GANGULY DIDN’T WANT HIM AS INDIA’S HEAD COACH HINTS RAVI SHASTRI

Board of Control for Cricket in India, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Ravi Shastri, Sandeep Patil, Vikram Rathour, Pravin Amre, Venkatesh Prasad, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Surendra Bhave, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Head Coach, Team India Coach, Indian Coach

 

Former Team India director Ravi Shastri is surely a disappointed man after Kumble was preferred over him as Team India’s head coach. Ravi Shastri was a front runner along with Anil Kumble and former Australian Cricketer Tom Moody to get the post of India’s head coach.

As per the reports, Sourav Ganguly was not present as BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee along with VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar for the interview of Ravi Shastri. Ravi Shastri hinted that he was not the choice of Sourav Ganguly to become India’s Head Coach.

Ravi Shastri told in an interview with Times of India:  “All I can say is that Ganguly wasn’t there when I was interviewed and you should ask what problem Ganguly has with me instead of asking me. My disappointment was there for a day and that is all. And it happened last week. I have moved on.”

Former Team India director expressed that he had very good discussion with other three members of the committee. Ravi Shastri said that, “I had very good discussion with Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Jagdale and VVS Laxman about the future of Indian cricket. We also spoke about the good things that happened during my tenure as the team director,”

Ravi Shastri also said about Team India’s performance during his tenure. “I think that our overseas performances were good. Most importantly, the boys responded well and they are hungry for success. We are not No.1 in Test cricket today only because we haven’t played the format for last six months.” Ravi Shastri added. Anil Kumble has been appointed as the head coach of India for a year. He will begin his new journey from the upcoming tour of West Indies where India will play 4 Test matches starting from 21st July.

NO AUSTRALIAN IN TOP 10 ICC ODI BATTING CHART

Australia, India, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, Test, ODI, ICC

 

Australia are the number one ODI side in the world and also the world champion team but surprisingly no Australian batsman in the list of Top 10 ICC ODI batters. There are three batsmen from India and three from South Africa as well. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are from India and AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock are from South Africa.

Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson are the two names from New Zealand who are in Top 10 ICC ODI batting chart. Apart from them, Joe Root from England and TM Dilshan from Sri Lanka are the two players who are also in the list of Top 10 ODI batters.

In the chart of Top 10 Test batters, there are no Indian players in the chart. Rahane at 11th position is the highest placed Indian batsman in Test ranking. Here are the list of top 10 ODI and Test batsmen.

TOP 10 ODI BATTING CHART                                                               TOP 10 TEST BATTING CHART

1.AB de Villiers                                                                                                     1.Steven Smith

2.Virat Kohli                                                                                                          2.Kane Williamson

3.Hashim Amla                                                                                                     3.Hashim Amla

4.Kane Williamson                                                                                                4.Joe Root

5.Martin Guptill                                                                                                      5.Younis Khan

6.Rohit Sharma                                                                                                       6.AB de Villiers

7.Tillakaratne Dilshan                                                                                            7.Adam Voges

8.Shikhar Dhawan                                                                                                   8.David Warner

9.Quinton de Kock                                                                                                   9.Angelo Mathews

10.Joe Root                                                                                                              10.Misbah-ul-Haq

Sachin Tendulkar the only Indian in Brendon McCullum’s All-Time XI

Brendon McCullum, Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Ricky Ponting, Brian Lara, Viv Richards, Jacques Kallis, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Mitchell Johnson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, All Time XI, Dream Team, Lord's

Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian to find a place in former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum’s all-time cricketing XI led by West Indian great Vivian Richards.

McCullum chose Chris Gayle and Tendulkar as openers to start the innings with former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting coming in at one down in his team, the team consists of three other Aussies in Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Mitchell Johnson.

The 34-year-old, who retired from all international cricket last February, named three West Indians — Vivian Richards, Brian Lara and Chris Gayle, two Kiwis — Tim Southee and Trent Boult — and a former South African ace all-rounder Jacques Kallis in his list.

“I wanted someone destructive at the top of the order. Chris Gayle – there ain’t much better than that,” McCullum was quoted as saying by Lords.org.

“Obviously Sachin can bat for days. Ponting is another man with phenomenal statistics, he takes the game on and even if you lose two early wickets, he’s still going to come on and play his shots and be aggressive,” said the former Kiwi skipper.

In the middle order, McCullum went for Lara at No.4 followed by the legendary Sir Vivian Richards.

“(Lara) can hopefully take the game away in a session. Sir Viv Richards comes in next and captains the side as well, with his charm, his swagger and his ability to hit the ball out of the park,”

One of the most successful all-rounders to grace the game of cricket, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis was given the No. 6 spot to bat with one of the greatest wicket keeper of all-time Adam Gilchrist coming in next.

“At number six I’ve gone for the greatest all-rounder in my opinion of all time, Kallis, he’s a bit lower in the batting order than he’s used to but I’m sure he’ll find his way, he’s an adaptable man,” McCullum said.

“Gilchrist as wicket keeper at seven, on the back of that top six I think he can come in and ice it off pretty quickly,” he added.

