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Ryan Harris, the former one-day international, will play his first match of the season for Queensland

Cricinfo staff07-Dec-2009Ryan Harris, the former one-day international, will play his first match of the season for Queensland in Wednesday’s FR Cup game against New South Wales at the Gabba. Harris had knee surgery before the season and will join Chris Swan, who is back after a nagging groin problem, as the Bulls attempt to increase their competition lead.The return of the fast bowlers is a boost for the side, which is on a run of five consecutive wins and sits eight points ahead of Victoria. Ben Laughlin has been ruled out with a side strain while Wade Townsend has been dropped. “It’s in a different place to the last injury and not as painful so hopefully the scans will deliver positive news,” Laughlin said. “I can look at being back in time for the Twenty20 Big Bash after Christmas.”New South Wales have a couple of changes to the side that lost to Tasmania on Saturday. Mitchell Starc, the left-arm fast bowler, has come in for the spinner Stephen O’Keefe while Simon Keen was left out after his late call-up for a debut against the Tigers. The Blues are desperate to find form after three losses in their four games this summerMatthew Hayden, the retired opener, will host a session at the Gabba on Tuesday with his old Queensland team-mates on Twenty20 batting techniques as they prepare for the domestic tournament that starts on December 28. Andrew Symonds is playing for the Bulls in that event and will warm-up for it by being one of Queensland’s three over-23 players in the Cricket Australia Futures League T20 series in Melbourne next week.Queensland squad Chris Hartley (wk), James Hopes, Lee Carseldine, Nathan Reardon, Nick Kruger, Craig Philipson, Chris Simpson (capt), Ryan Harris, Ben Cutting, Nathan Rimmington, Chris Swan, Scott Walter.New South Wales squad Phillip Hughes, David Warner, Phil Jaques, Moises Henriques, Ben Rohrer, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Daniel Smith (wk), Stuart Clark (capt), Josh Hazlewood, Grant Lambert, Mitchell Starc.

A round-up of the fourth day’s action of the 11th round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Cricinfo staff18-Dec-2009

Group A

Khalid Latif made an aggressive 75 but Karachi had little chance of winning•Associated Press

Karachi Whites completed the formalities of a seven-wicket victory over Sui Southern Gas Corporation at the Southend Cricket Club. They started the day needing 48 runs to wrap up the win, a task they finished in 15 overs. The one disappointment for them was that opener Mohtashim Ali didn’t go on to complete his century, falling five short.National Bank of Pakistan also needed very little time to seal a nine-wicket win over Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited at the Iqbal Stadium. The overnight pair of Rashid Riaz and Umar Amin polished off the 108 they required in 25.3 overs. Riaz was extremely cautious, needing more than four hours for his 67, while Amin was a touch more cavalier, hitting ten fours and a six in a 137-ball 74.In the group’s only match that didn’t end with a decisive outcome, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited played out a dull draw against Pakistan International Airlines at the Diamond Club Ground. PIA opener Kamran Sajid, starting the day on 79, stretched his score to 133 and half-centuries from Shehzar Mohammad and Tahir Khan took their side to 379, an overall lead of 279. PIA then declared, giving ZTBL eight inconsequential overs to bat; ZTBL had a bit of fun during that spell, smashing the first over for 21 runs on their way to a whirlwind 76 for 1.

