Cricket News - by Craig Hill

New Zealand - Cricket News

Scientist predicts Bangladesh vs India in CWC Final

December 31st 2011 12:27

Back in 2003 I wrote a paper analysing every ball of the Cricket World Cup. I have now taken those results and applied them to the current tournament, predicting that Bangladesh will meet India in the final.

To find out why, visit www.robbrooks.net

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Rob Brooks - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, International Teams

Email this Post to a Friend

New Zealand Defeat Australia In Women's World Cup

March 8th 2009 07:19

New Zealand has made a terrific start to its ICC Women's World Cup campaign, beating Australia in a rain-marred encounter at North Sydney Oval.

The match was abandoned at 5.22pm (AEDT) with Australia 6-132 in the 33rd over chasing New Zealand's 205.

Under the Duckworth-Lewis method, the White Ferns were declared victors.

New Zealand pace bowler Kate Pulford, who took 3-32, was named player of the match.

Australia, the pre-tournament favourite and five-time World Cup winners, did well to restrict the Kiwis in the field but batted poorly to throw away any hope of victory.

Karen Rolton

The home side's run chase began badly, opener Alex Blackwell out for just four in the third over.

Skipper Karen Rolton (21) joined Shelley Nitschke at the crease and took the score to 49 before mistiming a pull shot to present McGlashan an easy catch at mid-on off Kate Pulford's bowling.

The Southern Stars sunk deeper into trouble when Lisa Sthalekar (six) was brilliantly caught one-handed by wicket-keeper Rachel Priest, leaving Australia a shaky 3-58.

The White Ferns continued to take wickets at regular intervals, Nitschke (27), Jessica Cameron (15) and Lauren Ebsary (one) all falling before rain forced play to be halted with the hosts 6-100.

The Aussies moved the score on to 6-132 when play resumed before the rain returned to wash play out for the day.

New Zealand's 205 looked a little skinny on the postage stamp-sized North Sydney Oval.

The Kiwis were looking at a large score after moving to 3-171 in the 41st over before a dramatic late collapse saw them lose 7-34.

New Zealand skipper Haidee Tiffen (59) played a lone hand at the top of the order, with cameo knocks from Suzie Bates (29), Amy Satterthwaite (38) and Sara McGlashan (29) setting up what should have been a 250-plus score.

But some poor shot selection and steady bowling from Sthalekar (2-35) and Ellyse Perry (3-40) brought the Kiwis undone.

Perry made a brave and remarkable return after earlier leaving the field with a dislocated finger.

Australian won the toss and sent New Zealand into bat in overcast conditions.

The Kiwis made a disastrous start, losing opener Pulford (three) in the fourth over to a brilliant piece of fielding from Sthalekar.

Sthalekar picked the ball up at mid-wicket and through the stumps down at the keeper's end to leave Pulford well short of her ground.

Bates and Tiffen moved the score on to 42 before Bates (29) was bowled after failing to get her feet moving to a beautiful Rene Farrell (1-20) inswinger.

Tiffen was joined by Satterthwaite and the pair was untroubled in posting 67 for the third wicket.

But there was no keeping Sthalekar out of the game.

She enticed Satterthwaite (38) into an ill-advised drive which ballooned to skipper Karen Rolton at mid-off.

Tiffen's well-crafted knock came to an end on 57, the skipper lofting Erin Osborne (2-37) down the throat of substitute Jessica Cameron in the deep.

The captain's departure triggered a dramatic collapse, the visitors going from 3-171 to all out 205 in the 48th over.

But the modest total proved beyond Australia, with rain eventually ending their unlikely bid for victory.

New Zealand innings
Pulford run out (Sthalekar) 3 (12)
Tiffen c sub (Cameron) b Osborne 57 (113)
Bates b Farrell 29 (24)
Satterthwaite c Rolton b Sthalekar 38 (51)
McGlashan c Fields b Perry 29 (54)
Mason c Nitschke b Sthalekar 0 (2)
Browne b Osborne 3 (2)
Tsukigawa c & b Sampson 2 (9)
Priest c Sthalekar b Perry 7 (9)
Devine c Rolton b Perry 13 (7)
Burrows not out 3 (7)
Extras: 21 (3lb, 2nb, 16w)
Total: 205 (10 wickets; 48 overs)
FOW: 1-6, 2-42, 3-109, 4-171, 5-171, 6-174, 7-176, 8-180 9-187, 10-205

Bowling
Sampson 9 – 0 – 33 - 1
Farrell 7 – 1 – 20 - 1 (6w)
Perry 6 – 1 – 40 – 3 (2nb, 2w)
Nitschke 6 – 0 – 37 - 0 (2w)
Osborne 10 – 0 – 37 - 2 (2w)
Sthalekar 10 – 1 – 35 – 2 (2w)

Australia innings
Nitschke lbw b Pulford 27 (41)
Blackwell c Mason b Devine 4 (8)
Rolton c McGlashan b Pulford 21 (28)
Sthalekar c Priest b Pulford 6 (12)
Fields not out 26 (53)
Cameron c Browne b Devine 15 (27)
Ebsary c Priest b Mason 1 (5)
Perry not out 17 (27)
Extras: 14 (3lb, 2nb, 9w)
Total: 132 (6 wickets; 33 overs)

FOW: 1-12, 2-49, 3-58, 4-71, 5-98, 6-100

Bowling
Devine 7 – 2 – 19 – 2 (1nb, 1w)
Burrows 3 – 0 – 15 – 0 (2w)
Browne 7 – 0 – 25 – 0 (1nb, 1w)
Pulford 7 – 0 – 32 – 3 (4w)
Mason 6 – 1 – 21 – 1 (1w)
Bates 3 – 0 – 17 - 0

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: One Day International, Women's Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australia's Southern Star Women's Cricketers Win Twenty20

February 16th 2009 05:38

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars collected their third win on the trot against the New Zealand White Ferns with a dominant nine-wicket Twenty20 victory at the SCG.

