All About Cricket: 2012

Friday, 30 November 2012

Cricket On This Day - 30th November - Cricket World TV

A cricket video for Cricket World TV about cricket news today in cricket history and a look back at cricket history being made on this day, from international cricketers born on this day to those scoring centuries and taking five-wicket hauls.

Included in today's show are cricketers such as Mohammad Yousuf, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas.

Cricket World has covered all the main events in world cricket including World Cup finals, milestones achieved by the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, the spot fixing trial, the Ashes as well as producing videos about cricket at all levels.

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Blind Cricket T20 World Cup - Doraiswamy Narangathan Interview

In the build-up to the inaugural Blind Cricket Twenty20 World Cup, we spoke to Doraiswamy Narangathan about the history of blind cricket, the rules of the game, his involvement in blind cricket and who he thinks will prevail in Bangalore.

1. The history of blind cricket

2. The rules of blind cricket

3. The history of blind cricket World Cups

4. The joy that blind cricket brings to those competing

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Cricket Video - Boxer Andrew Flintoff Exclusive On Ashes, Boycott And Bairstow - Cricket World TV

A cricket video for Cricket World TV as we delve into our archives and bring you this interview from earlier in the summer with Andrew Flintoff.

Retired from cricket since 2009, Flintoff has been granted a license to box professionally, and is set to make his debut in a fight against Richard Dawson on 30th November.

Putting the debate to one side about whether Flintoff boxing is good or bad for the sport, in this interview - where you can clearly see the scars of his boxing training on his lip - he talks about meeting up with fellow members of England's 2005 Ashes-winning side, Yorkshire legend Geoffrey Boycott and Yorkshire/England batsman Jonny Bairstow.

The event where we caught up with him was at Sheffield Collegiate Cricket Club for a Michael Vaughan SCCC XI vs England Cricket Legends XI, managed by Iconic Event Management.

Cricket World is the website to visit for the latest breaking sports news from all around the world of cricket including Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s and major tournaments such as the ICC World Twenty20 2012, World Cup 2011 and the Indian Premier League. Also offering free live scores, live streaming, betting, photos and cricket videos, cricket tv and scorecards.
Cricket World has covered all the main events in world cricket including World Cup finals, milestones achieved by the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar, the spot fixing trial, the Ashes as well as producing videos about cricket at all levels.

© Cricket World 2012

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Khawaja To Captain Prime Minister's XI Against Sri Lanka

Khawaja To Captain Prime Minister's XI Against Sri LankaUsman Khawaja will lead the Prime Minister's XI against the Sri Lankans

Usman Khawaja will captain the Australian Prime Minister's XI in a three-day tour game against Sri Lanka which begins on 6th December in Canberra.

Khawaja is the only player in the squad with Test match experience although Glenn Maxwell has played limited overs cricket for Australia.

Sri Lanka will play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals during their tour.

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"It is a talented team that has an ideal mix of youth and experience," National Selection Panel chairman John Inverarity said.

"Usman Khawaja has been nominated as captain. He, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Doolan and Scott Henry have been released from their BBL franchises to take this opportunity to further their experience in the longer form of the game. They are players who have shown some excellent form in recent months and will be looking to enhance their claims for higher honours.

"Dean Solway from the ACT is a talented young batsman who will be keen to impress on his home turf. Scott Henry, Marcus Harris, Travis Head and Sam Whiteman are young left-handed batsmen. Each has produced at least one outstanding first-class innings recently and Whiteman will be given an opportunity to display his skills as an accomplished wicket-keeper.

"Luke Butterworth is an experienced medium-fast swing bowler who bowls with great accuracy and will provide great stability to the attack," Inverarity added.

Prime Minister's XI (from): Usman Khawaja (captain), Luke Butterworth, Alex Doolan, Matthew Gale, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Scott Henry, Glenn Maxwell, Chadd Sayers, Dean Solway, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman (wicket-keeper)

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AUDIO: Cricket remembers Ricky Ponting

29 November 2012 Last updated at 23:21 GMT

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Ponting Waits His Turn As Wickets Tumble At The WACA

Ponting Waits His Turn As Wickets Tumble At The WACAJacques Kallis is bowled by Mitchell Starc on an opening day at the WACA which saw 12 wickets fall

South Africa 225 (du Plessis 78no, Lyon 3-41) v
Australia 33-2 (Philander 1-8)
Third Test, Perth, day one
Scorecard | Ponting Retires | Video
Report by John Pennington

Wickets tumbled on the opening day of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa at the WACA in Perth, as both sides wrestled to take control of the match.

After Nathan Lyon took three wickets, South Africa were bowled out for 225 despite another unbeaten knock from Francois du Plessis and in reply, Australia closed on 33 for two.

There was a humourous moment late in the final session when the crowd rose to acclaim Ricky Ponting's arrival at the crease at the fall of Australia's second wicket before realising that Nathan Lyon had instead strolled out as nightwatchman.

Du Plessis, fresh from scoring a brilliant unbeaten century to save the second Test, made a fluent 78 in 142 balls as South Africa recovered from 75 for six.

The Proteas handed a debut to Dean Elgar and recalls to Vernon Philander and Robin Peterson while Australia recalled Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc as well as giving John Hastings his first start.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat but were quickly in trouble as Australia's four-pronged pace attack shared the wickets between them to run through the top order.

Watson struck first to have Graeme Smith caught by Michael Clarke for 16, Starc bowled Alviro Petersen for 30 and Jacques Kallis for two, Hastings had AB de Villiers (4) caught by Clarke and Mitchell Johnson had Dean Elgar caught behind without scoring.

Hashim Amla was run out by David Warner for 11 but du Plessis was able to keep the runs flowing thanks to excellent support from Peterson, who made 31 in 45 balls and Philander, whose 30 came from 54 balls.

Du Plessis boosted his Test average to 266 by hitting 12 fours in another act of defiance during an innings of class - he played with the authority and grace of a man who has played as many Tests as Ponting or Kallis, particularly with his crisp, precise driving through the off side and a couple of dismissive pull shots.

The only way through for Australia was to take the wickets of his partners to end the innings; it was off-spinner Lyon who did the trick, dismissing both Peterson and Philander and then having Morne Morkel (17) caught by Hastings after Dale Steyn was bowled by Johnson for two.

Lyon returned three for 41, Johnson two for 54, Starc two for 55, Watson one for 22 and Hastings one for 51.

South Africa bounced back immediately when Ed Cowan was caught by Smith as he pushed firmly at Steyn from the first ball he faced.

It got even better for the tourists when Philander had Watson trapped in front for 10 soon after. South Africa were intiially a little cautious over reviewing what looked like an obvious leg before shout but made the right decision.

The amusement surrounding Lyon's entry soon gave way to application and concentration and he did a fine job, making seven in 22 balls with Warner unbeaten on 12 at the other end having also applied himself well against a testing new ball spell from Steyn and Philander.

The opening Test in Brisbane was also drawn, leaving the series tantalisingly poised and with the match well advanced already, there is every chance that in this winner-takes-all contest, there will indeed be a winner.

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Du Plessis shines as SA struggle

Australia 33-2 v South Africa 225

South Africa were once again indebted to new boy Faf du Plessis as they fought back on day one of the third and final Test against hosts Australia.

Du Plessis, who was man of the match in the second Test on his debut, scored an unbeaten 78 to lift South Africa to 225 all out in Perth.

The visitors had slumped to 75-6 after winning the toss.

And there was some consolation for the Proteas late in the day as they reduced Australia to 33-2 at the close.

9-13 Nov: 1st Test, Brisbane - draw

22-26 Nov: 2nd Test, Adelaide - draw

30 Nov - 4 Dec: 3rd Test, Perth

Du Plessis, 28, scored 78 in his first Test knock last week and added an unbeaten 110 in the second innings, batting through the day to save the second Test and ensure the two sides went into the decider level at 0-0.