Group B

Lahore Ravi duly completed a comfortable 10-wicket win against Islamabad at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. Kamran Hussain continued his lower-order heroics to go past a fifty before Junaid Zia brought a swift end to the innings, picking two wickets in two balls. Requiring a paltry 24 runs to pick up their third win, Lahore Ravi got home easily without losing a wicket.Faisalabad secured a draw against Abbottabad at the Sports Stadium in Sargodha. Zeeshan Asif who had crossed 200 yesterday was the last wicket to fall in Faisalabad’s first dig, with the score on 510. With victory out of the question, Abbottabad adopted a safety-first approach to ensure that they conceded only first-innings honours to the opponents. In the process, openers Waqar Orakzai and Ehteshamuddin helped themselves to half-centuries and Mohammad Kashif was unbeaten on 48.A lower-order collapse from Hyderabad, followed by a pulsating chase from Quetta meant that a thrilling draw was played out in Mirpur Khas. Starting the final day with six wickets in hand, Hyderabad could manage only 44 runs before being bowled out. Chasing a gettable 268 with sufficient time left in the game, Hyderabad’s top order didn’t put up much resistance. No. 3 batsman Lal Kumar, though, boosted his team from 78 for 4 being dismissed three short of a hundred. A rush of wickets in the dying moments of the game raised Quetta’s hopes of a victory, but they couldn’t prise out the final two.A string of 70s from Karachi Blues’ batsmen took them to 378 for 4, but that was well short of the massive 546 they needed to win against Sialkot at the National Stadium. Opener Ali Asad, No. 3 Asad Shafiq and No. 4 Wajihuddin all made measured 70s, while Khalid Latif made a more aggressive unbeaten 75 but Karachi were never in the hunt for a win.Group A

Group B

As Pakistan look ahead to the third Test in Hobart, contradictory noises are being made over the future of under-fire wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal

Cricinfo staff10-Jan-2010In the aftermath of Sydney, confusion. As Pakistan look ahead to the third Test in Hobart, contradictory noises are being made over the future of under-fire wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.After the loss at the SCG, in which Akmal dropped four catches, an incensed PCB sent Sarfraz Ahmed as a replacement from Pakistan, insisting in a strongly-worded statement that he “will participate” in the Hobart Test.Akmal, however, has said that he is expecting to keep his place, as reports emerge that he has the backing of a number of players within the side, including possibly the captain, Mohammad Yousuf. “I was very successful with my batting and wicketkeeping on the New Zealand tour and
before the New Zealand tour. So I was very happy,” Akmal was quoted as saying in Hobart by AAP.”But I think the third day of the Sydney Test match was not good for me – this happens. I’m very keen. My confidence is very high. Management is very confident for me and coaches, Intikhab Alam, Waqar Younis, Aqib Javed, and my team-mates also. I will play the third Test match and more matches for my country.”During and after the loss in Sydney Yousuf resisted talk of dropping Akmal, maintaining that a player of his record cannot so easily be dropped from the side. Akmal is vice-captain of the side and a popular member within the team. If there is even talk of retaining him – let alone if he
is eventually retained – it seems to place the touring team management on a direct crash course with the board back home.The situation between the two sides has anyway been poor on this tour; persistent calls by Yousuf for Younis Khan to be sent to strengthen the batting almost from the moment the tour started fell on deaf ears, the selection committee in Pakistan first delaying and finally turning down the request.But at least two members of the on-tour selection committee say that Akmal will not play in Hobart. “They have sent Sarfraz all the way here for what if not to play?” one told Cricinfo. “Akmal will not play the third Test.” As ever with Pakistan and its many power centres that is unlikely to be the last word on the matter.Akmal’s younger brother Umar, who has impressed and infuriated in equal doses so far on the tour, pulled up at training with a stiff back. Management remain confident that he will be fine for the Test, due to begin on January 14. Mohammad Aamer, who missed the second Test with a
groin complaint, has also been training and is said to be progressing well, making it likelier still that Pakistan may finally be able to field their first-choice attack in Hobart at the third time of asking.

USA will face Afghanistan for the World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, which begins February 9 in the UAE