Playing before the men’s KFC Twenty20 International, Shelley Nitschke starred with both the bat and ball, first collecting 2-16 from her 3 overs as the Stars restricted the Kiwis to a modest total of 91 (off a rain shortened 14 overs).

The all-rounder then blasted 8 boundaries on the way to 54* to carry the side to a win in the 10th over (chasing down the revised total of 83).

“It’s nice to be back scoring runs,” Player of the match Nitschke said.

"The win was good but it was probably more a psychological thing for us going into the World Cup.”

"It really gives us a little bit of momentum for when we come out for the first game of the World Cup (against New Zealand)."

Lisa Sthalekar also performed well with both bat and ball, picking up 2-28 and 23 runs of 25 balls in the run chase while also finishing not out.

Kate Pulford got the White Ferns off to a flyer, plundering two boundaries off Ellyse Perry’s first over before losing partner Rachel Priest after a moment of confusion and subsequent run-out.

Pulford reached 29 off 24 with 4 boundaries before falling to Nitschke in the sixth over.

After losing opener Leah Poulton early in the run-chase, Sthalekar joined Nitchke and the pair went about picking apart the White Fern attack. Sophie Devine was the pick of the New Zealand bolwers with figures of 1-17 from her 3 overs.

The Stars head home before a training camp in Canberra ahead of their March 7 ICC Women’s World Cup opener against the White Ferns in Sydney.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Twenty20, Women's Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australia Beats New Zealand In Twenty20

February 16th 2009 02:00

An extraordinary boundary catch from Adam Voges has helped Australia escape with a thrilling one-run win over New Zealand in the Twenty-20 international at the SCG.

The heavy-hitting Brendon McCullum (61 from 47 balls) appeared to be sweeping the Black Caps to victory when he launched into a Ben Hilfenhaus (1-32) delivery in the penultimate over.

Voges, fielding at long on, took the ball on the boundary but lost his balance and was about to fall over the rope to concede a six.

But in a remarkable piece of quick thinking and composure, he threw the ball in the air as he tumbled over the rope and rose quickly to his feet to re-enter the playing field.

Voges stumbled on the boundary rope but completed the catch on his knees to get rid of the dangerous McCullum.

The visitors went into the last over requiring 14 to win but were unable to get specialist death bowler Nathan Bracken (0-16 from four overs) away.

Nathan Bracken and Brad Haddin

But the brave Kiwis went down fighting, Nathan McCullum (10 not out) hitting a six off the last ball to ensure his team went down by the barest of margins.

Australia's victory before a boisterous crowd of 22,101 ends an indifferent summer on a positive note.

After losing the Test series to South Africa and finishing 2-all in the Chappell-Hadlee series, the Australians made sure their last international appearance for the season was a memorable one.

Set 151 to win, New Zealand's run chase began disastrously, Peter Siddle (2-24) striking twice in successive overs to reduce the Kiwis to 2-12.

The Victorian paceman got rid off Martin Guptill (0) lbw and followed up with the wicket of Peter Fulton (1) in his next over.

McCullum and Neil Broom (36 off 26 balls) embarked on a repair job that yielded 61 for the third wicket and threatened to take the game away from Australia.

But James Hopes (1-40) halted the run flow just when it was starting to look ominous for the home side, enticing Broom into an injudicious swipe over mid-wicket.

Callum Ferguson had to wait for what seemed an eternity as the ball made its way back to earth before taking a very well-judged catch.

The loss of the match-winning McCullum was one the Kiwis never fully recovered from.

The Australians can thank a 52-run fourth wicket partnership between Voges (26) and David Hussey (41) for setting up a competitive total after stand-in captain Brad Haddin won the toss and batted first.

Skipper Daniel Vettori (1-22 from four overs) was again the pick of the Kiwi bowlers.

Haddin made a whirlwind 15 off 10 balls before blasting a return catch to Tim Southee (1-31), who tapped the hot chance in the air before clinging onto the rebound.

The dangerous Dave Warner (23) went the next over, slapping a catch to Vettori at mid- off from Iain O'Brien's (2-34) bowling as Australia's early momentum was temporarily halted.

Ferguson (8) attempted to give himself some room and was yorked by debutant Ian Butler (1-30), leaving the hosts 3-52.

Australia reached 67 at the halfway point of the innings as Vettori's clever finger spinners again put the brakes on the run flow.

Voges' invaluable knock came to an end with the score on 104, trapped lbw by handy all-rounder Grant Elliott (1-11).

Hussey bankrolled the Australians innings with a well-constructed 41 from 39 balls, eventually holing out off Vettori (1-22).

Big-hitting Cameron White (16), debutant Moises Henriques (1) fell at the death chasing quick runs, leaving Hopes (16 not out) and Siddle (1 not out) to see out the overs.

But no-one could have predicted such an amazing finish to the game, the result in the balance until the final few balls and arriving just minutes before heavy rain hit the SCG.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Twenty20, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Brad Haddin To Captain Twenty20 Australian Team

February 14th 2009 14:29

In-form keeper-batsman Brad Haddin has welcomed the challenge of leading his country in Sunday's KFC Twenty20 International against New Zealand at the SCG.