He shared partnerships of 57 with Robin Peterson (31) and 64 with Vernon Philander (28) to lift South Africa out of serious trouble as Australia's new-look pace attack prospered at the Waca.

The hosts fielded a totally changed pace battery from the second Test because of injury, with Mitchell Johnson recalled for his first Test in a year, Mitchell Starc promoted from 12th man and John Hastings handed his Test debut.

All three were among the wickets, but it was Shane Watson - freshly returned from a calf injury after missing his last eight home Tests - who made the breakthrough as South Africa captain Graeme Smith was caught at first slip for 16.

Starc excelled and removed opener Petersen for a steadily paced 30 with a fierce, full delivery before finding a way through the defence of Jacques Kallis, who has a hamstring problem, after the veteran all-rounder had scored two runs from seven painful-looking balls.

After lunch Hashim Amla was run out for 11 and AB de Villiers became Hastings' first Test victim, and it took some big hitting from Philander to assist Du Plessis in lifting them past 200.

Australia lost opener Ed Cowan for a golden duck as Dale Steyn struck in the first over of their reply and were 33-2 at stumps.

The hosts must win the game, which is Ricky Ponting's final outing in international cricket, to usurp South Africa at the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings.

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Debutants To The Fore As Bangladesh Win First ODI

Debutants To The Fore As Bangladesh Win First ODIMushfiqur Rahim (centre) is all smiles following Bangladesh's seven-wicket victory in the first One-Day International against the West Indies

Bangladesh 201-3 (Tamim Iqbal 58) beat
West Indies 199 by seven wickets
First One-Day International, Khulna
Scorecard

Half-centuries by Tamim Iqbal and Naeem Islam guided Bangladesh to a relatively comfortable seven-wicket win over the West Indies in the first One-Day International in Khulna.

After Sohag Gazi had marked his debut with four wickets to help dismiss the West Indies for 199, Iqbal hit 58 and Naeem was unbeaten on 50 in 79 balls.

West Indies captain Darren Sammy had spoken before the match about how he had set his team the target of winning every game on the tour but their chances of a clean sweep have already gone.

As expected, they made a flying start to their innings as Chris Gayle blasted 35 in 40 balls and Darren Bravo also made 35 but they were stymied by wickets - two of the first four to Gazi, who removed both Gayle and the in-form Marlon Samuels (0).

From 100 for four, the West Indies attempted to mount a recovery but failed to even double their score and were reliant on 36 from Sunil Narine and 25 from Ravi Rampaul to haul from the depths of 133 for eight to a barely competitive 199.

Gazi completed a haul of four for 29 by also removing Devon Thomas (16) and Narine while fellow spinner Abdur Razzak picked up three for 39.

Bangladesh then outgunned the West Indies as opening pair Tamim and Anamul Haque - like Gazi and Mominul Haque, making his debut - smashed 88 in less than 16 overs before Tamim, who faced 51 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, perished to Narine.

Anamul made 41 in 62 balls, showing plenty of composure and skill on his step up before he was caught and bowled by Sammy but the partnerships kept building.

Naeem added a useful 45 with Nasir Hossain (28) and then captain Mushfiqur Rahim joined him at the crease, staying until the end with an innings of 16 not out in 22 balls.

Naeem anchored the innings nicely at the other end, hitting six fours to hand Bangladesh just their fifth win against the West Indies, reaching their target in 40.2 overs.

The second game in the five-match series is in Khulna on Sunday (2nd December).

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India Name 30 Probables For Women's World Cup

India Name 30 Probables For Women's World CupMithali Raj could feature in her fourth World Cup if she is selected in India's final squad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named a squad of 30 probables for the ICC Women's World Cup 2013, which India will host.

The tournament gets underway on 31st January next year and the final will be held on 17th February where England will be defending the title they won in Australia in 2009.

India's best performance in a World Cup came in 2005 when they reached the final in South Africa only to be beaten by Australia by 98 runs. In 2009, they finished in third place.

They have also hosted the tournament twice before, in 1978 when the final was in Hyderabad, and then in 1997 when Kolkata's Eden Gardens held the final.

India Women preliminary World Cup squad: Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Amita Sharma, Sulakshana Naik, Jhulan Goswami, Reema Malhotra, Punam Raut, Gouher Sultana, Ekta Bisht, Archana Das, S Shubhalaxmi, Rasanara Parwin, Anuja Patil, Nagarajan Niranjana, Mona Meshram, Sunitha Anand, MD Thirushkamini, Latika Kumari, Nishita Pharasi, Veda Krishnamurthy, Shweta Jadhav, Ritu Dhrub, Moksha Chaudhary, Kavita Patil, Poonam Yadav, Karuna Jain, Mandira Mohapatra, Anagha Deshpande, Nishu Chaudhary, Sushma Varma

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What's wrong with Indian cricket's spin bowlers?

30 November 2012 Last updated at 02:43 GMT

By Suresh Menon Editor, Wisden India Cricketers' Almanack Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin is the quickest Indian to get 50 Test wickets India lost the second cricket Test against England in Mumbai as much due to their inept batting against spin as their lack of a plan for their spinners.

Much has been made of the greater pace at which Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar bowled, as if that explained everything.

But there were other factors which helped them outperform Indian spinning trio Harbhajan Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha - consistency, for one.

The ability to hit a spot ball after ball, over after over, session after session is a skill great spinners have, especially on a helpful track. The Indian spinners seemed determined to put their entire range on display rather like a novelist putting everything he knows into his first book.

There was also the psychological battle within the ranks.

Harbhajan, in his comeback Test, his 99th, had a point to prove faced with Ashwin who had just become the quickest Indian to reach 50 Test wickets. Both bowlers were thus under pressure, and that must have affected performances too.

It will be interesting to find out the role played by Indian coach Duncan Fletcher and bowling coach John Dawes.

Dereliction of duty

Actually, there is irony here: that a Zimbabwean batsman and an Australian medium pacer should tell Indian spinners how to bowl on home tracks.

Either they did, and nothing happened, or they didn't, in which case there was a dereliction of duty.

Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni's insistence that turning tracks are the proper response to getting beaten by 10 wickets on one is depressing - especially since turners have often favoured visiting spinners.

Derek Underwood finished with 29 wickets when England last won three Tests in a series in India, in 1976-77.

The Indian spin quartet was at its peak then, but the combination of Bishan Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and Srinivas Venkatraghavan managed to eke out just a single win, in Bangalore.

Bangalore was also the venue for another important life lesson in spin bowling.

Harbhajan Singh has been out of form

India's Maninder Singh claimed seven wickets as Pakistan were dismissed for 116 in 1986-87. India lost because off-spinner Tauseef Ahmed and left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim ran through the side in the fourth innings (Sunil Gavaskar playing one of his great innings for 96), following advice from Bedi who told them: "On a spinning wicket, the ball that does not turn is the danger delivery."

England might not have won the Mumbai Test so easily had Anil Kumble - the wicket seemed to be made for him - been in the India side.

Do Indian spinners have a chat with former greats in the course of a Test series?

Both Bedi and Kumble are readily available, and many visiting spinners have paid them rich tributes for helping them out in the name of the 'Spinners' Union' which recognises no geographical boundaries.

Perhaps the Indian spinners struggled in Mumbai because India were not using all their strengths - and that includes the experience of the men who went before.

Still, England's victory has brought the series alive and shone a light on many of India's weaknesses that might have remained hidden and uncommented upon had the Test gone the other way.

It has also taken 4-0 out of the equation, which is welcome.

When there was an uproar over India's tactic of not playing spinners in the matches leading up to the first Test, some felt it was not so much to show off their strength as to hide their weakness.

It was cruel, and the win in Ahmedabad seemed to confirm that.

And then came Mumbai. A stunning innings by Kevin Pietersen and a superbly controlled century by skipper Alastair Cook made a mockery of Dhoni's call for turning tracks.

Most languages have a saying about falling into the hole you have dug for your enemies.

