Australia Cricket

Lee admits retirement fear

On February 17, 2010, In Australia, Australia Cricket, By Thomas Rooney

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee may never play international cricket again after his latest injury setback. The 33-year-old had elbow surgery in December and has since been ruled out for the entire Australian summer.

Despite admitting he could have bowled his last ball for his country, Lee is remaining upbeat. According to the player, if his international career is over, he will look back with satisfaction on what he has achieved.

Lee has been plagued by problems recently – he hasn’t been able to play Test cricket since December 2008 – and he seems ready to accept whatever comes his way.

Lee’s immediate future could result in him pursuing a number of paths and he clearly has an open mind about it all. He believes “anything is possible” and there is a chance he could end up playing “one-dayers or no cricket at all” when he recovers from his latest setback.

Lee is still undecided about what to do with his cricketing life, but the decision might be out of his hands. However, it seems retirement is an eventuality he has already prepared for.

As already mentioned, he will be happy with what he has achieved regardless of what happens next. He played in 76 Test matches for Australia over ten years and was part of one of the greatest teams the game has ever seen.
The New South Wales man has taken 310 test wickets in this time and frightened the life out of some batsman along the way.

In reality, it has always been inevitable that a player who puts as much effort and strain on his body as Lee would call it a day before reaching their mid-30s.

Lee hasn’t given up hope yet though and he will discuss his situation with some key people, including Australia captain Ricky Ponting.

Whatever decision Lee makes, he can be proud of what he has given international cricket. He has proved a popular character in the game and been involved in many memorable moments.

A player in his mould will certainly be missed by cricket fans around the world. International batsman may not feel the same way, but they would have enjoyed the battles they have had with Lee over the years. All the best to him.

Meanwhile, Australia are gearing up to play the West Indies in a one day international. Australia’s cricket odds make them strong favourites to win the match.

In horse racing news, the Cheltenham Festival is fast approaching and all eyes are on Gold Cup contenders Denman and Kauto star.

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Smith and Morkel achieve career-best rankings, KP falters

On January 19, 2010, In Australia, Australia Cricket, Cricket, England Cricket, Graeme Smith, Mahela Jayawardene, Michael Clarke, South Africa, Sri Lanka Cricket, By warnie

South Africa captain Graeme Smith and team-mate Morne Morkel have achieved career-best rankings in the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings after producing match-winning performances in the fourth and last Test against England which ended in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Smith, who scored 105 in South Africa’s innings-and-74-run, victory which helped the Proteas to draw the four-Test series, has leapfrogged the Sri Lanka pair of Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara to occupy second spot in the Reliance Mobile ICC Player Rankings for Test batsmen.

Smith now leads Jayawardena by seven ratings points and trails his Indian counterpart Mahendra Singh Dhoni by 34 points. The left-hander had started the series in eighth spot and climbed six places after finishing as the leading run-getter in the series with 427 runs.

Besides Smith, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Mark Boucher are the other South Africa batsmen to move up the order. De Villiers has moved up by one place to 13^thposition, Amla has climbed five places to 23^rd spot and Boucher has lifted six places to 36^th spot.

However, Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince have lost ground with Kallis slipping two places to eighth spot and Prince also dropping two places to 29^th position.

The news is not very good for England which is now without a batsman in the top 20 after both Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen lost ground following a disappointing Test at the Wanderers by their high standards.

Strauss, who scored a duck and 22, has slipped five places to 21^st position while Pietersen has dropped seven places to 27^th spot after scores of seven and 12 at the Wanderers.

Strauss had started the series in 14^th spot while Pietersen had started the series in 17^th spot. But Strauss managed 170 runs and Pietersen contributed 177 runs and consequently lost seven and 10 places in the batting chart, respectively.

In contrast, Australia has gained two ratings points for its efforts and now sits on 118 ratings points, two behind third-placed South Africa and three ahead of fourth-placed Sri Lanka.

Australia players are also on the rise in the latest rankings. Vice-captain Michael Clarke has strengthened his position as Australia’s highest-ranked batsman when he gained six places to rise to fifth, just ahead of India’s Virender Sehwag.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who won the man-of-the-match award for his contributions of 209 and 89 at his home ground, has rocketed 13 places to seventh position. Simon Katich, who scored 11 and 100, has also improved his ranking by two places and he is now in 19^th position.

The only Australia batsman to slip in the ranking is Mike Hussey who has dropped two places to 16^th spot. ICC Ratings – More Info

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Matthew Hayden to join Cricket Australia Board

On August 11, 2009, In Australia, Australia Cricket, Cricket, Cricket Australia, Matthew Hayden, By warnie

Former Australian international cricketer Matthew Hayden is to join the board of Cricket Australia (CA) to replace former captain Allan Border AO, who is standing down after seven years.

