jade dernbach the Surrey pace bowler, is the only uncapped player in England's 27-man Performance Programme made up of the cricketers most likely to appear during the international season. There is also a place for Durham's Graham onions who ismaking good progress having recovered from the stress fracture of his back which forced him to miss the entire 2010 season.
Michael Yardy, who left the World Cup early due to depression, is among the squad as are wicketkeepers Craig Kieswetter and Steve Davies who will put pressure on Matt Prior for the one-day spot. The main purpose of the squad is to allow Andy Flower, the England team director, to manage the workload of key players during the summer.
Dernbach was called up to the World Cup after Yardy's departure but didn't get the chance to debut as England crashed to a 10-wicket defeat in the quarter-finals. However, he has been identified as another pace-bowling option as England look to bolster their stocks to manage a hectic international schedule.
"The England Performance Squad is designed to allow the selectors to monitor the development of international players and better prepare them for the demands of the international game," Geoff Miller, the national selector said. "We can name 30 players in the squad but as we did last season have decided to keep three places vacant at this stage and will reserve the right to add additional players to the squad if merited by individual performances during the course of the season.
"Jade Dernbach is a player whose progress we have been monitoring closely for some time and he has continued to impress the selectors over the winter with his performances for England Lions and the England Performance Programme. " Apart from Kieswetter, who was forced to miss the Twenty20 internationals in Australia due to injury, and Onions all the players in the programme have featured in a main England squad during the winter. The next batch of central contracts will be confirmed in May ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Performance Programme Andrew Strauss,* James Anderson* Ian Bell*, Ravi Bopara+ Tim Bresnan+, Stuart Broad* Paul Collingwood *, Alastair Cook *, Steven Davies, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn* Craig Kieswetter, Eoin Morgan+Graham Onions, Monty Panesar, Kevin Pietersen* Liam Plunkett, Matt Prior *, Adil Rashid, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann* James Tredwell, Chris Tremlett+, Jonathon Trott* Chris Woakes, Luke Wright+, Michael Yardy+.
* denotes 11 players on 12-month ECB central contracts
+ denotes seven players on ECB increment contracts
বৃহস্পতিবার, ৩১ মার্চ, ২০১১
New Zealand-Bangladesh Tests postponed to 2012
New Zealand have, in consultation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, postponed their two-Test tour of Bangladesh scheduled for May-June this year to 2012, citing extremely hot and humid weather.
The Test series had initially been planned for late 2010 and was meant to be part of a tour also comprising three ODIs. But, in preparation for the World Cup, the teams agreed to play five ODIs (which New Zealand lost 0-4) and push the Tests to May-June this year. Now, those Tests have again been rescheduled.
"We welcome the decision and believe it is a sensible outcome," Justin Vaughan, the CEO of New Zealand Cricket, said after the BCB had accept the request for postponement. "Bangladesh is extremely hot and humid in May and June with cricket rarely played during that time of year.
"The option to postpone until 2012, where the cricket calendar is less cluttered, also gives our top players the option to freshen up after a long and intensive period of cricket."
The Test series had initially been planned for late 2010 and was meant to be part of a tour also comprising three ODIs. But, in preparation for the World Cup, the teams agreed to play five ODIs (which New Zealand lost 0-4) and push the Tests to May-June this year. Now, those Tests have again been rescheduled.
"We welcome the decision and believe it is a sensible outcome," Justin Vaughan, the CEO of New Zealand Cricket, said after the BCB had accept the request for postponement. "Bangladesh is extremely hot and humid in May and June with cricket rarely played during that time of year.
"The option to postpone until 2012, where the cricket calendar is less cluttered, also gives our top players the option to freshen up after a long and intensive period of cricket."
End of the Express
A shadow of the tearaway who once terrified batsmen, as well as cricket administrators worldwide, Shoaib Akhtar's career ended meekly, denied the headline farewell he cherished.
