March 2007

Brian Lara calls for team unity

Editor / 31 March 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies captain Brian Lara has urged his players to pull together ahead of their crunch Super 8 clash with Sri Lanka on Sunday. The World Cup hosts enjoyed a 100 per cent record in the group stages but have...Read more »

West Indies v Sri Lanka

Editor / 30 March 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies v Sri Lanka, Sunday, Guyana After defeats for both Sri Lanka and the West Indies (twice) earlier this week, Sunday's match between the two at the Providence Stadium in Guyana is shaping up as a must-win clash for...Read more »

Australia way ahead - Glenn McGrath

Editor / 30 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Glenn McGrath believes that Australia will match their feat of 2003 and win every game in the World Cup, if they keep up their current form. The reigning champions cruised to a 103-run victory over hosts West Indies in their...Read more »

Lara admits Windies cannot afford defeat

Editor / 30 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Brian Lara bemoaned losing a crucial toss after his West Indies side fell to a seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the Super Eight phase. The Black Caps won the toss and decided to field, making excellent use of the...Read more »

Trent Johnston 100% sure he will play

Editor / 30 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Trent Johnston will have another fitness test on Thursday before confirming his availability for Ireland ahead of their World Cup Super 8s match against England. The all-rounder picked up a shoulder injury in the win over Pakistan and missed the...Read more »

Graeme Smith admits Proteas relief

Editor / 29 March 2007 / Leave a comment

South Africa captain Graeme Smith feels the two points his side gained against Sri Lanka could be crucial to their chances of reaching the World Cup semi-finals. The Proteas looked to be on course for a comfortable victory in the...Read more »

Sri Lankan ace makes history

Editor / 29 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Lasith Malinga became the first player in one-day history to take four wickets in four balls, but Sri Lanka fell to a one-wicket defeat to South Africa in Guyana. Chasing 210 to win, the Proteas looked to be cruising to...Read more »

Buchanan praise for star Hayden

Editor / 28 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Australia coach John Buchanan has hailed star batsman Matthew Hayden's devastating return to form. The big left-hander enhanced his international credentials with a barnstorming 158 of 143 balls against hosts West Indies - his second consecutive century. And Buchanan feels...Read more »

World Cup Super 8s - England v Ireland

Editor / 28 March 2007 / Leave a comment

, Friday 14.30 England begin their Super 8 campaign with a clash against the tournament's major surprise package. Their defeat to New Zealand in the group stage means that they face a real battle to reach their first World Cup...Read more »

Ruthless Mahela Jayawardene full of confidence

Editor / 27 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene is full of confidence heading into the first Super Eight game and believes his side has become more ruthless, especially away from home. Sri Lanka, who won the World Cup in 1995 on the subcontinent,...Read more »

Sajid Mahmood relishing tough test

Editor / 27 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Sajid Mahmood is relishing the chance to showcase his talents against the best teams in the world, now the World Cup has reached the Super Eight phase. The 25-year-old was left out of the England side for the opening two...Read more »

Woolmer had 'retired' from coaching

Editor / 26 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Nasim Ashraf has revealed he received an email from Bob Woolmer just hours before his murder confirming his intention to retire from international coaching. The 58-year-old indicated that he intended to stand down from his post...Read more »

Kevin Pietersen top of the tree

Editor / 26 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Kevin Pietersen has become only the third England player to top the one-day international batting world rankings after hitting two half-centuries at the World Cup. The 26-year-old takes over from Mike Hussey, who drops to third, while Australia skipper Ricky...Read more »

Graeme Smith plots final route

Editor / 26 March 2007 / Leave a comment

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith continues to plot his side's route to the World Cup final despite their 83-run defeat by tournament favourites Australia. Chasing a mammoth target of 377 at Warner Park, Smith's side unsurprisingly ended up falling short...Read more »

The World Cup story so far

Editor / 26 March 2007 / Leave a comment

The World Cup is near the halfway stage and the Super Eight line-up is almost complete. Although this World Cup is perhaps to be remembered for the wrong reasons, there have certainly been some surprises on the field as well....Read more »