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Thursday, 29 November 2012

Finn comes through warm-up game

Venue: Eden Gardens, KolkataDate: 5-9 December 2012Start: 03:30 GMT Coverage: Listen to Test Match Special's ball-by-ball coverage on BBC 5 live sports extra, Radio 4 long wave and online; text commentary on the BBC Sport website, tablets and mobiles; highlights and analysis podcast after close of play

England fast bowler Steven Finn proved his fitness ahead of the third Test against India in Kolkata as the Performance Programme beat a DY Patil Academy XI by an innings and 193 runs.

Leg-spinner Scott Borthwick took six wickets on the final day as the hosts were bowled out for just 87.

Finn, who took 4-50 in the first innings, bowled seven wicketless overs on the final day.

The 23-year-old missed the first two Tests with a thigh injury.

15-19 Nov: 1st Test, Ahmedabad India won by 9 wickets

23-27 Nov: 2nd Test, Mumbai England won by 10 wickets

5-9 Dec: 3rd Test, Kolkata

13-17 Dec: 4th Test, Nagpur

Surrey seam bowler Stuart Meaker took 3-8 in the DY Patil Academy XI second innings in Mumbai, but accepts that Finn, who has taken 66 wickets in 16 Tests, is more likely to feature in the third Test at Eden Gardens, which starts on 5 December.

"Finny has that X Factor, and it would be great to see him back," Meaker, 23, said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him (in the third Test). He bowled brilliantly, hit the mark straight away and got four wickets. He was a bit unlucky he didn't get a few today."

Meaker joined the England squad as cover for Middlesex's Finn at the start of November, and would have made his debut in the second Test in Mumbai if Stuart Broad had failed to recover from illness. England won that game to draw level in the four-match series.

"I got pretty close," he acknowledged. "If Stuart Broad hadn't pulled through it could have been an exciting time for me. I very nearly could have made a debut after just being called up as cover."

The South Africa-born bowler admits Finn's apparent return to fitness does not help his own chances of playing in Kolkata.

"Personally, it is not great to see him back for my own reasons! If he is not fit, I'd love to put my own name in the hat," he said.

"There are a lots of good bowlers ahead of me, so I just have to wait and be patient."

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Australia Decide To Rest Hilfenhaus And Siddle

Australia Decide To Rest Hilfenhaus And SiddleBen Hilfenhaus (left) and Peter Siddle will play no further part in the Australia-South Africa series

Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle, whose lion-hearted efforts nearly earned Australia a Test victory over South Africa in Adelaide, will not feature in the third and final match in Perth.

The pair will be rested, meaning one or both of quick bowlers John Hastings or Josh Hazlewood will make their Test debut as Australia search for a series win.

The match will be former captain Ricky Ponting's last after he announced his retirement earlier today. The latest match odds from bet365 make Australia 13/10 favourites, South Africa 11/8 and a third draw in a row is the 7/2 outsider.

The series is tantalisingly poised at 0-0 after draws in Brisbane and Adelaide, the latter the most dramatic as Francois du Plessis scored a century on debut, batting throughout the final day to save the match.

South Africa also have concerns of their own heading into the game. Jacques Kallis suffered a hamstring strain in Adelaide and is likely to play, if he makes the line-up at all, as a batsman only.

With Imran Tahir struggling for form and confidence, left-arm spinner Robin Peterson could play his first Test since 2008 while all-rounder Vernon Philander is tipped to return after a back injury forced him to withdraw from Adelaide hours before the start of the match.

Australia (from): Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson (vice-captain), Ed Cowan, Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

South Africa (possible line-up): Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wicket-keeper), Jacques Rudolph, Francois du Plessis, Vernon Philander, Robin Peterson, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn

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Cricket On This Day - 29th November - Cricket World TV

Included in today's show are cricketers such as Younis Khan, Wasim Akram, Brian Lara and Andy Flower.

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Cricket Video - Ricky Ponting Retires From International Cricket - Cricket World TV

A cricket video for Cricket World TV about the latest cricket news as we look back on the career of Ricky Ponting after he announced his retirement from international cricket.

Ricky Ponting retirement talk has heightened recently due to his loss of form in the Test arena - he had already retired from ODI and T20I cricket and resigned the Test captaincy last year.

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In full flow, there can be little doubt that Ponting batting was one of the best players his country has ever produced, and he took some of the best catches you might wish to see during his 17-year Test career.

He will finish with 168 Test caps, over 13,000 runs and a record that means he will certainly be missed and both opponents and team-mates have already been quick to congratulate Ponting on his wonderful career.

Although plenty of people will remember accusations of Ponting cheating and indeed him being run out on a few occasions, there have been few better cricketers of his generation. What are your favourite Ponting memories?

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Graeme Welch One Of The Favourites To Succeed Giles

Graeme Welch One Of The Favourites To Succeed GilesGraeme Welch has been credited with transforming the career of Chris Wright, among others, during his time as bowling coach at Edgbaston.

Warwickshire’s senior management team met yesterday to discuss the identity of departing head coach Ashley Giles’ successor. Giles was appointed England’s limited-overs coach and will take up his role with immediate effect, leaving the county champions with no-one to mastermind their title defence come April 5th.

Chairman Norman Gascoigne met with chief executive Colin Povey, captain Jim Troughton and chairman of cricket John Dodge shortly after the news broke yesterday, with Giles also understood to have a say in the identity of his replacement.

Warwickshire are likely to promote either bowling coach Graeme Welch or assistant coach Dougie Brown to the top job, although Povey stressed that the club would “see what’s out in the market”. If an external candidate is considered then Andy Moles is the favourite. After missing out in 2005 to Mark Greatbatch, Moles has coached New Zealand and Kenya and is currently coaching in South Africa. He is understood to be keen for a stint in county cricket and was shortlisted for the vacant Somerset director of cricket post.

Another possibility is India assistant coach Trevor Penney, with former all-rounder Dermot Reeve and even more unlikely bet.

Povey said that the club would not be rushed into a decision and paid tribute to the leadership team that Giles has established during his time at the helm:

“One of the things that Ashley has done well is to build a good leadership team. We take pride from the stability that we had in recent times we have got people who have bought into the philosophy that we have adopted and that has been part of the reason for our success,” he said.

“We think we are in a very strong position both in terms of the squad and other members of the coaching staff and cricket management. We think we are in a good position, given the facilities we have got now, to have a strong field of candidates.

“At the end of the day this is a critical appointment and we have got to get it right. We need to make sure the process is handled properly, we do take our time but we need somebody in as soon as possible.

“I am certain there will be some people internally or close to the club who will think they have a good chance of filling this role, but equally we will want to see what is out in the open market.”

In other news from the club, Warwickshire have moved to secure the services of one crucial member of their 2012 title-winning side on a new contract. Overseas player Jeetan Patel

County Cricket News In Brief:
Durham back-up wicket-keeper Michael Richardson has extended his contract with the club until the end of the 2014 season. Richardson is spending the winter working with investment management firm Brewin Dolphin, who recently renewed their sponsorship arrangement with the club.

Ian Blackwell will undergo an operation on his shoulder next week, which, according to Durham coach Geoff Cook will determine the extent to which he is able to play for them next season.

The Basil D’Oliveira Foundation has been launched in honour of the South Africa born former England all-rounder who died last November. The foundation hopes to raise £100,000 to build a statue of the great man at Worcestershire CCC’s home ground and a further £200,000 for a young cricketer exchange scheme between England and South Africa.

Worcestershire have also revealed that they are in talks with former Australian opener Phil Hughes about a return to the club for 2013.

Leeds University captain and former Lancashire Academy player Tom Hardman has died at the age of 21. Lancashire captain Paul Horton led the tributes on Twitter, describing Hardman, whose body was found in his house yesterday afternoon, as a "lovely lad and talented cricketer".

Chris Nash has extended his contract with Sussex until the end of the 2016 season.

