Cricket International Series & General Chat

[Will27]

Glenn Maxwell selected in Test squad due to ‘X factor’, Steve O’Keefe picked on form

GLENN Maxwell has been gifted another Test squad place, with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh admitting the destructive all-rounder had been chosen as the “X factor” for next month’s tour against Pakistan in the UAE.

While uncapped NSW spinner Steve O’Keefe was forced to claim a season-high 41 wickets in the Sheffield Shield last summer before being awarded a place in the 15-man squad, Maxwell has been chosen on what he might do.

“He’s a bloke with immense ability who hasn’t done enough probably to warrant selection in the Test side but he’s the X factor,” Marsh said on Monday after announcing Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/glenn-maxwell-selected-in-test-squad-due-to-x-factor-steve-okeefe-picked-on-form/story-fni2usfi-1227051719652

Woah

Maybe he's insurance if the new boy O'Keefe doesn't work out.

I'm not sure what the ground sizes are like in the UAE but if they're

small, Maxwell could play like he's in an ODI.

That side doesn't fill me with much confidence to be honest. We rely

too much on Warner, Clarke and MJ.

Phil hughes (still) doesn't do it for me, jury still out on Doolan and a spin

attack headed by Lyon is frightening.

Watson is injury prone and haddin and Siddle getting on.

Good to see Mitch Marsh get a go.

[BookMan]

Glenn Maxwell selected in Test squad due to ‘X factor’, Steve O’Keefe picked on form

GLENN Maxwell has been gifted another Test squad place, with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh admitting the destructive all-rounder had been chosen as the “X factor” for next month’s tour against Pakistan in the UAE.

While uncapped NSW spinner Steve O’Keefe was forced to claim a season-high 41 wickets in the Sheffield Shield last summer before being awarded a place in the 15-man squad, Maxwell has been chosen on what he might do.

“He’s a bloke with immense ability who hasn’t done enough probably to warrant selection in the Test side but he’s the X factor,” Marsh said on Monday after announcing Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/glenn-maxwell-selected-in-test-squad-due-to-x-factor-steve-okeefe-picked-on-form/story-fni2usfi-1227051719652

Woah

Maybe he's insurance if the new boy O'Keefe doesn't work out.

I'm not sure what the ground sizes are like in the UAE but if they're

small, Maxwell could play like he's in an ODI.

That side doesn't fill me with much confidence to be honest. We rely

too much on Warner, Clarke and MJ.

Phil hughes (still) doesn't do it for me, jury still out on Doolan and a spin

attack headed by Lyon is frightening.

Watson is injury prone and haddin and Siddle getting on.

Good to see Mitch Marsh get a go.

What happened to Ashton Agar?

And how about Fawad Ahmed. All that carry on to get him Australian citizenship, the bloke plays 3-one day and 2- T20, wont wear the sponsors alcohol logo, then is not heard of again.

[BookMan]

Chris Cairns to be charged with perjury by London police

Former New Zealand cricketer Chris Cairns will be charged with perjury by London's Metropolitan Police in a dramatic climax to the game's latest match-fixing investigation.

The 44-year-old and his agent, the London-based barrister Andrew Fitch-Holland, are both set to be charged by Scotland Yard in relation to Cairns' libel trial with former Indian Premier League boss Lalit Modi in London's High Court in 2012.

In what can be seen as a win for the International Cricket Council's often-maligned anti-corruption unit, both are in hot water as a result of information uncovered by the unit's investigators in the course of a lengthy inquiry that earlier this year also led to a life ban for Cairns' former teammate Lou Vincent.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/chris-cairns-to-be-charged-with-perjury-by-london-police-20140912-10fzza.html

[BookMan]

Langer gives Hayden home truth on Hughes

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/langer-gives-hayden-home-truth-on-hughes-20140904-10cfui.html

After sharing 113 Test match innings, 5655 combined runs and an undocumented number of beers, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer are at a stage of their relationship where they feel comfortable being honest.

As such, over a home-cooked meal, Langer didn't hesitate to share his thoughts on how he believes a young Phil Hughes compared with a young Matt Hayden, two players whose career paths have shared some intriguing parallels.

