Mubarak to lead Sri Lanka in Asian Games

Jehan Mubarak, the 29-year old opener, has been named captain of the 15-member Sri Lanka team for the Asian Games to be held in China from November 12. The team includes 12 players who have featured at the international level.

The most interesting selection is that of Nuwan Zoysawho makes an appearance three years after playing the last of his 95 ODIs. The squad also includes batsman Tillakaratne Sampath, younger brother of the national opener Tillakaratne Dilshan. Sampath, along with opener Dilshan Munaweera and wicketkeeper Kushal Janith are the three uncapped players in the squad.

The matches in the Asian Games will be played in the Twenty20 format. The last time cricket featured in a major multi-sport event was at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia.

Sri Lanka squad: Jehan Mubarak (capt.), Jeevantha Kulatunga (vice-capt.), Kaushalya Weeraratne, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Indika de Saram (wk), Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Dilshan Munaweera, Tillakaratne Sampath, Kushal Janith, Isuru Udana, Sajeewa Weerakoon, Gayan Wijekoon, Malinga Bandara

Bayliss intends to quit as the coach After World Cup

Trevor Bayliss intends to quit as the coach of Sri Lanka after next year's World Cup, having spent three years in the role. The Sydney Morning Heraldreported that Bayliss, the former New South Wales coach, was keen to spend more time with his wife and teenage children, who still live in Sydney.

"I'm on the lookout [for a new job]," Bayliss told the paper. He is in Sydney with the Sri Lankans ahead of their limited-overs series against Australia, which begins with a Twenty20 in Perth on Sunday followed by three one-day internationals.

The matches are part of Sri Lanka's preparations for the World Cup, which they will host in conjunction with India and Bangladesh starting next February. Last time the tournament was held in the subcontinent Sri Lanka emerged triumphant, and Bayliss is optimistic of their hopes in 2011.

"They've got a good chance in this World Cup coming up, and I'm looking forward to it very much," Bayliss said. In his time as Sri Lanka's coach, Bayliss has helped the team win 11 out of 25 Tests and 41 of 78 ODIs, and they now sit third in the ICC Test rankings and fourth in the one-day international list.

A former batsman who played 58 first-class matches for New South Wales, Bayliss took on the role as the state's coach in 2004-05. He was chosen to replace Tom Moody at the helm of the Sri Lankan side in August 2007.

Lions Fly For Kangaroos...

Sri Lankan Tour in Australia .......

 

1st match will play on 31st OCT.

WI Women won the ICC Women's Cricket Challenge

West Indies raced to an impressive eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka to claim the title in twenty20 leg of the ICC Women's Cricket Challenge on Saturday. In the other play-offs, South Africa finished third beating Pakistan by six wickets and Ireland got the better of Netherlands by 42 runs to finish fifth. 

But it was West Indies' day as it took on Sri Lanka in the first place play-off and were well served by its spin attack. All the West Indies bowlers shared the spoils as Sri Lanka was restricted to 83 for nine in 20 overs at the North-West University No 1 Ground. West Indies chased down the target in fine style. Deandra Dottin remained unbeaten on 39 (22b, 5x4, 2x6) and shared a second wicket stand of 46 with Juliana Nero to complete the formalities. 

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Gavin Fingleson was contracted for a two week period by SLC

Australian “Gavin Fingleson” specialized fielding coach, is pictured here demonstrating modern fielding skills to the men’s National Squad Players at SSC grounds. Gavin was contracted for a two week period by SLC to work exclusively with the National Team in their preparation of the forthcoming tour of Australia which begins later this month and also taking into consideration the World Cup which is around the corner.

Source : srilankacricket.lk

The introduction of Twenty20 International rankings table as soon as this is justifiable

The ICC Board has approved the recommendations from the ICC Chief Executives' Committee (CEC), which met in Cape Town last month.

These recommendations seek to give exciting content and context for international cricket within the Future Tours Programme (FTP) after 2012 and also to consider future ICC events.

