South Africa Name 30 Man Twenty20 Squad

South Africa have named their 30 man provisional squad for Septembers inaugural 20/20 World Cup, a tournament that they will play host to.

The squad, which will be trimmed to 15 next month, contains no real surprises. Graeme Smith, who missed the recent trip to Ireland, returns as captain, with Jacques Kallis stepping down to his usual role as vice captain.

After much has been made of South Africa's lack of variation in the Caribbean World Cup the selectors have included 8 players who could offer a spin option in the 30 man squad. Robin Peterson, who was the only front line spinner in the world cup squad, is included after being dropped for the Irish tour. Thandi Tshabalala, who travelled to Ireland is also included, as is Johan Botha, who is currently captaining an Emerging Players team in Australia, a team that also includes Gulam Bodi, JP Duminy, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Alviro Peterson, Vernon Philander and Tshabalala.

Hard hitting all rounder Johan van der Wath makes a deserved recall to the squad, but whether or not the selectors pick him for the final 15 only they know. A player of his all round ability and talent should be in all South African squads, however if they past few selections have been anything to go by the selectors may not pick him. Lets hope they are brave enough to realise they have been wrong in not selecting van der Wath and pick him this time, giving him an extended run to cement a place in the future ODI team. With Justin Kemp seemingly playing as a batsman and not the all rounder role that he has been picked for it is time that van der Wath and Vernon Philander are given a run in the team.

With this being South Africa there is more to any national selection that purely picking the best available players. There are 14 players of colour in the 30 man squad, all of whom are there by merit and not simply for the colour of their skin, and this should placate any political interference.

While the squad may be the initial 30 man selection, and will be halved next month, it is encouraging to note the Neil Mckenzie has been included. Mckenzie has been out of the national fold for some time now, and despite strong domestic performances has been over looked time and time again, with the selectors seemingly discarding him to the past. He has now been rewarded with selection, but lets hope that they intend to give him a fair chance at making the 15 man team, and any future ODI and Test squads, and that this is not just a transparent attempt to quieten their detractors.

The full squad is: Graeme Smith (capt), Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Loots Bosman, Gulam Bodi, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher, AB De Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Paul Harris, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Neil McKenzie, Albie Morkel, Mornè Morkel, Andrè Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Justin Ontong, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn, Roger Telemachus, Alfonso Thomas, Thandi Tshabalala, Johan van der Wath, Mornè van Wyk

Rhodes Still A Protea

After speculation linking him with both England and Sri Lanka, Jonty Rhodes is to stay on as fielding coach for South Africa.

Rhodes, regarded by many as the best fielder in the world during his playing days with South Africa, had only been contracted by Cricket South Africa until the Cricket World Cup in March/April. Since then
many online sports betting interests have been speculating as to whether or not he would be retained by the South African cricket team, with Jonty himself saying that much owed to what his family thought of him spending time away touring with the team. After the arrival of his ex team mate, and close friend, Alan Donald, to the England coaching set up, it was believed that Jonty could follow, becoming England's
permanent fielding coach, a position they have not filled since Trevor Penney left to assist Tom Moody in Sri Lanka in 2005. There was also talk of Sri Lanka looking to recruit Rhodes as new coach Trevor Bayliss assistant coach. Rhodeshas distanced himself from such rumours by stating

"I can honestly say I have never received any offers from England," Rhodes
toldNews24.com. "Some time ago there was a rumour I was going to coach Sri
Lanka,but I was never approached by them either."

The South African coach, Mickey Arthur, has also reiterated the stance that Jonty will be part of his coaching stuff for the immediate future.

"Jonty has confirmed he's staying with us."and"He is an integral member of our
team and he is committed to staying withthe Proteas," Arthur said. "I don't know
where all these rumours start, butJonty's definitely with us. I hope we can
squash all these rumours"

So,at least with regard to Jonty Rhodes, South Africa will not be allowing one of its prized assets to be lost to a opposition cricket set up.

A Sad Loss

The sad thing about the increasing number of test players in the world is that we have more heroes to morn.

Dilip Sardesai died this week at the age of 66. During a career spanning 11 years, Sardesai played 30 Tests and scored 2001 runs in 55 innings with an average of 39.23. Sardesai will be remembered for his performance during the tour of the West Indies in 1970-71 in which he scored a double hundred and two centuries to power India to a historic first-ever series victory in the Caribbean.

For every passing hero there are a lot of little boys, now middle aged men, who will have a fond memory of a quality player and their own excitable youth.

A Future Without Pollock

For South African cricket fans a future without Shaun Pollock is one that fills many with dread. For a decade the red headed open bowler, and lower order batsman, has been the spearhead of the South African attack, as a strike bowler when he first came into the team, and as a miserly economic bowler, as the years have lessened his pace. The reality is that Pollock, as much as many would like to see, can go on forever, and the South African hierarchy have decided that this season will be used to assess Pollocks airs.