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MCC Pays Tribute As Cricket Mourns Loss Of Tom Hardman

The MCC has led tributes to Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities cricketer Tom Hardman who has died at the age of 21.

Hardman was studying for a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University and was a right-arm medium-fast bowling all-rounder.

He was due to captain the Leeds/Bradford MCCU side in the 2013 season and had also played for the MCCU Combined Team in the ECB Second Eleven Championship in 2012.

Former England Test cricketer and MCCU Combined Head Coach, Clive Radley, said: "Tom was one of the nicest characters you could ever wish to meet. He was a good all-round cricketer, who always strived to play his best – a real hard-worker, and a lovely bloke to have around the dressing room.

"His leadership qualities were such that I had already earmarked him for the captaincy of the MCCU Combined side in the ECB Second Eleven Championship next season. This is such a sad loss."

MCC Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear this news. Tom was thriving on the MCC Universities scheme, and we had heard very encouraging reports about him as a player and potential leader.

"MCC’s thoughts go out to Tom’s family and friends, along with Leeds / Bradford MCCU Head Coach Andrew Lawson and all Tom’s teammates."

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New Zealand Win Despite Mathews Defiance

New Zealand Win Despite Mathews DefianceNew Zealand celebrate the wicket of Suraj Randiv on the final day in Colombo.©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte. Picture Supplied by Action Images

New Zealand 412 & 194-9d beat
Sri Lanka 244 & 195 by 167 runs
Second Test, Colombo
Scorecard | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
Report by Daniel Grummitt

A determined innings from Angelo Mathews wasn’t quite enough to help Sri Lanka escape with the draw on the final day against New Zealand. He perished for 84 well into the evening session to end what has been an absorbing Test match.

Once Thilan Samaraweera had been run out early on, much depended on Mathews and he didn’t disappoint, taking 178 balls over his fifty and finding support from Prasanna Jayawardene (29 off 108 balls) and Nuwan Kulasekara (18 off 40).

The day had begun with Samaraweera and Mathews facing four consecutive maidens before the former charged down the pitch after hitting a ball to short cover only to be sent back by Mathews and failing to make his ground.

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That was a huge blow for the hosts, but if New Zealand thought things were going to be relatively straightforward thereafter then they were mistaken. Jayawardene and Mathews combined to take Sri Lanka to lunch and beyond. They made the most of some loose deliveries from leg-spinner Todd Astle, who nevertheless eventually got his revenge.

He bowled a beauty of a leg break to Jayawardene which pitched on off-stump, turned and bounced to take the shoulder of the bat and carry through to Kruger van Wyk. That made it 119 for six and three runs later Suraj Randiv was sent packing by Trent Boult for a duck as he edged to Martin Guptill in the slips.

However, New Zealand still couldn’t hurry to victory as Nuwan Kulasekara stayed with Mathews until tea. He clubbed another couple of loose deliveries from Astle over mid-wicket for six, while Mathews added his own over long-on.

Unfortunately, Kulasekara’s resistance was ended early in the evening session by Boult and the final two wickets fell relatively quickly. Kane Williamson clung onto Kulasekara in the gully and then took a good low catch to remove the promoted Shaminda Eranga in the next over for a duck. Mathews enjoyed himself for a while, hitting four boundaries off what would turn out to be Tim Southee’s final over, before Boult had him caught, again by Guptill at second slip, to bring too an end an entertaining Test match.

New Zealand will be pleased to have come away from the short Test leg of their tour of Sri Lanka with a win and have brought to an end their losing run at five matches, while Sri Lanka have been served with a timely reminder of what lies in store for them when their ageing big three of Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene finally retire.

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Ricky Ponting To Retire Following Perth Test

Ricky Ponting To Retire Following Perth TestRicky Ponting will play his final Test match against South Africa in Perth

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has announced that the upcoming third Test against South Africa in Perth will be his last and he will subsequently retire from international cricket.

Ponting led Australia between 2002 and 2011, guiding the side to two World Cup successes in 2003 and 2007 and overseeing a period of dominance in Test cricket.

Having already retired from limited overs internationals earlier this year, he has scored 13,366 Test runs in 167 matches with an average of 52.21, which puts him behind only Sachin Tendulkar in the all-time run-scoring list.

He also has more centuries (41) than any player apart from Tendulkar (51) and Jacques Kallis (44) but has seen his form decline since retiring as captain and staying in the team as a specialist batsman.

Ponting made his Test debut in Perth in 1995 against Sri Lanka, scoring 96 in Australia's only innings. He will end on the same record mark - 168 - as the man he succeeded as captain, Steve Waugh.

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He was the 366th player to represent Australia in Test cricket and the 42nd man to captain the side.

Paying tribute, Cricket Australia (CA) Chairman Wally Edwards said: "Ricky is always uncompromisingly straightforward and leads from the front – he has made a decision that he believes is best for him, his family and his team.

"On behalf of Australian cricket, I congratulate him for his outstanding achievements as a batsman, captain and, after he stood down as captain, leader by example."

CA Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland added: "Ricky has had an extra-ordinary career and has made an extra-ordinary contribution, including through the example he has set for other elite players and through the excitement he has given fans, young and old.

"There is much to admire, including his pride in his roots at his local cricket club that he spoke so eloquently of at last month’s Bradman Oration, through to the fact that he takes to the field tomorrow for his 168th Test as one of the best prepared players in the modern game.

"I think his record until he retired as captain was outstanding but my respect for him since then has actually increased, seeing first-hand how he stepped back to become a total team player, absolutely committed to his captain, unstinting in his work to help other players and single-minded in his view that everything, including his own ambition, must always be second place after whatever was best for the team."

During his career, Ponting represented Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia, had a prolific spell with Somerset in England and played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League in 2008.

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Sammy Targets Clean Sweep To Improve ODI Ranking

Sammy Targets Clean Sweep To Improve ODI RankingDarren Sammy hopes the West Indies can win all five ODIs to give their ranking position a boost

A day prior to the first One-Day International against Bangladesh in Khulna West Indies captain Darren Sammy has again outlined his target for his team to win every game they play during the tour.

They have completed the first part of the task by winning both Test matches to take a 2-0 series win and now Sammy targets a 5-0 win to improve their ODI ranking.

A clean sweep would close the gap on Pakistan, in sixth place in the rankings, and West Indies start the series just 23 ranking points below the West Indies in ninth place.

"First of all, we want to the series," Sammy said. "If we accomplish the goal we are trying to achieve, 5-0 gives us five ranking points. 4-1 gives us one and 3-2 might lose us ranking points.

"I will let the guys know that to get maximum ranking points, we have got to win all five matches – but first we will look to win the series, which I think is possible if we play to our potential.

"We will take one thing at a time now, this is just the first game of a five-match series and we need to make sure we do the right things and give ourselves a good start to the series."

However, despite Sammy's naked ambition, he has seen enough in the Test series that Bangladesh will be no pushovers.

"We saw in the Tests that whenever it appeared they may have been down, they kept coming back at us, especially in the second Test," he said.

"They had that great partnership the No. 8 (Mahmudullah) and No. 10 (Abul Hasan) put on in the first innings.

"We are not taking them for granted. We have always held the belief that we could come here and win, once we play to our full potential, we could be a very destructive force."

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Tredwell Added To England Test Squad As Spin Cover

Tredwell Added To England Test Squad As Spin CoverJames Tredwell will be on hand to step in should injury hit one of England's first choice spinners

Kent off-spinner James Tredwell has been added to England's squad ahead of the third Test against India in Kolkata as cover for Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar.

With both Swann and Panesar playing a key role in England's 10-wicket win in Mumbai, Tredwell will join up with the squad having been with the Performance Squad, which is also touring India.

His inclusion offers England more spin options and experienced cover should either of the frontline spinners pick up an injury.

England are 5/2 to win the third Test with bet365, who make India 5/4 favourites and the draw 19/10.