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Specifically, the ICC Board has approved the following recommendations from CEC:
1. The FTP should consist of a Test league to provide context for all Test matches. The league would determine the top four teams to qualify for an ICC Test play-off

2. The play-off should be held once every four years to determine the Test champion team with a request to hold the first such play-off in 2013

3. The FTP should also consist of a One-Day International league, the first to run from April 2011 until April 2014, culminating in the crowning of an ODI league champion. This would run separate to the ICC Cricket World Cup

4. The ICC Cricket World Cup should consist of a 10-team format from 2015

5. The ICC World Twenty20 should consist of a 16-team format from 2012, with the women's event continuing to run alongside 

6. The introduction of Twenty20 International rankings table as soon as this is justifiable. 

Hayden the cricketer has done some swimming - but only for safety.

Matthew Hayden is a man of many talents but even he was surprised to learn he had won the 100m freestyle at the Commonwealth Games this week. The announcer in Delhi had cut off the first name of Brent Matthew Hayden - a bald, hulking figure from Canada - before the gold medal ceremony and there was brief local excitement that the batsman had swapped sports and allegiances.


Hayden the cricketer has done some swimming - but only for safety. When his fishing boat sank in the rather dangerous waters off Brisbane he and Andrew Symonds were forced to paddle to shore. Hayden, who is currently a Twenty20 player, administrator, television host, businessman and philanthropist, was definitely not in Delhi on Sunday; he was at the Gabba for the launch of his new book, Standing My Ground.


Read more : on cricinfo

Windies arrive on November 7

The West Indies cricket team will arrive in Sri Lanka on November 7 for a three test series alongside a five match one day series and a T20 international.

Sri Lanka will play two One Day Internationals against West Indies at Sooriyawewa, 

Sri Lanka will play three other one day internationals against West Indies at R. Premadasa Stadium.

The only T20 will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium.

mean while , Pallekale cricket stadium will be a test venue later this year, confirmed Sri Lanka Cricket secretary Nishantha Ranatunga today. Sri Lanka will play the three test matches against West Indies in Galle, R. Premadasa Stadium and pallekale in November and December.

No UDRS for New Zealand series - BCCI

The BCCI secretary and president-elect N Srinivasan has said that the board remains opposed to the Umpiring Decision Review System (UDRS), despite the dodgy calls that marred the closely contested Mohali Test between India and Australia.

"As of now, I can tell you that we are not thinking about using the [system] for the New Zealand series [that follows the Australia series]," Srinivasan toldAAP, putting to rest speculation that the BCCI could relent on its anti-UDRS stand.

India emerged victorious by the closest of margins after a pulsating match which had more than its share of umpiring controversies. Michael Hussey and Gautam Gambhir got rough decisions on the fourth day, that altered the momentum of the game. On the final day, with India 11 runs away from a win, and Australia needing two wickets, Ishant Sharma was adjudged lbw to a ball sliding down the leg side. Five runs later, Pragyan Ojha survived a close call that could have given Australia the match.

"Umpires are human beings and they can make errors," Srinivasan said. "Rather than stressing on the wrong decisions given, we should be happy that India have won the Test match."

Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, reaffirmed his support for the system after the match. "One thing I know about the system so far is that you definitely get more correct decisions in a game of cricket than you do without it," Ponting said. "There's no doubt, take this Test match alone, with the use of the system here I think we would've have a lot more right decisions in the game." 

India's antipathy towards the UDRS stems from their experience in the 2008 tour of Sri Lanka, where they were hurt by a failure to make proper use of the, then nascent, system. The system used in Sri Lanka was Virtual Eye, while the broadcaster for the Australia - India series, Neo Sports, uses Hawk-Eye, a competing technology.

Since then, both technologies have been used extensively in other countries and helped weed out clear umpiring errors, if not always providing conclusive evidence for touch-and-go decisions.

In recent times, some of India's players have softened their stand, with Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan expressing their support for the reviews, though the majority, including captain MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, remains sceptical.