Pollock has responded to calls for his retirement time and time again, with wickets, a match winning economic spell, or some wonderful stroke play with the bat, yet even he knows that the time will soon come when he wont be the man called upon with either bat or ball by the South African captain. Pollock, who underwent minor foot surgery recently, has been left out of the squad that is playing in Ireland against the hosts and India. During the recent Afro/Asia series Pollock travelled as a batsman only, not bowling a single ball, and showed enough form and style to suggest that he could fashion a new role for himself in the team, as a batsman who bowls rather then as a bowler who bats. He scored his maiden ODI century and scored another undefeated 50 in the three match series. With Pollock resting back home in Durban, the South African selectors have called upon Cape Cobra's young all rounder Vernon Philander to make his debut in place of Polly. Indeed coach MickeyArthur made no secret of the plans to blood Pollocks successor over the coming season

"We need succession planning in key areas to ensure we have a pool
ofplayers who can play at this level. A guy like Shaun Pollock has given us
yeomanservice, but he needs to be managed through this season and a couple of
othersenior players do too," Arthur said.

"We've identified Vernon Philander as a possible back-up as anall-rounder,
along with Albie Morkel, who played in the Afro/Asia Cup, and RyanMcLaren and
Johan van der Wath, who I've been keeping an eye on in countycricket."

The interesting aspect of these comments is that they see Pollocks replacement as being an all rounder, rather then as an opening bowler. While Pollock is a genuine all rounder, and maybe should have been used higher up the batting order throughout his career, something he would have preferred, his role in the team in both test and ODI cricket has been primarily as an opening bowler. Yet the selectors tend to talk of Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn as the future opening bowlers and Philander, Albie Morkel, McLaren and van der Wath, as Pollocks successor. This clearly shows that although Polly has rarely been used up the order, they realise that his batting brings a balance to the lineup that would be missing if he were to be replaced by a bowler.

The idea to give these all rounders increased exposure so as not to have to start from the beginning when they eventually take over has merit so long as the selectors don't pigeon hole these players as Pollys replacement and exclude them for other jobs. A guy like Johan van der Wath could do a job as an opening bowler or first change, he swings the ball both ways, and as a devastating middle or lower order batsman, and should perhaps be in the team right now, alongside Polly. He is the man who should have come into the side when Klusner was left out and has been over looked for the last year. While there is potential in the other players, having them all compete for one place, and pushing someone like van der Wath down the pecking order, giving him limited exposure as they rotate these players, may be to the detriment of South African cricket.

The fact that, post World Cup, the selectors have an eye on the future, and wont be waiting until their hand is forced, suggests that South African cricket is looking forward, and while this can only benefit the team in the long run, lets hope the Pollock has a few more years left in him yet. South Africa's star all rounder is far from finished.

New Faces in Proteas Squad

With South Africa embarking on a short ODI series in Ireland, where they will play one match against the hosts and three against India, the selectors having given a few fringe and up and coming players the chance to stake a claim for a place in the squad for the forth coming season. The squad sees Jacques Kallis lead a team without captain Graeme Smith, and all rounder Shaun Pollock, both are being rested, and sees five players called up who did not travel to the Caribbean for the World Cup. The new faces are; Morne Van Wyk, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Thandi Tshabalala and Dale Steyn.

A brief introduction follows of the new faces for those unfamiliar with South African cricket.

Morne van Wky

Morne opens the batting for his franchise team, the Eagles, in all forms of the game, but can operate anywhere in the top or middle order. He is a wicket keeper batsman, but whereas Boucher would be classed as a keeper who can bat, van Wyk would be a batsman who can keep. It is likely that, like AB de Villiers, another wicket keeper batsman, he will play as a batsman in this series, and will more than likely open the batting with de Villiers. He has played for South Africa before in an ODI, on the tour of England in 2003 he made his debut in the triangular series final, where South Africa were well beaten by England. Morne has a first class batting average of 39,15 with a top score of 200 not out, and a domestic limited overs average of 41,99 with a top score of 160 not out. van Wyk was recently named MTN Domestic Championship Cricketer of the Year, Standard Bank Pro20 Cricketer of the Year, and Domestic Players Player of the Year and the 2007 Mutual and Federal SA Cricket Awards evening.

JP Duminy

Duminy is a stylish top order batsman who has long been heralded as the future of South African batting. He has played 8 ODI's for South Africa with little success thus far, but much of his initial matches found him batting at number 8 or 9. He has a ODI average of 24 with a top score of 60. He bowls occasional off spin too, and has taken a ODI wicket. His first class record sees him with an impressive average of 50,86 and a top score of 169. Duminy has the potential and class to be a mainstay in the South African batting line up in both ODI and Test teams of the near future. His maturity belies his tender age and many will hope that this is the season when he takes the step up from promising player to established star. Duminy plays his domestic cricket in Cape Town for the Cobras. JP will join an Emerging players team for a series in Australia in July.