In welcoming Hayden to the Board, CA Chairman Jack Clarke praised Allan Border for volunteering his time to serve Australian cricket at a national level for an extended time.

“I think it is fantastic that someone of his stature and workload was willing to give seven years of his time in unpaid service to the game at a national level,” Mr Clarke said.

“I am also delighted to welcome Matt Hayden on board – - he brings a combination of contemporary, elite playing experience in all major cricketing nations; additional understanding of player issues through his work on the board of the Australian Cricketer’s Association, experience in the new Twenty20 phenomena as an IPL player, and a passion for development of Indigenous cricket.

“I congratulate Queensland Cricket on having the foresight and vision to appoint Matthew Hayden to the Cricket Australia Board so soon after his retirement from wearing the Baggy Green”.

Commenting from the UK, Matt Hayden said he had stood down from the board of the ACA to take up positions on the Queensland Cricket and Cricket Australia boards.

“I have enjoyed working for players in my work on the ACA board, sincerely thank my fellow directors, the management and staff there for their support, and will take insights from there and from the playing arena with me to the CA table,” he said.

“But I have accepted this new challenge because I am passionate about Australian cricket in its totality, including the kids in the cities and in the remote areas who want to play the game but might not have the access and opportunities I had; the volunteers at a club level who keep the Australian game afloat; and the fans who turn up to support the game; as well as the men and women who represent Australia,” he said.

Cricket Australia’s Board members are: Jack Clarke (Chairman), Earl Eddings, Wally Edwards, Daryl Foster OAM, Tony Harrison, Dr Harry Harinath, Matthew Hayden, Ian McLachlan AO, Bryan Phelan, Mike Silver, Geoff Tamblyn, Mark Taylor AO, and Peter Warner.

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3rd Test Edgbaston : England v Australia day 4 report

On August 3, 2009, In Ashes, Australia, Australia Cricket, Flintoff, Graham Onions, ashes 2009, By warnie

England are just a few hours away from taking a 2-0 lead in this summer’s Ashes series after another assured performance first with the bat and then with the ball placing Australia in a precarious position on the final day. Scorecard Day 4

With the third day lost to rain and a wet outfield, bookies had slashed the odds on an England win and the draw was seen as the obvious result. However, thanks to some good fortune and attacking batting from Flintoff (74) and Broad (55), England carried over a healthy 113 run lead at the close of play.

Hilfenhaus was again the pick of the bowlers finishing with 4 for 109 off his 30 overs. He proved to be a workhorse for Australia who seemed devoid of any ideas on how to close down the England lower order for the third Test in a row.

The loss of Warne and McGrath from the Australian line-up has opened up a lack of bowling options and depth in a once rich Australia treasure chest of bowlers and despite Lee being available for the fourth Test England appear to have the upper hand.

The trademark Aussie sledge has disappeared and the team look altogether lacklustre save for a few minutes here or there, England under the indifferent captaincy of Strauss appear to have found a number of weaknesses and are exploiting them at every opportunity.

Strauss failed to capitalise on his overnight score and added only a handful of runs before he was found lacking. Bell was fortunate to survive a vociferous appeal for leg before, Rudi Koertzen once again at the centre of the controversy. Replays suggested the ball may well have been too high but to the naked eye he was fortunate to have survived.

Collingwood fell to another lazy shot outside off stump and was sent back for just 13 runs. At that point England looked in trouble but defiant knocks from Flintoff, Prior and Broad helped them to a sizable total on a day when the bowlers were able to extract swing.

Australia in reply looked comfortable early on and took a liking to Onions in his first over scoring 12 runs. But that was the extent of Australia’s success. With the score on 47 and despite the battering he received in his opening over Onions tempted Katich into a loose shot, Prior accepting the opportunity with glee.

Ponting was the next to go, clean bowled by Swann after a magnificent over from the off spinner. Hussey and Watson took the visitors to 2 for 88 at the close but with a full day expected tomorrow the odds on a draw are remote indeed.

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Brett Lee sidelined with rib injury, misses Cardiff Test

On July 6, 2009, In Ashes, Australia Cricket, Brett Lee, Cricket, ashes 2009, By warnie

Brett Lee has been ruled out of the first Test in Cardiff through injury and is a doubt for the second Test at Lord’s on the 16^th July.

Following scans earlier today in London it was revealed that Lee has a tear to his rib muscle and will definitely miss the series opener. This will come as a huge blow not only to Australia but to the paceman who has battled for 25 weeks to get fit for the important clash.