Extract From : Cricinfo © ESPN

SLC HAND OVER CONTRACTS TO 99 PLAYERS

Sri Lanka Cricket increased the player contracts from 78 players to 99 for the forthcoming year. The Administrators under the guidance of the national selectors have grouped the contracted players into four categories.

Speaking at a simple ceremony held at the headquarters, Chairman Sri Lanka Cricket stated that players, who have been afforded this opportunity, are a privileged bunch, hence he advised all youngsters to take advantage of the given opportunity. The Chairman also stated that players from the “A” team, Under 23s Under 19s, including hopefuls from the development squads have been given contracts with a prime objective of helping  players not only financially, but also to enable them to pursue a career in Cricket. He insisted that players should be disciplined, dedicated and devoted to the game.

Speaking to the youngsters, Secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket Nishantha Ranatunga stated that youngsters should develop themselves, by taking advantage of the given opportunity. He emphasized that an excellent infrastructure is in place. He also stated that latest equipment have been sourced to help players develop their skill level. He told the youngsters to take Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardana as role models who have excelled to World standards due to sheer hard work and commitment. He requested players to refrain from alcohol and to condition themselves to be professionals. “Make use of this opportunity, so that your parents and your school coaches who brought you thus far will be proud of you” stated the Secretary in his speech.

Jerome Jayaratne, Head of Coaching at SLC spelt out the facilities that his department will provide for the young players. Jerome stated that the Coaching unit has specialized personal for batting, bowling and fielding. His unit he stated has a spin and a fast bowling clinic. He urged the players to condition themselves, stay focused, follow the advice given by the physiotherapists and the trainers and to concentrate  on their fitness level which is of paramount importance for modern-day cricketing demands.

The players were also given a brief on the Provincial tournament structure by Chandima Mapatuna, Manager Tournaments of SLC.

Chief Executive Officer Ajit Jayasekera and Chairman SLC, D.S. De Silva handed over the official contracts to the players.

The current administration has not only developed International Stadiums, but are optimistic of developing playing facilities at all Districts and Provinces and to conduct extensive coaching programs even in the North and the East.

It is pertinent to note that their well thought out player investment plan has helped SLC to strengthen the back bench. Sri Lanka stands tall as a cricket playing nation in the World. TheNational team is ranked 3^rd both in the Test and the One Day version in the ICC rankings.

Source : srilankacricket.lk

AUSSIE EXPERIENCE IS PRICELESS- KALU

Fans came in their numbers, while millions were glued to their TV sets when Romesh Kaluwitharana opened the innings with Sanath Jayasuriya in the mid 90’s. Little Kalu as he is fondly known in the commentary box brought about a new dimension to one day cricket. Kalu and Sanath played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup triumph in 1996. Behind the stumps he was a live wire, excellent hand-eye coordination, with an inborn talent to hit the ball out of the park is Kalu’s trade mark.

Click here to See  Conversation Interviewed by Brian Thomas

Viru- AB Grab Stars....

Sachin Tendulkar has won his first ICC trophy by being named the Cricketer of the Year during the 2010 ICC Awards in Bangalore. Tendulkar, however, lost out in the other major categories he was nominated in, with Virender Sehwag winning the Test Cricketer of the Year award and AB de Villiers claiming the ODI prize.

MS Dhoni was named the captain of the Test team of the year, which included Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Graeme Swann, Tendulkar, Hashim Amla, Simon Katich, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, James Anderson and Doug Bollinger.

Ricky Ponting was captain of the ODI team of the year, leading a team comprising Tendulkar, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, de Villiers, Paul Collingwood, Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Stuart Broad, Bollinger and Ryan Harris.

Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand batsman, won the award foSachin Tendulkar has won his first ICC award, the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, by being named the Cricketer of the Year during the 2010 ICC Award ceremony in Bangalore. Tendulkar, however, lost out in the other major categories he was nominated in, with Virender Sehwag winning the Test Cricketer of the Year award and AB de Villiers claiming the ODI prize.

