break and the bowlers had their first run on grass yesterday. But we are looking forward to getting stuck in and the team has been really determined to work hard on fitness ahead of what will be a tough season."

New Zealand's African adventure will continue after the ICC World Twenty20 with two Tests and three one-day internationals against South Africa and they then face a busy 12 months with a trip to Australia, a visit by Bangladesh and home and away tours against England.

Other than inspiring New Zealand to winning series and trophies, Bond said his personal goals were to reach the milestones of 100 Test wickets and 200 ODI wickets in the summer ahead. As his country's best strike bowler since Richard Hadlee, it is astonishing that Bond has not achieved those landmarks, but injuries were the greatest disappointment of his career. His travails included stress fractures in his feet and back and dodgy knees.

"It has been frustrating, but in the last two years I have been relatively injury-free. I just need to keep working hard," Bond said.

The ICC World Twenty20 might not seem the ideal vehicle in which a bowler can show his worth, but Bond is one fast bowler who should still make an impact in the shortest version of the game.

[Kevin McF]

Pathirana smashes 277 in Twenty20 onslaught


Dhanuka Pathirana: 29 sixes and 18 fours in his onslaught

Sri Lankan first-class player Dhanuka Pathirana scored a remarkable 277 off 72 balls in a Twenty20 match in Lancashire's Saddleworth League to steer his Austerlands side to 366 for 2 and an easy win over Droylsden. Pathirana smashed 29 sixes and 18 fours in his onslaught.

"Everything seemed to hit the middle," Pathirana, who had to borrow a bat as he had left his at home, said. "I was seeing it like a football. It was like a dream ... I think I did some serious damage to some of the vehicles in the car park."

"It was unbelievable," Austerlands' Andy Young told the Manchester Evening News. "Dhanuka normally bats at No. 3 but we needed to up our run rate to reach the semi-finals, so we asked him to open and said to him: 'Just go for it'. And he certainly did.

"It was scary to watch and it wasn't on one of the smaller grounds in our league. He is one of those guys who we always knew was capable of a massive innings, but this was incredible."

will we see this broken in the World Cup, I doubt it but it would be impressive

[Kevin McF]

Nel called up to replace injured Bosman

Andre Nel, the South African fast bowler, has been called up to replace Loots Bosman in the squad for the ICC World Twenty20 that starts next week. Bosman was ruled out of the tournament after he was advised six weeks' rest due to a back injury he suffered while fielding during a match against Zimbabwe last month.

According to Joubert Strydom, convener of selectors, Nel's inclusion would strengthen the bowling line-up, which was looking "a bit under-done".

"We are well stocked in the top three batting department with five players - Graeme Smith, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers, Goolam Bodi and JP Duminy - all technically equipped to deal with the new ball and having the expansive strokeplay to force the pace where necessary," Strydom said.

Denying claims that Nel's inclusion in the squad was to keep up with the required quota, Norman Arendse, president of Cricket South Africa, said while the board aimed at having seven players of colour in the squad, this was not a quota.

"Quotas are set in stone while targets are something to strive for. The selectors have convinced me that there are logical and rational cricket reasons for opting for Nel," he said. "These included an examination of strike rates, economy rates, number of wickets taken and the like of the leading candidates."

Nel will join the South African training camp in Potchefstroom as soon as possible to enable him to participate fully in the preparation phase.

Nels for me is the kind of guy I want on my team but hate when played against

[Kevin McF]

Twenty20 depressing for bowlers - Pollock


Shaun Pollock has an ODI economy-rate of 3.71 and is ranked 25th among the top 50 bowlers with best career economy-rates

While Shane Bond believes the pressure will be less on bowlers during the ICC World Twenty20 because they expect to get hit for sixes, South African allrounder Shaun Pollock has said that being only a bowler in the tournament can be depressing.

The short time-frame of the format does not allow bowlers to contain and batsmen use unorthodox strokes to clear the boundary. Each bowler has a four-over quota and a no-ball is followed by a free hit for the batsman.