Chaminda Vaas confident of Sri Lanka success

Editor / 24 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Chaminda Vaas feels Sri Lanka can go all the way and win the World Cup, after sealing three wins in their group matches. The paceman ended with figures of 2-39 and smashed a quick-fire unbeaten 16 to help his country...Read more »

India hope for Bermuda miracle

Editor / 24 March 2007 / Leave a comment

India look set to exit the World Cup at the group stage after defeat to Sri Lanka left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. The 1983 winners were among the favourites to lift the trophy, but have lost two...Read more »

Paul Collingwood rings the changes

Editor / 23 March 2007 / Leave a comment

England all-rounder Paul Collingwood has admitted he has had to change his batting style to cope with the Caribbean conditions. The 30-year-old is the first name on the England team sheet in one-day cricket, having scored 2,783 runs at an...Read more »

Allan Donald calls for World Cup to be scrapped

Editor / 23 March 2007 / Leave a comment

South Africa legend Allan Donald has called for the World Cup to be abandoned in the wake of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer's murder. The International Cricket Council's chief executive, Malcolm Speed, has insisted the Caribbean showpiece will go ahead despite...Read more »

Australia v South Africa

Editor / 23 March 2007 / Leave a comment

World Cup Group A - Australia v South Africa, Saturday 13.30 This clash of the favourites sees the World Cup start in earnest. Ireland's progression to the Super Eight stage has been the major on-field story, but the losers of...Read more »

Mahela Jayasuriya the star for Sri Lanka

Editor / 22 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Mahela Jayawardene praised star batsman Sanath Jayasuriya after his devastating 109 helped Sri Lanka secure a commanding Group B victory over Bangladesh. The Sri Lankans are now unbeaten from their opening two World Cup games and this Trinidad match-up was...Read more »

SRI LANKA V INDIA

Editor / 22 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Sri Lanka's clash with India on Friday is shaping up as being one of the most interesting and important of the opening phase of the World Cup with defeat almost certain to send Rahul Dravid's men out of the...Read more »

Flintoff will bounce back - Paul Nixon

Editor / 22 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Paul Nixon is banking on Andrew Flintoff to let his cricket make the headlines when England resume their World Cup campaign. Flintoff's late night booze escapades in the early hours of last Saturday led to him being fined, dropped for...Read more »

Michael Vaughan should be ready

Editor / 21 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Michael Vaughan is expected to shake off a freak knee injury in time for England's Group C match against Kenya on Saturday. England's skipper tripped over a pot hole on Tuesday, forcing him to miss a practice batting session at...Read more »

Inzamam-ul-Haq looks for the positives

Editor / 21 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Inzamam-ul-Haq is hoping he and Pakistan can sign off in style and end their World Cup campaign with a win over Zimbabwe in memory of coach Bob Woolmer. Woolmer, 58, died after collapsing in his hotel room on Sunday -...Read more »

Ian Bell insists players are focussed

Editor / 20 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Ian Bell has promised England fans that the team is now fully focused on cricket following the late night drinking antics at the weekend. The shame-faced batsman insists the squad is now looking to book their place in the Super...Read more »

Brian Lara demands improvement

Editor / 20 March 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies skipper Brian Lara insisted the side would need to improve despite booking their place in the Super Eight stage with a six-wicket win over Zimbabwe. The victory in Kingston was the hosts' second of the group stages and...Read more »

Ryan Watson eyes Scotland shock

Editor / 19 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Ryan Watson eyes Scotland shock Scotland's Ryan Watson believes the minnows must take every chance that comes their way if they are to stand a chance of causing an upset against South Africa. The two sides meet in Tuesday's Group...Read more »

Pakistan v Zimbabwe

Editor / 19 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Pakistan v Zimbabwe (Group D, Jamaica - Wednesday) The tragic death of Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer is bound to cast a huge shadow over the final game of their World Cup campaign on Wednesday, when they will have to lift...Read more »

