Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Kirsten Record Rate Pakistan "dangerous"

India needs to increase its performance in Wednesday's World Cup semifinal against the "dangerous" in Pakistan, if your goal is to win the Champions, Coach Gary Kirsten said.

He said Pakistan is known for playing cricket without fear, "he talked about this 16-page document," The Path to Success ", prepared by the coach, how to win the World Cup.

"A combination of big-hitters and a potent pace attack with a decent spin attack to follow the pacers makes Pakistan a very dangerous side which is very well known to play fearless cricket," Kirsten said in the dossier.

The former South African batsman also said inconsistency was Pakistan's main concern.

"Pakistan as a team over the years has a tendency to blow hot and cold," said Kirsten.

"It's a great chance for Pakistan to show the world what they are capable of ... The tag of dark horses suits them and enables them to perform harder (eg 2009 ICC World Twenty20 victory)."

Kirsten also highlights the areas where India need to improve, like batting a full quota of 50 overs, making the most of batting powerplay, fielding and the support for in-form paceman Zaheer Khan.

"Our weak link so far, it (powerplay) should be taken only towards the close of an innings. The crucial aspect is not to hit every ball out of the park, but to take advantage of the field restrictions," Kirsten said.

"Only Zaheer has been up to the mark, others, especially (a) senior spinner, should rise to the occasion."

India coach, described in the record batsman Sachin Tendulkar for his "hero" and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, "Superman."

Yuvraj has scored 341 points in seven games with one hundred and four half-centuries at an average of 113.66 astonishing, while Tendulkar is a short film completed 100 international centuries.

"Almost 38, Sachin is still my hero; with two centuries in the tournament he is the backbone of the side," said Kirsten.

"Who thought after 15 months of struggle Yuvi will make such a comeback! He is my man of the tournament and the Superman."

The dossier, already circulated to the players, also includes tips on diet and avoiding stress.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Bookmakers Relish Like Pakistan And India Teams Battle For World Cup Cricket

Bookmakers who take bets on sporting events and others, expect the record companies as a result of historical teams of Pakistan and India will clash for the World Cup cricket on March 30. "Let's make a record book for the future of Pak-India match played in Mohali (India)," reveals a bookie, confidentiality is requested.

Our expectation of doing business on semi-final between the teams of arch rivals is much more than even final of the World Cup, adds the bookie who takes bets in the interior city area.

“It was infact a dream of bookmakers that teams of Pak and India came face to face in semi-final or final of the cricket competition,” he remarked.

“Keeping in view the rush of booking, I am expecting windfall profit on March 30,” commented another bookie, known as Badshah by his customers.

Badshah said apart from betting on match as who will become victorious, bets will also be placed during crucial hours of the game. During critical stage of the game, bets are made on each ball and we earn more, he added.

Presently, he said, favorite team is Pakistan and people are mostly investing on their own team.

In response to a question that how much amount they owe to those who win the bet, he says the reward is only ten percent of the reservation made by the bookmakers.

The maximum amount of reward, he said he tagged Rs one lakh to make an effort to Rs 3000. Vary the maximum amount, depending on the bookmaker's financial situation and customers.

Another person who has money at stake in Pakistan's victory, said the PPP on the network to the bookies have to have a certain amount, more than the bet, as collateral. The whole thing is on the phone and reserve bookmaker after collection of security ", he added.

If you win the bet, security has been restored with loss of reward and the amount at stake is the safety cut-off, "he said.

It is worth remembering that the curse of gambling has spread in our society, persons involved in gambling desire to earn more by doing small investment.

People belonging to different shades of life when contacted, expressed serious concerns about the illegal activities of paris. They asked the Government to take concrete steps to curb this practice, which will have very negative consequences for society.

In the meantime, said SP City police, Imtiaz Khan when contacted paris is a crime, and police regularly carry out raids to catch those involved in this illegal activity.

We stopped a number of bookmakers from different places, but due to lack of evidence most of the detainees were released to the courts.