Vernon Philander

Duminy's Cape Cobra's team-mate, Vernon Philander, gets his first call up to the South African ODI team. Philander is an all rounder who really came to prominence with some fine displays with both bat and ball in the recent domestic season. Along with Johan van der Wath and Albie Morkel, Philander is seen as one of the potential successors to Shaun Pollock, when the ever green star all rounder decides to pack it in. Philander generally bowls at first change, but can open the bowling, while his batting is particularly effective in the middle order, but would not be out of place in the top order either. He is a particularly effective closer of an innings with the ability to find the boundaries and hit the ball far and hard. He has a first class average of 26,15 with the bat and a top score of 168, while his bowling average is an impressive 24,19 with 5/49 being his best. Philander. Vernon will be part of the Emerging team that heads to Australia in July.

Dale Steyn

Steyn is perhaps the best known of the new faces in the ODI squad due to his test exploits last season. A genuinely quick bowler, Steyn will add variety and aggression to an attack that was seen as predictable during the World Cup. Although far from the finished article the selectors will be hoping that he has the same impact that Malinga and Tait had during the World Cup, with a role as a strike bowler being earmarked, rather than a containing bowler. His job will be to take wickets, to strike early and to break partnerships. Steyn has played 11 Tests for South Africa, but has be unable to force his way into the ODI set up, only playing 4 ODI's. He has been picked for this series for his pace and South Africa will be counting on the added explosiveness to complement their reliable attack. Steyn is currently enjoying a spell at Warwickshire which should help to add to his experience and development. Steyn should be a regular in the Test team for the current and future seasons but will be hoping to break into the ODI team too. Should see the recent performances of Morne Morkel for the African team in the Afro Asia series as a spur to enhance his performances, with Morkel waiting to claim a place too.

Thandi Tshabalala

Tshabalala is the player that the public having been crying out to be included in the national team for over a season now. The young finger spinner is the fresh hope of a nation in need of a spinner for both the long and short version of the game. The public, and even the national team, have had little confidence in the spinners who have tried their luck for SA in the recent past. Tshabalala, although still young and inexperienced, is the player who hopes to change the nations fortunes, in terms of a quality spinner. He first came to the attention of those in South Africa 2 seasons ago in the Pro20 series. In a format that has been pretty severe on spin bowlers Tshabalala excelled, taking his record this season to 31 wickets in 23 games at an average of 14,35 and a strike rate of a wicket every 13,19 balls. His domestic limited over record sees him with an average of 27,42 and an economy rate of 4,65, very respectable figures and the bases for calls for his inclusion. The selectors have been wary to rush him into the tame, with the expectation on such young shoulders the fear is that a few bad performances against world class batsman could hinder his development rather than quicken it. The idea was to give him a few more seasons of domestic cricket to allow him to understand his game more and the role he has to play. The short series in Ireland was seen as an ideal time to give him exposure to international cricket without thrusting to much responsibility his way. As the only spinner in the squad Tshabalala seems guaranteed to make his ODI debut during the series. Tshabalala will join Duminy and Philander in the Emerging players tour to Australia

Fixtures

Sat 23 June Ireland v IndiaSun 24 June Ireland v SATue 26 June SA v IndiaFri 29 June SA v IndiaSun 1 July SA v India

Trevor Bayliss Appointed as New Sri Lanka Cricket Coach

After a final interview held last evening at the Sri lanka Cricket headquarters in Colombo, the board decided to recruit former New South Wales coach Trevor Bayliss as next cricket coach of Sri Lanka cricket team. Bayliss will become the 5th Australian to coach a Sri Lanka team, after Dave Whatmore, Bruce Yardley, John Dyson and Tom Moody.

"Trevor came before a high powered committee comprising Aravinda de Silva, Sidath Wettimuny, Michael Tissera, Anura Tennekoon and Duleep Mendis, who were very impressed with his presentation," said Mr. Uplai Dharmadasa, the chairman of the interim commitee of Sri Lanka cricket, in a media briefing.

Bayliss was one of the names suggested to SLC for the position by Moody. The others included Terry Oliver, the Queensland coach, who was also a strong contender. He was interviewed a fortnight ago.

Testing un explored talent, was always been the success behind Sri Lanka cricket. When Dave Whatmore became the Sri Lankan coach, his name was never recognized in the Cricketing world. Tom Moody was never a "brilliant" cricketer, through out his career, and hardly secured a place in the team in many occasions. But, he left Sri Lanka with a reputation for being one of the most successful coaches in the world.

That's why, in one of my earlier blog posts I highlighted it's always good for Sri Lanka cricket to look for some new names from Australia, rather than looking for established international coaches like John Wright or Dave Whatmore.