"I had JL over for dinner last night. He's a huge supporter of Phil Hughes and said exactly that – there's so many parallels. In fact, he actually said he makes me look like a chump. So I suppose you have to cop that on the chin from one of your best mates," Hayden said.

[Will27]

Langer gives Hayden home truth on Hughes

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/langer-gives-hayden-home-truth-on-hughes-20140904-10cfui.html

After sharing 113 Test match innings, 5655 combined runs and an undocumented number of beers, Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer are at a stage of their relationship where they feel comfortable being honest.

As such, over a home-cooked meal, Langer didn't hesitate to share his thoughts on how he believes a young Phil Hughes compared with a young Matt Hayden, two players whose career paths have shared some intriguing parallels.

"I had JL over for dinner last night. He's a huge supporter of Phil Hughes and said exactly that – there's so many parallels. In fact, he actually said he makes me look like a chump. So I suppose you have to cop that on the chin from one of your best mates," Hayden said.

The trouble with JL, is that everyone he coaches is either a champion or is going to be one.

I don't remember the exact figure, but hayden went over a year in Shield cricket without

getting bowled. A really good technique.

I hope hughes kicks on, as we're in need of quality bats but I don't see it.

Phil has had 4 goes at test cricket now.

[Will27]

Glenn Maxwell selected in Test squad due to ‘X factor’, Steve O’Keefe picked on form

GLENN Maxwell has been gifted another Test squad place, with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh admitting the destructive all-rounder had been chosen as the “X factor” for next month’s tour against Pakistan in the UAE.

While uncapped NSW spinner Steve O’Keefe was forced to claim a season-high 41 wickets in the Sheffield Shield last summer before being awarded a place in the 15-man squad, Maxwell has been chosen on what he might do.

“He’s a bloke with immense ability who hasn’t done enough probably to warrant selection in the Test side but he’s the X factor,” Marsh said on Monday after announcing Test, one-day and Twenty20 squads.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/cricket/glenn-maxwell-selected-in-test-squad-due-to-x-factor-steve-okeefe-picked-on-form/story-fni2usfi-1227051719652

Woah

Maybe he's insurance if the new boy O'Keefe doesn't work out.

I'm not sure what the ground sizes are like in the UAE but if they're

small, Maxwell could play like he's in an ODI.

That side doesn't fill me with much confidence to be honest. We rely

too much on Warner, Clarke and MJ.

Phil hughes (still) doesn't do it for me, jury still out on Doolan and a spin

attack headed by Lyon is frightening.

Watson is injury prone and haddin and Siddle getting on.

Good to see Mitch Marsh get a go.

What happened to Ashton Agar?

And how about Fawad Ahmed. All that carry on to get him Australian citizenship, the bloke plays 3-one day and 2- T20, wont wear the sponsors alcohol logo, then is not heard of again.

Crikey, I had forgotten all about Agar and he plays for WA.

I think Cricket Australia was in panic mode when they suggested Ahmed.

Now we have the Ashes, one would assume he will be forgotten unless he

starts taking bags of wickets.

[StreetCowboy]

The Asian Games international cricket competition kicks off tomorrow, I believe, in Incheon, Korea, with Malaysia v South Korea.

thailand are noticeable by their absence, so I'll be cheering for Malaysia and Hing Kong

SC

[StreetCowboy]

I guess all our friends and colleagues who have gone to watch the cricket in Incheon are too busy to post.

I'll tear myself away from an all-Thailand ladies' beach volleyball game to give you some highlights...

Thailand ladies went out to Pakistan after wins over Malaysia and Nepal.

Pakistan went on to beat China, and then Bangladesh, to win the competition.

Malaysia beat South Korea in the first match of the men's competition today, while Kuwait have set Nepal a target 20 for ten wickets in 13.2 overs. I doubt Nepal will need all 20 overs... a cautious six off their first over.