The 35-year-old, out of form and out of shape, was deemed surplus to requirements after being clobbered for 70 in nine overs against New Zealand at the World Cup.
That mauling prompted him to announce he'd retire after the tournament, but one last shot at India in the semifinals beckoned if only skipper Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis could be tempted to take the gamble.
They resisted and their caution was rewarded when Wahab Riaz, Shoaib's junior by 10 years, took a career-best five wickets to keep Pakistan in the game.
"We wanted Shoaib Akhtar to play but he was struggling," Afridi explained after Wednesday's 29-run defeat to their arch-rivals.
"We could not play someone who is at 50 percent or 60 percent of peak fitness. Riaz played in his place and you have seen his performance."
Shoaib had already admitted that time had caught up with him, opting to jump before he was pushed in an emotional retirement speech earlier in the tournament in Sri Lanka.
"Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters," he said.
"I have no regrets. I made lots of friends but some people have misunderstood me. It was an honour to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment."
Shoaib, who made his international debut in 1997, took 178 wickets in 46 Tests, the last of which was against India at Bangalore in 2007.
He ended his career three wickets short of 250 in 163 one-day internationals and took 19 wickets in 15 Twenty20 internationals.
Shoaib, known as the Rawalpindi Express during his tearaway days as one of Test cricket's most feared if unpredictable talents, once cracked the 100mph barrier at the 2003 World Cup.
His career will always be remembered for a series of fitness problems and discipline violations that put the brakes on achieving his true potential.
True to his volatile nature, he was fined $2,000 for breaching discipline after the defeat to New Zealand following an on-field spat.
The 35-year-old, out of form and out of shape, was deemed surplus to requirements after being clobbered for 70 in nine overs against New Zealand at the World Cup.
That mauling prompted him to announce he'd retire after the tournament, but one last shot at India in the semifinals beckoned if only skipper Shahid Afridi and coach Waqar Younis could be tempted to take the gamble.
They resisted and their caution was rewarded when Wahab Riaz, Shoaib's junior by 10 years, took a career-best five wickets to keep Pakistan in the game.
"We wanted Shoaib Akhtar to play but he was struggling," Afridi explained after Wednesday's 29-run defeat to their arch-rivals.
"We could not play someone who is at 50 percent or 60 percent of peak fitness. Riaz played in his place and you have seen his performance."
Shoaib had already admitted that time had caught up with him, opting to jump before he was pushed in an emotional retirement speech earlier in the tournament in Sri Lanka.
"Mentally I wanted to go on forever but I have decided to make way for the youngsters," he said.
"I have no regrets. I made lots of friends but some people have misunderstood me. It was an honour to have played with Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. I never imagined I would play for Pakistan. It was my greatest moment."
Shoaib, who made his international debut in 1997, took 178 wickets in 46 Tests, the last of which was against India at Bangalore in 2007.
He ended his career three wickets short of 250 in 163 one-day internationals and took 19 wickets in 15 Twenty20 internationals.
Shoaib, known as the Rawalpindi Express during his tearaway days as one of Test cricket's most feared if unpredictable talents, once cracked the 100mph barrier at the 2003 World Cup.
His career will always be remembered for a series of fitness problems and discipline violations that put the brakes on achieving his true potential.
True to his volatile nature, he was fined $2,000 for breaching discipline after the defeat to New Zealand following an on-field spat.
'Don't judge Dhoni on final'
Kapil Dev, the only man to captain an Indian World Cup winning side, said Thursday that Mahendra Singh Dhoni's reputation as skipper should not depend on the result of Saturday's final against Sri Lanka.
Dhoni, having steered India past Pakistan in the semi-finals, is expected to complete the job with victory in Mumbai on Saturday to give the home side a second title to add to Kapil's 1983 breakthrough.
"I will never doubt Dhoni's credentials as a captain irrespective of the result of World Cup final," said Kapil.
"Lots of people believe that it's the ultimate result which will count but I believe otherwise.