Pollock said he had no idea what would count as a good economy-rate in Twenty20 matches. He has an ODI economy-rate of 3.71 and is ranked 25th among the top 50 bowlers with best economy-rates. His most economical performance came as recently as the 2007 World Cup when he gave away 0.66 runs per over against Netherlands at Warner Park in St Kitts. In fact, his economy-rate - 3.52 from 10 matches - was second to Bond in World Cup .

"There is obviously a little more pressure, but you just have to go out there and express yourself," Pollock told AFP. "I normally take four overs and by then it is done and dusted."

The tournament begins with South Africa playing West Indies in Johannesburg on September 11.

[Kevin McF]

Lee wants to entertain while winning

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee could hardly hide his excitement about being back in action when he called Twenty20 "three hours of the most amazing cricket". He will be spearheading Australia's attack in the ICC World Twenty20 after a seven-month layoff from the game.

The quartet of players Australia trooped out in front of the media in Johannesburg on Thursday - Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, Andrew Symonds and Lee - all indicated it was important to remember the 20-over game was all about entertaining the crowd.

"We need to make sure we adapt to this new tournament as quickly as possible but the most important thing is this event is attracting a different demographic to cricket," Lee said. "Bearing in mind that Australia haven't come here to finish second, third or fourth, Twenty20 is all about having fun with the crowd. It's three hours of the most amazing cricket with plenty of sixes."

Lee missed Australia's victorious World Cup campaign in the Caribbean after injuring his ankle ligaments during a training session in February and the ICC World Twenty20 provided the perfect opportunity for him to re-establish himself as a star on the global cricket stage.

"This tournament is a massive consolation for missing the World Cup, it's a real opportunity for me. I've been able to use the time off to concentrate purely on pre-season fitness and it was a good opportunity to give my body a bit of a rest from bowling. So I'm really happy with my fitness and the way I've been bowling. I'm champing at the bit!"

Lee said it was also important to embrace the differences that Twenty20 has brought to the game.

"Things like sitting on the boundary and not in the change rooms, teams having to swap change rooms straight after a match - we should embrace it as new and accept that things are done differently in Twenty20. The spectators like it and it brings us closer to them."

Lee indicated that he would not be looking to cut down on speed or bowl defensively in the tournament. "The aim is still to get 10 wickets, no matter what form of the game. If you can get wickets early on, it's definitely going to dent the opposition's run-scoring. You need to keep the boundary-scoring down too, but you need a couple of guys who are around 150 kmph, using their pace and getting the ball up in the spot. If the batsmen are going for big shots, it does mean you have a better chance of taking a wicket and it doesn't matter if it comes by knocking [down] the stumps or if it's caught on the boundary."

Australia are once again overflowing with batting power as they enter the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 as favourites, but Hussey, who had a disappointing World Cup with little opportunity to shine, said he was just chuffed to be part of a winning team.

"I actually thoroughly enjoyed the West Indies, it was just a pleasure to be with the team and see how well the top four batted and how well the bowlers executed our plans," Hussey said. "I probably won't get a lot of opportunity in this tournament either, but I'm really keen to play and get into a match situation again. I'm sick and tired of all the training."

Hussey said that Australia would have to rely on their natural instincts because they did not have much experience of Twenty20 cricket.

"You can put a couple of tactical things in place, but it's best to just let your instincts take over and trust your skills. We haven't played much of this format of cricket, so we'll need to get our skills up," Hussey said. "But we are all very experienced cricketers who know our games very well and we don't rely on one or two key players - we have match-winners all the way through the squad."

teams having to swap change rooms straight after a match

what is this about?

[Kevin McF]

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/5383/groupszx1.gif

[Kevin McF]

Ten To Watch

Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Despite harbouring publicly-aired reservations over the shortest form of the game, the Australia captain is sure to be a heavy scorer in the tournament. He hits hard and true and at number three will be ideally set to take advantage of early fielding restrictions. Could be lifting more silverware following his triumph at the recent World Cup.