“I’m very disappointed,” said Lee, as he broke the news alongside Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris on Monday evening.

“Being a fast bowler injuries do happen sometimes, but I’ll be working really hard over the next two weeks to try to get back playing as quickly as possible. If the second Test is not an option, then maybe the third.

“I’m bowling pain-free on my ankle for the first time in a long time and that’s exciting. Yes I’m frustrated and disappointed, of course I am, but the bright side is that it is not connected to my old injuries.”

Lee reported his concern during the recent warm up game against the English Lions at New Road, Worcester. His form in the match showed no signs that he was suffering and this has come as a bhuge shock to all concerned.

“Brett’s obviously worked very hard especially over the last 12 months to try and get right for this series,” said Australian vice captain Michael Clarke before confirmation of Lee’s absence was announced.

“I think right now we need to wait and see what the result is of his scan but I know he will be very keen and hoping that the scan comes up clear.”

England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is just returning to full fitness after an Achilles injury, sympathised with the Australian in an earlier press conference.

“It’s sad for him if it’s true. He’s a fantastic competitor and an amazing bowler,” said Pietersen.

“We’ve all seen how he’s bowled in the last couple of games. He’s a huge, huge, huge player for Australia.

Only time will tell if Australia will opt out of using Hauritz now that one of the key strike bowlers has been sidelined. Options include sharing the spinner role between Katich, North and Clarke and bringing in Ben Hilfenhaus to replace the injured Lee.

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England to host Pakistan v Australia matches in 2010

On June 26, 2009, In Australia, Australia Cricket, ECB, Pakistan, By warnie

England to host Pakistan v Australia matches in 2010

The ECB today announced that it had reached agreement with PCB to stage two Test Matches and two T20 Internationals between Pakistan and Australia in England next July.

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke said: “The Pakistan team performed outstandingly well in the World T20 tournament in England and were worthy world champions. The passion of the support for their team in England demonstrated why this country is an ideal venue for these matches against Australia .

“The warm relations between our two Boards has developed further under the leadership of the current PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt, with whom I enjoy an excellent working relationship, and ECB is delighted to support Pakistan in staging these matches.”

ECB and PCB also confirmed that England will host Pakistan for four Test Matches, five One-Day Internationals and two T20 Internationals in August and September of next year.

The ECB also announced Giles Clarke its Chairman has accepted the role of Chairman of the ICC Pakistan Task Team. This body, set up by the ICC, has been charged with providing strategies and solutions to assist the Pakistan Cricket Board in protecting its position in international cricket.

ECB Chairman Giles Clarke said: “The Pakistan Cricket Board is faced with a very challenging situation at present and ECB in its role as a member of the global cricket community is keen to offer PCB all possible assistance at such a difficult time. I am delighted to take on this role and will be liaising closely with my colleagues at PCB in the coming weeks and months.”

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Watson’s tour now in doubt

On June 23, 2009, In Ashes, Australia Cricket, Cricket, Cricket Australia, ashes 2009, By warnie

The 2009 Ashes tour of England begins in less than 12 hours and perhaps predictably, Australia have injury concerns with Shane Watson’s fitness.

Injury prone Watson has suffered a knee injury ahead of tomorrow’s opening match against Sussex at Hove.

Watson has had a scan on his knee, the injury has prevented him from training in Hove with the rest of the squad. Results of the scan are expected on Wednesday.

Australia is expected to call up a replacement for Watson if Wednesday’s results prove to be worse than first expected. Watson, despite his tag as an all rounder was selected primarily as a batsman who could bowl when required. The injury will be a huge blow for Australia as it looks to retain the Ashes in a little over two weeks.

“We might have to do that,” said Australian captain Ricky Ponting.

“That’s what some of the discussion this afternoon’s about, particularly if we happen to have, for an unknown reason, a batter happen to hurt themselves in this game then we could be a little bit short.”

Hopefully within a couple of days he’s right to start back up and work up on his bowling again.”

“For him it’s obviously a setback. He’s disappointed that he wasn’t available for selection in this game.”

By missing the games against Sussex, Watson’s chances of playing in the first Test now seem remote at best.

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Young Indigenous team departs, emulating 1868

On June 19, 2009, In Aborigine, Australia, Australia Cricket, Indigenous, By warnie

Young Indigenous team departs, emulating 1868

Australia’s best young Indigenous cricketers will tomorrow follow in the footsteps of Australia’s first-ever touring sporting team, the 1868 Aboriginal cricket team, when they embark on an historic four-week tour of England.

The National Indigenous Development Squad is scheduled to play 11 matches through the tour and will be captained by South Australian Redbacks all-rounder Dan Christian.