"Look at Ricky Ponting. He has won two World Cups and after one bad World up he is out. That's not the way to judge a captain. So I would like that Dhoni not be judged by a win or loss. Instead, let's all wish him the very best."
Dhoni, having steered India past Pakistan in the semi-finals, is expected to complete the job with victory in Mumbai on Saturday to give the home side a second title to add to Kapil's 1983 breakthrough.
"I will never doubt Dhoni's credentials as a captain irrespective of the result of World Cup final," said Kapil.
"Lots of people believe that it's the ultimate result which will count but I believe otherwise.
"Look at Ricky Ponting. He has won two World Cups and after one bad World up he is out. That's not the way to judge a captain. So I would like that Dhoni not be judged by a win or loss. Instead, let's all wish him the very best."
SRILANKA READY FOR FINAL
Sri Lanka's coach Trevor Bayliss says his team can defeat favourites India in Saturday's World Cup final despite injury worries to star bowler Muttiah Muralidaran.
The world record holder, suffering from hamstring and knee injuries, skipped practice on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, raising doubts of his availability for the title clash.
But Bayliss said the off-spinner, who turns 39 next month, was determined to take the field in his last international match.
"Chances are good that Murali will play," the coach said. "He completed 10 overs in the semifinal, and such is the character of the man that he will play even with discomfort."
Sri Lanka are also sweating over all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who picked up a side strain during the semifinal win over New Zealand in Colombo on Tuesday.
Veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas, 37, and off-spinner Suraj Randiv are being flown in as cover for the injured duo, but Bayliss confirmed Sri Lanka had not applied to the International Cricket Council for replacements.
"We have asked for them just to be on the safe side, but Muralidaran and Mathews will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness," the coach said.
Bayliss was confident Sri Lanka had a good chance to win their second World Cup title after 1996.
"We have played good cricket through the tournament and have done well against India in the past," he said.
"The pressure will be on India since they are playing at home, but we are familiar with the conditions in Mumbai."
While India will be playing at the refurbished 33,000-capacity Wankhede Stadium for the first time, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 112 runs in a league match at the ground on March 18.
Sri Lanka, runners-up to Australia in 2007, marched into their second successive final after losing just one match out of eight in the tournament.
Kumar Sangakkara's men, playing at home in Colombo, thrashed England by 10 wickets in the quarterfinal before delivering a five-wicket blow to New Zealand in the semifinal.
Sri Lanka have prevailed in recent one-dayers against India, winning six of the 10 matches played last year in Dhaka, Harare, Bulawayo and Dambulla.
But India have won five of seven matches against the Islanders on home soil over the last five years.
The world record holder, suffering from hamstring and knee injuries, skipped practice on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, raising doubts of his availability for the title clash.
But Bayliss said the off-spinner, who turns 39 next month, was determined to take the field in his last international match.
"Chances are good that Murali will play," the coach said. "He completed 10 overs in the semifinal, and such is the character of the man that he will play even with discomfort."
Sri Lanka are also sweating over all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who picked up a side strain during the semifinal win over New Zealand in Colombo on Tuesday.
Veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas, 37, and off-spinner Suraj Randiv are being flown in as cover for the injured duo, but Bayliss confirmed Sri Lanka had not applied to the International Cricket Council for replacements.
"We have asked for them just to be on the safe side, but Muralidaran and Mathews will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness," the coach said.
Bayliss was confident Sri Lanka had a good chance to win their second World Cup title after 1996.
"We have played good cricket through the tournament and have done well against India in the past," he said.
"The pressure will be on India since they are playing at home, but we are familiar with the conditions in Mumbai."
While India will be playing at the refurbished 33,000-capacity Wankhede Stadium for the first time, Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 112 runs in a league match at the ground on March 18.
Sri Lanka, runners-up to Australia in 2007, marched into their second successive final after losing just one match out of eight in the tournament.