The New South Welshman takes the reins in the absence of resting skipper Ricky Ponting and deputy Michael Clarke who has a niggling back complaint.

Haddin led the way with the bat throughout the Chappell-Hadlee Series scoring 283 runs at an average of 70, including his maiden ODI century in game three when he was promoted to the top of the order.

"It's pretty exciting," Haddin said of his appointment on Saturday.

"It's probably come about the same way it's come about me opening the batting at the moment with blokes being injured or rested."

"I'm definitely excited and especially about it being in front of my home crowd (at the SCG) so I'm really looking forward to this challenge."

While admitting his surprise, Haddin, who has become a fixture behind the stumps in all forms of the game since Adam Gilchrist's retirement in early 2008, says he has come to expect the unexpected.

"I think that's the one thing I've learnt about professional sport is that things happen so quickly," he said.

"You can be thinking you're down and out and then the next week something like this comes along."

"I think the one thing that can learn from all this is that if you just stay true to yourself and make sure that you're doing all the things that can make you a better cricketer, you just never know what will happen."

But the 31-year-old insists he has no aspirations of leading the side on a permanent basis.

"I'll enjoy this occasion and to do it as a one-off but to do it on a full-time basis, it's quite tough for a wicket-keeper to be captain full-time," he said.

Meanwhile, Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori remains confident Ross Taylor will play on Sunday despite nursing a hamstring niggle.

But the visitors will be without paceman Kyle Mills (achilles) who returned home on Saturday.

"Ross has travelled with us, I think he'll be ok we'll probably err on the side of caution with him but we'll see how shapes up tomorrow," Vettori said.

Vettori warned his side is desperate to finish their tour on a winning note after rain denied them the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.

"A win I think would be great," he said.

"We're still looking towards that Indian series, we've got Twenty20 matches coming up against them."

"We've got a bit of new-look team so we're looking to finish our tour off on a high."

Haddin agreed the Chappell-Hadlee decider would have been an interesting finish but played down talk Sunday's clash will double as a virtual decider.

"This is a totally different game, Twenty20 is all about entertaining and getting everyone involved and doing everything with a smile on your face," Haddin said.

Sportal

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Twenty20, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australia Rain Supreme Over New Zealand

February 14th 2009 01:50

Australia has retained the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy after a stop-start game five was finally abandoned due to heavy rain with the game delicately poised at the Gabba.

Chasing a revised total of 156 from 20 overs in the series decider after Brad Haddin and Callum Ferguson struck unbeaten half-centuries to propel the hosts to 4-168 off 22 overs, the Black Caps progressed to 6-123 through 14 overs before rain intervened.

The Kiwis, who still had their two-over batting power-play up their sleeves, needed a further 33 runs off 36 deliveries to claim a rare series win on home soil.

Opener Martin Guptill was the star with the bat smashing an unbeaten 64 from 34 balls to put the Kiwis within sight of a famous victory.

Debutant Brendon Diamanti provided solid support with a timely 26 off 22 as the pair put on an unbeaten 50-run stand.

The series finished all tied up at two apiece after the Australians clawed their way back from a 2-0 deficit to set up the decider.

Ricky Ponting walks off the field as the rain falls

New Zealand made the worst possible start to their pursuit when Ben Hilfenhaus (1-28) bowled Brendon McCullum for two with the second ball of the innings.

But Guptill made his intentions clear depositing Nathan Bracken (2-33) over the mid-wicket fence before Peter Fulton chimed in with consecutive boundaries.

The onslaught continued when Hilfenhaus conceded 21 runs from his second over but Fulton's luck ran out on 22 when he skied Bracken to Callum Ferguson.

Guptill welcomed Mitchell Johnson (1-28) into the attack with a massive six behind square but Johnson soon had reason to smile when he removed the dangerous Ross Taylor for four.

The lanky opener continued to plunder the attack but the wickets kept falling as Grant Elliott (0), Neil Broom (0) and Kyle Mills (1) all went cheaply.

Guptill continued to score freely and finally found support in Diamanti as the Kiwis took the ascendancy before the weather spoiled their party.

Earlier Haddin continued his fine series blasting an unbeaten 88 off 65 deliveries to guide the hosts to a respectable total.

The in-form gloveman appeared in total control throughout striking five boundaries and three sixes, but his patience under pressure defined his knock.

Haddin didn't do it all on his own, however, with Ferguson continuing the dream start to his international career with a brilliant 55 not out off 35 balls.

Having joined Haddin at the crease at 4-70, the pair added an unbeaten 98-run-stand to steal the upper hand at the midway point.

James Hopes (5) got the Australian innings going with a boundary in the second over but his aggression soon cost him his wicket.

Mills (2-22) kept the pressure on the home side when he removed captain Ricky Ponting (2) caught behind with a well directed out swinger, and when game-four hero David Hussey fell for six the hosts were in early trouble.

Diamanti (0-25) was unlucky not to remove Haddin with his first ODI delivery but the in-form right hander put things right with a boundary from the next delivery.

Haddin continued to plunder the new-comer but Vettori (1-24) halted Australia's momentum when Hussey (9) hit a long-hop straight to Diamanti at mid wicket.

Ferguson was lucky not to depart for two when Grant Elliott failed to throw down the stumps in his follow through, and the South Australian made the visitors pay hitting Tim Southee (0-49) for three-consecutive boundaries in the first over of the batting power-play before Haddin took 14 runs off the final over.

Vote

Comments (3)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Ausralian Women Southern Star Cricketers Retain Rose Bowl

February 12th 2009 07:09

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have retained the Rose Bowl after today’s fifth and deciding match against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain in Wellington.