Tomorrow we have China v Malaysia, and Maldives v Nepal - remember, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have been seeded into the quarter-finals already, and India and Pakistan have declined to take part

SC

[7by7]

Cricketers play on Kilimanjaro to set new world record

A group of international cricketers has set a new world record for the highest-ever match by playing at the top of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, in Tanzania.

The teams included former South Africa fast bowler Makhaya Ntini and ex-England spinner Ashley Giles.

The game was played at a height of 5,730m (18,799 ft) in a flat crater just below the summit.

They played 10 overs each of a Twenty20 game before clouds stopped play.

[BookMan]

Kevin Pietersen claims 'bullying' hurt England dressing room

Dumped England batsman Kevin Pietersen has slammed his former team managers for allegedly allowing a culture of 'bullying' to develop and claimed coach Andy Flower and wicketkeeper Matt Prior were behind an orchestrated campaign to oust him.

In an interview with Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper on the launch of his autobiography, Pietersen also opened up about the 'text-gate' controversy which saw him dropped for exchanging disparaging messages with South Africa cricketers about former England captain Andrew Strauss.

Pietersen, 34, was sacked following the 5-0 Ashes defeat by Australia, with the governing body saying captain Alastair Cook needed to be able to trust and rely on the backing of all his players.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/kevin-pietersen-claims-bullying-hurt-england-dressing-room-20141006-10qt85.html

[StreetCowboy]

Sorry I could not keep you up to date with the cricket from Incheon. I found myself on a short trip to Pittsburgh PA.

I was surprised that the sports channel tickers didn't show any info, even if they were not showing the games live, or even highlights.

Anyway, I think you'll get as much as you want to know (maybe more) here

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/786659.html

SC

[Will27]

A good win by the boys against Pakistan.

MJ really transforms the side

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2014/content/current/story/787759.html

[Will27]

KP must be loving all of the publicity over his book.

A good article by the ever sensible Michael Vaughan.

http://www.watoday.com.au/sport/cricket/parody-twitter-account-hit-kevin-pietersen-where-it-hurts-20141008-10rn7n.html

[Will27]

More from KP's book.

England players hate David Warner but I quite like him, says Kevin Pietersen

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/england-players-hate-david-warner-but-i-quite-like-him-says-kevin-pietersen-20141009-113nb4.html#ixzz3FhKTSZZr

[BookMan]

More from KP's book.

England players hate David Warner but I quite like him, says Kevin Pietersen

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/england-players-hate-david-warner-but-i-quite-like-him-says-kevin-pietersen-20141009-113nb4.html#ixzz3FhKTSZZr

KP can't help himself can he? He loves to stir the pot.

The English Team and management though need to look at themselves. The Twitter account and bullying claims don't do the senior (and recently retired) players any favors.

[Will27]

A good effort by the lads as they wrap up the series.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2014/engine/match/727921.html

[7by7]

Typical of KP; nothing is ever his fault, blame everyone else for his failures.

He did the same in his previous book.

It is a shame that such a talent is in the body of such a <deleted>.

[Will27]

Good to see the boys get a clean sweep.

Pakistan needed 2 to win off the last over with 2 wickets in hand.

Maxwell and Smith both had good games again.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2014/content/current/story/788771.html

[BookMan]

Good to see the boys get a clean sweep.

Pakistan needed 2 to win off the last over with 2 wickets in hand.

Maxwell and Smith both had good games again.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2014/content/current/story/788771.html

Did u see that catch , I think by SMith, where he ran to the other side of the wicket when the batsmen went for the reverse sweep?

Remarkable!

[BookMan]

Australia V Pakistan test series is currently on.

Aussies had Pakistan on the ropes at 2/7 in the first test, but Pakistan has kicked on to be 4/257 early on day 2

Mitchell Johnson has the extraordinary figures of 25 overs, 3/24. 15 maidens!

Mitchell Marsh

and

Steve O'Keefe

made their debuts for the Aussies

[Will27]

Australia V Pakistan test series is currently on.

Aussies had Pakistan on the ropes at 2/7 in the first test, but Pakistan has kicked on to be 4/257 early on day 2

Mitchell Johnson has the extraordinary figures of 25 overs, 3/24. 15 maidens!