Adam Gilchrist (Australia)
Although he looks to be coming to the end of what has been a once-in-a-generation career, Gilchrist could dominate in South Africa. Perhaps the most aggressive opening batsman of his generation he can win a game in no time - which is certainly an enviable attribute in Twenty20. Bags of experience and an intimidating presence behind the stumps.

Kevin Pietersen (England)
A recent number one in the one-day batting rankings, KP is as formidable a lubber of the ball as exists in international cricket. Add to the mix a boundless self-confidence bordering on disdain for bowlers and an appetite for new and unique strokeplay and he promises to be nothing less than box office in the country of his birth.

Andrew Symonds (Australia)
The third Baggy Green to make this list, highlighting the world champions' perceived dominance, Symonds is an all-action cricketer. At the crease he consistently finds - and clears - the ropes, while his varied bowling and athletic fielding mean he is never out of the game.

Mahendra Dhoni (India)
In an Indian squad shorn of a host of experienced limited-overs players, Dhoni has been handed both the captaincy and the responsibility of producing match-winning contributions. His leadership from behind the stumps will be crucial while his always inventive batting could produce fireworks.

Greame Smith (South Africa)
As captain and opening batsman, Smith will set the tone for the duration of his team's bid for honours. He scores at a punishing rate from the first ball and demands his colleagues compete fiercely in every discipline.

Muttiah Muralithan (Sri Lanka)
While 20-over cricket is largely seen as a batsman's game, quality bowlers can win games as much through constriction as explosive wicket-taking. Murali is unchallenged as the greatest spinner in the competition and can be expected to pressure batsmen with tight spells and plenty of unplayable deliveries.

Chris Gayle (West Indies)
Gayle suffered an ignominious World Cup as both he and his team flagged in front of their own fans earlier this year. Now, with increased responsibility in the absence of Brian Lara, he will be eager to use his imposing, muscular batting to make amends. His languid off-spin and sturdy hands at slip could also make the difference.

Scott Styris (New Zealand)
A less celebrated performer than some on this list, Styris is nevertheless one of the world's tidiest limited-overs players. The 32-year-old is a consistent scorer in the middle order, while his medium pace is deceptively hard to score quickly from.

Shahid Afridi (Pakistan)
Although a relatively new invention, Twenty20 cricket seems like the game Afridi was born to play. A bundle of energy, fans in his homeland pack stadiums just to watch his devil-may-care batsmanship. An effective leg-spinner as well, he will shoulder much of his side's hopes.

[Sydneyfan]

teams having to swap change rooms straight after a match

Weird. I have no idea. :confused

[Kevin McF]

not that there was ever much doubt that he would make it over at some point

Ponting preparing to join squad
Ricky Ponting says he is hoping to fly to South Africa "as soon as possible", after revealing his wife's health was the reason he stayed behind when the team departed on Monday. Ponting's flights are now being organised and he wants to be available for Australia's opening match of the ICC World Twenty20 next Wednesday.

Ponting remained at home due to "private family reasons" when most of the team flew to Johannesburg earlier this week. He said his wife Rianna was now on the improve from her undisclosed problem.

"Fortunately Rianna's health has improved over the last few days and I'm hoping travel plans can be finalised as soon as possible," Ponting said on AAP. "I'm grateful for the support we've both had from Cricket Australia and my teammates and in particular I'd like to thank Adam Gilchrist and Tim Nielsen for their leadership roles in the early days of the Australian squad's first-ever Twenty20 international tour.

"It made things easier here knowing the team was in such good hands. With things on the improve, Rianna and I are both keen that I now focus on the job at hand with the Australian team."

There is a chance Ponting will make it to South Africa in time for the ICC awards ceremony on Monday. He has been nominated for the highest honour, the Cricketer of the Year, and is also in the running for the one-day and Test titles.