With the series tied at 2-2, the match at Basin Reserve was abandoned without a ball being bowled. However the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars retained the trophy as reigning holders following last year’s 3-2 series win.

After losing the first two matches of the series, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars rebounded strongly in games three and four with strong batting performances setting up a pair of comfortable wins.

After a slow start, Shelley Nitschke, who was last week named Australia’s 2008 Women’s International Cricketer of the Year at the Allan Border Medal, led the series run scorers (144), while fellow all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar was the leading wicket taker (7).

Australian Women Cricketers Southern Stars

A number of records were set during the series:

• Game four featured the most runs scored in a women’s one-day international (570), eclipsing the 563 scored when England and New Zealand met in 2007;
• In game three, Alex Blackwell and Shelley Nitschke recorded the highest first-wicket stand (148) for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars against New Zealand – a partnership that included 18 boundaries from 158 balls; and
• The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ game four total (4-307) was their third-highest in history and the first time they had passed the magic 300-mark against a top four-ranked team.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have now held the Rose Bowl for nine consecutive series. New Zealand last won the Rose Bowl in 1999.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s Twenty20 Internationals at the SCG, when cricket fans will be served a double dose of trans-Tasman rivalry with a men’s and women’s double-header between Australia and New Zealand.

In a repeat of the concept successfully pioneered by Cricket Australia in early 2008 in Melbourne, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will play New Zealand before the men’s KFC Twenty20 International between the same nations.

The world’s first men’s and women’s Twenty20 International double-header was contested at the MCG in February 2008 when the Australian and English women’s teams played before Australia and India’s clash in a KFC Twenty20 International.

It will be the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ last official match before they defend their ICC Women’s World Cup crown in Sydney.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Women's Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australian Twenty20 Squad Named

February 11th 2009 07:58

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced a 13-man squad for Sunday’s KFC Twenty20 clash against New Zealand in Sydney.

The 13-man squad is:

Michael Clarke (c) - NSW , 27
Brad Haddin (vc) - NSW , 31
Nathan Bracken - NSW , 31
Callum Ferguson - SA , 24
Moises Henriques - NSW , 22
Ben Hilfenhaus - TAS , 25
James Hopes - QLD , 30
David Hussey - VIC , 31
Mitchell Johnson - WA , 27
Peter Siddle - VIC , 24
Adam Voges - WA , 29
David Warner - NSW , 22
Cameron White - VIC , 25

Ben Hilfenhaus

Commenting on the selected squad NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:

“The National Selection Panel has again picked a squad for this KFC Twenty20 against New Zealand with a view to continuing the development of our younger players and in preparation for the ICC World Twenty20 to be played in England during June this year.

“Given the high workload of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey since the Indian Test series in October we have decided, in consultation with these players, it is appropriate they miss this game.

“With a hectic and competitive South African campaign departing the day after this match, we felt this option was best in the interest of the player’s workload management.

“This also provides a wonderful opportunity for Moises Henriques. The NSP regards Moises as an exciting young player with the all-round ability to play a role in the World Twenty20. We recently included him in the PM’s XI match against New Zealand where he played exceptionally well and we are hoping this opportunity will help him to continue his development.

“David Warner also returns to the Australian squad for this Twenty20 match. While David was disappointed to be dropped from the one-day squad, we regard him as an exciting young player who definitely remains in our thoughts for the World Twenty20.”

In a repeat of the curtain-raiser concept successfully pioneered by Cricket Australia earlier this year in Melbourne, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars will play New Zealand before the men’s KFC Twenty20 International between the same nations on Sunday 15 February.

The world’s first men’s and women’s Twenty20 International double-header was contested at the MCG in February last year when the Australian and English women’s teams played before Australia and India’s clash in a KFC Twenty20 International.

It will be the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ last official match before they defend their ICC Women’s World Cup crown in Sydney.

That match starts at 3.30pm.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: Twenty20, Women's Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australia Win Fourth ODI Against New Zealand

February 11th 2009 05:52

Australia has kept the Commonwealth Bank Series alive with a six-wicket win in game four at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday. Needing 245 for victory, the Aussies posted 4-247 with 10 balls to spare.

David Hussey ran out Brad Haddin in the 25th over when the opener was on 43 but made amends by registering a career-best 79 from 96 balls.

He joined forces with brother Mike (75 not out from 71 deliveries) to compile a match-winning fourth-wicket partnership of 115.

Mike Hussey hit a mid-on six off Kyle Mills to win the game while Callum Ferguson, playing his first ODI on his home ground, was unbeaten on 13.

Iain O'Brien took 2-54 off his 10 overs while Tim Southee was the other wicket-taker.

Craig Cumming dropped Mike Hussey in the deep when he was on 40 but apart from that spill the Black Caps had limited chances to change the course of the game.

Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke

And despite a rush of runs in their batting powerplay, their total of 244 was never going to be enough against a desperate Australian unit.

Both sides have won twice meaning the series will be decided in game five at the Gabba on Friday.

In the end it was a comfortable victory for the Aussies but the run chase had been tighter at the half-way mark of their dig.

Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting were back in the shed without making much of an impact while Haddin was run out when the score was 101.

David Hussey called the wicketkeeper through for a second run and then left him stranded metres from the striker's end and an accurate throw from outfielder Cumming to wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum made sure of the breakthrough.

It was a massive blow for the home side as Haddin had been controlling the innings with some clean hitting.

However the Husseys' union brought the game back into Australia's favour with the brothers running hard and hitting the bad balls to the boundary - especially during the batting powerplay (overs 42 to 46).