"Tredwell has performed really well for us," England Team Director Andy Flower told the ECB's website (www.ecb.co.uk). "He can make a real impact as a spin bowler. He is arriving in Kolkata on December 1 as cover.

"We have some spinners with the Performance Programme. But Tredwell is a senior spinner and will stay with us for the Tests."

Tredwell, 30, took six wickets on his only Test appearance date, in Bangladesh in March 2010.

The four-match Test series is level at 1-1, England bouncing back strongly from a nine-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Ahmedabad.

England's Test squad had already been added to twice since initially being announced in October, with Kevin Pietersen and Stuart Meaker bolstering the line-up.

England Test squad: Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicket-keeper), Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Nick Compton, Steven Finn, Stuart Meaker, Graham Onions, Eoin Morgan, Monty Panesar, Samit Patel, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior (wicket-keeper), Joe Root, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott

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Finn comes through warm-up game

England fast bowler Steven Finn proved his fitness ahead of the third Test against India in Kolkata as the Performance Programme beat a DY Patil Academy XI by an innings and 193 runs.

Leg-spinner Scott Borthwick took six wickets on the final day as the hosts were bowled out for just 87.

Finn, who took 4-50 in the first innings, bowled seven wicketless overs on the final day.

The 23-year-old missed the first two Tests with a thigh injury.

15-19 Nov: 1st Test, Ahmedabad India won by 9 wickets

23-27 Nov: 2nd Test, Mumbai England won by 10 wickets

5-9 Dec: 3rd Test, Kolkata

13-17 Dec: 4th Test, Nagpur

"Finny has that X Factor, and it would be great to see him back," Meaker, 23, said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we saw him (in the third Test). He bowled brilliantly, hit the mark straight away and got four wickets. He was a bit unlucky he didn't get a few today."

"I got pretty close," he acknowledged. "If Stuart Broad hadn't pulled through it could have been an exciting time for me. I very nearly could have made a debut after just being called up as cover."

The South Africa-born bowler admits Finn's apparent return to fitness does not help his own chances of playing in Kolkata.

"Personally, it is not great to see him back for my own reasons! If he is not fit, I'd love to put my own name in the hat," he said.

"There are a lots of good bowlers ahead of me, so I just have to wait and be patient."

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Patel to make Warwickshire return

Warwickshire have re-signed New Zealand off-spinner Jeetan Patel as their overseas player for the 2013 season.

Patel, 32, who took 51 wickets in last summer's County Championship triumph, is scheduled for a fourth season, having first joined the Bears in 2009.

Warwickshire will be under new management next year, following Ashley Giles's appointment with England.

But Patel said: "I see no reason why we can't push harder for success in all formats next season."

He added: "Winning the County Championship with Warwickshire is one of the highlights of my career.

“I'm looking forward to hopefully playing a major part in more success for Warwickshire”

Jeetan Patel Warwickshire & New Zealand "The new facilities at Edgbaston have made it one of the best grounds in the world and Birmingham has certainly become my adopted home.

"I'm looking forward to hopefully playing a major part in more success for Warwickshire."

Patel will join up with Warwickshire in time for the start of their County Championship defence against Derbyshire at Edgbaston on 10 April.

"Jeets is a world-class spinner who's produced many outstanding performances, and is a great role model to the younger players in the squad," added Giles.

"While I'm moving on to my role with the England team, I'm delighted Warwickshire have been able to secure him as the overseas player for the 2013 season before I depart."

Patel's first spell with Warwickshire in 2009 was notable for his maiden first-class century, scoring 120 against Yorkshire - a record for a Bears' number 10 batsman.

But he has since gone to claim 74 Championship wickets in 21 matches, as well as claiming 50 Test scalps in 16 appearances for his country.

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Ponting retires from Test cricket

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has announced he will retire from international cricket at the end of the third Test against South Africa.

The 37-year-old, who is the second highest run scorer in Test history behind Sachin Tendulkar, will play his 168th Test in Perth on Friday.

"I haven't been performing consistently over the last 12 to 18 months," he said. "I believe now is the right time.

Born 19 December, 1974, Launceston, Tasmania 167 Test caps & 13,366 runs 375 ODI caps & 13,704 runs 71 international centuries Highest Test score: 257 v India in 2003 Won three World Cups "This is a decision not made by the selectors, it was made by me."

Ponting has scored 13,366 runs at an average of 52.21 in his career, but he has struggled for form in the current series with South Africa.

He scored just 20 runs in the two drawn Test matches and, despite receiving the support of coach Mickey Arthur, he decided to make way.

The Tasmanian admitted his recent poor form had prompted the decision to call time on an international career that began in 1995.

"It's a decision I thought long and hard about. It was based on my output and my results in this series so far. It hasn't been what I expect of myself and certainly not the level required of a batsman in the Australia team," he said.

Former Australia bowler Glenn McGrath on Twitter: "Well done Punter on an incredible career. It would be great to see you finish with a ton. It was an honour to play alongside you."

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden on Twitter: "Punter, congratulations on a fantastic career. Your departure will be a massive hole in the Australian cricket team."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter: "The best batsman I had the privilege to play against was Ricky Ponting. Australian cricket will not be the same without him. Punter played better against me than Sachin Tendulkar did. Both are incredible players, but if I had to pick one it would be Ricky."

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior on Twitter: "Congrats to Ricky Ponting on an amazing career. One of, if not the, best batsmen I've ever played against and a fierce opponent!"

South Africa captain Graeme Smith: "I've played a lot against Ricky and he's the most competitive man I've ever played against. I think the way he played the game, the intensity with which he played the game, is a credit to him."

"I've said all along that I would continue to play as long as I could continue to make a contribution to wins, and I think over the last couple of weeks my performance has not been good enough to do that.

"I've given cricket my all, it's been my life for 20 years, there's not much more I can give."

Ponting made the announcement at a news conference at the Waca in Perth, flanked by his wife Rianna, daughters Emmy and Mattise and every member of the Australia team.

The series is level at 0-0 going into the third and final Test, and Ponting is determined to end his international career with a 109th Test victory to return Australia to the top of the Test rankings.

"I've prepared this week and I'm hungrier than ever. I want this win more than any game I've ever played in," he said.

"If that happened and we get back to the top of the tree and number one in the world then there's no better time to finish."

Australia captain Michael Clarke was close to tears as he paid tribute to his predecessor, who stepped down from the Test captaincy last year and retired from one-day cricket in February,

"The boys are obviously hurting at the moment. He's been an amazing player for a long time," Clarke said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard thanked Ponting in the Parliament of Australia for his contribution to international cricket, and wished him well in his retirement.

Mark Ramprakash Former England batsman

Mark Ramprakash retired from professional cricket in July 2012. He scored 114 first-class centuries during a 25-year career.

"Ricky has been in the spotlight for most of his career and he would have had to weigh up several things. Not least whether he was mentally up for it, because he has played for such a long time and that can take a toll.

"When you have been such a professional and dedicated player as he has, you can be on autopilot and sometimes you do not see that you are lacking maybe 1% in certain areas."

"It means that he is going into the next phase of his life with a lot of gratitude and a lots of thanks from the Australian community - full as it is with cricket tragics," she said at question time on Thursday.

Former Australia opener Justin Langer believes Ponting, who will equal Steve Waugh's Australian record of 168 Tests at the Waca on Friday, will be remembered as one of the greats of the game.

"His humility, loyalty, passion for the game and for people is quite extraordinary. He will leave the game sadly, but as one of its greatest ever players and one of its greatest people," he told BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast.

Langer feels that Ponting never got the credit he deserved in England, but hopes his retirement will prompt a reassessment by England supporters.

"It used to make me sick when the great Ricky Ponting walked out onto the ground and England fans booed him. I never quite got that," he said.

"It was disrespectful and hard to stomach, but I am sure that he will be admired in England now that he has retired. He will leave the game as a legend."

