Kiwis name 12 for WIndies T20s
Wellington: Batsman Kane Williamson and fast bowler Kyle Mills were omitted Tuesday when New Zealand’s one-day squad was trimmed from 14 to 12 players for two Twenty20 cricket internationals later this month against the West Indies. Selection manager Bruce Edgar said New Zealand was seeking consistency in limited overs matches by selecting its team for the Twenty20 series from the current one-day squad. Edgar said “we are keen to keep this group together but mindful of the strong performances from a number of other players. We are fortunate to be in a position to have a range of quality players to choose from.” New Zealand leads the five-match one-day series 2-1 heading into the last match at Hamilton on Wednesday.
Not backing UAE-based league: BCCI
New Delhi: The Indian cricket board on Tuesday clarified that they are not backing any private seven-a-side league in the United Arab Emirates which is rumoured to be launched by Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Suresh Raina. The BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel today issued a clarification a report published in a national daily carrying a story in this regard. “...., in its issue dated 7 January 2014, has published a report titled ‘Unveiled: A new league that will redefine cricket,’ about a cricket event to be played in the Middle East. The report mentions that the event has the blessings of the BCCI. “The BCCI wishes to clarify that this is incorrect. The ICC has also clarified that the Emirates Cricket Board has not approved such a tournament,” Patel was quoted as saying by the release.
Zol confident of doing well in WC
Mumbai: Maharashtra batsman Vijay Zol, who led the India under-19 squad to the Asia Cup title, today said the team would not rest on its laurels and look to perform well in next month’s Junior World Cup in the UAE. “The team has been doing well for the last four tournaments. There has been no single hero. Everyone has chipped in with one or the other kind of performance. It has been a team effort. Just before the World Cup, everyone is in good nick, so it is good for the team,” Zol told reporters here on the eve of his team’s Ranji Trophy quarter-final against defending champions Mumbai. “We are hoping to do well in the World Cup (starting February 14) too,” he added.
Wi T20 captain Sammy injured
Hamilton: A hamstring injury has ruled West Indies Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy out of the two-match T20 series against New Zealand January 11 (Auckland) and 15 (Wellington). Sammy suffered his injury when he was running around on a damp outfield in Queenstown before the third One-Day International (ODI) Jan 1. His place has been taken by left-arm spinner Nikita Miller. “Darren is undergoing treatment and should be fit to return to playing duties in time for the regional Super50 tournament which starts later this month in Trinidad,” said West Indies team physiotherapist CJ Clark. ODI captain Dwayne Bravo will now lead the side in the T20 series. The West Indies squad has been severely depleted in recent weeks as a result of injuries, resulting in only 12 fit players to choose from. Apart from Chris Gayle, who is recovering from a hamstring injury and injured Sammy, Marlon Samuels with a wrist injury and Darren Bravo have flown home while Ravi Rampaul suffered a broken finger, although he remains on the tour. PNS/Agencies