He demanded the government to draw up special legislation to combat the bookie, because it is a crime, white and difficult for police to demonstrate that the evidence against detainees in the courtyard.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Australia Makes Cautious Start

Australia made a cautious start in their World Cup quarterfinal match against India in Ahmedabad on Thursday. They were 24 for no loss in the first six overs. Opener Shane Watson (17) and Brad Haddin (6) is at the crease. Earlier in the day Australia won the toss and elected to bat in all major quarterfinal match against India in Ahmedabad on Thursday. India made just one change to the side with the inclusion of Virender Sehwag and Pathan Yusuf omit.

Australia fell to leg spinning all-rounder Steven Smith and David Hussey to replace him.

Raffle win is a good advantage for Australia because the bowling alley will help more and more as the match progresses. Former Indian skipper Sourav Gandhi presented the probation report for the match at Ahmedabad.

According to Ganguly, the track is dry and would be useful for spinners. Ahmedabad weather is warm at 37 degrees Celsius.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Paul Collingwood Going Knee Surgery After The World Cup

Paul Collingwood is having keyhole knee surgery at the end of England's World Cup campaign.

The drummer of 34 years, Durham, who retired from Test cricket after the recent Ashes triumph, struggle to regain his best form in one-day internationals. He had tests on both knees during the course of stuttering England in Group B, but will be available for selection in Saturday's quarter-final against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Surgery immediately after the tournament, and it is probable that Collingwood is a significant number of Indian Premier League this year, the acquisition of the Rajasthan Royals.

Collingwood has played in four matches of England group of six, but was dropped for South Africa and Caribbean Games, which both won.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Do Not Even Think In India, Says Afridi

Shahid Afridi Pakistan captain is not worried about a possible clash World Cup semifinal against India, saying his immediate goal is to beat the West Indies.

Pakistan early favorite in the quarter-final stage on Wednesday against Darren Sammy Sher-e-Bangla men after winning Group A with five wins in six games.

One of those victories broke the invincibility of Australia with 34 matches of the World Cup during a period of 12 years after the defending champions three times decreased by four wickets in Colombo on Saturday.

A victory over the West Indies could Afridi was a man of mouthwatering semi-final against his rival, India, if the co-hosts beat Australia in the quarterfinals Thursday at Ahmedabad.

"Our entire focus is on winning the quarterfinal, I am not even thinking of the next match, whether it is India or Australia," Afridi told a packed news conference.

"We will not take the West Indies lightly. Any team is capable of winning on their day, there are no second chances in a knock-out match. I think they are a very good side."

West Indies slumped to defeat against the positions of England and India, and only qualified for the quarterfinals is a great class to run after the end of the level of the championship in Bangladesh six points.

Awesome Afridi as a team would be happy that their country's volatile cricket was big-time at home for security reasons and spoiled disgusting spot fixing scandal.

The absence of former captain Salman Butt and pace spearhead Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer because of the controversy was not considered that the team has rallied incredibly inspired by their captain.

All-rounder Afridi melon is leading the tournament with 17 wickets with his leg-breaks fastish while sewing Umar Gul kept the pressure on the other end with 13 wickets.

Afridi may have failed with the bat so far with only 65 runs in six games, but the young wolves Omar Asad Shafiq Akmal and shined in his first World Cup.

Akmal scored 211 is 52.75, and Shafiq averages of 124 and two games played so far, but older people with experience as Misbah-ul Haq and Younis Khan have given their rigidity is a middle-order.

"Our success so far has been entirely due to the bowlers, who have done a very good job," said Afridi. "I myself have not batted well and will focus on that tomorrow."

"I know how important my batting is for the team and I will try to get some runs on the board."

Afridi played down suggestions that the West Indies will be hard to beat at a venue where they shot out Bangladesh for their lowest one-day total of 58 in the league to romp home by nine wickets.

"That was Bangladesh, this is Pakistan," the captain said. "It's not that we are playing for the first time in these conditions. We feel at home anywhere in the sub-continent."

Afridi said he had never seen Pakistan work so hard at their cricket, which has been rewarded by the good results so far.

"I have played for 14 years and never seen the team train so seriously and focus on their game," he said. "The entire team is together in the dream to do well in the World Cup.

"Our aim at the start was to make the semifinals and I am confident we can achieve that. The expectations back home are high and we are determined not to let our supporters down."