Ponting took over the one-day captaincy in 2002 and replaced Steve Waugh as Test captain in 2004. He went on to become Australia's most successful skipper with 48 Test wins.

After defeat in the 2005 Ashes series in England, Ponting led Australia to a 5-0 whitewash in the return series in 2007, topping the run charts with 576 runs at an average of 82.28.

Two more Ashes defeats followed in 2009 and 2010-11, and Ponting gave up the Australian captaincy after a World Cup quarter-final defeat to India in March 2011.

In the one-day game, Ponting guided Australia to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007, having won the trophy as a player in 1999.

Ponting plans to continue playing for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield competition and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League, and will play for the Prime Minister's XI against Sri Lanka later in the summer.

The Australian press was unanimous in its praise.

"Ponting declares" was the headline in the Sydney Morning Herald, while a video tribute on the website of The Australian said it was "a sad day for cricket."

The Telegraph said the game will miss its Tasmanian "cricket junkie" adding that Ponting's retirement "signifies one of cricket's last links with a game played a different way".

The Age newspaper spoke of the passing of the "last of Australia's dominant generation".

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Richardson signs Durham extension

Michael Richardson has extended his contract at Durham until the end of the 2014 County Championship season.

The 26-year-old is a back-up for regular wicketkeeper Phil Mustard, and established himself among the Durham batsmen last season.

"I'm really looking forward to next year and proud to have extended my stay with Durham," Richardson said.

"I got my place in the first team towards the end of last season and that's where I would like to start."

He added: "2013 is going to be a crucial year for me and the club and hopefully we can win a trophy to really top it off."

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Statue for cricketer D'Oliveira

29 November 2012 Last updated at 13:59 GMT Damian D'Oliveira said the plans to support young cricketers would have excited his father - but not the statue idea

Plans to erect a statue of cricket legend Basil D'Oliveira at Worcestershire County Cricket Club's New Road ground have been revealed.

The Basil D'Oliveira Foundation has been launched with the aim of raising £100,000 for the bronze statue.

It is also promoting an exchange scheme for cricketers in England and South Africa, where D'Oliveira was born.

He played county cricket for Worcestershire between 1964-80 and represented England in 44 Tests.

D'Oliveira died at the age of 83 in November.

Howard Nicholls, from the foundation, said the money for the statue would come from donations and would not be paid for by the cricket club.

"He had friends and fans all over the world and I'm sure that we'll get donations from different places," he said.

"It's not the fact that he was one of the nicest people you could meet and a fantastic cricketer, but it's also because he put the spotlight on apartheid and all its evils," he said.

'Cape Town connections' Basil D'Oliveira

D'Oliveira played 44 Tests for England after moving from South Africa

D'Oliveira's call up to the England squad for their tour of South Africa in 1968 marked the start of the country's sporting isolation.

The South African government made it clear a "Cape coloured" would not be welcome.

The tour was called off and the incident culminated in a ban on sporting ties with South Africa, which would last until the early-1990s.

The statue will by made by sculptor John McKenna, who went to school with Basil Oliveira's sons in Worcester, and will stand outside the new main entrance to the ground.

The foundation also hopes to raise £200,000 to fund an exchange scheme for young cricketers between England and South Africa.

Basil D'Oliveira's son, Damien said: "Dad would love the fact we're able to help young cricketers, here and in his place of birth.

"Our connections are still strong in Cape Town and I know the experience for young players will make them better."

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Sussex's Nash extends contract

Sussex batsman Chris Nash has signed a two-year extension to his contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2016 season.

The 29-year-old, who was appointed vice-captain of the side last month, has scored more than 10,000 runs since his first-class debut in 2002.

"I am delighted to have signed for the next four years," he said.

"Our success over the past decade has been great to be part of and I look forward to continuing that."

County Championship: 984 runs at an average of 37.84, 21 wickets FL Twenty20: 319 runs at 39.87, 1 wicket CB40: 240 runs at 26.66, 10 wickets Nash, who joined the county at the age of nine, scored just shy of 1,000 runs and took 21 wickets in the County Championship last season while also contributing with bat and ball in both one-day formats.

He added: "Personally, I want to continue my good form across all competitions again next season and continue to push for higher honours."

Sussex coach Mark Robinson was delighted that Nash, who is currently spending his winter playing club cricket for Western Province in South Africa, has prolonged his stay at Hove.

"It is good news to know that Chris will be here for a minimum of the next four years, as we embark on an important time for the club," Robinson said.

"It is not only Chris's proven abilities with the bat and ball that we will be relying on, but also his ability to support and lead the team in his role as vice-captain."

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The man who epitomised Australian cricket

Ricky Ponting, one of the most uncompromising of Australian cricketers, heads into international retirement next week as one of the most decorated players and leaders in history.

Snarling and abrasive, he never took a backward step - especially against the old enemy, England.

However, for all his spats with the opposition, which were borne out of a competitive spirit to win matches for his country, Ponting is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen the game has ever seen.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) Runs: 15,562. Average: 54.60

2. Ricky Ponting (Aus). Runs: 13,366. Average: 52.21

3. Rahul Dravid (Ind). Runs: 13,288. Average: 52.31

4. Jacques Kallis (SA) Runs: 12,941 Average: 57.26

5. Brian Lara (WI). Runs: 11,953. Average: 52.88

Only Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar has scored more Test runs than Ponting's haul of 13,366 at an average of 52, while he is also second to Tendulkar in the one-day list with 13,704 at an average of 42.

Perhaps former England captain Michael Vaughan summed him up best on Twitter: "The best batsman I had the privilege to play against was Ricky Ponting. He played better against me than Sachin did. Both incredible but if I had to pick one it would be Ricky. Australian cricket will not be the same without him."

Born in Launceston, Tasmania on 19 December, 1974, cricket played a big part in Ponting's early years - his dad Graeme turning out for local club Mowbray and his uncle, Greg Campbell, playing four Tests for Australia.

He was always destined for big things - he signed a bat sponsorship deal at the age of 12 after scoring four centuries in a week in a junior cricket competition and legendary wicketkeeper Rodney Marsh later labelled him the best teenage batsman he had ever seen.

Ponting announces Test retirement

Ponting took the fight to the opposition and scored 96 on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 1995, aged just 20, in Perth - the same ground he will end his international career against South Africa.

However, such precocious talent was in danger of being unfulfilled when, in early 1999, he was suspended for three matches after a nightclub brawl left him with a black eye.

He addressed his off-field problems and was soon back as an ever-present in the team which won the World Cup in England later that year - he would go on to lift the trophy twice more.

While players like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist often took the headlines, Punter, as he was nicknamed, was one of the key components in an Australian team which dominated world cricket for the best part of a decade.

Batting at number three, he demoralised bowling attacks with his flashing blade - the hook and pull shots synonymous with the dashing strokemaker.

Whether it was the fast, pacy wickets of his homeland, or the slow, spin-friendly conditions of the subcontinent, Ponting generally flourished.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen described the 37-year-old as "one of the greats. I always got excited playing Australia so I could watch him bat up close."

Ponting took over the Australian Test captaincy when Steve Waugh retired in 2004, inheriting a team at the peak of their powers.

Born December 19, 1974, Launceston, Tasmania 167 Test caps & 13,366 runs 375 ODI caps & 13,704 runs 71 international centuries Highest Test score: 257 v India in 2003 Won three World Cups Legends of the game like Warne, McGrath and Gilchrist continued to keep the Baggy Greens at the top table of world cricket under their new skipper, but Ponting's bristling character was tested in 2005 when England won the Ashes 2-1 on home soil.

It was the first time in 16 years that England had won the famous urn and Ponting was hurting, judging by his now-famous outburst at the home dressing room at Trent Bridge after being run out by substitute fielder Gary Pratt.

"It was something we'd never seen before," said Pratt. "It was the Australian captain being rattled and showing it. It was a massive psychological blow."

That was not the only time Ponting clashed with England and he often received abuse from the stands.