Cricinfo staff03-Feb-2010As the Associate nations prepare for the World Twenty20 Qualifier tournament, which begins February 9 in the UAE, there is one fixture in Group A that jumps out at you. In perhaps the most intriguing sporting match-up of recent times, USA will face Afghanistan.It’s a match that will reverberate beyond the cricketing world as people try to imbue it with a progressive significance. Amidst all kinds of domestic turmoil Afghanistan have risen rapidly to become one of the best Associate nations and they will be desperate to secure a berth in the main World Twenty20, which takes place in West Indies in April.They were within a whisker of qualifying for the 50-over World Cup last year and have impressed in the Intercontinental Cup, beating defending champions Ireland and the Netherlands.”The match against the USA will be an interesting and exciting one,” said Afghanistan captain Nawroz Mangal. “But it will just be another game of cricket in which both the sides will try as hard as possible hard to emerge winner. Like any other opponent, we respect the USA and know we cannot afford to be complacent against them.”Initially, we started off with a reputation of being a good Twenty20 side because this is the format that is played and popular in Afghanistan. But in the last 18 months, we have shown that we can adopt and excel in any format. Personally, I believe we are a better Twenty20 side simply because we have more experience in the shortest version of the game.”Our group is a tough one with Ireland and Scotland having loads of international experience. But I am quite optimistic that after narrowly missing out on next year’s 50-over World Cup, we’ll be able to qualify for the World Twenty20. We just need a good start in the tournament and our big boys need to fire throughout the next week.”For their part, the USA comes to this event plenty to prove. Having fallen down the rankings in recent years they only made it to the qualifiers as a wildcard entry, along with hosts United Arab Emirates.”We are feeling very positive and very confident,” said USA captain Steve Massiah. “Judging from the way we played in the last tournament, which was the Americas Cup, we feel good. We want to make the most of the opportunity to play in this event and we are all looking forward to it.”Keen observers will notice the name of Lennox Cush in the USA team, he was in the Stanford Superstars squad that defeated England in 2008, and Massiah wants to draw on his experience. “Lennox is very important as he has had the opportunity to play a lot of Twenty20 cricket and was part of that Stanford squad. He is very experienced and hopefully this will rub off on the other players.”

Two places are up for grabs the ICC World Twenty20 in West Indies when the qualifying tournaments gets underway in UAE on Tuesday.

Andrew McGlashan and Sahil Dutta08-Feb-2010Ireland start another tournament as favourites but aren’t guaranteed to have things all their own way•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Group A

Ireland

As the leading Associate nation, Ireland start the qualifying tournament as clear favourites and such has been their success in recent years that it would class as a shock if they didn’t reach West Indies. At the last World Twenty20 in England they secured a Super Eight berth to follow their similar success at the 50-over World Cup two years previously. However, their production line of impressive players has come at a cost and they are suffering a drain towards county cricket and, ultimately, the England side which is a major hindrance to their future development. They have big plans for the future with an ambitious plan to become a Test nation, but that is a long way away and the Twenty20 arena (coupled with increasing exposure in one-day internationals) as their best route to firmly establishing themselves as the next-best outside the top nations.One to watch Niall O’Brien – the hard-hitting wicketkeeper will open the batting and has the ability to launch the innings in style.

Scotland

As one of the most experienced sides in the tournament Scotland will be hoping they can challenge fellow frontrunners Afghanistan and Ireland for the trophy and secure a third consecutive place at the World Twenty20. After a tough year in 2009 where they missed out on qualification to the 50-over World Cup, they have been in good form in the four-day Intercontinental Cup competition, where they top the table. They can draw on a wealth of experience in the squad and memories of last year’s World Twent20 in England where they smashed 89 in seven overs to give New Zealand a scare in a rain-reduced fixture at The Oval. Led by Gavin Hamilton, who played a Test for England, they have a host of full-time professionals on their books who need to prove to a football-mad nation they are worth every penny.One to watch Kyle Coetzer – He showed his potential when he butchered 33 off 15 balls against New Zealand and followed it up with 42 off 32 balls against South Africa a game later in the World Twenty20 last year. He has developed his game with County Champions Durham and will be key to Scotland’s hopes of posting big totals.Rising star: Mohammad Nabi is a key man for Afghanistan as they aim to continue their rapid development•International Cricket Council

Afghanistan

Afghanistan are the romantics choice for the tournament and, after a sterling rise in international cricket over the last year, start with a strong chance of qualifying for the World Twenty20 which would continue their extraordinary story. Despite being mired in domestic turmoil the country has developed an insatiable taste for cricket and have enjoyed a superb start in the Intercontinental Cup, beating both the Netherlands and defending champions Ireland. They will take on USA on February 11, in an intriguing fixture that will reverberate throughout and beyond the cricketing world. They will start as favourites for that game but are placed in the difficult Group A and will also need to beat one of Scotland or Ireland to keep their dreams of playing in an international tournament alive.One to watch Mohammad Nabi – His allround ability will be key to Afghanistan’s chances. His hard-hitting approach in the middle order usually lifts the total and momentum for his side and his miserly, clever offspin bowling can strangles opposition line-ups.