Speaking to a local TV channel, Bayliss said "There's nothing much to change in present Sri Lanka change". How ever he mentioned that, he'll not hesitate to do some changes, if required. According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Bayliss will start working with Sri Lanka team starting from this August.

Ford Says No To India

In another embarrassing blow to Indian cricket, Graham Ford, the former South African national coach, has turned down the offer of coaching the Indian national team in favour of remaining at Kent. It had been widely reported over the weekend that Ford had accepted the Indian job.

The final decision over who would take on the job was decided last week after presentations by the two candidates, Ford, and Englishman John Emburey, when it was decided that Ford was the man for the job. It is believed that Ford is the man that the players were in favour of, and that they, lead by captain Rahul Dravid, had been involved in getting Fords name high up the BCCI list of candidates. Form, a former coach of the South African national team as well as South African domestic side, the Dolphins, is believed to have come highly respected by former and current players including Jonty Rhodes, Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusner, all of whom played under Ford for both the Dolphins and South Africa. Ford was seen as being instrumental in bringing through the young Pollock, Klusner, Neil Johnson and Dale Benkenstein, in his Dolphins days, in a team that also included Rhodes, Andrew Hudson, Errol Stewart and the late Malcolm Marshall. He was in charge of the South African A team, captained by Benkenstein, before being named as Bob Woolmers assistant in the Protea's team. He replaced Woolmer after the '99 World Cup, and went on to win 9 out of 11 Test series during his spell in charge. It is felt in South Africa that there were political rather then cricketing reasons for his axing after a home and away series loss to Australia.

Ford was seen as the ideal replacement to the outspoken, disciplinarian, Greg Chappel, with his calm, understated style. He is widely regarded in both South Africa and England as one of the most astute, tactical coaches in the game, and it is clear to see why he was pursued by the BCCI. Whether they now decide to go with Emburey, or make a short term placement and begin the process again, is yet to be announced. After the reports that Ford had taken the job, and now the news that he has turned it down, the BCCI would like to ensure that this embarrassing situation is not repeated in the future.

"A Different Stroke" Blog Competition - June July 2007

Here's your chance to win a copy of "The Official 2007 Cricket World Cup Review (DVD)" absolutely free! All you have to do is take part in "ADS Blog & Win!" competition for June & July.

Next three months, all international cricket teams are in full action after a short break since the world cup, so we got plenty of action from all over the world to talk here!

Let's get straight to the business. This is no joke or no scam. You will never (ever) have to pay anything, or have to buy anything from anyone to redeem the gift. Once you win it, it's all yours!

How to enter the competition?

Register on this site as a contributor, and just keep on blogging. Then you will automatically qualify for the competition, based on the rules mentioned below. (To register as a contrubutor, send an e-mail to cricketbloggers@gmail.com requesting the membership of this site)


Rules for the competition

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1) Posts made by Administrative Contributors (Site Admins) are not considered for the competition. All the other contributors can take part.

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How the points are awarded?

5) Two Points will be awarded for each of your posts. More you post, more points you earn.

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Example: If John Doe make 20 comments on your post, you'll get 2 points for the unique reader John Doe, and 20 points for the comments he made, making it 22 points in total.

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12) The competition is valid for posts made from 1st June to 31st July. At the end of July, site administrator(s) will count the points, based on the above competition rules and will decide the winner. Time to time, the latest standings of points table will be announced on the site.

13) There should be at least 15 contributors taking part in the competition, and they should have contributed at least 100 posts in total, at the end of competition period. If this condition is not satisfied, the competition will be extended to another month, (for the same gifts) until this condition is satisfied.

The winner will be announced before 15th of August. Site administrator(s) will contact the winners by e-mails, to arrange the delivery of the gift(s).

Few Tips to Take some advantage in the competition


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Hope this is clear enough. Write to cricketbloggers@gmail.com at any time, to clarify anything unclear.

Depending on the success in responses from you all, the prices will be increased next time, and winners will be selected every month! So, give your 100% to get this going. Who knows, the next price would be a free ticket to watch a live cricket match, at any venue you wish!

Kallis to Captain in Ireland

Jacques Kallis will captain the South African cricket team on their forthcoming series in Ireland, where they will play one match against the hosts and three against India. There are five players in the 14 man squad who did not travel to the Caribbean for the recently finished World Cup. Captain Graeme Smith and all rounder Shaun Pollock have both been rested after recent surgeries.

The changes to the squad are designed to give some players exposure to International cricket, to assess options, and to increase the pool of international players in the South African set up. There are two new caps in the squad, Eagles young spinner Thandi Tshabalala and Cobra's all rounder Vernon Philander. Cobra's batsman JP Duminy, Eagles wicket keeper/batsman Morne Van Wyk and Titans fast bowler Dale Steyn all return to the ODI team.