Kumar Sangakkara's men, playing at home in Colombo, thrashed England by 10 wickets in the quarterfinal before delivering a five-wicket blow to New Zealand in the semifinal.
Sri Lanka have prevailed in recent one-dayers against India, winning six of the 10 matches played last year in Dhaka, Harare, Bulawayo and Dambulla.
But India have won five of seven matches against the Islanders on home soil over the last five years.
Mumbai ready for Tendulkar fairytale
A billion hearts will beat for Sachin Tendulkar as India bid for their second World Cup title in the all-Asian final against buoyant Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Tendulkar returns to his home turf at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai determined to add the only silverware missing from the collection of the most celebrated cricketer of the modern era.
The Indian star, who turns 38 next month, holds almost all coveted batting records, but not even his individual brilliance could win the ultimate prize in a team sport like cricket.
In five previous appearances in cricket's showpiece event, Tendulkar helped India reach the semifinal at home in 1996 and finish runners-up to Australia in 2003 in South Africa.
When India won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, Tendulkar was 10 years old, but five of his current teammates -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and Munaf Patel -- were not even born.
Playing in his sixth and possibly last World Cup, a record he shares with Pakistan great Javed Miandad, Tendulkar has led from the front to lift India into the final.
His 464 runs in the tournament are just three behind Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan's 467, and he goes into the title clash one ton away from recording an unprecedented 100 international centuries.
Tendulkar's lucky 85 in Wednesday's semifinal against Pakistan, when he was dropped four times and survived close leg-before and stumping decisions, suggests he was destined to play the final.
"It will be a fantasic occasion," Tendulkar said of the match in his home city. "We will focus on the job in hand and try to get the job done.”
Even the International Cricket Council will be delighted how the tournament has panned out.
"Can you imagine a fairytale ending with Tendulkar getting a hundred in the final and India wins at Wankhede which is his home ground?," ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat had said last week.
The task ahead will not be easy against a supremely confident Sri Lanka, who have marched into their second successive final after losing just one match out of eight in the tournament.
Tendulkar returns to his home turf at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai determined to add the only silverware missing from the collection of the most celebrated cricketer of the modern era.
The Indian star, who turns 38 next month, holds almost all coveted batting records, but not even his individual brilliance could win the ultimate prize in a team sport like cricket.
In five previous appearances in cricket's showpiece event, Tendulkar helped India reach the semifinal at home in 1996 and finish runners-up to Australia in 2003 in South Africa.
When India won the World Cup under Kapil Dev in 1983, Tendulkar was 10 years old, but five of his current teammates -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and Munaf Patel -- were not even born.
Playing in his sixth and possibly last World Cup, a record he shares with Pakistan great Javed Miandad, Tendulkar has led from the front to lift India into the final.
His 464 runs in the tournament are just three behind Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan's 467, and he goes into the title clash one ton away from recording an unprecedented 100 international centuries.
Tendulkar's lucky 85 in Wednesday's semifinal against Pakistan, when he was dropped four times and survived close leg-before and stumping decisions, suggests he was destined to play the final.
"It will be a fantasic occasion," Tendulkar said of the match in his home city. "We will focus on the job in hand and try to get the job done.”
Even the International Cricket Council will be delighted how the tournament has panned out.
"Can you imagine a fairytale ending with Tendulkar getting a hundred in the final and India wins at Wankhede which is his home ground?," ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat had said last week.
The task ahead will not be easy against a supremely confident Sri Lanka, who have marched into their second successive final after losing just one match out of eight in the tournament.
Will it be Sachin or Murali?
Legends Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralidaran face-off in a mouth-watering duel for the last time when India and Sri Lanka clash in the World Cup final on Saturday.
The contest between the world's leading batsman and highest wicket-taker in their final appearance in cricket's showpiece event will add spice to the big game at the Wankhede Stadium.
Muralidaran, who turns 39 next month, will leave international cricket after the World Cup with more Test (800) and one-day (534 so far) wickets than any bowler in history.