"It used to make me sick every time the great Ricky Ponting, one of the great people I've met, would walk on to the ground, and the England supporters would boo him," reflected his old batting partner Justin Langer.

"I never quite got that; I found it disrespectful, and hard to stomach really, but that's life, that's sport, certainly in this country."

Ponting and the other stellar names in the team made it their mission to wrestle back the Ashes, which they did in style by whitewashing the tourists in 2006-07 - the skipper topping the run charts with almost 600 runs at an average of 82.

Andrew Flintoff's side were ruthlessly hammered and it was the perfect stage for a cast of legends to bring down the curtain on their career.

Warne, McGrath and Langer stepped down, with Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden in the twilight of their careers.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) Runs: 18,426. Average: 44.83

2. Ricky Ponting (Aus). Runs: 13,704. Average: 42.03

3. Sanath Jayasuriya (SL). Runs: 13,430. Average: 32.36

4. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pak) Runs: 11,739. Average: 39.52

5. Jacques Kallis (SA). Runs: 11,498. Average: 45.26

The Aussies were in transition, and Ponting bore the brunt of the frustrations when England won two more Ashes series (2009 and 2010-11), ensuring the Tasmanian became the first Australian captain to preside over three Ashes defeats.

The latest loss to England proved particularly painful, given the dominance of Andrew Strauss's side in a 3-1 triumph down under, and it would not be long before he gave up the captaincy, after seven years in control of the Test team and nine in charge of the ODI side, following a World Cup quarter-final exit in March of the same year.

Not before, however, he had become the most successful Test captain of all time - under his leadership, the team won 48 out 77 Tests, 16 of them in a row between December 2005 and January 2008, and 163 out of 227 one-day internationals, including the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

After stepping back into the ranks, Ponting bounced back with 643 runs at 80.38 during the Australian Test summer - before losing his one-day place following a poor run of scores only weeks later.

A proud Ponting sensed the clamour for change was becoming deafening and announced his retirement from that form of the game, but stayed on in the Test team under the captaincy of Michael Clarke.

However, after a return of just 20 runs in the first two matches of the series against South Africa, he decided to step aside and let Australia plan for two Ashes series in 2013 without their batting stalwart.

"I'm sure he'll be admired in England now that he's retired, but he'll leave the game as a legend," concluded Langer.

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VIDEO: Emotional Clarke on Ponting exit

29 November 2012 Last updated at 12:24 GMT

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VIDEO: Ponting announces Test retirement

29 November 2012 Last updated at 09:57 GMT

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Wednesday, 28 November 2012

New Zealand Recall Candy And Priest For Rose Bowl

New Zealand Recall Candy And Priest For Rose BowlRachel Priest (right) has been recalled to the New Zealand squad

New Zealand Women have named their 14-strong squad to take on Australia Women in the four-match Rose Bowl series of One-Day Internationals in December.

The 26th contest will feature four ODIs in Sydney, with the first game on 12th December taking place at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The following three matches will be held at the North Sydney Oval.

New Zealand's squad shows two changes from the team that played in the ICC Women's World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka with recalls for seam bowler Rachel Candy and wicket-keeper Rachel Priest.

Priest played the last of her 30 ODIs against India in England in 2011 while Candy has played 10 ODIs, featuring most recently against England in March.

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"We have selected a strong squad that contains a core group of experienced and proven performers," National Selection Manager Kim Littlejohn said.

"The majority of the squad were part of the White Ferns side that made the semi-final off the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka.

"Rachel Priest has been selected on the back of some very strong domestic performances. She is an experienced wicket-keeper who is capable of batting anywhere in the order.

"Rachel Candy is a seasoned performer who has shown huge improvement in the last 12 months and will bolster the seam bowling ranks.

"Every player in the line-up will be making sure they put their best foot forward ahead of the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup."

New Zealand ODI squad: Suzie Bates (captain), Amy Satterthwaite (vice-captain), Erin Bermingham, Nicola Browne, Rachel Candy, Sophie Devine, Lucy Doolan, Frances Mackay, Katey Martin, Sara McGlashan, Morna Nielsen, Katie Perkins, Rachel Priest, Sian Ruck

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Wickets Tumble As Test Comes Alive

Wickets Tumble As Test Comes AliveDoug Bracewell celebrates the wicket of Mehela Jayawardene late on the fourth day.©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte. Picture Supplied by Action Images

New Zealand 412 & 194-9d (Taylor 74) v
Sri Lanka 244 & 47-4 (Bracewell 2-5)
Second Test, Colombo, day four
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two | Day Three
Report by Daniel Grummitt

Bad light again brought a slightly premature end to proceedings on day four in Colombo, but not before New Zealand had got themselves back in with a realistic chance of leveling the two-match series.

Only 16 wickets fell on the first three days, but today there were 17 as Sri Lanka’s last four added just 19 runs, New Zealand struggled prior to Ross Taylor’s 74, and Sri Lanka lost their top-order cheaply for the second time in the match.

The day began with the home side on 225 for six in their first innings and with high hopes of reducing their first innings deficit to something in double figures. However, Thilan Samaraweera was set up by Trent Boult with the second new ball without adding to his overnight score. After bringing two balls into Samaraweera, Boult moved one away and found the edge, which carried through to Martin Guptill in the slips.

The tail then folded relatively quickly a Suraj Randiv handed Boult his third by being trapped in front, and Nuwan Kulasekara gave Tim Southee his fifth of the innings, edging a drive to Ross Taylor at slip. The innings ended at 244 with Rangana Herath being caught spectacularly by a diving Williamson in the gully.

All of which meant that New Zealand had a healthy lead of 168 and could now begin to dream of forcing a win. Unfortunately, after a bright start, they began to lose wickets. After reaching 59 for two at lunch with both openers back in the hutch, they lost three for one in four balls not long after the resumption. Kane Williamson chased a wide one to Tharanga Paranavitana, Daniel Flynn was trapped in front the very next ball by the same bowler, and in the next over, Kruger van Wyk completed a pair by being dispatched by Herath.

Now at 75 for five, it was suddenly Sri Lanka who harboured hopes of coming away with a win only for the momentum of the match to change yet again. Ross Taylor found more than adequate support from debutant Todd Astle and the two added a crucial 97 for the sixth-wicket. Indeed it was Astle who began as the more aggressive of the two, pulling Kulasekara over square-leg and lofting Herath over mid-wicket, before Taylor’s class shone through. He rotated the strike skilfully and, despite hitting only two boundaries, still managed to score his 74 at a strike rate of close to 80.

Astle’s wicket just after tea brought forth another flurry of wickets and Taylor decided to declare the innings closed at 194 for nine, setting Sri Lanka a generous 363 to win in almost three and a half sessions.

Southee again struck early, this time first ball, as Paranavitana missed an in-swinger and was struck on the pads. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara tried to recover things and put on 35 in less than seven overs, but the day ended with another clatter of wickets.

Dilshan aimed a footless drive at a Southee out-swinger; Sangakkara was bowled off the thigh pad by Doug Bracewell; who then had the captain Mahela Jayawardene caught behind for just five. That made a mini-collapse of three for 11 and New Zealand were left needing just six more wickets on the final day to secure an unlikely win. Sri Lanka, who can surely draw inspiration from South Africa’s remarkable feat just a few days ago, need 316 more to win or, more probably, to survive 90 overs.

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Zimbabwe Set To Tour West Indies In February And March

Zimbabwe Set To Tour West Indies In February And MarchGrenada will host international cricket for the first time since 2009

Zimbabwe will tour the West Indies to play two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals in February and March.

The ODI series will see international cricket return to the Grenada National Stadium for the first time since 2009 and the Tests will be the first between the two sides since 2003.

The West Indies and Zimbabwe have only met in six Tests in all between 2000 and 2003 and their latest clashes will be hosted in Barbados and Dominica as the final two matches of the tour.