Van Wyk, who was the form batsman in the domestic four day, limited over and 20/20 cricket, is likely to play as a batsman rather than as Mark Bouchers deputy behind the stumps. He is able to bat anywhere in the top or middle order but generally opens the batting, particularly in limited over cricket. Van Wyk was the domestic player of the season in both forms of the game and there have been calls for his inclusion for a few years now. JP Duminy is a talented batsman who is held in high regard by many in the South African cricketing community and has played a few ODI games before but has never been given a sustained run in the team. His Cobras team mate, Vernon Philander, has shown good form and potential over the last few seasons with both bat and ball and earns his first call up on these grounds. The selection of the two new bowlers is particularly interesting. Steyn comes in for his raw pace and aggression. While there was a move to pigeon hole a player like Steyn as a Test bowler, with the idea that he may leak runs in ODI cricket with wayward bowling and field settings that would not protect him, the recent World Cup highlighted South Africa's lack of variation as well as the performances of strike bowlers like Shaun Tait for Australia, Lasith Malinga for Sri Lanka, and Shane Bond of New Zealand, showed that there is a place for such bolwers in ODI cricket. His performances will be keenly watched. Tshabalala's inclusion is one that has been called for by the South African public for a year or so now. The young off spinner, who's action is modeled on that of Harbajahn Singh's, is seen as the hope and future of South African spin bowling. There is a feeling that although his inclusion will be welcomed for such a series, the selectors don't want to rush him into international cricket until they are certain he is ready for the step up. They are reluctant to rush him into the fold and risk him being found wanting, his confidence taking a dive, and his development a step backward. As he is the sole spinner in the squad it seems certain that he will play rather then just gain experience as a touring member.

There are still no places in the squad for Johan van der Waath and brothers Albie and Morne Morkel, the later two who are currently in India with the African team for the Afro-Asia series.The players who were part of the World Cup squad but have not been included, apart from the rested Smith and Pollock, are Ashwell Prince, Roger Telemachus and Robin Peterson.

Squad :Jacques Kallis (capt), Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Andrew Hall, Justin Kemp, Charl Langeveldt, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Thandi Tshabalala, Morne van Wyk

First Donald, Now Jonty?

Following fresh from the news that South African fast bowling legend, Alan Donald, was to be appointed as England's bowling consultant, comes the news that England are to approach another South African cricket legend, Jonty Rhodes, to be their fielding coach.

Donald is to join England on a 5 week consultancy basis, during the remainder of the West Indies series, and will then have his situation reassessed, and could be given the job full time. It now seems that new England coach, Peter Moores, is to move quickly in offering Jonty Rhodes the post as fielding coach. This would see Rhodes join the new coaching team of Moore's, former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as his number 2, and Alan Donald as the bowling coach. Showing that Moore's wants the best men for the job and not necessarily the best English man.

The first man approached for the job as fielding coach was Trever Penney, who had worked with England in the past, but he turned the job down and took up a position with Western Australia. Rhodes, who had been working with the South African team, was only contracted up until the World Cup, and as he has not been offered, or asked for, a new contract from South Africa, Moores has identified him as the man for England.

Unless South Africa take these reports as a warning and tie down their man to a new contract, they could again lose one of their best assets to another international team. Although always seen as one of the best fielding teams in the world, Rhodes has been credited with lifting the bar again as South Africa have enjoyed fantastic fielding performances during the duration of his work with them.

Aussie crowds embarrass Moody

Tom Moody, the former Sri Lanka coach, said he was embarrassed by the derogatory reaction and negative attention directed towards Muttiah Muralitharan by Australian crowds. Muralitharan's unorthodox bowling action came under scrutiny in Australia, where he was no-balled for a suspect action on two tours.

The treatment meted out by the crowds in reaction to these on-field episodes prompted him to boycott Sri Lanka's 2004 tour to Australia. John Howard, the Australian prime minister, joined the clamour by labelling Muralitharan a "chucker".

"As an Australian when I have been with the Sri Lankan team in Australia, or playing against them in the World Cup, it's the only situation we find in the whole of the cricketing world where we have this disgraceful slant on a cricketer," Moody told The Australian.

"My take on it, and I hope I'm right, and I've shared this with Murali, is that it's Australia's nature to show that response in a way of respect and acknowledgement of someone who is pretty special and unique".

Moody, who has taken up a coaching role with Western Australia, puts this attitude down to the competition between Muralitharan and Shane Warne, who finished his career as the world's leading wicket-taker with 708 Test victims. Muralitharan is second in the all-time list with 674 dismissals.

"They're protecting their own," Moody said. "Australia has produced the greatest legspinner of all time and Australians are very proud of that. There's that constant comparison between Warne and Murali, but I just think you cannot even begin to try and compare the two."