"This last season has been really special for the entire team," Tendulkar, who also received the People's Choice Award, said. "I think right from the start of the season, when we won in Sri Lanka and I scored a hundred in the finals, and from there on the season took off for us. We became No. 1 in the Test rankings, something we all wanted to achieve, and we've been able to maintain our performances in the last ten months."

Tendulkar fought off competition from Sehwag, Hashim Amla and Graeme Swann, the other nominees in the Cricketer of the Year category. Previous winners of the Cricketer of the Year award include Rahul Dravid, Andrew Flintoff, Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Mitchell Johnson.

During the period under consideration for the award - August 24, 2009 to August 10, 2010 - Tendulkar scored 1064 runs at an average of 81.84 in ten Tests. He made 914 runs in 17 ODIs at 65.28, and also scored the format's first double-century against South Africa in Gwalior. Tendulkar is presently third on the ICC's rankings for Test batsmen, and tenth in ODIs.

MS Dhoni was named captain of the Test team of the year, which included Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Swann, Tendulkar, Amla, Simon Katich, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, James Anderson and Doug Bollinger.

Ricky Ponting was captain of the ODI team of the year, leading a side comprising Tendulkar, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, de Villiers, Paul Collingwood, Dhoni, Daniel Vettori, Stuart Broad, Bollinger and Ryan Harris.

Brendon McCullum, the New Zealand batsman, won the award for the best Twenty20 Performance of the Year for his 116 not out against Australia in Christchurch in February. McCullum edged out Hussey, Mahela Jayawardene and Ryan McLaren, the others nominated for the Twenty20 award.

Netherlands allrounder Ryan ten Doeschate won the Associate Player of the Year award. ten Doeschate's performances during the English domestic season has made him a sought-after player in international Twenty20 competitions. He has been signed by Tasmania for the Big Bash and by Canterbury for New Zealand's domestic tournament.

Steven Finn, the England fast bowler, won the award for Emerging Player of the Year. Finn, 21, made his Test debut against Bangladesh in March and has since taken 32 wickets in eight matches.

New Zealand won the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award for the second time in row and the third time overall. Aleem Dar, the Pakistani umpire, also won the Umpire of the Year Award for the second time in a row.

Rachel Heyhoe-Flint, the former England women's captain, was the first woman cricketer inducted into the ICC's Hall of Fame, while Shelley Nitschke, the Australian allrounder, was the Woman Cricketer of the Year.

Walsh, Garner and Heyhoe Flint to be inducted into ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

The ICC and the Federation of International Cricketer Associations (FICA) today announced the four newest inductees to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

West Indies fast bowlers Courtney Walsh and Joel Garner, along with the late Ken Barrington of England, will join the 60 male members of the Hall of Fame* while England's Rachael Heyhoe Flint becomes the first woman to be inducted.

Walsh, Garner and Heyhoe Flint will attend the LG ICC Awards this evening at the Grand Castle and will be inducted by one of the original 55 inductees, Bishan Bedi, who will also be receiving his commemorative cap this evening.
The late Ken Barrington will be inducted in the UK next summer in a ceremony involving the former batsman's family.

The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame is a joint venture with FICA set up in 2009, the ICC's Centenary year.

FICA Chief Executive Tim May said of this evening's inductions: "All four of those named today thoroughly deserve the accolade and of being part of the elite group that form the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in association with FICA. "I congratulate all four inductees but I would particularly like to acknowledge Rachael Heyhoe Flint for becoming the first female cricketer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame."
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CWC 1992 gave Pakistan the belief, says Akram

Former Pakistan paceman and captain Wasim Akram believes the win in the ICC Cricket World Cup 1992 gave new belief to the sport in the country.

With the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 just six months away, Akram was reminded of that big night on 25 March 1992 when Pakistan came from behind to become world champions.