Friday, March 18, 2011

England Heroes Turn Tredwell Play World Cup Heroics

England spinner James Tredwell hopes to return to "normality" after the West Indies a thrilling win on Thursday.

Andrew Strauss seems to go hand out of the tournament is 222 six Windies chasing 244 to win a lot of movement to save.

But Tredwell, in its tournament debut, and Graeme Swann were combined to fire England to victory.

And even if their place in the last eight still depends on the results elsewhere, the odds favor the British to extend a roller coaster ride of the continent.

'We have done what we needed to do in that last game and I guess we need a couple of days to get back to normality mentally, get a couple of practice sessions in and see where we go from there,' said Tredwell.

'It's must win now. Three games and the World Cup could be ours.'

Tredwell, who took four for 48 against West Indies, was restricted to the role of drinks carrier in Australia before failing to break into the World Cup side until yesterday.But he is relishing his new-found status as England hero.

The Kent bowler told Sky Sports News: 'I am delighted. It is difficult sitting on the sidelines and I haven't played that much cricket over the winter. You keep yourself ticking over in the nets but it's not the same and so to get the chance and put in a performance, I am obviously delighted.'

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Pak Is Not Afraid To Go To India For The World Cup: Afridi

Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi has denied that his team played a quarter of the fears of the World Cup in India, saying that a set of potential between the two neighboring countries can help alleviate the political.

"I have never said anything along the lines that we don't want to go to India. I never said that. We are here to play the World Cup, so wherever we have to play we will go and we have no fears over going to India," the Daily Times quoted Afridi, as saying.

"I think a cricket match has always brought the people of both countries together and has the capacity to improve the relations between the two," he added.

The other 31-year-old said his team played the kind of cricket, who fear no place and no opposition in the tournament for six weeks.

"So India in India, and Australia in the last group match are no problems. The pressure is always there and whoever handles the pressure wins the match," Afridi said. (ANI)

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

RCOM, TELibrahma Updates With Cricket Video

Telecom service provider Reliance Communications has worked with leading mobile TELibrahma produce updates and video replays of matches in the ICC World Cricket cell phones for all cricket fans.

Through this partnership, the Bluetooth device TELiBrahma implemented in stages and allow consumers to receive video highlights when they see the game at the stadium, RCOM said in a statement.

"We believe it would help consumers to catch the missing action. This opportunity will help brands to deliver what is relevant to consumers at the place where it matters and on a device that creates the impact," the TELiBrahma president, PR Satheesh, said.

The merger will also allow consumers to see RCOM highlights and replays of cricket for free.

The solution is based on more than 80% of mobile phones in India and works on mobile, operators and geographies.

Wednesday, RCOM ended 1.98% to Rs102.95 on the Bombay Stock Exchange while the benchmark Sensex gained 1.05% to 18,358.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

England World Cup On The Line

Even a victory not just for men Andrew Strauss through the knockout stages, England have to rely on other results to make their own way.

England's preparations suffered a setback when skipper Strauss and spinner Graeme Swann lead two missed training on Tuesday due to illness, while strike fast bowler James Anderson has received treatment for a shoulder chop.

A tournament sawtooth to England saw them lose to Ireland and Bangladesh have links with India and beat one thought in South Africa side.

Significantly, the victory came the Proteas in Chennai Chidambaram Stadium, where England took the nerve turns sharply to step to win low-scoring thriller in six steps.

Now, they hope Swann is fully fit again put pressure on the batsmen in a match that is not as crucial for the Caribbean, returning three days later Chidambaram to a group final against India.

"It does give things a certain amount of clarity," said Swann, all but unplayable at times while taking one for 29 against South Africa.

"If we win four games, we win the World Cup which is very simple. If we'd won our first four games it would have been a much nicer position to be in but there's no point in looking back. It all comes down to Thursday."

Swann, who in his first over in Test cricket took two wickets against India in Chennai in 2008, added: "I hope the wicket is similar to the South African one. If I could roll it up and take it around with me, I happily would."

However, he warned: "The West Indies have got Sulieman Benn, who is a fine spin bowler."