Muralitharan was first no-balled by Darrell Hair in the 1995 Boxing Day Test and Ross Emerson also called him in an ODI at Adelaide four years later. When the Sri Lankans walked off the field after the second incident, only an intervention by the respective boards and the ICC saved the tour.

Muralitharan's action was subsequently cleared under the ICC's 15-degree rule. He has toured Australia since his 2004 boycott and looks set to visit Australia again in November for a two-Test series.

Ford For India?

Graham Ford has entered the race to be the next coach of the Indian cricket team. Ford previously coached South Africa, as well as working in South African domestic and English county cricket.

With Dav Whatmore being the only name mentioned it was widely believed that he would be named as coach in the coming weeks, however it has not been suggested that Graham Ford has entered the fray. It is believed that the Indian players initiated communication to try get the best man for the job, and with John Wright and Tim Moody already committed to jobs in Australia, the players began talking to other players and former players within the game. The name of Ford figured at the top of many peoples lists, and he received glowing recommendations from the likes of Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusner and Jonty Rhodes, all of whom worked with Ford at domestic and international level.

Ford gained prominence when he lead a young Natal team to the domestic double in South Africa during the 96-97 season. He helped bring through the likes of Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusner, Dale Benkenstein and Neil Johnson as well as working with Malcolm Marshall and Clive Rice. After leading a couple of South African A tours he was named as assistant to Bob Woolmer for the national team, before taking over the post after the 99 World Cup. South Africa won 9 of the 11 series he was in charge for before is axing after a disastrous tour of Australia, where it was felt that he paid the price for internal power games within South African cricket. Ford is widely acknowledged within the South African game as one of the most knowledgeable and tactically astute coaches in the game.

Woolmer Was Not Murdered?

In what will be an embarrassing u-turn by Jamaican police authorities reports coming from British newspapers suggest that they will soon announce that Bob Woolmer was not murdered, but died of natural causes.

Woolmer was found dead in his hotel room the day after the Pakistan team he coached had lost to Ireland in a World Cup group match in March, effectively knocking the former World Cup winners out, and allowing the Irish, first timers at the global event, and made up primarily by part timers, to progress through to the Super 8 phase. With rumours of a sinister cause of death leading the front pages of many newspapers, the Jamaican police announced that after a post mortem they were now treating the death as murder. Suggestions that Woolmer was killed by an under ground match fixing mafia, by radical Muslim fans, and even suggestions that his own players were involved began to do the rounds.

With the case stretching for weeks and then months with no new leads the theory that Woolmer had died of natural causes began to gain momentum. An investigation by a UK Home Office pathologist who flew to Jamaica to help seems to have been the route of the change in direction of the case. It now seems that Woolmer died of heart failure caused by chronic ill health and possibly diabetes. Woolmer was not in good health and the stress of the failure of his much hyped team, and the possible reactions and reprecautions, may have played a hand in his death.
The results of a 3rd pathology report should be known soon, but are expected to back up those of the 2nd report, that Woolmer was not murdered, but died of natural causes. The broken bone in his neck, which was behind many suggestions that he had been strangled, is now believed to have been caused by his fall.

While speculation and rumour have lead this case more than any really facts or leads, the news that Woolmer died from natural causes, and not at the hand of any sinister element, must come as a relief to both his family and loved ones, and to the cricketing world in general. However, after all that has gone on before, they will only truly be able to move on once the speculation becomes fact. Hopefully the coming weeks will give them the peace they crave.

Percy Sonn Dies

The ICC president, Percy Sonn, has died at the age of 57, in Cape Town, South Africa. Sonn had surgery on his colon on Monday and passed away due to complications that arose after the surgery.

Sonn was the former head of the United Cricket Board of South Africa, and became president of the ICC in 2006. He was well known and respected as an administrator in cricket during Apartheid, and played an important role in the integration of cricket in South Africa. He also formed, and headed, the Scorpions, who went after people committing serious economic crimes, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

Sonn is survived by his wife, Sandra, and their three children.

SA to Lose Donald?

Alan Donald, the former South African fast bowler, is set to take up a role with the England national team, as a bowling coach.

Reports suggest that Donald is set to join the new setup in English cricket under new coach Peter Moores. Moores has already acted swiftly in bringing in former Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower as his number two, and an appointment of Donald will prove that the English set up are keen an appointing the best men for the job, irrespective of nationality. Flower and Donald have both had extensive experience in County cricket, as well as international cricket, and so would be well accustomed and knowledgeable of English cricket.

Suggestions coming out of South Africa are that Donald will join the team for the third test against the West Indies, and will stay with them on an initial 5 week deal, rather then permanently. Whatever the case it is surely a call to the South African cricket authorities to be more proactive in using the vast experience and knowledge that they have in their former playing greats, or risk losing them. Jonty Rhodes was employed by Pakistan for a similar 5 week period before being brought into the South African fold as their fielding coach. They improvement in standard was noticeable for all to see and surely they don't want to risk the same impact that a former player of theirs would have on another national team? Rhodes was only contracted up to the end of the World Cup, and if he wants to carry on South Africa must take every set to ensuring it is with them.

