Changes proposed in Ranji points, overs
New Delhi: In its bid to push for more results in Ranji matches, the BCCI technical committee has proposed a few changes in the points format and the number of overs bowled per day in the premier domestic tournament. The Anil Kumble-led committee has suggested the number of overs to be increased from 90 to 95 per day in the four and five-day games of the Ranji Trophy and also do away with the single point for salvaging a draw after conceding a lead. The preliminary suggestions were discussed in the working committee meeting on April 26. The BCCI’s governing body has asked for a final proposal in its next meeting. According to ESPNcricinfo, the technical panel is likely to provide the final draft after meeting again next month. Out of the 115 Ranji games last season, only 62 met with a definite result and the committee believes that adding five overs to a day’s play will certainly increase the chances on a clear victory for a side. The suggestion is drawn from Australian domestic cricket, where 96 overs are bowled in a day in a first-class game. The working committee was also made to understand that teams are content with the first-innings result in most cases since both teams gain points, with three awarded for gaining the lead. Hence, doing away with the single point award for a draw will make the team’s play aggressive cricket.
Drug peddling accused pulls out of US tourney
Vadodara: A leading cricketer facing heroin charges has withdrawn from the Bermuda squad announced earlier this month for a four-country Twenty20 tournament in the United States. The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) announced on Tuesday that Fiqre Crockwell has pulled out of the ICC Americas Division One Twenty20 qualifiers in Indianapolis set for May 2-11 after questions were raised about his inclusion in the squad, reports CMC. No reason for 29-year-old Crockwell’s withdrawal was given. Crockwell, who took part in a warm-up tour of Jamaica two weeks ago, is to stand trial on May 27 to face charges of possession of heroin with intent to supply. He has denied the charges. Bermuda have also lost pace bowler Malachi Jones because of injury for the US trip. Crockwell and Jones have been replaced by Jason Anderson and Jacobi Robinson at the tournament, which features the US, Canada, Suriname and Bermuda. BCB president lloyd Fray said: “It is disappointing Fiqre and Malachi are unable to represent Bermuda at this tournament but we are fortunate that we are able to replace them with two highly experienced international cricketers.”
Ramdin needs killer instinct: Viv Richards
St. John’s (Antigua): Former West Indies captain Vivian Richards says current skipper Denesh Ramdin needs to lead the team with more aggression, following their loss to England in the second Test. Richards says Ramdin needs to develop a killer instinct, a lack of which he believes has worked against the home team throughout the Test series. “There are times when he is positive and there are times when, sometimes, where the falling asleep syndrome sort of comes into play. You can see from the outside; when England were 40 something for three, there could have been some much more aggressive attitude in terms of getting (Joe) Root and (Ian) Bell out,” said Richards. West Indies have been heavily criticised for surrendering a position of strength and crashing to defeat in the second Test by losing their last eight second innings wickets for 105 runs. Richards, who as captain won 27 and lost eight in 50 Tests, says there was no reason for the Caribbean side to lose the game. “One has got to remember also that if you cannot win the match you should not lose. It wasn’t a devil as a wicket, but we still got out and especially from good positions,” said Richards.
WI coach Simmons pushes for change of mindset
Bridgetown (Barbados): West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons says he was startled by his side’s batting display against England on the morning of the final day of the second Test in Grenada. Resuming the final day on 202/2 with a lead of 37 runs, the West Indies lost their last eight wickets for 105 runs, to be all out for 307 and allowed England to win the Test by nine wickets. “You hear people talk about how bad this is or how bad that is. But when you’re in the camp, it’s not all as bad as people say. But there has been nothing as startling as the way we batted on the last morning in Grenada,” said Simmons.