The side is primarily under 23 years of age (exceptions being leadership group of Christian and Vice-Captain Peter O’Callaghan who are 26 and 24 respectively) with Queenslander Trent Clemments the baby of the team at just 16.

The final day of the team’s training camp at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence saw final preparations and final training sessions conducted. Matthew Hayden dropped by to talk to the team as well as conducting some specialist training sessions.

“I saw a lot of these guys playing at the Imparja Cup during February, and it’s been a big build up from the naming of the team then through to this point now where they’re about get on the plane,” Hayden said.

“You can sense a lot of nervous excitement around, for a lot of the guys the furthest they’ve ever travelled is to Alice Springs for the Imparja Cup, so it’s a huge event in these guy’s lives.”

Indigenous media crew Carbon Media will follow the team through England and produce a fly-on-the-wall documentary account of the historic tour. Last week squad members Cameron Trask and Worrin Williams travelled to Western Victoria with Carbon Media where they visited the small-town of Harrow, the spiritual home of the 1868 pioneers and their champion player Johnny Mullagh, to learn more about those that came before them.

The tour can be followed through news stories and match reports on www.cricket.com.au and scorecards can be found at MyCricket through the following link: http://mycricket.cricket.com.au/go.aspx?id=DRAW&entityid=15545&gradeid=3630

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Symonds in hot water yet again

On June 4, 2009, In Andrew Symonds, Australia Cricket, By warnie

Cricket Australia (CA) has recalled Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds from England and is organising for him to return to Australia.

The decision follows a breach of team rules in the lead up to the ICC World Twenty20 being played in England this month.

CA Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said Symonds would return to Australia as soon as possible and CA will apply to the ICC to replace him in the 15-man Australian squad.

Pending ICC approval, the National Selection Panel will advise of a replacement player as soon as possible.

Australia’s first game in the ICC World Twenty20 tournament is against the West Indies at the Oval in London on Saturday 6 June.

Mr Sutherland said the decision to bring Symonds home was regrettable.

“The breach of team rules of itself was not a major offence but was in effect the final straw after a series of previous indiscretions and in the light of the undertakings Andrew had given,” Mr Sutherland said.

“I am disappointed in Andrew, but I am also disappointed for him after all the work he has done with Australian cricket’s support in the last year – - and CA will be encouraging and supporting him with continuing rehabilitation on his return home”.

The recall decision was discussed by CA’s Board which met this evening prior to a scheduled full-day Board meeting in Melbourne tomorrow (Friday, 5 June). A CA management recommendation to the board in turn followed a unanimous recommendation from the team’s leadership group.

Symonds is due to leave London immediately and is expected to return home to Queensland during the weekend.

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Flintoff fitness vital claims Ponting

On May 30, 2009, In Ashes, Australia Cricket, Cricket, Flintoff, Ricky Ponting, ashes 2009, By warnie

Australia captain Ricky Ponting says England may be better off without Andrew Flintoff in their Ashes side, unless the key player is 100% fit.

Ponting said Flintoff was not the force he had been in 2005 when he led England to a 5-0 defeat in Australia 18 months later after an injury comeback.

“Flintoff is obviously very important to England’s set-up,” said Ponting. The BBC Reports in full here.

“Maybe, as we saw in 2007, if he’s not 100% fit then maybe that sort of impact he can have is not there.”

Ponting, whose team are currently based in Nottingham preparing for the ICC World Twenty20, begin their five-Test Ashes defence on 8 July.

He was happy to give his views on Flintoff, who tore knee cartilage while playing in the Indian Premier League in April – and was subsequently ruled out of all England’s international cricket until the Ashes.

Whether or not to field Flintoff in the first Test at Cardiff – perhaps on the back of just a game or two for Lancashire – will be “the great decision the England selectors are going to have to make,” said Ponting.

“In 2005 and in 2007 we saw two completely different players and that had a lot to do with the level of fitness that he had under his belt going into each series.

“That’s where they’re going to have a tough decision to make.”

Ponting said he felt “relaxed, fresh and rejuvenated” after a four-week break from cricket.

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Deep Fine Leg

Simply Bowled Over

Lee admits retirement fear

Smith and Morkel achieve career-best rankings, KP falters

Matthew Hayden to join Cricket Australia Board

3rd Test Edgbaston : England v Australia day 4 report

Brett Lee sidelined with rib injury, misses Cardiff Test

England to host Pakistan v Australia matches in 2010

Watson’s tour now in doubt

Young Indigenous team departs, emulating 1868

Symonds in hot water yet again

Flintoff fitness vital claims Ponting

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