USA

USA remains one of the great untapped markets for cricket and Twenty20 offers the best route for the game to take hold, but the national team needs to play their part by performing which it hasn’t often done. The ICC clearly see the potential if the game can spread in the USA and fast-tracked the team in the qualifying tournament when on purely cricketing terms they barely deserved to be involved. Their one appearance on the global stage was at the 2004 Champions Trophy when an ageing team was humbled and since them the game has gone backwards in the states largely due to poor administration, but Don Lockerbie, the new chief executive, has bold plans for Twenty20 tournaments, international matches in the States and even professionalism. To be taken seriously, though, they need to qualify for a major tournament and that is unlikely this time.One to watch Lennox Cush – A former first-class cricketer with Guyana, Cush has come to fore in the world of Twenty20 and earned a place in the Stanford Superstar team and is now an important cog with bat and ball for USA.

Group B

Netherlands

The Dutch produced the shock result of 2009 – and one of the biggest upsets of all time – when they beat England in the opening match if the ICC World Twenty20 at Lord’s. When Stuart Broad missed his final-ball run-out chance Netherlands secured the most famous victory in their history. With qualification secured for the 2011 World Cup, success in this tournament would make it a notable double for Netherlands and keep them firmly on the world stage. They probably find themselves in the slightly easier group and have the experience to keep themselves in contention. Following the retirement of Jeroen Smit the side will led by Peter Borren.One to watch Ryan ten Doeschate – Netherlands’ key player in both disciplines he brings with him a wealth of county experience and one of finest Associate cricketers in the world.Netherlands’ victory over England last year gives them confidence as they aim to reach West Indies•Associated Press

Kenya

The previous powerhouse of Associate cricket, Kenya have slipped down the pack in recent years with off-field political issues coupled with a declining team on it. From their peak in 2003 when they reached the semi-final of the World Cup in South Africa, and had a chance to become the second-best side in Africa, it has been a steady decline. They failed to qualify for last year’s World Twenty20 and controversy never seems to far away. However, they remain a talented team and have shown impressive form during the warm-up period with convincing victories against Scotland and Uganda during the recent tournament in Nairobi. The short nature of the qualifying event could suit Kenya as they only have to sustain their skills for a brief period. Expect them to be in the mix.One to watch David Obuya – Kenya aren’t short of shot-makers and Obuya leads the charge at the top. His recent form has been strong with two fifties in the tri-nations tournament and he averages 42.50 in T20 internationals.

Canada

Having secured a spot in the 50-over World Cup with an impressive display in the qualifiers last year, Canada will be hoping to continue their good form in the shortest format, and qualify for a tournament they are yet to compete in. They had a surprise win against tournament favourites Ireland in the Sri Lanka Associates T20 series, when 18-year-old debutant Hiral Patel clubbed an unbeaten 88 off 61 balls to set up victory. The side has a good blend of old heads and youngsters and could spring a surprise in Group B.One to watch Ashish Bagai – Captain and wicketkeeper, Bagai was the player of the tournament in ICC World Cricket League Division One in 2007 and has two one-day international centuries to his name, against Scotland and Ireland.

UAE

Hosts and wildcard entrants United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be praying home advantage and an enthusiasm for the game can help them cause the odd upset or two when things get underway. They have been competitive in the 50-over game, reaching the super-eight stage of the World Cup qualifying tournament. Their most notable appearance in a global event came at the 1996 World Cup, but they also faced Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.One to watch Saqib Ali – He was named in 2007-08 Intercontinental Cup Team of the Year, and was the only player to score a century for his country at the ACC Trophy Elite event in 2008. With 326 runs, he was also the top run-scorer for the UAE at the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in 2009 and will be the man UAE’s batting will pivot on.