Shane Watson has also been cleared to join the squad after he remained in Australia for assessment on a hamstring strain. "Shane has recovered sufficiently from the hamstring injury he sustained training in Brisbane last Sunday to join the squad in South Africa," said physiotherapist Alex Kountouris. "He will join the team on Monday with a view towards playing at some stage during the ICC World Twenty20."

[Sydneyfan]

Here's the schedule. The times are obviously eastern Australian time zone.
I am going to be tired.


Schedule for Twenty20 World Championship. All times AEST

Group A

Wed, Sept 12 - South Africa v West Indies, Johannesburg, 2am

Thur, Sept 13 - Bangladesh v West Indies, Johannesburg, 6pm

Sun, Sept 16 - South Africa v Bangladesh, Cape Town, 2am

Group B

Thur, Sept 13 - Australia v Zimbabwe, Cape Town, 2am

Thur, Sept 13 - England v Zimbabwe, Cape Town, 10pm

Fri, Sept 14 - Australia v England, Cape Town, 10pm

Group C

Wed, Sept 12 - Kenya v New Zealand, Durban, 6pm

Fri, Sept 14 - Kenya v Sri Lanka, Johannesburg, 6pm

Sat, Sept 15 - New Zealand v Sri Lanka, Johannesburg, 10pm

Group D

Wed, Sept 12 - Pakistan v Scotland, Durban, 10pm

Fri, Sept 14 - India v Scotland, Durban, 2am

Sat, Sept 15 - India v Pakistan, Durban, 2am

Group E

Sun, Sept 16 - C1 v D2, Johannesburg, 6pm

Mon, Sept 17 - A1 v B2, Cape Town, 2am

Tue, Sept 18 - C1 v B2, Durban, 6pm

Wed, Sept 19 - A1 v C1, Durban, 10pm

Thur, Sept 20 - B2 v D2, Durban, 2am

Fri, Sept 21 - A1 v D2, Durban, 2am

Group F

Sun, Sept 16 - B1 v A2, Cape Town, 10pm

Tue, Sept 18 - D1 v C2, Johannesburg, 2am

Tue, Sept 18 - B1 v D1, Johannesburg, 10pm

Wed, Sept 19 - A2 v C2, Johannesburg, 2am

Thur, Sept 20 - B1 v C2, Cape Town, 6pm

Thur, Sept 20 - A2 v D1 , Cape Town, 10pm

Semi-finals

Sat, Sept 22 - E2 v F1, Cape Town, 9pm

Sun, Sept 23 - E1 v F2, Durban, 2am

Mon, Sept 24, Final, Johannesburg, 10pm

Source: The Sun-Herald

[Kevin McF]

first match is starting in a halfhour or so, I think the Safers should take it

[Quincy]

Oh does it actually start then? I wondered how long the introduction would be, hopefully there isn't an opening ceremony

[Kevin McF]

not sure to be honest

[Kevin McF]

I was wrong, now it starts in a half hour :lol

[Quincy]

oh okay, I'll switch on then.

[Quincy]

Chris Gayle is going fucking nuts

[Kevin McF]

Chris Gayle is going fucking nuts
looks like he did, 117 is a great score, I have found a stream!!!

sounds like smith has injured his hand

[Kevin McF]

smith just went out, it will be interesting to see how this develops since the commentators seem to think his hand is broken

[Kevin McF]

the windies have claimed a few unwanted records in this game

[Faded Rose]

SA just won. It was exciting in the end but not unexpected.

[Sydneyfan]

I missed the entire thing. :\

[Kevin McF]

I missed the entire thing. :\
thats ok, it was only the safers and windies ;)

the real question is will you be up to watch the game tomorrow at 2am?

[Quincy]

Who's playing? Aus and?

[Sydneyfan]

thats ok, it was only the safers and windies ;)

the real question is will you be up to watch the game tomorrow at 2am?