Andrew Flintoff says sorry

Editor / 19 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Andrew Flintoff has apologised for his late-night antics and is expected to return to the England side for the final group game against Kenya. The Lancashire all-rounder has been sacked as England vice-captain and was dropped from the side that...Read more »

The World Cup Minnows

Editor / 18 March 2007 / Leave a comment

The World Cup 'Minnows' Any lingering suggestions that the lesser teams should not be at the World Cup were blown away by Ireland on Saturday. Their remarkable St Patrick's Day victory over Pakistan all but secured their progress to the...Read more »

World Cup in a spin after Bangladesh win

Editor / 18 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Bangladesh's battery of left-arm spinners did the damage and their three teenage batsmen successfully chased down India's insufficient total to record the first shock of the 2007 World Cup. The Tigers are now in position qualify for the Super Eights,...Read more »

Blarney Army celebrate Ireland's day

Editor / 18 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Pakistan ousted as 'Blarney Army' celebrate Ireland's day Wicketkeeper Niall O'Brien was the toast of Ireland as the World Cup minnows celebrated St Patrick's Day with a famous three-wicket victory to eliminate Pakistan in Jamaica. O'Brien, who was on Kent's...Read more »

Michael Vaughan backs England to bounce back

Editor / 17 March 2007 / Leave a comment

England skipper Michael Vaughan insists there will be no experimenting against Canada on Sunday and says they will field their strongest side following the disappointing defeat against New Zealand. England got their World Cup campaign off to a poor start...Read more »

Herschelle Gibbs makes history

Editor / 17 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Herschelle Gibbs blasted his way into the record books when becoming the first player in International one-day cricket to hit six straight sixes in the same over, as South Africa brushed aside Holland. Gibbs smashed Holland's Daan van Bunge to...Read more »

CRICKET - SUNDAY PREVIEWS

Editor / 16 March 2007 / Leave a comment

On the limited evidence to hand so far it is going to be very tough for the second division teams in world cricket to compete with the likes of Australia, Sri Lanka and England during what, for most, will be...Read more »

Andrew Symonds in frame for Australia

Editor / 16 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Influential all-rounder Andrew Symonds could make a surprise return from injury for Australia against the Netherlands on Sunday. Symonds has been sidelined since the Commonwealth Bank series following surgery to repair a torn bicep muscle. But captain Ricky Ponting has...Read more »

Trent Johnston wants Pakistan win

Editor / 16 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Trent Johnston targeted a St Patrick's Day to remember after Ireland's shock Group D tie with Zimbabwe. Both sides made 221 runs in Sabina Park, Jamaica, in their opening World Cup fixture and captain Johnston said: "I'm very proud of...Read more »

James Anderson and Craig McMillan doubtful on clash

Editor / 15 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Both England and New Zealand are sweating on the fitness of key players ahead of their opening World Cup clash on Friday. are both doubtful for the Group C encounter in St Lucia, with both management teams due to...Read more »

Glenn McGrath fires World Cup warning

Editor / 15 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Glenn McGrath has sent out a message to all the World Cup hopefuls, insisting he is not past his best. Following a less than impressive showing in the Commonwealth Bank and Chappell-Hadlee series' defeats to England and New Zealand, many...Read more »

Work to be done Inzamam-ul-Haq

Editor / 14 March 2007 / Leave a comment

admitted Pakistan need to find their best batting combination if they are to bounce back from their opening World Cup defeat. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 187 after winning the toss and electing to put the hosts in at...Read more »

Brian Lara hails Windies youth

Editor / 14 March 2007 / Leave a comment

A thrilled West Indies captain, Brian Lara, praised his side's youngsters after their opening World Cup win over Pakistan. The hosts stunned Pakistan with a 54-run win, posting 241-9 before skittling the tourists out for just 187. And 37-year-old veteran...Read more »

Graeme Smith confident over chances

Editor / 13 March 2007 / Leave a comment

South Africa captain Graeme Smith is confident over his chances of lifting the World Cup and believes he has a number of match-winners in his side that can turn any game. Smith also feels that his team has finally come...Read more »