West Indies have two great opening batsmen Chris Gayle and striking in the in-form Kieron Pollard, who can change the pace of the game shortly.

Pollard hammered 94 off just 55 balls as the West Indies beat Ireland by 44 runs last time out and it was an innings the all-rounder hopes has rid him of the tag of being 'just' a Twenty20 cricketer.

"What's been said about me being a 20-over specialist, that's just history for me now," Pollard, 23, said.

"I had an opportunity to prove myself and there cannot be a bigger stage than the World Cup to do that. My innings showed what I can do. I will use this as a positive."

The good news for the West Indies is that either a win against England or India will see them into the quarter-finals and even two defeats may not be enough to end their World Cup.

Monday, March 14, 2011

I Was Wrong To Lose My Cool, Admits England Spinner Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann admitted he was wrong swearing during England's World Cup defeat against Bangladesh, but still believes he should not have been fined by the International Cricket Council.

Off-spinner, whose outbreak was motivated by his frustration at not being able to grab a ball soaked with dew, immediately apologized to the judge Daryl Harper to use foul language.

He was fined 10 percent of his match fee for the event - but insists that the day-night match should never have happened if it was inevitable that it would do the dew and employment Other spinners impossible.

"I was wrong to swear and lose my temper during England's defeat against Bangladesh and I apologised straightaway to umpire Daryl Harper," he said in his column in today's Sun.

"But I think it was ludicrous to play a day-night match in the World Cup that was so heavily influenced by the dew.

"The ball was so wet it was like trying to bowl with a bar of soap. It felt like playing football with both hands tied behind my back."

Even so, Swann regrets that his frustration boiled over. He added: "To be caught swearing by the stump mic was very disappointing.

"I don't condone bad language on the field, especially if it is directed near the umpire."

As for his punishment, he added: "I shouldn't be fined at all. When you have venues where the dew is heavy, day-night cricket shouldn't be played there."

England captain Andrew Strauss agreed. "It seems slightly strange to have the first ever day-nighter at a certain ground in a World Cup," he said. "There was a 20-over period when the dew was very, very bad."

England will now almost certainly have to beat West Indies on Thursday in their final Group B match if they are to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Bangladesh Take On England In Must-win

Suffered defeats against India and West Indies, Bangladesh is a difficult task against injury hit England in a make-or-break Group B match here on Friday, knowing that the loss would end their hopes of make the last eight stages of World Cup cricket.

The co-organizers, who managed to record a single victory in three games, have very little chance to continue his campaign group the World Cup including India, South Africa and the Caribbean, in England.

Upon entering tomorrow's game, the Tigers need first to recover from the debacle against the West Indies in their last game, where they were grouped by their lowest total of 58 a day in Dhaka on Friday, losing the match by nine wickets in the first session itself.

In addition, the Bangladesh batsmen seem to have lost the rhythm after a brave start of World Cup campaign when he responded to 283 during the nine unsuccessful hunt against India 370 for four.

And even if the opener Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan master batsmen have so far only marked fifty spinner Abdur Razzak has been able to claim a single wicket in three matches, to donate 112 works, left-arm spinner Shakib has made only three-and off-break bowler Naeem Islam, two.

But there is no doubt that Bangladesh is a force to reckon with in the tracks of the spin environment in their own backyard, if they are unable to stand before the crucial match tomorrow, they may simply give England a run for their money.

In fact, they placed eighth ODI side is now left no choice but to win against the English, not only to preserve their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages in life, but also to reassure the millions of fans are more angry and frustrated to see their team.

England, on the other hand, although starting as favorites on paper, is also in trouble after losing the key to their drummer Kevin Pietersen and reliability of fast bowler Stuart Broad for the rest of the tournament through injury.

Even if replacements on the left hand Eoin Morgan and drummer Chris Tremlett stimulator are available for tomorrow's tie, that are not yet acclimated to the conditions of the subcontinent.

So, English is, of course, to rethink its strategy and adopt a new approach in the remaining matches of the competition.

England's first task would take a decision on the opening combination in the absence of Pietersen, with either Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara and wicketkeeper Matt Prior captain Andrew Strauss could give company to the top of the order.