In his list, McCullum selected Aussie duo of leg-spin legend Warne and pacer Johnson along with Kiwi pace combo of Boult and Southee in his bowling department.

“Johnson terrorised the opposition for years on end, he can also swing the willow as well if needed to be, (while) Warne speaks for himself,” he said.

“Then I’ve gone for two Kiwis. That’s purely because when I was captain of New Zealand, I said I’d never change (Boult and Southee) for the world. I saw them change us from an average Test team to a much harder to beat Test team, because of their ability to get 20 wickets,” he added.

 

 

 

 

 

Mohammad Amir can become World’s best: Misbah-ul-haq

Pakistan tour of England 2016, England and Wales Cricket Board, Pakistan Cricket Board, England vs Pakistan, ENGvsPAK, Test Cricket, Test, Cook, Misbah, Cook, Root, Stokes, Azhar, Misbah, Younis, Anderson, Broad, Stokes, Amir, Rahat, Yasir, Trevor Bayliss, Mickey Arthur

Mohammad Amir can still become the best bowler in the world despite serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing, believes the Pakistani Test captain Misbah-ul-haq.

The Left-arm fast bowler Amir, 24, is all set to make his return to Test cricket next month against England at Lord’s, the same venue where 6 year’s ago his stirring career came to a shuddering halt. However, Misbah believes Amir, who was one of the hottest properties in world cricket at the time of his ban, has lost none of his skill.

“If you look at his bowling speed, swing and control –- it’s there,” said Misbah at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground near Southampton, where Pakistan were training Monday.

“He can still be the best bowler in the world,” he added ahead of Pakistan’s opening three-day tour match against Somerset at Taunton starting Sunday.

“Whatever form of the game he has played since his comeback, he has done well,” said the skipper batsman Misbah of Amir, who in his 14 Tests before his ban took 51 wickets at an average of 29.09 apiece.

“He knows he is under pressure but he is handling it well, this is a good chance for him to come here, the place where he had those problems, and show the world he is there to perform and deliver for the team. It is a chance to win back all his fans. It’s a great opportunity and he’s working hard.” The Pakistan captain insisted.

As for Amir receiving a potentially hostile reception from English spectators especially the Lord’s crowd, Misbah said: “It might happen –- you can always hear voices. The best way to go is to concentrate on your skills and your duties and Amir has to focus on his game and what he has to do. He is doing well.”

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur  also came in support of Amir and said he had been impressed by Amir’s attitude since taking charge of the side just over a month ago.

“His training has been excellent, he’s fitted back into the team exceptionally well,” said Arthur.

“It’s up to me and the coaching staff to make him the best he can possibly be in these conditions,” explained Arthur, who previously coached two high profile teams Australia and South Africa.

“We all understand he’s going to be under the microscope and he realises that too. The way he’s trying to handle that is to let his performances do the talking.”

This is Pakistan’ first full of tour of England since the controversial and infamous 2010 visit.

 

 

 

 

 

After Messi’s Retirement, Twitterati Asks Shahid Afridi when Will You Go?

Shahid Afridi, Lionel Messi, Cricket, Football, Pakistan, Argentina, Twitter, fans

Shahid Afridi started trending on twitter within hours of Lionel Messi announcing his international retirement. Social media started mocking at the former Pakistani captain who continues to remain in contention for a spot in the national team in T20 cricket.

Afridi has hardly shown any remorse after Pakistan’s repeated debacles in T20 series and world tournaments. The mercurial 36-year-old all-rounder once again surprised everyone about his thoughts on retirement after Pakistan’s early exit in the ICC World T20 in March-April this year.

Pakistan failed badly at the ICC World T20 2016, winning just one match against Bangladesh and going down to Australia, New Zealand and arch-rivals India.

Afridi had said after the ICC World T20, “I would also like to inform that InshaAllah I intend to continue to play the game for my country and league cricket, and request my fans to kindly keep praying and supporting me for my best future performances for Pakistan (as a player); and in all other arenas of the game, world over.”

Argentina legend, Lionel Messi’s sudden retirement from International Football has certainly bring the best out of Twitterati’s humour. CricBol has collected some of the funniest one for you to read:

https://twitter.com/Ra_Bies/status/747296050679947264

https://twitter.com/AltCricket/status/747335805715111937

https://twitter.com/GokulBobade/status/747343730231783424

 

 

 

PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER ASKED ME TO CONTINUE AS PCB CHAIRMAN SAYS SHAHARYAR KHAN

PAKISTAN PRIME MINISTER ASKED ME TO CONTINUE AS PCB CHAIRMAN SAYS SHAHARYAR KHAN

 

Shaharyar Khan, Pakistan Cricket Board, Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan

 

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said that he has backed up by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to continue as PCB Chairman till his three years tenure which expires on August 2017. As per ‘Jung’ News Paper Shahryar Khan said that he had met with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London to discuss his future and cricket matters. Shaharyar Khan said that, “The PM told me I should carry on working as Chairman of the Board and I have agreed to do that until August 2017.”