Hmmmm....2am is a pretty challenging time. :lol

And Q, Australia play Zimbabwe. And we play England on Friday. That one I will watch. :upyours

[Quincy]

I haven't really paid attention to what groups are which, is it only 3 teams in a group?

[Sydneyfan]

I haven't really paid attention to what groups are which, is it only 3 teams in a group?

Yep, only three.

[Quincy]

so it's over in 1 month instead of 3?

[Sydneyfan]

so it's over in 1 month instead of 3?

Haha, let's hope so. And instead of a mysterious death, one of the coachs will just get a slight cold. It's more low key than the World Cup.

[Quincy]

I heard there's more than 5 weeks left of the Rugby one, is that right or have I heard wrong?

[Sydneyfan]

Not sure when it finishes, but that could be right. The pool matches don't end until the end of September.

[Quincy]

Well I think someone just got banned for 5 weeks and could still play in the final, but he's an American player so that's very doubtful.

[Sydneyfan]

Well I think someone just got banned for 5 weeks and could still play in the final

At times during the Cricket World Cup it felt like a player could have been banned for life and still played in the final.

[Quincy]

At least the tournament organizers have learnt for this one, I think tickets were as low as £1.50 for todays game

[Kevin McF]

as predicted the Kiwis won by a lot, but it sure took them a while to blow out Kenya

[Kevin McF]

Pakistan is looking to get back on track after the last world cup, and have started properly with a nice win over Scotland. Their next game against India will be an interesting match

[Kevin McF]

this is not a good start :(

[Kevin McF]

saddo :boohoo saddo :boohoo saddo :boohoo

[Kevin McF]

it is all on the bowlers now! Lee, Clark, Johnson, Bracken all need to be clutch!

[Kevin McF]

that game will go down in history

[Kevin McF]

not going to lie I dont really like having to play England with a bunch of county players

[Sydneyfan]

:boohoo I've just finished reading up on this match. Unbelievable.

[Kevin McF]

:boohoo I've just finished reading up on this match. Unbelievable.
it really was :(

My assumption is that everyone in the group will end up 1-1, so how do they determine who moves on?

[Sydneyfan]

it really was :(

My assumption is that everyone in the group will end up 1-1, so how do they determine who moves on?

I don't know actually. Probably some complicated statistical equation. :downyours

[Kevin McF]

I don't know actually. Probably some complicated statistical equation. :downyours
Lewis-Duckworth? ;)

[Kevin McF]

hopefully it doesnt go to number of wickets first because the 9 australia lost today is not good

[Sydneyfan]

hopefully it doesnt go to number of wickets first because the 9 australia lost today is not good

:\ Very true. I have a bad feeling about the England match as well.

[Quincy]

I have a bad feeling about the England match as well.

:wtf





:lol

[Sydneyfan]

:wtf





:lol


I will ban you if England wins.

[Quincy]

I will ban you if England wins.

empty threat

[Sydneyfan]

empty threat

Not if they recall Giles.

[Kevin McF]

:\ Very true. I have a bad feeling about the England match as well.
I said it earlier, but I am scared of what all those county boys will do, I will be watching the ENG vs ZIM game tomorrow for a preview

[Quincy]

Not if they recall Giles.

rest easy, he's retired.

[Kevin McF]

the windies are done! SA and Bangladesh have advanced!

Lets see if Zimbabwe can join them

[Kevin McF]

I just heard that if they all end up with 1 win then they look at run rate

[Kevin McF]

If Australia goes out then I am jumping on the Zimbabwe bandwagon!

[Kevin McF]

If anyone wants/needs a link to a stream drop me a line

[FrigidRoses]

Hit me up.

[Sydneyfan]

Last chance for the Aussies tonight against England. I'm hoping that the shock of getting beaten by Zimbabwe will snap them back into form.




*is not confident*

[Quincy]

Sri Lanka made 260...fuck.