Donald, who has ties in England from his county cricket days, is known to want to coach at the highest level, and would love to be involved in the South African set up, but must be growing tired of waiting. If he is to be offered a full time deal by the English, and is thus lost to South Africa, it will be through no fault of his or the English. They have recognised the need for someone like Donald in their setup, especially with the miss firing Harmison, and they must be applauded for making a positive move in rectifying the problem and ensuring that their bowlers have all the help that is needed. A South African attack that has been accused numerous times of not being able to finish off the tail would benefit from someone like Alan Donald. The reluctance of the Proteas setup to involve past players is an aspect that must be addressed. The past players are willing and able but can not sit around waiting forever. The high performance centre is making use of Gary Kirsten and has had Donald involved, but the deals should be set up to ensure that they are looked after so they will not be tempted by other teams. While Donald has enjoyed his time working with young players, he sees his role as working with international players, and not up and coming hopefuls, and they should have been rectified.

People such as Brian Macmillan, Fanie de Villiers, Craig Matthews, Darryl Cullinan and Pat Symcox have something to offer and if South Africa want to be the best then they need the best to help them. By allowing their assets to be used by others, by allowing others to benefit from their resources, while they themselves are in need of help and improvement, is not only foolish, but stubborn to. Donald should not be in a position to be looking for work with England, he should be working with the South African national team - his national team.

Twenty20 Cricket World Cup Match Schedule

All set for the first ever Twenty Twenty Cricket World Cup. The draw for Septembers inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa has been made and sees a number of intriguing clashes which include England facing the Aussies and India taking on Pakistan.

Sri Lanka will play New Zealand and Kenya in Group C of the tournament.

Cricket South Africa have confirmed the groups for the tournament, which will be held over two weeks in the Republic where Twenty20 cricket is hugely popular.


The opening match will be played on Tuesday, September 11th and the final on Monday, September 24th 2007.

Groups

Group A - South Africa, West Indies and Bangladesh
Group B - England, Australia and Zimbabwe
Group C - New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Kenya
Group D - Pakistan, India and Scotland

The top two teams in each group go through to the Super Eight and matches will be played at Newlands in Cape Town, Kingsmead in Durban and the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Venues
Johannesburg - Wanderers
Durban - Kingsmead
Cape Town - Newlands

Match Schedule

Tuesday, September 11th 2007
South Africa v West Indies 1800 - Johannesburg


Wednesday, September 12th 2007
New Zealand v Kenya 1000 - Durban
Pakistan v Scotland 1400 - Durban
Australia v Zimbabwe 1800 - Cape Town


Thursday, September 13th 2007
West Indies v Bangladesh 1000 - Johannesburg
Zimbabwe v England 1400- Cape Town
India v Scotland 1800 - Durban


Friday, September 14th 2007
Sri Lanka v Kenya 1000 - Johannesburg
Australia v England 1400 - Cape Town
India v Pakistan 1800 - Durban


Saturday, September 15th 2007
Sri Lanka v New Zealand 1400 - Johannesburg
South Africa v Bangladesh 1800- Cape Town


Sunday, September 16th 2007
Winner Group C v Runner Up Group D 1000- Johannesburg
Winner Group B v Runner Up Group A 1400- Cape Town
Winner Group A v Runner Up Group B 1800- Cape Town


Monday, September 17th 2007
Winner Group D v Runner Up Group C 1800- Johannesburg


Tuesday, September 18th 2007
Winner Group C v Runner Up Group B
1000 - Durban
Winner Group B v Winner Group D 1400- Johannesburg
Runner Up Group A v Runner Up Group C 1800 -Johannesburg


Wednesday, September 19th 2007
Winner Group A v Winner Group C 1400 -Durban
Runner Up Group B v Runner Up Group D 1800 -Durban


Thursday, September 20th 2007
Winner Group B v Runner Up Group C
- 1000 Cape Town
Runner Up Group A v Winner Group D 1400 - Cape Town
Winner Group A v Runner Up Group D 1800- Durban


Saturday, September 22nd 2007
E2 v F1 1400 - Cape Town
E1 v F2 1800 - Durban


Monday, September 24th 2007
Final TBA Johannesburg

Smith to Miss Ireland Tour?

With South African captain Graeme Smith having just undergone knee surgery, having injured his knee taking a catch to dismiss Kevin Peterson in the World Cup, there is now a strong suggestion that he miss the trip to Ireland at the end of June for a match against Ireland and three against India.