David Hussey was eventually bowled but the crowd weren't too upset - the dismissal bringing to the crease home-town hero Ferguson.

In the afternoon a fruitful batting powerplay helped New Zealand post a competitive total.

Clusters of wickets and cheap dismissals made it difficult for the tourists to accelerate earlier in the innings but they bludgeoned 53 runs - between overs 45 to 49 - to finish with 8-244 from their allotment.

Ross Taylor led the charge with 76 from 72 deliveries while some lusty blows saw Mills chip in with a handy 23 from 27 balls.

Openers Martin Guptill (45) and McCullum (33) were the other major contributors.

Mitchell Johnson finished with 3-51 while James Hopes (2-37) and Michael Clarke (1-23 off eight overs) were also handy with the ball.

New Zealand made a steady start to the contest with McCullum and Guptill putting on 69 for the opening stand but in a matter of minutes the tourists had slumped to 3-86 and the Aussies were on top.

The Kiwis' innings regained momentum when Taylor and Grant Elliott went after Cameron White and combined for a flowing 55-run stand.

Cumming and Neil Broom went cheaply before Taylor and Mills came together for an explosive 53-run partnership.

Before the game the players, umpires and spectators held a minute silence to pay their respects to the bushfire victims in Victoria.

The Commonwealth Bank Series Bushfire Appeal has raised more than $6 million for people affected by the natural disaster.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australian Cricket Women Southern Stars Defeat New Zealand Again

February 9th 2009 14:41

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars have levelled the Rose Bowl Series 2-2 against New Zealand in a history-making afternoon for women’s cricket in Hamilton.

Never before in 679 previous women’s one-day internationals have two teams scored as many runs (570) in a single match as another powerhouse Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars batting display crafted a 44-run win.

The Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars top order batters all made significant contributions with Lauren Ebsary (86 from 76) and Leah Poulton (81 from 97) well-supported by Shelley Nitschke (58 from 69) and Alex Blackwell (37 from 35) in a total of 4-307.

The White Ferns batted well and posted its highest score against Australia in reply but they were still well short of the target when dismissed for 263 in the 48th over.

“Scoring 300 in a match is something that we’ve been working towards as a team since the India series late last year,” Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars captain Karen Rolton said.

Australian Women Southern Stars

“We made some good scores in that series but it’s been fantastic to build on that and reach that goal today.

“Batting-wise, the main difference between the first two matches in this series and last two is that we’ve been able to put big partnerships together. We’ve also had some of the batters go on and get big scores, so while it would have been nice for someone to go on and make a hundred, the contributions allowed us to make big totals in the last two games.

“We’ve got to make sure now that we keep this form going in the final match on Thursday.”

As well as setting the record for the most number of runs scored in a single match, the total was also Australia’s third highest in history and the first time it had passed the magic 300-mark against a top four-ranked team. It also shattered its previous record total against New Zealand (8-260) which was set in Chennai in early 2007.

The match aggregate for runs scored eclipsed the 563 when England and New Zealand met in 2007.

Such was Australia's dominance with the bat that New Zealand captain Haidee Tiffen used nine bowlers - every player except herself and wicket-keeper Katey Martin – in an attempt to stem the flow of runs.

The bowling changes had no effect on the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ rhythm however as they marched relentlessly towards 300.

Although Amy Satterthwaite (67), Nicola Browne (45) and Sara Tsukigawa (45) batted strongly for New Zealand in reply, it couldn't maintain a mid-innings surge as late wickets ended the charge.

Emma Sampson returned to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars line-up and took 3-34 while the remainder of the wickets were evenly shared.

The deciding match in the Rose Bowl Series will be played in Wellington on Thursday.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Women's Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Women Southern Stars Defeat New Zealand

February 9th 2009 14:04

A record opening partnership between Alex Blackwell and Shelley Nitschke was the key to the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars’ 104-run win over New Zealand in Hamilton on Friday.

In just the fourth day/night match for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars, Blackwell and Nitschke's effort was the highest first-wicket stand for Australia against New Zealand and included 18 boundaries from 158 balls.

The pair eclipsed their previous best which was set in the corresponding series last year to provide the perfect platform for the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars to post 8-258, their second highest score against New Zealand.

After moving past their previous highest partnership of 144, both openers were dismissed in quick succession with Blackwell (59 from 79 balls) and Nitschke (73 from 85), playing in her 50th one-day international, gone in consecutive overs as the White Ferns slowed the scoring at the midway point of the innings.

Alex Bladwell and Shelley Nitschke

Blackwell was dismissed first by Nicola Browne and then Nitschke fell six balls later to Lucy Doolan to leave the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars at 2-149 in the 28th over.

Browne struck for the second time soon after with Lisa Sthalekar’s dismissal, but Lauren Ebsary (30) and captain Karen Rolton (28) quickly found their rhythm to keep the run rate moving at more than five per over and past the 200-mark.

Wickets fell regularly in the final overs as the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars middle and lower order searched for quick runs, but the total still reached the second highest ever for Australia against the White Ferns.

In reply, New Zealand started well before slumping to be all out for 154 with Erin Osborne (3-32) and Sthalekar (3-16) taking three wickets each.

New Zealand’s innings began brightly before Rene Farrell broke through in the eighth over with the wicket of Katey Martin.

Aimee Mason and Suzie Bates then mounted a stern challenge but after their exit the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars bowlers gained the upper hand and quickly ended hopes of a White Ferns victory and series win.