[Kevin McF]

if Australia wins they advance
if Australia win by 100 runs or more then England is Eliminated
if Australia wins in 12 overs or less then England is Eliminated

at least that is what I think they just said

[Kevin McF]

Sri Lanka made 260...fuck.

that is a nice score, but no centuries, solid batting by the usual suspects tho

[Quincy]

It's a world record

[Quincy]

And 260/6 after 20 overs, imagine having that base in a 50 over game. It wouldn't really matter that you had to bat 30 overs with only 4 wickets in hand.

[Kevin McF]

And 260/6 after 20 overs, imagine having that base in a 50 over game. It wouldn't really matter that you had to bat 30 overs with only 4 wickets in hand.
I think some sides wouldn't mind that as 50 over total :p

These commentators really wanted Hogg in the bowling attack

[Kevin McF]

Clark bowling Maddy out on the free hit off a no ball saddo

[Kevin McF]

Finally Johnson getting to show what he is made of! Hopefully this will start him on his way into a starting spot on the ODI team

[Kevin McF]

and the aussies advance! we can all sleep easier tonight ;)

[Kevin McF]

Tomorrows games

Sat 15
14:00 local, 12:00 GMT 11th Match, Group C - New Zealand v Sri Lanka
New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Sat 15 Floodlit Match
18:00 local, 16:00 GMT 12th Match, Group A - South Africa v Bangladesh

[Sydneyfan]

and the aussies advance! we can all sleep easier tonight ;)

That was a much better performance. The Aussies looked great - Haydo and Gilly were superb. I think we are back on track :banana

[Kevin McF]

That was a much better performance. The Aussies looked great - Haydo and Gilly were superb. I think we are back on track :banana
like it was ever in doubt

:\

[Sydneyfan]

like it was ever in doubt

:\

:lol I confess, I was a doubter. I fancy SA and NZ in the two upcoming matches I think. Its always hard to judge this form of the game. It's pretty random.

[Kevin McF]

I agree, looks like I wont get to sleep in this weekend at all, I had to be up early today to go and close up the cottage, now the Australia game is on at 8am my time so I will be up to watch that

[Kevin McF]

I just noticed that the game I most want to see (Australia v Sri Lanka) is on at 3 am my time saddo

[Sydneyfan]

I just noticed that the game I most want to see (Australia v Sri Lanka) is on at 3 am my time saddo

:downyours I don't mind so much when games start around 5am or so...I can get up for them easily enough. But anything between 1am and 5am is a pain.

[Quincy]

:downyours I don't mind so much when games start around 5am or so...I can get up for them easily enough. But anything between 1am and 5am is a pain.

You get 4 hours of sleep?


Thatcher?

[Sydneyfan]

You get 4 hours of sleep?


Thatcher?

Denis?

No, I meant I can stay up until about 1am watching sport, or get up at 5am and watch sport. But getting up (or staying up) until 2 or 3 am is too hard. Unless its a grand final or something.

[Kevin McF]

Denis?

No, I meant I can stay up until about 1am watching sport, or get up at 5am and watch sport. But getting up (or staying up) until 2 or 3 am is too hard. Unless its a grand final or something.
if it was the finals no doubt I would stay up, but hopefully it wont matter much in the overall scheme of things, if it does end up being a big deal, I will have to make arrangements

[Sydneyfan]

Binga's hat trick :banana

[Kevin McF]

Binga's hat trick :banana
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1776/79727qc1.jpg

[Quincy]

Let's hope he releases a song about it.

[Kevin McF]

Pakistan beats Sri Lanka, I thought that it would be an easy win for the Lankans

[Kevin McF]

quite the game, a few less expensive overs from Clarke and Symo and there is a chance that there might have been an Aussie win.

Hussey and Hodge had a great at bat. The bowlers from Pakistan came through at a few key times.

Clark had a great performance and is just proving he truly is "the next McGrath"

Hopefully Punters hammy isnt anything serious

[Kevin McF]

looks like the winner of AUS vs SRI will go onto the semis and the loser will go home :\

[Kevin McF]

Quincy will be proud of his captain!