Akram remembers every moment of the tournament in 1992. But what is still fresh in his memory is the league match against New Zealand which kick started the dream run.
"I remember almost everything about ICC Cricket World Cup 1992. But the way we qualified tops my memories. We were up against New Zealand who had won eight of their games and were on a roll. They were a strong side. Before that game Imran gave a speech to the team. He wore a t-shirt with the picture of a tiger. He said go out and enjoy your cricket, play like cornered tigers. And we really did do what he said," recalled Akram.
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One-day squad for VB Tour of India - CA

Ricky Ponting, Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson all rested as Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) announce a 14-man squad for the one-day component of Australia’s VB Tour of India.

The 14-man squad is: Michael Clarke (c), Cameron White (vc), Doug Bollinger, Callum Ferguson, Nathan Hauritz, James Hopes, Mike Hussey, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and David Warner.

NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said:

“Player workload management is particularly important over the course of the next seven months as we prepare a squad to defend the ICC Cricket World Cup in India and the subcontinent and to win the Ashes back from England.

“Each individual player has a program developed in collaboration between the player, the coaching and conditioning staff and the NSP, which will get each player to the end of April 2011 in the best possible physical condition and, we hope, with plenty of Australian success on the field.

“With that in mind, Ricky Ponting will not take part in this one-day series. The NSP has decided as part of the ongoing management of Ricky’s workload he should not take part in this series. The demands of back-to-back Test matches in tough Indian conditions have been taken into consideration.

“In addition, Ricky faces a very demanding domestic summer on his return to Australia and will have no other opportunity for a break from the start of the domestic season until after the much-awaited ICC Cricket World Cup in India and the subcontinent, which begins in February next year.

“Mitchell Johnson will also have his workload managed and not take part in the series. As Mitchell is now the leader of our bowling attack, and with numerous injuries to our fast bowling stocks at present, it is essential we manage his workload so he can get through the domestic summer and the ICC Cricket World Cup.

“Shane Watson also will not take part in the series. The NSP considers it essential that he has a break to ensure that can fulfil his vital role during our domestic summer and of course the World Cup.

“It is essential to the balance of our side that Shane can open the batting and play the all-round role. Shane’s playing and training program has been carefully managed over the last couple of years and we have decided the best way of ensuring he can play this role is for him to miss the one-day component of this series.”

“The NSP is very excited about the one-day squad with a squad full of the best of our young talented cricketers and it presents a great opportunity for them all to impress against India on their home soil and ahead of selection for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

“Two uncapped fast bowlers in James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc join Clint McKay and Doug Bollinger as a four-man pace attack for the one-day series. Clint impressed in India last year and James and Mitchell have really impressed since joining the Test squad as standby players. The NSP is sure they will have an impact in international cricket and will seize this opportunity.

“Callum Ferguson makes his return to the Australian side after a serious knee injury. He has been in great form recently and richly deserves the opportunity to resume his position in the Australian one-day side where he performed so well prior to this injury.

“David Warner returns to the one-day squad. The NSP considers he has the potential to have a significant impact at the top of the order in sub-continent conditions and it is an ideal opportunity for David to perform in these conditions prior to selection for the ICC World Cup.

“Steve Smith is again a member of the one-day squad. Steve is an impressive young talent and his game is improving in all facets with his continued involvement in the Australian squad. The NSP is sure Steve will be looking to cement his position in the one-day team during this tour.

“Both Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle are making extremely good progress in their returns from injury and will resume playing state cricket while this one-day squad is in India. It was felt premature for them to return to international cricket for this series and they are expected to build workload through the beginning of the interstate season.

“This 14-man squad is really looking forward to playing aggressive and entertaining cricket in what promises to be an enthralling one-day series.”

Source : CA

CRICKETER OF THE YEAR - KUMAR SANGAKKARA

Skipper of Sri Lanka cricket team Kumar Sangakkara won the CEAT Cricketer of the Year award at a gala ceremony held at Water’s Edge last night. .