Mark Ramprakash exchanged ballroom glad rags for Surrey’s glitzy, new black and lime one-day strip to stroke an unbeaten century in Abu Dhabi

Mark Pennell in Abu Dhabi22-Mar-2010
ScorecardMark Ramprakash exchanged ballroom glad rags for Surrey’s glitzy, new black and lime one-day strip to stroke an unbeaten century that led his side to a comfortable 75-run win in the opening Emirates Airline Forty40 match in Abu Dhabi.Fresh from a UK tour with the Strictly Come Dancing crew that has restricted him to only three net sessions since Christmas, Ramprakash looked as though he had barely been away from the crease as he showed his young county-team mates just how to build an innings.After a shot-gun start from Rory Hamilton-Brown and Michael Brown of 63 inside seven overs, the Surrey innings was in danger of petering out when Usman Afzaal and then Matt Spriegel also tossed away their own wickets.Though he had only landed in the UAE 24 hours earlier, Ramprakash was not in the mood for frivolous gestures. He was here to enjoy serious time at the crease, and how he reveled in it.Content to waltz singles and manoeuvre the ball around until he felt comfortable in his more accustomed summer role of master bladesman, Ramprakash scored only his second boundary in reaching a pedestrian, yet chanceless half-century.In tandem with chirpy Irishman Gary Wilson, the former England batsman added 98 for the sixth wicket and, once settled, felt able, as he put it to ‘move through the gears’. Eight more fours and a brace of sixes followed to complete his century from 90 balls.”I’m a fairly long way from where I want to be yet,” said Ramprakash, who scored a century here at the Zayed Stadium in last year’s pre-season event, “and there were times when it felt a bit ugly, but it was a very good work out.”The rookie Cape Cobras, with an average age of 22, found the asking rate of 6.65 a bit too much and their pursuit soon came off the rails in the face of some tight seam bowling from Jade Dernbach with 4 for 39 and the wily offspin of Gareth Batty with 3 for 36.They were saved from complete capitulation by Uwe Birkenstock, a stylish right-hander who timed the ball beautifully on a slow pitch to score 87 out of the Cobras total of 190 as Surrey wrapped up their win with 12 balls left.

Stuart Broad remains hopeful of being available for the first Test against Bangladesh at Chittagong as he recovers from a back problem

Cricinfo staff08-Mar-2010Stuart Broad remains hopeful of being available for the first Test against Bangladesh at Chittagong as he recovers from his back problem, but he hasn’t been helped by an uncomfortable hotel bed.Broad pulled up with his injury – a spasm caused by a problem with the facet joint – during the second ODI in Dhaka and it was exacerbated by the flight to Chittagong. He has since undergone extensive physio, but revealed some less conventional methods were needed to overcome a rock-hard mattress.”The beds in our hotel are incredibly hard like someone has laid down a boundary board and that hasn’t exactly been the most enjoyable experience with my back until we got some foam put down,” he said. “The foam in the bed idea was actually Matt Prior’s. I’m in the connecting next door and all I can hear is him moaning about the bed and it creaking with each turn.”The next day some maintenance guy from the hotel walked in with a massive bit of foam and we cut it up so that we each had enough for our beds, now a few of the other lads have followed suit.”Broad is one of a glut of injury problems that have hampered England since arriving in Bangladesh. Already Ryan Sidebottom has flown home and fellow paceman Graham Onions is also receiving treatment on a back injury that has left him doubtful for the opening clash and England needing reinforcements.Broad went through his first gentle bowl on Monday, but knows he’ll have to give his back a proper workout in the days leading into the Test to find out whether he can withstand a five-day game.”I don’t think I’m far off being ready for a Test match, but I need to test myself to the max over the next couple of days,” he said. “Today was only a light bowl and tomorrow I’m going to push myself harder as is Graham and then if it all goes to plan then we will be bowling as hard as we can by Wednesday.”The key for me is to then come back and be able to bowl as hard as I can on Thursday, but if I can’t then I won’t be able to honestly say that I’ll be fit for a Test match.With James Anderson in England resting his chronic knee problem, Broad is the most experienced bowler on tour and is central to the team’s planning both with the ball and also his lower-order batting which helps balance the side. But with England looking likely to play two spinners they can’t afford for one of their quicks to pull up during the match and Broad won’t be taking any chances.”I’ve bowled a bit earlier than first hoped because that gives us time to get a proper gauge on how it is because I certainly won’t declare myself fit for a Test match if I’m not a hundred percent sure I can bowl for five days,” he said. “That would be unfair on the team, so I will only be up for selection if we know I’m fully fit. The biggest thing for me is to have got enough volume of overs before the game.”

