Biswarup manager for tri-series
Mumbai: The BCCI on Friday named Biswarup Dey, Treasurer of the Hony. Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), as the manager of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming tri-nation series involving hosts Australia and England. Former India player Arshad Ayub is currently with the Virat Kohli-led side after he was appointed team manager for the four-match Test series. Having already conceded the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a draw in Melbourne post a 2-0 trail in the four-match Test series, India will now look to make an impact in the limited-overs triseries. The triseries and the World Cup squad, to be led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, was announced on Tuesday. The tri-nation event will certainly act as a tune-up for the 50-over World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand starting February 14.
Kohli No. 2 in ICC ODI rankings
Dubai: Prolific batsman Virat Kohli is the best-placed Indian at the second spot in the latest ICC ODI ranking list, which also has out-of-form opener Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in the top 10. Kohli has 862 points in his kitty, still 25 points behind AB de Villiers of South Africa, who is heading the list. Dhawan, who has been in poor form in the Australia tour, is placed at the fifth spot, while Dhoni is at the number 10th spot in the batsmen ranking which was released on Friday. Among the bowlers, pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and injured spinner Ravindra Jadeja are the only two Indians within the top 10 ranking at the eighth and ninth spot respectively.
Sehwag wishes Team India
Gurgaon: Virender Sehwag on Friday wished the Indian team and hoped that the MS Dhoni-led side would be able to defend its title in Australia and New Zealand. “We are going to play the World Cup and we are the defending champions, so I hope we do well and bring this trophy to India and give lot of joy to Indian public,” Sehwag said posing with the ICC World Cup Trophy which was showcased to cricket fans at Cyber Hub here. “I would like to say thanks to ICC and lG for bringing me here and giving me the opportunity to meet all of you and to lift the trophy again. We did it in 2011 after the World Cup and spend loads of time with the trophy and I’m lucky that I’m getting to spend a little time with the trophy again and with you guys also,” he added.
bowling attack a worry: Azhar
Chandigarh: Former captain Mohammad Azharuddin on Friday said that even though India’s 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup looks balanced, the bowling attack does seem to pose a worry for the Virat Kohli-led team. “It is a balanced team, but my only worry is bowling. With the way they have bowled in Australia (in Test series) has not done well. Bowlers are really getting tired,” Azhar said at the launch of his cricket academy that is aimed to tap young talent from the region. “After the (upcoming) triangular series, it remains to be seen how fit the bowlers are and how much potential they play up. But they will have to work hard as Australia and New Zealand are different places,” added the 51-year-old player.
Clarke in Warne’s all-time XI
Sydney: Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson were the only representatives from the current Australian cricket squad to find a place in the country’s all-time XI named by Shane Warne on Friday. Warne, who gave himself a place in the team, left out the likes of Steve Waugh, ODI specialist Michael Bevan even while naming temperamental former all-rounder Andrew Symonds in the squad. “Australia’s greatest-ever Test wicket-taker picked three 1999 ICC World Cup teammates at the top of the order in Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting,” a post of Cricket Australia website said. The squad was picked while Warne was doing commentary in the ongoing India-Australia Test series. “A very good one-day bowler, handy bat...You guys told me to put myself in,” Warne laughed. Shane Warne All-Time Australia XI: Mark Waugh, Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Greg Chappell, Michael Clarke, Allan Border, Andrew Symonds, Mitchell Johnson, Shane Warne, Dennis lillee, Glenn McGrath. Reserves: Mathew Hayden, Dean Jones, Michael Hussey, Gary Gilmour, Brett lee.
Bond to be MI’s bowling coach
Mumbai: Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond was on Friday appointed as the bowling coach of Mumbai Indians for the 2015 Indian Premier league season. The 39-year-old Bond, currently employed in similar capacity with the New Zealand national team, will join in the ranks of Mumbai Indians’ support staff along with former Australian great Ricky Ponting, Jonty Rhodes (fielding coach) and Robin Singh (batting coach). Bond’s appointment with Mumbai Indians came close on the heels of his decision to step down as bowling coach of New Zealand after the upcoming World Cup. The former international paceman’s contract ends at the completion of the tournament and he has decided against seeking an extension. Agencies