ScorecardMark Cleary’s quickfire debut century and an impressive haul from Cullen Bailey put South Australia well on top of Tasmania on the second day at Adelaide. Bailey, a 20-year-old legspinner playing his fourth first-class match, ended with the impressive figures of 4 for 58 to give the hosts a comfortable lead of 419 runs.Cleary came to the crease when Graham Manou fell without adding to his overnight 67 and with Darren Lehmann, who continued his brilliant innings to finish with 182 from 186 balls, the pair put on 115 in 18 overs. Cleary was unbeaten on 109, his first Pura Cup century, after hitting 18 fours and one six from 104 deliveries, allowing South Australia to declare on the imposing total of 9 for 581.It was Cleary who then made the first breakthrough in Tasmania’s reply, removing Michael Di Venuto for a duck with his first ball. “It’s just my day this, my day,” Cleary told AAP. “I’m happy to take that one because I don’t think the quicks will be getting that many more for the rest of the game.”Fifteen wickets to get, it should normally swing our way with the wicket getting fluffier and up and down. [We are] definitely in the box seat … we would be absolutely devastated if we didn’t get six points out of it from our position at the moment.”
The ongoing dispute within the Mashonaland Cricket Association (MCA) looks set to end up in court after Tawengwa Mukuhlani, the deposed chairman, and three other sacked board members told a local newspaper that they were taking legal action action to try to overturn their dismissals.The four were sacked during a heated special general meeting just before Christmas after members accused them of not taking a firm stand against the running of Zimbabwe Cricket. Now Mukuhlani is claiming the meeting was unconstitutional. "The board did not agree on the meeting," he told the Zimbabwe Independent. "We just decided that since clubs had said they wanted to go ahead with the meeting, we did not want to be a stumbling block … we had agreed to set the agenda for the meeting which was to discuss the change of logo and name. We were very surprised that people did not stick to the agenda item."Mukuhlani said that the new board had fuelled the dispute with ZC, choosing confrontation ahead of negotiation. "Before the dispute broke out ZC approached MCA to discuss several issues affecting cricket. MCA agreed to discuss everything apart from the re-branding, and indication that they were rearing for a fight."The legal maneuvering was dismissed by Cyprian Mangenge, the new MCA chairman, who said that the constitution had been adhered to.It is believed that Mukuhlani was recently told in no uncertain terms by Peter Chingoka, the ZC chairman, to reassert his authority over the MCA. The aggressive attitude of the new board has led to some bitter discussions and casued further unease within Zimbabwe cricket at a time the board are keen to be seen as united.
Christopher Martin-Jenkins, the chief cricket correspondent of The Times and a regular voice on BBC’s Test Match Special, has proposed a radical solution to the problems that are besetting county cricket. Among the ideas he raises in today’s edition of The Times are a return to uncovered pitches, to improve batting techniques and assist the re-emergence of finger-spinners, and a regional flavour to the County Championship, which would aim to retain competitiveness without putting clubs out of business.In recent weeks several England captains, including Michael Vaughan, Alec Stewart, and Bob Willis and Mike Atherton, who are both members of the Cricket Reform Group, have advocated a reduction in the amount of cricket played at county level. CMJ agrees that this needs to be the case, but argues that the traditions of county cricket cannot be carelessly cast aside.Although it is widely recognised that Australian cricket thrives despite being limited to six first-class teams, CMJ rightly points out that the population of England and Wales is more than three times that of Australia, and if any aspiring cricketer is to make his way to the highest level, his progress is not going to be helped by a reduction of outlets for his talents. Instead, the onus is on making the existing counties financially viable. “Provided all the counties continue to develop their own revenue sources in a professional manner,” he writes, “there is nothing to be gained by pushing any of them over the edge.”But the means to that end is somewhat radical. The first step would be to impose a salary cap: according to the ECB’s annual report, almost two-thirds of their annual gross profit is being ploughed back into the first-class and minor counties, with the majority of that going towards an ever-expanding wage bill. CMJ argues that there are too many mediocre players in the county game who are not eligible for England selection, and if all clubs were restricted to 16 full-time professionals, that would necessarily lead to a stripping-away of some of the dead wood.Further costs could be cut by the abolition of the National League, which is sponsorless and unloved, now that the Twenty20 Cup has arrived with such a bang, and that in turn would permit an expansion of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy to include a zonal stage, similar to the one that used to kick-start the now-defunct Benson & Hedges Cup.Regional cricket would take a further step forward with a two-part redesign of the County Championship. The first half would be conducted along geographical lines, which would reduce the number of matches as well as save on travel costs; the second stage would take the top nine teams into a separate league, to allow traditional rivals such as Surrey and Lancashire the chance to face each other in a first-class showdown.CMJ also suggests the introduction of an early-season regional league of five two-day matches, played over 200 overs under Australian Grade rules. These would comprise England-qualified players only, and the ECB contracts would be announced only when these matches are completed in the first week of May. Similar regional combinations would play in the matches against touring sides, as the county fixtures lost their relevance long ago, when the top players began to opt out.The competitions would be spiced up by improved prize money, including rewards for each match won, and the implementation of a ten-year experiment with uncovered pitches. “Since 1981,” writes CMJ, “pitches have become slower and blander, encouraging one-dimensional, inflexible cricket and cricketers.” Whether the counties themselves are still flexible enough to embrace such a plan, however, remains to be seen.