Mitchell Marsh

and

Steve O'Keefe

made their debuts for the Aussies

I'd hate to see the Aussie without MJ.

Having said that, Harris is missing and he's quality.

[farmerjo]

Well that would have to be one of the deadest pitches i've seen for fast bowlers with a new ball.

Aussies in all sorts of trouble.

Wanted,an aussie spinner who can bowl stump to stump and spin it.

[BookMan]

Well that would have to be one of the deadest pitches i've seen for fast bowlers with a new ball.

Aussies in all sorts of trouble.

Wanted,an aussie spinner who can bowl stump to stump and spin it.

It was disheartening seeing the Pakistani players stepping up second innings and moving the ball all over the place. And their accuracy. Exciting if you were a pakitsan supporter.

Anyway, like I have always said. Lyon really does good team song and smiles all the time. Great contribution to the team.

[farmerjo]

Well that would have to be one of the deadest pitches i've seen for fast bowlers with a new ball.

Aussies in all sorts of trouble.

Wanted,an aussie spinner who can bowl stump to stump and spin it.

It was disheartening seeing the Pakistani players stepping up second innings and moving the ball all over the place. And their accuracy. Exciting if you were a pakitsan supporter.

Anyway, like I have always said. Lyon really does good team song and smiles all the time. Great contribution to the team.

For mine i'd like to see maxwell and starc come in,lyon and o'keefe out.

With johnson,siddle,starc and marsh bowling in tandem they would have the ability to keep the run rate down forcing errors when the batsmen try to push on.

And maxwell could bowl his stump to stump stuff.

Will find out in a couple of days.

[Will27]

Well that would have to be one of the deadest pitches i've seen for fast bowlers with a new ball.

Aussies in all sorts of trouble.

Wanted,an aussie spinner who can bowl stump to stump and spin it.

It was disheartening seeing the Pakistani players stepping up second innings and moving the ball all over the place. And their accuracy. Exciting if you were a pakitsan supporter.

Anyway, like I have always said. Lyon really does good team song and smiles all the time. Great contribution to the team.

For mine i'd like to see maxwell and starc come in,lyon and o'keefe out.

With johnson,siddle,starc and marsh bowling in tandem they would have the ability to keep the run rate down forcing errors when the batsmen try to push on.

And maxwell could bowl his stump to stump stuff.

Will find out in a couple of days.

I'd be getting Shane Watson on the kite and drop Doolan.

He looks out of his depth to me.

[Will27]

Gee the Aussies have been nothing short of disgraceful.

Apart from my MJ, Warner and my boy Mitch Marsh, no one

can hold their head up.

Can someone tell me how the brains trust can bat Maxwell, who is

really just a limited over specialist, in front of Clarke and Smith?

I know Maxwell has an eye like a dead fish, but number 3 for Australia

in a test match!

Mind boggling decision

[7by7]

Misbah-ul Haq: Pakistan captain hits fastest Test half-century

Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq has scored the fastest 50 in Test cricket and equalled the record for quickest century.

Misbah reached 50 in 21 balls on the fourth day of the second Test against Australia, eclipsing Jacques Kallis of South Africa who took 24 balls in 2005.

The Pakistan captain went on to match the 56-ball century mark set by West Indies legend Viv Richards in 1986.

Pakistan v Australia: Hosts seal Test series whitewash

Pakistan recorded only their second Test series whitewash against Australia after winning by 356 runs on the final day in Abu Dhabi to seal a 2-0 victory.

Though perhaps 'whitewash' is a bit unfair for a two test series.

Unfortunately, I can't see Australia's poor form continuing to next July, when the Ashes start; but I can see England's so doing!

[Will27]

Good article on the Aussie debacle.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan-v-australia-2014/content/story/795903.html

[Will27]

Some real bad news about Phil Hughes

Phil Hughes in induced coma

http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8932770

Let's hope he makes a full recovery.

[Mosha]

Phil Hughes has died.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/30219440?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_breaking&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=news_central