Collingwood fined for lap-dancing outing
England captain Paul Collingwood has been fined £1000 after admitting drinking at a lap-dancing bar in Cape Town on Saturday, the night before England's crucial Super Eight match against South Africa. He was handed the fine by a panel that included England coach Peter Moores, chairman of selectors David Graveney and ECB chief executive David Collier.

"Paul Collingwood has been levied with a suitable fine," a terse ECB media release said. "The matter is now closed."

"It's obviously unacceptable," Collingwood admitted. "I'm England captain and going to these places isn't the thing to do. You learn from these lessons and hopefully it won't happen again."

Collingwood was out the first ball in the game against South Africa which England lost by 19 runs. He claimed he had been taken to the club by friends and was not drinking seriously.

The Collingwood incident will raise comparisons with the more serious 'Fredallo' incident during the World Cup in the Caribbean in March. As a result of that Andrew Flintoff was stripped of the vice-captaincy and banned for a match, while five other players were fined after being caught drinking into the early hours of a match day. However, Collingwood's crime was to be in the wrong place at the wrong time rather than drinking to excess.

Collingwood, whose captaincy in the current tournament won him praise from Graveney, said he was concentrating on Wednesday's must-win match against India. "Hopefully we can quickly get over it and concentrate on this game on Wednesday. Mathematically we're still hoping we can get through."

[Sydneyfan]

looks like the winner of AUS vs SRI will go onto the semis and the loser will go home :\

I'm starting to dislike Twenty20. :(

Punter is having scans today on the hammy - the papers here are pessimistic, but to be honest, I don't think they have any actual facts to base that pessimissm on yet. Fingers crossed.

[Sydneyfan]

"It's obviously unacceptable," Collingwood admitted. "I'm England captain and going to these places isn't the thing to do. You learn from these lessons and hopefully it won't happen again."

Is it just me or is that a really half-hearted apology? :lol

What's he's really saying is:

Its obviously unacceptable (to get caught). "I'm England captain (and yet they still charged me full price for drinks) and going to these places isn't the thing to do (unless you're on tour and the wife is not around). You learn from these lessons and hopefully (I won't get caught again).

[Kevin McF]

Is it just me or is that a really half-hearted apology? :lol

What's he's really saying is:

Its obviously unacceptable (to get caught). "I'm England captain (and yet they still charged me full price for drinks) and going to these places isn't the thing to do (unless you're on tour and the wife is not around). You learn from these lessons and hopefully (I won't get caught again).
its funny especially after Freddy did it in the Windies (altho Freddy was a lot crazier, shocking I know :p)

[Kevin McF]

I'm starting to dislike Twenty20. :(

so is Gilly

Twenty20 cricket yet to convince Gilchrist
Adam Gilchrist, Australia's stand-in captain, admitted that Twenty20 was not a game he had taken to whole-heartedly following the defeat to Pakistan. When asked what he thought of the format, he was faint with his praise: "Er, yeh, yeh. It's um... well. The more I play it, I am starting to, not so much like it as a player, but love watching it."

Before the tournament started, Gilchrist had said that it was good to play some international cricket that was not so serious. When Australia lost to Zimbabwe, Ricky Ponting demanded respect and the Australian machine had looked as well oiled as ever - until facing Pakistan.

"I am being more and more sold on why the public is so taken by this format. One over can really change a game, and in a tight game it is crucial. I am still not totally convinced that over the short term, the skills get to come through as much as they do in the longer formats, so that is evening the games up which is a great spectacle, but we'll see over time. We're all still learning with it."

He admits that Australia's preparation, at least, was not as serious as it might have been: "[That we haven't hit the stumps when fielding] probably shows we have not put in the time. We could have cut our break short by a month and come here peaking, but to be honest, at the time when we made those decisions we didn't see it as a priority leading into a big run of cricket.

"We are taking it seriously. I am not sure what the perception is but we are. Now that we are here, we definitely want to win, and we are doing everything we can. We are not shirking this as something we are not caring about."