Despite this, England would surely want to take the model for a thrilling victory over six meetings in South Africa last year after a bad loss to minnows Ireland.

England is unlikely to face much resistance from the minnows, they have beaten 13 times in 14 One-day Internationals they played.

In fact, England have won all their six matches against the hosts in the soil of Bangladesh, the last on March 3 last year.

They would certainly be interested in snatching a victory as a victory tomorrow against Bangladesh would mean that England qualify for the knockout stages if the dominate West Indies Ireland in Mohali earlier this morning.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Stuart Broad Growing List Pot Ends England

STUART wide for its winter unfortunate take another free fall when doctors told him ECB's World Cup was over after a side strain took its toll.

The rise of quickie 24 years - which upset England to victory over South Africa last Sunday - was devastated to become the second player after Kevin Pietersen to come home wounded in two days.

Book pacem Chris Tremlett should take place in the Broad team.

However, the loss of overall capacity with new and old ball, and he left his aggressiveness makes a much bigger impact that Pietersen, who was replaced by Eoin Morgan.

Wide suffer from the left side of the tensions in his second spell against the Proteas when he picked up 4-15, but was still hoping to continue in the tournament.

Unlike Australia because he could barely move this time, the pain was less severe, which made him hope ultimately false it can heal in a week.

But the inspection of a second sweep of the ECB chief medical officer Dr Nick Peirce Bred convinced to return home rather than risk aggravating the injury.

A gutted Broad said: "It was nothing like the Ashes injury where I felt it straight away. I didn't get a sharp pain so I thought I'd be OK.

"I'm heartbroken to have to go home again from a big event but I'm only 24."

Meanwhile, Ross Taylor bagged a spectacular ton as New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by 110 runs.

The Kiwis hit 92 from the last four overs to post 302-7.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Pietersen Out Of The Cricket World Cup England

England, drummer Kevin Pietersen will miss the rest of the World Cup, a team spokesman announced on Monday to return home within 24 hours for a hernia operation.

England have requested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) for Eoin Morgan to come in as a replacement player, the spokesman said.

Pietersen, moved up to open during the World Cup, made a duck in Group B England's dramatic win his native South Africa, Sunday and is now 27 international one day after the last century.

Team officials said on Saturday that Pietersen should have surgery, but after the tournament, even if he or damage "will undoubtedly impact on my preparation" during the World Cup.

However, the procedure seems to have been postponed after he was clearly upset at the six-run victory Sunday at the Chidambaram Stadium, and looked more of a threat with his part-time off-spin with the bat.

Pietersen's injury was diagnosed after the 6-1 defeat to England one-day series in Australia, which came after the test, half of Ashes series victory.

The early exit of drummer World Cup raises questions about its future in the form of 50-over game, with Pietersen who often complained of a busy world.

Further development of the operation could allow Pietersen to appear in the league this year Prime Minister of India. His original plan for a six-week course of treatment after the World Cup coincided with the lucrative event which starts next month.

Pietersen is due to earn about $ 650,000 (£ 400,000) playing on the IPL Deccan Chargers this season.

However, the England star as their drummer to be well rested before a busy season at home in international cricket, featuring the series against Sri Lanka and India.

The first test against Sri Lanka starts in Cardiff on May 26.

Ireland drummer Morgan was in the original team from England, but by a finger injury. His replacement, Ravi Bopara, became a man-of-the match-winning 60 against South Africa in Chennai on Sunday.

However, both Morgan and middle hitters are left England Bopara to the need to find a partner for the opening of the new captain Andrew Strauss.

Let's Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell could now be promoted to the order.

England win previously unbeaten group leaders South Africa revive the faltering World Cup campaign, which featured a stuttering win the Netherlands, a bond with co-host India and a shock loss to Ireland.

Their bid for a place in the quarter-finals continued with a group match against co-hosts Bangladesh in Chittagong on Friday.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Afridi Helps Pakistan Avoid Upsetting Canada Top Cricket World Cup Group

Shahid Afridi took five windows to help Pakistan avoid a loss to Canada and moved to the top of their group in World Cup cricket. South Africa beat Netherlands by 231 runs.