Monty Panesar to repay faith

Editor / 13 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Monty Panesar says he hopes his World Cup performances will justify the faith shown in him by England's selectors. The popular spinner is sure to be in the England side to play New Zealand in their tournament-opener on Thursday, and...Read more »

Stephen Fleming - Bond the Kiwis key

Editor / 12 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Bond the Kiwis key - Fleming Stephen Fleming feels New Zealand's World Cup hopes could depend on the performances of paceman Shane Bond. The 31-year-old appears to have fully recovered from his long term back problems and the Black Caps...Read more »

West Indies v Pakistan

Editor / 12 March 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies v Pakistan (Tuesday - Live on Sky Sports) You can forget about all of the predictions and the warm-up games on Tuesday when the 2007 Cricket World Cup finally gets underway with a match between the hosts West...Read more »

Inzamam upbeat over form

Editor / 12 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq says he is happy with both his and the team's form going into the World Cup. The 1992 winners are preparing to face hosts West Indies in the competition's opening match on Tuesday, with confidence high in...Read more »

Hayden boosts Australia for opener

Editor / 11 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Australia batsman Matthew Hayden is set to be in contention for their opening World Cup game against Scotland following a broken toe. The 35-year-old opening batsman has been out of action since breaking his big toe in his right foot...Read more »

Stewart delivers Vaughn verdict

Editor / 11 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Former captain Alec Stewart says England are only an 'outside bet' to win this year's World Cup - and that Michael Vaughan is vital to their chances. England kick-off their 2007 ICC World Cup campaign against New Zealand on Friday...Read more »

The World Cup explained

Editor / 11 March 2007 / Leave a comment

The eagerly-awaited World Cup is set to be one of the most interesting tournaments in the competition's 32-year history. This is not just due its open nature - the eight major teams all have a decent chance of success -...Read more »

Finger injuries catching on in Kiwi camp

Editor / 10 March 2007 / Leave a comment

New Zealand's World Cup plans have been hit by confirmation that Peter Fulton broke the little finger on his left hand in the Kiwis' final warm-up match against Sri Lanka. The middle-order batsman was taken to hospital for X-rays after...Read more »

Lara critical of Windies professionalism

Editor / 10 March 2007 / Leave a comment

West Indies captain Brian Lara criticised his players' professionalism after a humiliating nine-wicket defeat to India in their final World Cup warm-up game. The Windies capitulated to 85 all out inside 26 overs after winning the toss and electing to...Read more »

Fletcher calls for team effort

Editor / 09 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Duncan Fletcher feels everyone in the side needs to contribute if England are to enjoy a long run in the World Cup. In the recent past, England have depended on major contributions from individuals with the likes of Kevin Pietersen,...Read more »

Spin legend tips Kaneria to shine

Editor / 09 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Former leg-spinner Abdul Qadir feels Danish Kaneria has to be at the top of his game if Pakistan are to have a chance of winning the World Cup. The 26-year-old is Pakistan's only specialist spin bowler and has a lot...Read more »

Ponting backs Gilchrist to shine

Editor / 08 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has backed Adam Gilchrist to trigger a return to form for the side at the World Cup. The wicket-keeping batsman has been on leave for the birth of his third child and joins up with...Read more »

Good times ahead for England - Pietersen

Editor / 08 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Star batsman Kevin Pietersen says England's recent one-day series success has laid a perfect World Cup platform. Pietersen, who has returned to the England side in the Caribbean after a rib injury, says the manner of their remarkable Commonwealth Bank...Read more »

Ponting has bowling uncertainties

Editor / 07 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Ricky Ponting has admitted that he doesn't know his best bowling line-up ahead of their final World Cup warm-up game. The defending champions defeated Zimbabwe by 106 runs on Tuesday and will play England next on Friday. Skipper Ponting says...Read more »

Kiwis skipper plays down shock defeat

Editor / 07 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Stephen Fleming has insists his New Zealand side will bounce back after their World Cup warm-up shock against Bangladesh. The Kiwis, fresh from their Chappell-Hadlee series success over Australia, were beaten by two wickets in Barbados. After winning the toss...Read more »