Tendulkar's batting skills have not diminished even as he celebrates his 38th birthday next month, but he is unlikely to make a record seventh World Cup appearance in 2015.
A World Cup title has eluded the Indian star despite being the sport's most successful batsman with a record 32,785 runs and 99 centuries in Test and one-day cricket.
Muralidaran tasted World Cup glory in his maiden appearance in 1996 when Arjuna Ranatunga's men stunned Australia in the final in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
The ageing superstars have led from the front in this tournament to carry their teams into the final.
Tendulkar's 464 runs in eight matches are just three behind Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan's record tally of 467, while the wily Muralidaran has claimed 15 wickets despite battling injuries.
Muralidaran has soldiered on bravely over the past six weeks despite being afflicted by hamstring and groin injuries, a side strain and a troublesome knee.
An appreciative Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said winning the World Cup for Muralidaran has motivated his team.
"Murali is a legend to bowl virtually on one leg and still get wickets," the captain said.
"He is the icon of Sri Lanka, on and off the field, a fantastic human being and a great team man."
The off-spinner is the only player from either side to enjoy a World Cup triumph.
Tendulkar was 10 years old when India won the tournament under Kapil Dev in 1983, while five of his current teammates -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and Munaf Patel -- were not even born.
India's South African coach Gary Kirsten, who played against Tendulkar in the 1990, regards the batting star as his hero and the "backbone" of the team.
"It has been an absolute honour and previlege to share the same dressing room as Sachin," said Kirsten, who will step down as coach after the final to spend more time with his family.
"There is nothing to teach Sachin. In fact, I have learnt a lot myself just watching him prepare for a game. He is my hero."
Win or lose, fans will relish the sight of the two old warriors battling under the hot sun. They do not make cricketers like them any more.
The contest between the world's leading batsman and highest wicket-taker in their final appearance in cricket's showpiece event will add spice to the big game at the Wankhede Stadium.
Muralidaran, who turns 39 next month, will leave international cricket after the World Cup with more Test (800) and one-day (534 so far) wickets than any bowler in history.
Tendulkar's batting skills have not diminished even as he celebrates his 38th birthday next month, but he is unlikely to make a record seventh World Cup appearance in 2015.
A World Cup title has eluded the Indian star despite being the sport's most successful batsman with a record 32,785 runs and 99 centuries in Test and one-day cricket.
Muralidaran tasted World Cup glory in his maiden appearance in 1996 when Arjuna Ranatunga's men stunned Australia in the final in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
The ageing superstars have led from the front in this tournament to carry their teams into the final.
Tendulkar's 464 runs in eight matches are just three behind Sri Lankan Tillakaratne Dilshan's record tally of 467, while the wily Muralidaran has claimed 15 wickets despite battling injuries.
Muralidaran has soldiered on bravely over the past six weeks despite being afflicted by hamstring and groin injuries, a side strain and a troublesome knee.
An appreciative Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara said winning the World Cup for Muralidaran has motivated his team.
"Murali is a legend to bowl virtually on one leg and still get wickets," the captain said.
"He is the icon of Sri Lanka, on and off the field, a fantastic human being and a great team man."
The off-spinner is the only player from either side to enjoy a World Cup triumph.
Tendulkar was 10 years old when India won the tournament under Kapil Dev in 1983, while five of his current teammates -- Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Piyush Chawla and Munaf Patel -- were not even born.
India's South African coach Gary Kirsten, who played against Tendulkar in the 1990, regards the batting star as his hero and the "backbone" of the team.
"It has been an absolute honour and previlege to share the same dressing room as Sachin," said Kirsten, who will step down as coach after the final to spend more time with his family.
"There is nothing to teach Sachin. In fact, I have learnt a lot myself just watching him prepare for a game. He is my hero."
Win or lose, fans will relish the sight of the two old warriors battling under the hot sun. They do not make cricketers like them any more.
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