Sri Lankan Skipper Kumar Sangakkara was elected as Cricketer of the Year and also the Most Famous Cricketer of the Year award at the Ceat Annual Cricket Award Ceremony was held yesterday at Water's Edge in Colobaration with Sri Lanka Cricket. 

The other awards ....

Best Batsman (Test) - Thilan Samaraweera

Best Bowler (Test) - Rangana Herath

Best Batsman (ODI) - T.M.Dilshan

Best Bowler (ODI)  - Lasith Malinga

Best Allrounder (ODI)  - Angelo Mathews

Best Young Cricketer - Dinesh Chandimal

U19 Best Batsman - Bhanuka Rajapaksa

U19 Best Bowler - Charith Jayampathi

U19 Best Allrounder - Chathura Peris

U19 Best Young Cricketer - Sanitha de Mal

Women Best Batter - Sashikala Siriwardane

Women Best Bowler - Sachini de Alwis

Women Best Allrounder - Eshani Lokuwooriya

Vaas named T20 Player of the Year in English County season

Vaas has been named as 2010's 'T20 Player of the Year' for his performances at the Friends Provident T20 (FPT20) tournament in England this summer.

The FPT20 tournament features all of England's top tier county sides, and Chaminda Vaas playing for the Northants Steelbacks finished a memorable tournament showing off his all-round prowess.

In a surprising move, the Steelbacks promoted Vaas up the order to open batting where the Sri Lankan veteran notched up 412 runs which included four half centuries. With the ball he claimed 23 wickets at just 6.33 runs-per-over, taking three-wicket hauls on three occasions..

The Steelbacks announced recently that they have re-signed Vaas for next year's county championships. At the end of the competition in August this year, after some 151 matches spanning two and a half months, featuring big names in the cricket world like Kieron Pollard, Adam Gilchrist, and David Hussey, Vaas became the first overseas player to win the FP T20's 'Most Valuable Player' award.

In the Indian Premier League, 2010, Vaas finished as one of the Deccan Chargers' most successful bowlers. Inexplicably, however, the Chargers' Australian skipper, Gilchrist, chose to play Vaas for only six games, opting instead for his fellow countrymen.

Northants have already resigned Vaas for next year's county championship which includes the LV= County Championships, the Clydesdale Bank 40, and the FP T20.

PRIMA U15 CHAMPIONS TROPHY

 Match Fixtures

Group	Group
North  province	Western province south
Western Province North outer	Southern Province
Western Province north	Uva Province
Central province	Western province south outer
North central province	Eastern province Group A

Date	Match	Venue
25/10	North  Province vs. Western Province North outer	Welagedara
25/10	Western Province north vs. Central Province	Dambulla
26/10	North  Province vs. Central Province	Welagedara
26/10	Western Province north vs. North Central Province	Dambulla
27/10	Western Province North outer vs. Western Province north	Welagedara
27/10	Central Province  vs. North Central Province	Dambulla
28/10	North  Province vs. Western Province north	Welagedara
28/10	North Central Province vs. Western Province North outer	Dambulla
29/10	Western Province North outer vs. Central Province	Welagedara
29/10	North  Province vs. North Central Province	Dambulla

Group B

Date	Match	Venue
25/10	Western Province South vs. Southern Province	TBC
25/10	Uva Province vs. Western Province South Outer	TBC
26/10	Western Province South vs. Western Province South Outer	TBC
26/10	Uva Province vs. Eastern	TBC
27/10	Southern Province vs. Uva Province	TBC
27/10	Western Province South Outer vs. Eastern	TBC
28/10	Western Province South vs. Uva Province	TBC
28/10	Eastern vs. Southern Province	TBC
29/10	Southern Province vs. Western Province South Outer	TBC
29/10	Western Province South vs. Eastern	TBC

2^ND ROUND

01/11	1ST SEMI FINALS     GROUP A1 Vs GROUP B2
01/11	2ND SEMI FINALS   GROUP B1-  Vs GROUP A2
03/11	FINALS