In a season that includes the 20/20 World Cup, being held in South Africa in September, as well as series against New Zealand, the West Indies, Pakistan and India, it would be seen as vital that Smith's knee be allowed to fully recover before he is rushed into action. With Smith likely to be an important figure in South Africa's 20/20 World Cup hopes, it may be advisable that he miss the short series in Ireland and instead have a much needed rest, and be 100% for the new season.

Should Smith miss out then Jacques Kallis will lead the team against India and Ireland. Kallis has previously led the team when Smith had missed a test match through injury. While South Africa may not have been happy with their world cup performance, it is unlikely that whole sale changes will be made to the team that, apart from the inconsistency shown during the world cup, have had a very successful last few years. The spin bowling option may be one that could see a change, with the likelihood of Johan Botha or Thandi Tshabala, or both, being included in the touring squad, giving the team more options and variety than it has previously had.

Smith will more than likely also not make the team representing Africa in the Afro Asia series in Bangladesh

Feels like England won't ever take another wicket

Matthew Hoggard's injured; Andrew Flintoff still can't bowl; Liam Plunkett was ineffectual; and once rain fell, Test Match Special may as well have been retitled 'the Steve Harmison puzzle'. How the hell are England ever going to win a Test ever again?

As ever, we don't have the answer. James Anderson will probably come in for Matthew Hoggard. Anderson hasn't been in form, but then again neither were any of the batsmen who scored hundreds in this match.

We'd give anything for Steve Harmison to get things right though. The alternative - an England attack of willing fast-medium bowlers - is too horrible to contemplate.

We can see it now: Three or four accurate, yet nondescript, typically English bowlers. There's a big partnership, but no matter how relentlessly they pitch the ball on off stump, the batsmen just don't seem troubled. India, Australia or whoever close on a billion for none.

At least Steve Harmison's bouncy and quick. That's why he plays. We've never seen a bowler top 90mph with such little effort. When all's well, it really is an easy game for Steve Harmison. Unfortunately, all hasn't been well for some time now.

Don't drop him though. The grass isn't greener. It's mend Steve or nothing in our eyes. There are a couple of promising bowlers, but Steve's promise is still greater, no matter what's happened.

Cross-posted at kingcricket.blogspot.com.
New site at kingcricket.co.uk.

Wessels to Reign In Descipline?

There are rumblings within the South African cricket community suggesting that Kepler Wessels may be installed as the new manager of the national cricket team. In a board meeting last week, held to access the performance of those at the helm of the World Cup team, it was confirmed that both coach Mickey Arthur and captain Graeme Smith would be retained for a further two years. The meeting also outlined the need for the team to create a new role within the set up for a team manager.

There have long been suggestions that there is a clique of players within the South African team who have had a to big influence on the team, having shown a distinct lack of maturity and have had an adverse affect on team discipline. This has been seen as partly to blame for the rumours of team moral taking a hit, as well as the belief that the psychological strength within the team is not strong enough to beat Australia or to win the big games, such as the World Cup semi final loss.

The appointment of Wessels, should it happen, would serve to reign in the disruptive force within the set up, ensure a greater level of team discipline, as well as serve to increase the mindset of the players by increasing their mental strength. While Wessels has had problems with members high up in the South African Cricket Board, it is believed that those fences have been mended, and that his appointment would have the backing of all. Wessels, who captained South Africa from 1992 until his retirement in '94, where Hansie Cronje took over, has been fairly outspoken of issues within South African cricket, and has been particularly critical of their performances against Australia. It remains to be seen whether a working relationship between him and Smith would be successful. However it has been suggested that Smith having to much influence and power within the team was one of the principle reasons put forward when addressing the needs for a team manager.

Wessels is a strong character, who has played for both Australia and South Africa, and may be the tough, no nonsense, figure that South Africa needs in its set up, as they rebuild after the World Cup. Before any announcement is made Wessels will lead a South African emerging players team to Australia where they will compete against similar teams from Australia, New Zealand and India. This role may be an indication of the trust that the UCB now has in Wessels, and should he prove successful the managers job may be his on his return.

Chaminda Vaas Injured in a County Match

Sri Lankan fast bowler, who was a contracted Middlesex bowler in 2007 English county season, Chaminda Vaas has been released from hospital after colliding with the advertising boards while fielding.

There was a 27-minute delay during Middlesex's nine-wicket defeat to Essex in Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy match after Vaas careered into the hoardings as he tried to take catch England all-rounder Ravi Bopara.

Sri Lanka paceman Vaas, 33, was admitted to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford after leaving the field on a stretcher.

He was assessed by a consultant before being released at around 7.30pm.

Middlesex coach Richard Pybus told BBC Online: "Chaminda unfortunately fell back into the boards and hit his head."He's been taken to do some neurological tests.

"He was conscious and could feel his fingers and feet. You've got to be very careful with an injury like this.''

Source: The Sri Lanka Rounder