Afridi said 5.23 for an end to persecution of Canada running and lifting his team to a victory of 46 runs in Colombo yesterday. Pakistan has been seduced by 184 in 43 acquisitions before hitting the ball with Canadians rejected for 138 in 42.5 overs.

“It’s a very good wake-up call for us for the next game,” Afridi said at the post-match presentation ceremony. “We are not going to repeat this batting performance again.”

Pakistan third straight win was the 1992 champion at the top of Group A with a maximum six points from three matches. The first four of two groups of seven teams qualified for the quarterfinals in 14-nation event.

Afridi move gave him a 14-tournament leader wickets and helped Pakistan avoid defeat a day after England lost three wickets shock for Ireland. Canada and Ireland rarely plays against teams of elite sport by playing tests.

Umar Akmal Pakistan scored over 48 points and Misbah-ul Haq made 37. The Canadians went 104-3 with 99 balls of their allotted 50 overs remaining before losing their last seven windows for 34 runs.

“Fighting is one thing but getting across that line is obviously taking it to another level,” said Canada captain Ashish Bagai. “We had a chance to show everybody what we’ve put in over the last few years but we fell short.”

Twin Centurions

Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers struck centuries to lead South Africa’s rout of the Netherlands in Group B.

open Amla hit 113,130 balls out and de Villiers, was 134 from 98 balls as South Africa were 351-5 in Mohali, India. Spinner Imran Tahir then took 3-19 as the Netherlands, and broke 120 all in its response.

South Africa beat West Indies by seven wickets in his opening match, moving atop the group with four points from two matches. Holland remains in last place after third straight loss.

In today's match, New Zealand and Zimbabwe to play a group game in Ahmedabad, India, Bangladesh, despite having a Group B rivals West Indies in Dhaka.

The tournament, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, ends April 2.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

WC Dreams Youngest Player In England Future

Nitish Kumar has something serious to be treated during periods of rest time for the Cricket World Cup - armed with a stack of textbooks and notes, Canadian drummer has his homework to school to complete.

Kumar was only 16 years and 283 days when he played his first World Cup match in Zimbabwe on Monday Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium and became the youngest player to participate in any World Cup game.

He could have scored one run in 10 balls against his team suffered a loss of 175 run, but the student from Woburn Collegiate Institute is excited to represent Canada - yet.

"It's a privilege, playing with great players," he said in an interview soon after his net practices ahead of another tough Group A game against Pakistan on Thursday.

While Kumar shows his talent in the bar, his team is unlikely to play the next World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2015, the International Cricket Council has already announced plans to reduce 14-10 teams in the tournament.

Canada also have very little or no chance of getting Test status in the near future.

"At the moment I am not really concerned about that because the focus is on this World Cup," said Kumar, who wants to play county cricket in England in the future.

"Without Canada, I won't have this chance. But it will be great to play county cricket and move forward from there.

"I would love to play in England where county and professional cricket is quite good. We can't do that in Canada. I would like to play good county, good cricket."

When asked if he wanted to move to any other of the better cricket-playing nations, he said: "If there is no World Cup for Canada, then yes. I would like to play for England or India. India may be quite hard."

As England recorded a shock three-wicket loss to Ireland on Wednesday, this could be sooner rather than later, when checking credentials Kumar qualification.

Nicknamed Tendulkar Canada for his aggressive batting, Kumar in the game of Zimbabwe has opened for Canada with John Davison, the oldest player in the current World Cup 24 years managing high-level battery originating in the right hand Ontario.

"It was a great game and very hard but quite enjoyable. Being from the under 19 World Cup last year to this one I see a great difference in levels, skills and how people play."

Outside the game, Kumar says he wants to specialise in sports sciences, following his two elder sisters.

"I am still in high school bringing homework along with me, doing some homework in off days and when I am not playing.

"But the greater focus is on cricket at the moment. I want to be a professional cricketer first. The studies are just as a back-up."

The combination of cricket with the studies has been the biggest challenge for the teenager, who was born in Scarborough, Ontario, with family roots in Punjab, India.