With New Zealand leading the series 2-1, the fourth match will be played at Hamilton on Sunday. The Rose Bowl Series matches are the last one-day internationals for both teams before the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia from 7-22 March.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Women's Cricket, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Australia Defeat New Zealand In Third ODI

February 9th 2009 07:47

Australia has kept the Commonwealth Bank one-day series alive after defeating a courageous New Zealand by 32 runs in game three at the SCG.

Set a massive 302 to win their third straight match against Australia, the Black Caps looked dead and buried when they slumped to 7-183 in the 37th over.

But a frenetic 69–run union between century-maker Grant Elliott (115) and Brendon McCullum (36), batting with a serious shoulder injury, threatened to steal the match.

Elliott's dismissal in the 45th over ended the New Zealand fightback, allowing a relieved Australia to claim a desperately-needed victory after five successive defeats.

The Kiwis, bowled out for 269 in the 48th over, lead the series 2-1 heading into game four in Adelaide on Tuesday.

But the visitors are unlikely to have the services of keeper-batsman McCullum, who was struck by a rearing delivery from Kyle Mills while standing up to the stumps during the Australian innings.

Brad Haddin

He bravely played on, batting in obvious pain, and will undergo scans on Monday.

Back-up wicket-keeper Gareth Hopkins will fly over from New Zealand to join the squad ahead of Tuesday's game.

McCullum's injury added to a testing night for the Kiwis, who struggled to keep pace with Australia for most of the match after winning the toss and asking their hosts to bat.

Brad Haddin's first century at one-day international level underpinned Australia's imposing target, the Black Caps' chase beginning poorly.

After sliding to 2-16 in the sixth over after losing Martin Guptill (six) and Ross Taylor (four), Elliott and Peter Fulton (40) repaired some of the early damage with a stand of 80 for the third wicket.

But Fulton's departure just before the halfway mark put the Black Caps back behind the eight ball.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals – Neil Broom (15), Mills (two), Daniel Vettori (two) and Tim Southee (17) departing in quick succession.

Elliott and McCullum, batting at No 9 due to his injury, gave Australia a massive scare before James Hopes (2-49) returned to the attack to remove Elliott, caught at deep mid-wicket by Michael Hussey.

The South African-born Elliott faced 124 balls in peeling off his first one-day international ton, striking eight boundaries.

McCullum perished soon after to extinguish any thought of a cricketing miracle.

Earlier in the day, Haddin blasted eight fours and three sixes in an entertaining 114-ball stay to give the hosts every chance of keeping the series alive after they dropped the opening two matches.

Haddin, promoted to the top of the order, raised his arms in triumph after bringing up the three figures with a sharp single.

He was eventually dismissed in the 38th over, run out by rival gloveman Brendon McCullum after attempting to pinch a single.

A bright 62-run partnership between Callum Ferguson (28 off 23 balls) and Michael Hussey (51 off 32) late in the innings ensured Australia topped 300.

"It was very special to get the opportunity to open (and) great to get one (a century) out there today," Haddin said after his dig.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

New Zealand Beat Australia In Second ODI

February 7th 2009 14:07

New Captain, different team, same result. Australia's lean run continued, with a six-wicket loss to New Zealand in the second Commonwealth Bank one-day international at the MCG on Friday night.

Not even a stellar 98 from stand-in captain Michael Clarke and an intelligent 75 from his deputy Michael Hussey could prevent Australia from sinking to its sixth defeat from seven matches.

Playing only his 13th game, Grant Elliott proved the unlikely hero for New Zealand, making a career-best 61 not out to steer the visitors past Australia's modest 5-225 with seven balls to spare.

Australia's best chance for victory came after Ross Taylor threw away his wicket on 47 with an unnecessary slog but an unbeaten 50-run stand off 44 balls between Elliott and Neil Broom snuffed out hopes of a come-from-behind win.

Chancing their arm, Elliott and Broom regularly cleared the fingertips of desperate Australian fieldsmen by only a matter of inches.

Grant Elliott

The loss saw Australia move down to third place on the latest ICC rankings, one point behind India and only four clear of the Kiwis.

Another victory in Sydney on Sunday for the Black Caps will give them an unassailable three-nil lead in the best-of-five series and ensure the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy heads across the Tasman.

This was a match which the visitors assumed control of almost from the get go.

Fielding one of its most inexperienced line-ups in recent times, Australia could not afford another poor start with the bat.

If Clarke's promotion to open the batting was designed to calm a relatively inexperienced top order, it did not work.

David Warner, Brad Haddin and David Hussey were all back in the pavilion by the 18th over - the trio guilty of a rush of blood or a lack of judgement, or in Warner's case a bit of both.

Warner made just two, continuing a topsy-turvy start to his international career.

Predictably, Australia appeared most settled when its two most senior batsmen - Clarke and Michael Hussey - were at the crease.

Showing the patience that comes through experience, the pair took few risks in their 133-run stand, preferring instead to pick holes in the field.

Not that the Black Caps, with Kyle Mills and Iain O'Brien more than capable bookends to their bowling innings, gave them many balls with which to find or clear the rope either.

Mills, who claimed 1-12 from his six overs with the new ball, and O'Brien denied Australia a final flurry at the death.

O'Brien was particularly effective, taking the key wickets of Clarke and Michael Hussey.

Despite an early wicket from Nathan Bracken, Australia's attack again lacked penetration.

James Hopes, a non-descript all-rounder who rarely lets the team down, lifted the home side's spirits by removing Peter Fulton and key man Brendon McCullum.

Hopes was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 2-30 from 10 overs.

With victory in sight, the composure Taylor showed early in his innings evaporated.

He was dropped on 37 in the deep by Michael Hussey in the 37th over then surrendered his wicket four overs later when he was caught behind trying to slog Mitchell Johnson into another postcode.

