Warner pulls out of Zim series
Sydney: Australian opener David Warner has pulled out of the limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe in August, citing a draining playing schedule and the upcoming birth of his first child. The adventurous left-hander, who is playing in the IPl, said on his website that he would not take part in the tri-series with South Africa and Zimbabwe. Warner, 27, said his schedule, including last southern summer's Ashes series against England and the tour of South Africa, had taken its toll and he wanted to be at home ahead of the expected arrival of his first child in September. Australia are set to play four one-dayers in the tournament in Harare, two against each African nation, as well as a potential final.
‘Conducive to odd bouncers’
Ahmedabad: Australian pacer Ben Cutting says most pitches in India are conducive for bowling the odd bouncers, which can make life difficult for the batsman. One of his biggest strengths is the ability to get sharp bounce at a good pace. Asked if it gets difficult when bowling in conditions that negate his strengths, Cutting responded in positive. "It can, sometimes. But in saying that, most wickets in India are actually conducive to the odd bouncer. A little bit more grass on this wicket and we could get the odd one to rise. "Sometimes, when you bowl short on these sorts of wickets, it can actually be harder to play than it is on a true wicket, where the batsman can use your pace," he was quoted as saying in IPl's official website.
5 Pak cricketers fined $5,000 each
Islamabad: The Pakistan Cricket Board fined five of its cricketers $5,000 each Friday for participating in an unauthorized Twenty20 tournament in the United States. The PCB said fast bowler Wahab Riaz, allrounder Abdul Razzaq, middle order batsman Fawad Alam and opening batsmen Nasir Jamshed and Shahzeb Hasan all were fined 500,000 rupees ($5,000) for competing in last month's Friendship Cup T20 tournament in Houston. last month, the PCB formed a three-member committee to investigate players' participation in the tournament.
Blake hopes for future in cricket
london: Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake says he is eyeing a switch to cricket when he retires from athletics. The 24-year-old former world champion, who was a fast bowler in high school, says he has held talks with Yorkshire and joked on BBC radio that he "can make the (England) team." A Yorkshire spokesman said the club is flattered by the two-time Olympic silver medalist's interest and that he would be welcome for training.