Otago’s John Davies Oval at Queenstown will be on centre stage tomorrow in the State Shield match with Wellington.The ground is the newest addition to the first-class scene in New Zealand and if its pitch proves anything like those at Carisbrook, in Dunedin, and Molyneux Park, in Alexandra, it will be a very popular venue.In the lea of the Remarkables, it is the ground to be now used for the visit by England for their three-day game with Otago in March.However, for Wellington the scenery is not going to be as important as getting away to a good start in the competition so as to take advantage of the absence of New Zealand’s leading players with the CLEAR Black Caps for the remaining rounds.Otago too, after being on the receiving end in the State Championship, will be looking to use this competition to give itself a boost to get among the leading contenders. There is a competitive look to the side in all departments and with the innovator himself coaching the side in Glenn Turner some interesting tactics may emerge.Otago: Lee Germon (captain), Martyn Croy, Craig Cumming, Chris Gaffaney, Andrew Hore, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Warren McSkimming, Craig Pryor, David Sewell, Rob Smith, Kerry Walmsley.Wellington: Matthew Bell (captain), Chris Nevin, Stephen Fleming, Richard Jones, David Sales, Matthew Walker, James Franklin, Mayu Pasupati, Mark Jefferson, Andrew Penn, Paul Hitchcock, Grant Donaldson.
Kerala opening batsman MP Sorab was in his elements on Saturday as heguided his team to make a fitting reply to Andhra’s 355 at close ofplay on the second day of their three day match in the Coca ColaTrophy South Zone (under-25) tournament at the MaharajaJayachamarajendra Wodeyar Sports complex in Bangalore. Unnerved by thechallenging Andhra total, Kerala piled up 311 for five wickets atstumps with Sorab still going strong on 157.Kerala were given an excellent start in the morning with Sorab andVarun Girilal putting on 188 runs for the first wicket off 56.3overs. Girilal who batted a shade over four hours, faced 174 balls andhit nine fours and six. C Sanju (3) and skipper NA Kudua (5) did notlast long and Kerala slid to 218 for three. But Sorab and KPK Nambiar(50) then added 89 runs for the fourth wicket off 21.2 overs. Nambiar,who dominated the partnership faced only 69 balls and hit six foursand a six. Nearing stumps, off spinner Vatekar who was the only Andhrabowler to be effective, bowled Nambiar and CM Shyam (0) in successiveovers. But Sorab carried on till close of play and at the end he hadbatted 396 minutes, faced 296 balls and hit 22 fours. Vatekar finishedwith the impressive figures of four for 64 off 30 overs.
Aston Villa had a rather busy January transfer window in terms of bringing new players to the club on permanent and temporary loan deals.
With the next summer transfer window in mind, it seems as though the Midlands club have their eye on making one of their January loan deals into a permanent one.
What’s the latest?
According to a recent article from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Steven Gerrard’s side are looking to trigger the release clause that would see goalkeeper Robin Olsen remain at Villa Park on a permanent basis when his loan deal from AS Roma expires at the end of the season.
The report also claims that it would cost Johan Lange and the Villans €3.5m (£2.8m) to keep the Swedish shot-stopper.
Since arriving at the club back in January, the 32-year-old has yet to make an appearance for Villa, being an unused substitute for their past five league games.
With that in mind, it seems that the only way the £6m-rated loanee will get a chance to play would be if Emi Martinez were unable to play for whatever reason.
Steer upgrade
Having been praised for his “monstrous” performances on the international stage in the past, Olsen will undoubtedly be hoping to show everyone at the Midlands club what he’s capable of before the end of the season.
However, with the club apparently already looking to keep him where he is beyond this current campaign, this suggests that they have seen enough in him to persuade them to spend some money to trigger his release clause.
As the former Everton and Sheffield United loan star arrived in January, this paved the way for Jed Steer to make a move out of the club for a loan switch to Championship club Luton Town.
If the Englishman, who has only made a total of 36 appearances for the Villans across all competitions and conceded 37 goals in the process, ends up calling time on his period as a Villa player in the summer, this would surely make Olsen a big upgrade for the club based on the significant experience he has, having made a total of 270 senior club appearances throughout his career.
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With Steer failing to make the most of his one opportunity to impress for his parent club earlier in the season when he conceded three goals in their 3-0 defeat against Chelsea as well as only making one save and misplacing eight of the 12 long ball passes he attempted, this suggests that he may not be good enough to play for Gerrard’s side moving forward.
As a result, securing a permanent deal for the 32-year-old in the summer could end up being a bargain move from the Midlands club if can prove himself as a useful option and a reliable backup option for Martinez, something Steer hasn’t done.