World Cup Group C focus

Editor / 07 March 2007 / Leave a comment

On paper England and New Zealand face a relatively easy task in reaching the Super Eight phase of the World Cup from Group C when it begins in St Lucia later this month, but they would do well not to...Read more »

WORLD CUP PROFILE - INDIA

Editor / 06 March 2007 / Leave a comment

India are quite rightly among the favourites to win their second World Cup title this spring in the West Indies, and with a balanced line-up that features excitement as well as doggedness, they would seem to have every chance of...Read more »

Lara eyes room for improvement

Editor / 06 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Brian Lara says West Indies still have some work to do after the World Cup hosts narrowly beat Kenya by 21 runs in their inaugural game at the Trelawny stadium in Jamaica. West Indies won the toss and decided to...Read more »

Vaughan plays down injury fears

Editor / 06 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Michael Vaughan brushed off fears surrounding his hamstring despite playing through England's win over Bermuda with an ice-pack strapped to it. Vaughan's men skittled the Bermudans out for just 45 runs in a one-sided World Cup warm-up game in St...Read more »

World Cup Profile - England

Editor / 05 March 2007 / Leave a comment

England's unexpected recent resurgence in one-day cricket has seen them become one of the contenders to lift the World Cup trophy. Australia and South Africa lead the betting in the winner's market, but the rest of the field is tightly...Read more »

Fitness boost for Proteas pair

Editor / 05 March 2007 / Leave a comment

South Africa pair Justin Kemp and Herschelle Gibbs have been cleared to play in the World Cup after injury scares in practice at the weekend. All-rounder Kemp was struck on the big toe on his left foot by fast bowler...Read more »

Plunkett offered kidney to dad

Editor / 05 March 2007 / Leave a comment

England fast bowler Liam Plunkett has revealed he offered to donate a kidney to his sick father to help with a hereditary disease. The 21-year-old, who hit top form in England's successful Commonwealth Bank finals win over Australia at the...Read more »

McGrath wants opening spot

Editor / 04 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Veteran pace bowler Glenn McGrath has signaled his intentions by asking to be Australia's opening bowler at the World Cup. The 37-year-old will retire at the end of cricket's showpiece event in the Caribbean but wants to go out in...Read more »

England aces enjoy nets session

Editor / 04 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Michael Vaughan, Jon Lewis, James Anderson and Kevin Pietersen all came through England's first World Cup practice session unscathed. Lewis, who has not bowled in anger since suffering an ankle injury during a one-day match against New Zealand in January,...Read more »

Clarke 'confident' he will be fit

Editor / 03 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Australia batsman Michael Clarke is confident that he is winning his battle against his troublesome hip injury. Clarke has been getting round-the-clock treatment on the problem area after pulling out of the one-day series in New Zealand. The New South...Read more »

England star eyes World Cup success

Editor / 03 March 2007 / Leave a comment

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff is aiming to help England win the forthcoming World Cup following two poor campaigns in 1999 and 2003. The Lancashire star, who skippered the side for the majority of the past year due to Michael Vaughan's prolonged...Read more »

Warne upbeat over Aussie chances

Editor / 02 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Aussie legend Shane Warne insists his country's recent poor form means little and he expects them to be 'fine' in the World Cup. Australia followed their whitewash of England in The Ashes with a disappointing end to their one-day campaign...Read more »

World Cup Top Runscorer

Editor / 02 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Expectant squads and spectators are arriving in the Caribbean for what should be a run filled World Cup tournament. One Day cricket is a batsman's game nowadays and the small West Indian grounds are sure to host some explosive batting...Read more »

England are 'dark horses' - Vaughan

Editor / 02 March 2007 / Leave a comment

Michael Vaughan feels his England side are among the 'dark horses' for the upcoming World Cup. England's recent Commonwealth Bank series success in Australia has lifted expectations ahead of the showpiece one-day event in the Caribbean. With Vaughan seemingly getting...Read more »