PCB chief Shaharyar Khan also said about his relationship with executive committee chairman that they were old friends. Shaharyar Khan further went on to say that, “I try to consult with Najam and we take collective decisions but in the end as Chairman all responsibility for decisions taken is on me.”Shaharyar Khan had indicated earlier that he might step down as PCB chief after completing two years in August 2016.

SOURAV GANGULY REFUSES TO ANSWER RAVI SHASTRI’S ‘absent’ COMMENT

SOURAV GANGULY REFUSES TO ANSWER RAVI SHASTRI’S ‘absent’ COMMENT

Board of Control for Cricket in India, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, Ravi Shastri, Sandeep Patil, Vikram Rathour, Pravin Amre, Venkatesh Prasad, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Surendra Bhave, Hrishikesh Kanitkar, Head Coach, Team India Coach, Indian Coach

 

For the interview of Team India’s  Head Coach, BCCI had selected the cosmic trio of Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman for Cricket Advisory Committee. When Ravi Shastri had made the presentation, Ganguly was not present at that time.After the controversy over Ravi Shastri’s ‘absent’  remark on Sourav Ganguly during Team India’s coach interview, Cricket Association of Bengal chief Sourav Ganguly refused to make any comment on the Ravi Shastri’s remark. Ganguly refused to answer saying that selection process was confidential and could not be shared with any one. Ganguly said that,  “The (coach selection) interview is absolutely confidential. I don’t want to talk about Shastri’s comment. You should also ask the other members of the (cricket) advisory committee.”

After Kumble’s preference over Shahstri for the head coach of team India, Ravi Shastri said that, “I was very disappointed. Disappointment because the hard work the entire unit had put in, in the last 18 months. To see where they were when the support staff and I took over and to where they reached in 18 months makes me feel proud,” Shastri told the media house.  “They got up, threw punches and ended up where they were. No. 1 in Test cricket, No. 1 in T20, No. 2 in ODI. Even I didn’t’ expect such a transformation in 18 months with this young team.”

Ganguly was not present when he had made the presentation via a video conferencing from Thailand, said Ravi Shastri to the media asking about how the interview process for the head coach went with BCCI’s cricket advisory committee.

As per the reports say, Ganguly had to attend the CAB working committee meeting at the same time of Ravi Shastri’s meeting with BCCI’s Cricket Advisory Committee.

 

MATHEW WADE AND MITCHELL MARSH STAR AS AUSTRALIA CLINCHED THE TRI-SERIES TITLE

MATHEW WADE AND MITCHELL MARSH STAR AS AUSTRALIA CLINCHED THE TRI-SERIES TITLE

 

Tri-Nation Series, West Indies cricket, Cricket Australia, West Indies vs Australia, ODI, One day cricket, Holder, Smith, Warner, Finch, Smith, Charles, Fletcher, Pollard, Narine, Taylor, Brathwaite, Starc, Zampa, Hazlewood, Phil Simmons, Darren Lehmann

 

The world champion team Australia played like a true champion and clinched the Tri-Series title. Australia completely outplayed the visitors in all the departments of the game. Although West Indies were looking in good position when they reduced Australia into 163/6. But a fighting spirit from Mathew Wade who played a brilliant knock of unbeaten 57 off 52 balls helped Australia to put a competitive total of 270 runs on the board.

After winning the toss, Australian captain Steve Smith opted to bat first. Australia could not get off to a good start as Usman Khawaja was sent back to the pavilion by Holder in the 5th over. After that Aaron Finch and Steve Smith took the responsibility and added 41 runs for the second wicket. The partnership was building up and both the batsman were looking in good touch but Aaron Finch suddenly got out when he couldn’t understand the change of pace from Pollard. Most of Aussies couldn’t convert their start to a big score. Australia lost the wickets at regular intervals. After reducing 163/6, Australian wicket keeper batsman Mathew Wade played a breezy knock of 57* off 52 balls and by virtue of which Australia could manage to put a decent score of 270 runs on the board.

West Indies started their chase in watchful manner as Mitchell Marsh got some early swing. In the first six overs, West Indies could manage only one four in their innings. Johnson Charles played some beautiful shots and could manage to increase the current run rate of West Indian innings. On the other hand, Andre Fletcher was struggling and finally got out after facing 25 deliveries from which he scored only 9 runs. Apart from Johnson Charles and Dinesh Ramdin, no other West Indian batsmen were able to face Australian pace attack. Eventually West Indies got bowled out on 212 and Australia won the match by 58 runs and clinched the Tri-Series title. Mitchell Marsh was adjudged Man of The Match and Josh Hazlewood was adjudged Man of The Series.

BRIEF SCORES :- 

Australia 270/9 in 50 overs (Matthew Wade 57* off 52 balls, Aaron Finch 47 off 41 balls, Steven Smith 46 off 59 balls; Jason Holder 2/51, Shannon Gabriel 2/58)

West Indies 212 in 45.4 overs (Johnson Charles 45 off 61 balls, Denesh Ramdin 40 off 67 balls; Josh Hazlewood 5/50, Mitchell Marsh 3/32)


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