Cricinfo previews the return match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in Chennai

The Preview by Kanishkaa Balachandran02-Apr-2010

Match facts

April 3, 2010
Start time 16.00 local (1030 GMT)Michael Hussey adds solidity to the Chennai middle order•Getty Images

Big picture

There isn’t much to separate Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings in terms of points. Rajasthan have the upper hand thanks to four consecutive victories but they slipped badly against Delhi Daredevils on Wednesday, just showing how unpredictable they are. They are up against a team which heaved a huge sigh of relief after gaining a much-needed win, against Royal Challengers Bangalore, to take the first step in fighting for a spot in the final four.A sell-out crowd is expected to witness the 2008 finalists go head-to-head for the second time in the tournament. Chennai still have a long way to go, as they need at least four more victories to the three already have to stand a realistic chance of qualifying. The great news for them is that their two Australian imports – Michael Hussey and Doug Bollinger – are finally here. It only remains to be seen if Chennai can fit both into the line-up. The sooner Bollinger can acclimatise, the better for Chennai because they desperately need him for his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He’s coming off a great summer with Australia and Chennai will be glad to have him on board.Rajasthan’s latest defeat prompted an unwelcome remark from the Delhi captain, Gautam Gambhir, about them being “ordinary” and increasingly reliant on Yusuf Pathan. But that remark may just spur them to deliver their best in the forthcoming games.

Form guide (most recent first)

Chennai Super Kings WLLLL
Rajasthan Royals LWWWW

Team talk

Hussey didn’t show any signs of jet lag after arriving from New Zealand as he battled the radical weather change and hit the nets. Whether he plays or not hasn’t been decided. If both Hussey and Bollinger play, then Albie Morkel and Thilan Thushara will have to sit out.The Rajasthan players had a two-hour training session at the stadium but didn’t reveal any details of their team composition. Their star overseas pick, Shane Watson, too arrived from New Zealand and he sweated it out in the nets. If he plays, then Michael Lumb may have to sit out.

Previously…

Rajasthan 3 Chennai 2A Naman Ojha special in Ahmedabad helped Rajasthan to 177 but Chennai fell 17 short the last they met in the tournament. A last-ditch effort from Morkel gave Chennai hope but it was too late in the day.

Prime numbers

• Chennai have never beaten Rajasthan in an IPL game in India. Both their victories came in South Africa last year.
  

  In the spotlight

  It’s quite inexplicable why Manpreet Gony is a shadow of the bowler he was back in 2008. An economy rate of 11.50 after three games, a bad shot against Punjab and a dropped catch against Bangalore all indicate that the three departments of the game have let him down. With Joginder Sharma and Sudeep Tyagi not at their best either, L Balaji is the most logical replacement for Gony.Siddarth Trivedi: He has just three wickets from six games, but the Gujarat medium pacer is turning out to be a useful defensive option, a bowler who can keep the runs down. In the last game against Chennai, he conceded just 18 off four overs, and his spell was vital in not allowing Chennai an opening to cut loose.

  The chatter

  “The race for the four berths is close. Though we have lost five matches, it is not end of the world for us. We can turn it around.”
  Michael Hussey believes a few more wins will leave the tournament wide open