Grenada will host all three ODIs with Antigua playing host to the T20 matches. The reigning ICC World Twenty20 champions have only met Zimbabwe once before, and in 2010 the tourists pulled off a 26-run win on a turning track in Port-of-Spain.

Zimbabwe in West Indies 2013

20th February: Zimbabwe v UWI Chancellor's XI, Grenada

22nd February: 1st ODI, Grenada
24th February: 2nd ODI, Grenada
26th February: 3rd ODI, Grenada

2nd March: 1st T20I, Antigua
3rd March: 2nd T20I, Antigua

7th-9th March: Tour game, Barbados

12th-16th March: 1st Test, Barbados
20th-24th March: 2nd Test, Dominica

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Can Giles lead England to success?

Ashley Giles has left his role as Warwickshire director of cricket to take over as England one-day international and Twenty20 head coach.

Giles on 'bittersweet' appointment

The former England spinner, who took 143 wickets in 54 Test matches, has been a national selector since 2008.

In his new role he will report to team director Andy Flower, who will focus primarily on the Test side.

Is this a good move for English cricket? BBC Sport speaks to Flower and Giles's former England team-mate Shaun Udal, who took eight wickets in his four Test matches, to find out.

AF: "I have been in discussion with [ECB managing director] Hugh Morris for a little while now and that revolved around the best use of coaching resources. This is an efficient and effective innovation that we are bringing in.

"It is because of a combination of two things. It is important we do find a balance in our lives but also important to use the resources at our disposal."

SU: "It was a little bit of a surprise but, knowing the way England work, it is also very good forward planning. I think it's a good move because there are time restraints on Andy Flower now. He has a young family and that is something that needs to be considered. It's a progression thing and England obviously identified Ashley as the man they wanted to integrate into the system."

AF: "We will work closely together on cricket strategies. We look forward to success with all of our sides.

"I will certainly be watching [the ODI series with India] very closely. It is part of my job to be working with Ashley. He has decision-making powers for both [one-day] sides and I think we can make the system work."

SU: "Ashley has cut his teeth in the County Championship with Warwickshire and has done fantastically well [winning the Division One title in September].

Off-spinner Shaun Udal, now 43, took more than 800 first-class wickets in a 21-year career for Hampshire and Middlesex

"It's a good sign of consistency. Ashley has been one of the selectors for a while, during a successful time for England. He had a successful career himself so he knows the international game and he will have the respect of the players because of that.

"Warwickshire got to the CB40 final last season and the basics of a successful England side are there, so it all makes sense to me."

SU: "Ashley is a very solid man, a genuinely good guy. He had a lot of unfair criticism when he played so he is used to that side of things as well, which is a positive. He was a successful Test bowler and Ashes winner and was a very gutsy player who made the most of his ability.

"I think that is an area where he can help younger players coming into the England set-up, to make them aware of the mental and psychological challenges that await in Test match cricket."

AF: "Ashley is a very fine coach. He has international experience as a player, he has experienced success at Warwickshire and he knows the players as a player himself and also as a selector. He is a fine appointment."

Ashley Giles played 62 ODIs for England, taking 55 wickets and scoring 385 runs

SU: "Chris Wright and Keith Barker were the stand-out bowlers for Warwickshire last season and neither of them were household names before the season started, but Ashley and his backroom staff got the best out of them. Clearly he is a man who recognises ability and gets the best out of players.

"He was a spinner so, as a bowler, he had to work out the technical side of batsmen - you can't just blast them out with raw pace. You have to out-think batsmen in a lot of areas. A lot of cricketers have great cricket brains and I think Ashley was one of those."

AF: "None of us knows exactly how it will work or exactly how things will pan out in the future. The sensible thing to do is to have some sort of succession plan and this is part of it. That does not discount other possibilities in the future."

SU: "You would have to say Ashley is in pole position to take over from Andy Flower in the long run. I am sure it will bring more success for the England cricket team."

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Giles appointed ODI & T20 boss

Ashley Giles has left his role as Warwickshire director of cricket to take over as England one-day international and Twenty20 head coach.

The former England player will report to team director Andy Flower, who will focus on the Test side.

Dec 2012: India Test and T20 series (away) Jan 2013: India one-day series (away) Feb-March 2013: New Zealand Test and one-day series (away) May-June 2013: NZ Test and ODI series (home) June 2013: Champions Trophy (50 overs, home) July-August 2013: Ashes series (home) September 2013: Australia ODI series (home) Nov 2013-Feb 2014: Ashes tour (away) The 39-year-old, who is also an England selector, led Warwickshire to the County Championship in September.

"I am delighted to be given an opportunity to coach at international level," said Giles

"I have worked closely with Andy in recent years as a selector and am looking forward to continuing to work together and to build on the progress that has been made with the ODI and T20 sides in recent years."

The former England off-spinner took 143 wickets in 54 Test appearances for his country between 1998 and 2006.

After leading Warwickshire to their seventh County Championship, Giles said he still had "a lot of work to do" for the club at which he spent his whole domestic playing career.

However, he will now take charge of the one-day side for the first time against India in January, before leading the team on the New Zealand tour in February.

The former Bears director of cricket will then turn his focus to the 50-over Champions Trophy at home next summer.

An England and Wales Cricket Board statement said Flower would have "accountability for the results of England cricket" and would also continue to tour with the England Test side during both home and away series.

However, the team director will no longer be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the England ODI and T20 sides.

Giles will take over that duty and with Flower will also help develop playing strategies to "move England cricket forward in all formats of the game".

Giles told BBC Sport the restructure had happened quickly but would strengthen English cricket: "We first started talking about it about a month ago but certainly most of it has happened in the last few days.

"It's a huge amount of commitment for one man to coach all three forms of the game - the pressure that goes with it and the time away from home - the importance is that we try and keep hold of our best people for as long as we can.

"Andy Flower has done a fantastic job for the team and hopefully this will lengthen his career and the careers of coaches down the line, otherwise we're just going to face a situation where you get burnout."

ECB managing director Hugh Morris said: "England cricket has enjoyed considerable success over the past five years.

"In order to build on that success we know that we need to look for ways to evolve and it has become clear that the team director role needs to change if we are to ensure we are utilising the role as effectively as possible."

1973: Born on 19 March in Chertsey, Surrey 1993: Makes both first-class and one-day debuts for Warwickshire 1997: England ODI debut v Australia 1998: England Test debut v South Africa 2000: Career-best first-class figures of eight for 90 against Northamptonshire 2005: Takes 10 wickets in successful Ashes series 2006: Awarded MBE before his last professional game in Test series against Australia in December 2007: Named as Warwickshire's director of cricket in September and then spin bowling coach for the England Performance squad 2008: Appointed to England selection panel 2012: Wins County Championship with Warwickshire in September and appointed England ODI and T20 head coach in November Giles was appointed Warwickshire director of cricket in 2007 after retiring from playing in 2006 - a year on from winning the Ashes on home soil.

He led the Bears to the county title five years later and Warwickshire bowling coach Graeme Welch, in an interview with the Daily Telegraph in September, backed Giles as an ideal candidate to replace Flower should he ever step down as team director.

Despite initially distancing himself from an England head coach role, Giles will now work alongside Flower.

Giles said leaving Warwickshire would be difficult. He added: "I'm very excited about taking on the new role but I've had some very, very good years here at Warwickshire as a player and as a coach. This has been my home for 20, 21 seasons. It's far easier to leave the team in this position [as county champions], I'm happy I'm leaving the side in a good position, a good state and in good hands."

Zimbabwean Flower, 44, took over as England coach in April 2009 and has masterminded victories over Australia in the last two Ashes series.

Flower told BBC Sport: "I have been in discussion with Hugh Morris for a little while now and they revolved round best use of coaching resources. We believe this is an efficient and effective innovation that we are bringing in.

"It will give both Ashley and I more time when other series are on to be working with specialist players at their counties, while also giving us planning and strategising time also. There is also the added bonus of a better work-life balance."

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