Fortunately for Taylor, Elliott and Broom ensured his mistake did not spark a remarkable comeback.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

New Zealand Defeat Australia In ODI

February 2nd 2009 07:43

New Zealand has produced a dramatic two-wicket victory over Australia off the final ball in the first Commonwealth Bank Series match at the WACA.

A brilliant performance by the Black Caps in the field saw the home side bowled out for 181 but New Zealand made hard work of overtaking the meagre total.

Needing five off Nathan Bracken's last over to win the match, New Zealand lost Tim Southee (three) with the second ball, a slower delivery from the New South Welshmen who claimed 3-35 from his 10 overs.

But skipper Daniel Vettori (seven not out) held his nerve to slip the final delivery of the innings through a packed infield, seeing New Zealand finish with 8-182 as Australia slumped to its fourth consecutive one-day international loss.

To make matters worse for the hosts, opener Shaun Marsh appeared to badly injure his left hamstring chasing a ball in the outfield, the Perth local slipping to the ground in agony.

Daniel Vettori

Despite the loss of Marsh, Australia's attack continued to press and the combined effort of Bracken, Shaun Tait (2-40) and Michael Clarke (1-18 from six overs) reduced the Black Caps to 5-105 in the 38th over.

But a match-winning half-century from Ross Taylor (64) in a 62-run stand with Kyle Mills (26) steadied the ship and all-but saw the Black Caps home before Mills was bowled by Tait in the 47th over.

While his team-mates didn't have much luck, Taylor enjoyed a life on 15, dropped by Mitchell Johnson in the 17th over off James Hopes (1-23) bowling, the ball slipping through Johnson's hands as he stared into the setting sun.

As Tait and Bracken claimed five wickets between them, they were ably supported by Hopes, Clarke and Johnson (1-34), who took one of the catches of the summer to dismiss Peter Fulton caught and bowled in the 14th over for seven.

Mills, though, walked away with the Man of the Match award, having taken 4-35 for New Zealand as Australia struggled to impose itself on the contest with the bat.

The bowler opened his account early on, claiming the wicket of Marsh (15) in the seventh over and David Warner (seven) 11 deliveries later. Both openers were dismissed in identical circumstances, sharply caught at short cover by the towering Fulton as they attempted to drive on the rise.

Mills also claimed Haddin's (31) wicket just as he and Australian top scorer Michael Hussey (49) had compiled a 61-run stand that looked set to blossom into a solid partnership for the hosts.

Michael Hussey led the resistance with the bat as his team-mates departed around him.

After Marsh and Warner fell, Australia lost skipper Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael Clarke to unnecessary run-outs, both players falling victim to exceptional throws by Broom and Martin Guptill in the outfield.

Johnson (20) and the unbeaten Tait (nine) produced a late flurry at the end of Australia's innings after Bracken lasted four balls for his duck but their efforts weren't enough to give Australia a confidence-restoring win.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: One Day International, Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Prime Minister's XI Beat New Zealand

January 30th 2009 06:39

A 153-run fourth-wicket partnership between Tasmanian batsman George Bailey and retired champion Justin Langer has steered the Prime Minister's XI to a six-wicket victory over New Zealand at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Chasing 272 for victory, thanks to a superb century to Kiwi opener Brendon McCullum, Australia's emerging stars managed to record the win with 13 balls remaining.

Bailey hit an unbeaten 107 while Langer, coming in at No.6, showed he was still capable of mixing it at international level with a knock of 72.

This summer's domestic superstars Michael Klinger and Phil Hughes were dismissed for six and 22 respectively, failing to replicate their scintillating Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield and Ford Ranger Cup form against the visitors.

Jeetan Patel (2-51) was the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand while Iain O'Brien and Trent Boult took a wicket each.

George Bailey

Earlier, McCullum propelled New Zealand to 5-271 thanks to a glittering innings of 114.

The veteran wicketkeeper was well supported by Peter Fulton, who made 53 and combined with McCullum for a valuable 81-run second-wicket partnership.

Ross Taylor contributed a solid 38, while Grant Elliot ensured the total got above 270 with a quickfire 29 off just 23 balls.

Clint McKay was the pick of the PM XI bowlers, finishing with 3-52 from his 10 overs, while Moises Henriques and Jon Holland picked up a wicket each.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Prime Minister's XI Led By Justin Langer

January 20th 2009 10:53

Cricket Australia today announced Justin Langer as captain of the Prime Minister’s XI when it plays against New Zealand on 29 January at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The team also includes young New South Wales opener Phillip Hughes who has been a prolific run-scorer in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield. The team was selected by Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) with input from Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd.

The Prime Minister’s XI team is:

Justin Langer, WA (Captain) 38
Phillip Hughes, NSW 20
Michael Klinger, SA 28
George Bailey, TAS 26
Tim Paine, TAS 24
Dan Christian, SA 25
Jon Holland, VIC 21
Callum Ferguson, SA 24
Clint McKay , VIC 25
Moises Henriques, NSW 21
Jason Behrendorff, ACT 18
Ashton May , ACT (12th man) 19

“Having a great Australian cricketer like Justin leading the PM’s XI will not only add great interest in the event but it will be fantastic to have him lead a group of young and talented Australian cricketers,” NSP Chairman, Andrew Hilditch said.

“There has been quite a lot of change in the Australian team in the last couple of years and this game provides yet another opportunity for young Australian players to push their case for selection.

“Michael Klinger and Phillip Hughes have both been in terrific form in domestic cricket with both batsmen among the top three run-scorers in the Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield. Phillip has gained the attention of the selectors at the top of the order while Michael is also one of the leading run getters in the Ford Ranger Cup.