In other news: Lange can finally axe £34k-p/w dud with AVFC swoop for £36m-rated “destroyer” – opinion
Mohammad Yousuf, the Pakistan batsman who recently pulled out of the Indian Cricket League (ICL), is set to face an arbitration hearing in Mumbai on December 15. Yousuf had signed with the ICL in the wake of his omission from Pakistan’s squad for the ICC World Twenty20 before cancelling his contract after talks with the Pakistan board.Yousuf then signed a national contract as well as signing up to play in the India Premier League (IPL), a recognised league that is run by four different national boards and is approved by the ICC.The organisers of the ICL insist he can’t join the rival league (IPL). “It’s an open and shut case as far as we’re concerned,” said Ashish Kaul, the executive vice-president of the Essel Group who are organisng the tournament, told Cricinfo. “The contract clearly says he can’t play in any other professional league.”Meanwhile the Pakistan board, who convinced Yousuf to cancel his contract, have assured their full support. “We will fully defend Yousuf, if he is taken to court using all legal means,” said Nasim Ashraf, the chairman of the PCB.Besides Yousuf, all of the ICL’s other Pakistani recruits have decided to honour their commitments with the league. The most prominent among them is the now retired Inzamam-ul-Haq, who despite having signed on with the ICL, was given an opportunity to make his exit from international cricket in the second Test against South Africa. The others in the ICL mix are Abdur Razzaq, Azhar Mahmood, Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat, and Shabbir Ahmed.
Middlesex’s offspinning allrounder, Jamie Dalrymple, is in line for an Ashes debut at Sydney tomorrow, as England seek to avert their first Ashes whitewash for 86 years. Dalrymple, who has impressed in his 14 ODI appearances to date, was drafted into the Test squad as a replacement for Ashley Giles, who flew home during the third Test at Perth after a family illness.The SCG is a venue that traditionally favours the spinners, and with England’s tail in need of some bolstering after their limp displays in the first four Tests, Dalrymple is an ideal candidate for promotion. He averages 36.02 in first-class cricket with a highest score of 244, and England’s captain, Andrew Flintoff, indicated that he was firmly in the selectors’ thoughts.”Jamie is a good allround package and he’s shown that in the one-dayers,” said Flintoff. “He’s performed well with the ball and got important runs. He’s obviously a fine bowler and a capable batsman too. He’s started his one-day international career well and when people do that they want to get into the Test side and develop their games. Jamie is no different – I’m sure he’s got the attributes to do that.”If Dalrymple does play alongside Monty Panesar, it will be the first time that England have fielded two spinners in Australia since Eddie Hemmings partnered Phil Tufnell, also at Sydney, in 1990-91. “Historically this wicket has turned and two spinners have played on occasions,” Flintoff added, “so he is someone who will come into the equation when we come to pick a side for the Test match.”Flintoff, who is on the verge of an unwelcome place in the history books, was adamant that – regardless of the result in this final match – England will emerge stronger and wiser for their experiences in this most chastising of winters.”I’m sure everyone has learnt something about themselves that they can take on into their careers, into next summer and into 2009 when we next play Australia,” said Flintoff. “Most of the lads in this side are still young enough to be involved, provided they are performing. They’ll have learnt a hell of a lot on this trip and will take that into future Ashes series and future series.”
In appreciation of his bowling feats in 2005, Shane Warne has been named the BBC’s Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.Warne, 36, was the most successful bowler in Australia’s losing campaign in this past summer’s Ashes series in England with 40 wickets, and he is also Test cricket’s leading wicket-taker with 645 victims.”Shane Warne has entertained cricket fans for years with his outstanding talent and contributed enormously to a thrilling Ashes series,” said Philip Bernie, a BBC programme editor. “His extraordinary achievements on the field, combined with his charismatic personality have made him a true sporting superstar, and an extremely worthy winner of this award.”Warne pipped rivals Fernando Alonso, the Formula One champion, Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France winner, and Roger Federer, the current Wimbledon champion, to bag BBC’s accolade. “I am very proud of this achievement and am delighted to receive this award,” said Warne to BBC Sport. He is set to receive the award from Richie Benaud, the former Australian legspinner.
Michael Clarke has regained his fitness and could open the batting for Australia in their first match of the VB Series against West Indies at Melbourne on Friday (January 14). Clarke, who was a doubtful starter for the match due to a foot injury, showed no signs of discomfort during training on the eve of the game and has been tipped to partner Adam Gilchrist at the top of the order.Ricky Ponting stated that Clarke or Damien Martyn would take up the slot. “Clarke wants to open as well and has done it before, he got a hundred in Zimbabwe doing that, so we’ve got a couple of options there,” Ponting said, according to ABC Sport. “Damien’s done extremely well when he’s had the chance to open before. So we’ve got the two options, but probably leaning towards Clarke at the moment.”Earlier, the spot left vacant by Matthew Hayden’s omission was expected to be filled by Simon Katich, but Katich himself is a doubt for the game due to a throat infection which forced him to miss practice on Wednesday. Ponting indicated that Katich only had a 50% chance of playing. “He has improved a lot and we’ll have a look at him later today and then again tomorrow morning before we name the team.”