[Kevin McF]

and Ponting is done for the WC and possibly the ODI in India

[Sydneyfan]

and Ponting is done for the WC and possibly the ODI in India

This is shaping up to an unhappy tournament for Australia. :\ Ponting will be missed, he is a great motivator for the side.

[Kevin McF]

thankfully it looks like the Aussies didnt have much of a challenge today, Clark is on fire 4 more wickets today, he certainly has arrived

[Kevin McF]

I just read that (obviously) in his first game back Watson reinjured his hammy :(

[Sydneyfan]

I just read that (obviously) in his first game back Watson reinjured his hammy :(

Yes, unfortunately. I haven't read the sports pages yet this morning, so I don't know what the prognosis is.

I did watch the game last night though, it was a total walkover. Hayden was unstoppable.

[Kevin McF]

I just noticed that the Saffers didnt advance! I thought they were in regardless of what happened in their game vs india, but I guess their run rate wasnt good enough! I must say I feel better having to play India than the Saffers.

[Quincy]

So England are out right? I haven't been following,

[Kevin McF]

So England are out right? I haven't been following,
Yeah, they made the super 8 but didnt advance any further the semis are

NZ v Pakistan
Australia v India

[Quincy]

A Pakistan - India or NZ -Aus final would be interesting, when is the final? I may find somewhere to watch it.

[Kevin McF]

A Pakistan - India or NZ -Aus final would be interesting, when is the final? I may find somewhere to watch it.
semis are tomorrow
finals on monday

[Sydneyfan]

! I must say I feel better having to play India than the Saffers.

So do I. I just get the feeling the Saffers have more batting strength and are a little bit more unpredictable than India.

[Kevin McF]

looks like pakistan really is the team to beat in this tournament, here's to a rematch between the australians and the pakistanis

[Kevin McF]

well at least the boys get a week off before having to start the ODI series in India

[Sydneyfan]

well at least the boys get a week off before having to start the ODI series in India

:( Looks like they need it. The injury list is getting pretty long.

DURBAN: Australia have ended their Twenty20 World Championship campaign on the worst possible note, with Michael Hussey almost certain to miss the one-day tour of India after becoming the third player in as many games to break down with a hamstring strain.

Such is the injury crisis gripping the team that Australia may even have struggled to field 11 fit players in Monday's final had they not lost to India in Saturday's semi-final at Kingsmead. Hussey's injury is similar to those suffered by skipper Ricky Ponting and all-rounder Shane Watson in the previous two games.

Watson has already been ruled out of the seven-match India tour starting this week, with Ponting likely to miss at least the first few games.

Team physio Alex Kountouris has also revealed Brad Hodge and Brad Haddin were both struggling for fitness. "They're hanging by a thread," said Kountouris, who admitted Hodge would have been doubtful for the final had Australia qualified.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/hussey-set-to-miss-tour-of-india-as-australia-lick-wounds/2007/09/23/1190486140243.html

[Kevin McF]

what is it that is causing all these ham string injuries? Any speculation in the papers down there Syd?

[Sydneyfan]

what is it that is causing all these ham string injuries? Any speculation in the papers down there Syd?

Yep, two factors are being discussed at the moment - too many games, and the soft ground in Cape Town. Seems to make sense to me.

[Kevin McF]

Congratulations to India for the big win. It will be interesting to see how India will play in the ODI series after this big win

[FrigidRoses]

A Packers fan in Ottawa? :lol

I'm glad you guys beat the Chargers yesterday, they talk way too much shit.

[Kevin McF]

A Packers fan in Ottawa? :lol

I'm glad you guys beat the Chargers yesterday, they talk way too much shit.
yup, been a fan for a long time now. I am impressed by the 3-0 start it is blowing my mind

[FrigidRoses]

I love Farve. I even forgave the Packers for beating the Pats in the Super Bowl. :) But they're looking really good this year, especially with how weak most of the NFC is.