“All of the young players have been performing well in their respective state teams including Moises Henriques, Callum Ferguson and George Bailey. Also picked is Victorian Jon Holland who has been impressive this year and is considered an exciting prospect as a left-arm finger spinner.”

All players have been selected with their domestic duties in mind which will see Queensland and Western Australian players rested for this game as they will play the night before in the Ford Ranger Cup.

“Few cricketers have worn the baggy green with such immense pride and distinction as Justin Langer. This is a great opportunity to again honour the momentous contribution he made to Australian cricket,” Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said.

“It is exciting also to see a young squad of emerging players given an opportunity on this stage, who we hope will go on to be our champions of tomorrow.”

Local players Jason Behrendorff and Ashton May will also get the opportunity to mix with the country’s best young talent. Jason is a left arm fast bowler, who was identified by Australian pace bowling coach, Troy Cooley, and selected in the Australian Honours squad from the National Under 19 carnival played in 2008

Ashton also caught the selectors’ eye with an impressive performance with the ACT Comets in the Cricket Australia Cup.

Langer is no stranger to Manuka Oval having being asked to captain the Prime Minister’s XI match after returning from injury during the West Indies tour in 2005.

“It is an honour to be asked to captain any Australian cricket team and leading the PM’s XI will be no different. When I last played at Manuka we didn’t get a result so I’m keen to help the Prime Minister chalk up his first win,” Langer said.

“With so much change taking place in the Australian team at the moment, this match provides some of our younger stars with a chance to hone their skills against another international team and show selectors they can mix it with the best. I’m sure the Black Caps will also be keen to find some form before they get stuck into the Commonwealth Bank Series as well.”

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Australia, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

New Zealand Appoint Andy Moles As Cricket Coach

November 26th 2008 02:15

Andy Moles has been appointed to replace John Bracewell as New Zealand cricket coach. The former Warwickshire batsman was appointed after the favourite for the job, Matthew Mott, withdrew at the last minute.

English-born Moles, 47, will take up the role next week in time for the West Indies series, which begins with the Test in Dunedin starting on December 11.

As a player, Moles was forced to retire in 1998 by an achilles tendon injury, and has since gained extensive coaching experience with Free State in South Africa, Hong Kong, Kenya and Scotland.

Andy Moles has been appointed New Zealand cricket coach

For the past two years he has coached the New Zealand state side Northern Districts, taking them from bottom to top of the national championship in his first season in charge.

"Andy has an outstanding coaching background," New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said.

"He also brings leadership, passion, commitment and a drive to get the best out of his teams, attributes we believe are essential for this role."

Vaughan said Bracewell would step down at the end of the current Australian tour.

"With the new coach available to start immediately, we have mutually agreed that John would step down after the Australian series, allowing Andy to take up the role during a home season rather than on the road."

Mott had kept New Zealand Cricket on tenterhooks as he weighed up whether to accept the job, saying a week ago "it's about a 50-50 split" before announcing this week he would re-sign with New South Wales.

Vote

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Issues, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

Kiwis Claim Australian Cricket Crowds Abusive

November 26th 2008 00:29

The New Zealand cricket team is the latest to raise the issue of abusive Australian crowds, claiming they were taunted as "faggots" during the first Test at the Gabba. Kiwi fast bowler Iain O'Brien has described the Brisbane crowd as "embarrassing" and claimed the Black Caps were subjected to repeated and systematic abuse.

"I don't know how many times I was called a 'faggot'," O'Brien wrote on his personal blog.

"You get called anything and everything. Embarrassing for these guys really, as a lot of the others around them are cringing.

"The crowds here are pretty good, ruined by a few - actually quite a few - idiots who think a day out at the cricket is just to abuse the guys playing, any way how."

Cricket Australia and ground security officers will now have to keep an extra close eye on fans to avoid a repeat in Adelaide for the second Test against New Zealand starting on Friday. The Gabba has been a flashpoint for crowd trouble in the past, such as in 2003 when Muttiah Muralidaran was taunted by the crowd with relentless chants of "monkey" and "f... off, chucker".

In 2006, South African players Makhaya Ntini, Garnett Kruger, Herschelle Gibbs and Ashwell Prince claimed they were taunted with racial gibes while warming up at the Gabba.

Australian grounds have been repeatedly warned they could be stripped of their international status if foul-mouthed outbursts continue to flare. Test and one-day international venues around the country are on notice from the International Cricket Council, which has passed hardline laws giving it the power to ban any troublesome venue. However, the threat does not appear to be getting through, with more ugly abuse hurled at the Kiwis.

There is the potential for more trouble in the first Test against South Africa next month in Perth -- a venue which has been a hotspot for abuse in the past.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola said he hoped there would be no repeat of the abuse which marred South Africa's tour to Australia three years ago.

"We don't believe that will happen. I am sure Australia will take care of that," Majola said.

"We haven't even bothered thinking about that. If it happens, I am sure Cricket Australia will take care of that."

The great irony is that Kiwi crowds are far from angels themselves. New Zealand fans have notoriously sledged the Australians and there have been huge problems across the Tasman on several occasions.

Former Australian batsman Stuart Law had a sauce bottle thrown at him in Wellington a decade ago. A few years later Michael Bevan was struck by a fish thrown by an unruly fan.

Brett Lee also had fruit and other items thrown at him.

Vote

Comments (1)

Add Comments

[ Link ]

Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: Test Match, New Zealand

Email this Post to a Friend

[ Cricket News Home ] [ Create A New Post ]