"At one point I was really stressed with all the school work when nights were passing. But when you go and play cricket you are enjoying yourself and the experience is great, so I try not to get too stressed about school and focus on here," he said.

"For me, first it's cricket. I want to do something in cricket. My family gives me great support. They want me to play cricket, so they send me off every time I can go.

"Teachers who have played any sports before, they understand how big an occasion this is as it doesn't happen to everyone. They are actually behind me."

When asked about his favourite cricketer without any hesitation he replied: "It's Sachin Tendulkar. He is amazing. He is a simple guy and very friendly. I haven't played against him yet. Hopefully I will in the future."

Kumar was born in 1994, when Tendulkar was in his fifth year on the international cricket, the only son of parents who moved to Canada from Punjab when they were young.

When he was 11 years old, witnessed her father Kumar steel businessman died in a car accident in 2005.

"It's a big loss," he said. "The reason why I started cricket was because my dad used to go, watch and play. It's a big loss for me but he is with me I know.

"Every time when I play, I have a picture of him in my bag, so I remind myself that he is also with me.

"I still have so many relatives in Punjab, but I haven't met them yet. They are quite happy for me playing and seeing me on television."

The young cricketer, who can speak Hindi, Punjabi, French, and English, can also bowl off-breaks.

"Now the main focus is on batting. I want to be a really good batsman, score a lot of runs and be a very consistent player. A player who other people can watch and say 'this guy has done well and his performance is consistent for his country'."

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

England Broke Out In Northern Ireland Wednesday

After snatching a thrilling match against favorites from India, England rampaging try to kill the minnows Ireland and pocket the two decisive points when they meet in a Group B match of World Cup cricket, Wednesday.

After a convincing win over Netherlands in their opening match, England were in sniffing distance of a memorable victory in India on Sunday, but the English team has laid around the opportunity before the Liaison surprising conclusion.

Have three points from two matches, England is just behind India in the table with the only thing that separates them is the prospect of rates. Andrew Strauss men hope to reap a big win tomorrow to reach the top.

England's batting has fired in both their previous meetings, where they chased 292 against Holland and scored 338 against India and skipper Strauss wants another solid performance with his stick.

However, bowling is a bit 'sluggish, as were losses galore acts. James Anderson produced the worst performance of the World Cup, and English when he gave away over 91 works 9.5, while Stuart Broad instead of Ajmal Shahzad bled 53 transfers in eight against India.

Save for Tim Bresnan, who took 5-48, bowling any other, including the spinners have been very successful.

Ian Bell, however, defended Bowling said the England team is now a true World Cup competitor.

"I think the conditions have been very hard for the bowlers. The batting team has to score heavy to defend. It was a fantastic performance by Tim (Bresnan) on a surface like this. He is in incredible form," Bell said.

"We were chasing 338 and I do not think so many teams in the past would have done that. We have got the quality in bowling and we were 100 per cent right in our fielding too.

"We can be a threat to the other teams in the World Cup if we start playing collectively as a group. As a team we can match anyone," Bell said.

Ireland, on the other hand, there is not much for its home match against Bangladesh, the first game of the World Cup.

Bowling Ireland surpassed the batsmen as they dismissed Bangladesh for the 205th, but the team was let down by batsmen as they failed to chase the total and would require a considerable effort if we are to save any hope of a future upset .

"We have to bounce back. We can't let it (defeat against Bangladesh) bother us. We have to leave the batting here and move on to Bangalore," Skipper William Porterfield said.

It is interesting to note that Ireland has some of the services of a constant and English county circuit, such as Ed Joyce, was awarded the International Criminal Tribunal for the outstanding play in his homeland at the last minute.

Joyce, who was dropped by England after dismal show of the page when the 2007 World Cup, will be joined by Somerset spinner George Dockrell morning.

Bell also reckoned there are some dangerous players in the Ireland side who can spoil their party.

"We know a fair bit (about Ireland). These days a lot of those guys are respected on the county circuit. They have earned respect in international one-day cricket and there is a lot of experience in their side from county cricket.

"It's a game we're looking forward to and will have to play well in. It is not a game we can turn up and just coast. There are some dangerous players in that Ireland side," he said.

 

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