Prior replaces Davies for England

Matt Prior has replaced wicketkeeper Steven Davies in an otherwise predictable 15-man squad named by England for the Cricket World Cup.

In-form Prior is set to partner skipper Andrew Strauss at the top of the batting order and will now join the current one-day squad in Australia.

All-rounder Stuart Broad returns from injury while Kent bowler James Tredwell has been selected as a third spinner.

Seamer Chris Woakes misses out despite shining on his recent Twenty20 debut.

Full story: BBC Sport

 

Better to have flawed technology than the cynical appeals of old

Image by Rich Jacques via Flickr

You might have thought there could have been nothing more inappropriate and dispiriting at the highest level of sport than the huddle of whiplashed Aussies turning their back on Alastair Cook‘s exit after his latest epic, record-smashing knock.

Unfortunately, there was, at least for those of us who believe that if technology in cricket is never going to impart infallible justice it is an immeasurable improvement on what we had before.

Full story: The Independent

England on the brink of series glory

England were three wickets away from an emphatic 3-1 series victory after more superlative all-round cricket left Australia in tatters on 7 for 213, still 151 runs short of making the visitors bat again. James Anderson produced an outstanding display of reverse swing, and Chris Tremlett battered the batsmen with hostile pace, to follow up Matt Prior‘s first Ashes hundred which led England to their highest total down under.

England claimed the extra half an hour to try and complete victory after Tremlett removed Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson in consecutive balls amid a heady atmosphere as the travelling fans, who outnumbered the locals, savoured every moment. However, Steve Smith and Peter Siddle managed to see out the eight further overs to keep England waiting overnight to celebrate.

Full story: ESPNcricinfo

 

No-balls hurt Australia

Image by cyberdees via Flickr

Mitchell Johnson wants umpires to call no-balls immediately after Australia were the victims for the second consecutive Test when a front-foot decision was referred by an official. Michael Beer was celebrating Alastair Cook as his first Test wicket when Billy Bowden asked for – and then received – confirmation that the debutant spinner had over-stepped.

“If the umpires know it’s a no-ball I think they should call it, instead of waiting to call it,” Johnson said. Bowden had a hunch Beer had gone over but he waited for the catch to be taken at mid-on before requesting a replay.

Full story: ESPNcricinfo

Siddle went too far, says Prior

Siddle & Prior exhanged words after being Prior was given out in the second innings at Perth

Kevin Pietersen is enjoying the verbal exchanges in this series.

However, Matt Prior has complained Peter Siddle went too far in a heated clash during the Perth Test, claiming it was like a boxer kicking his opponent when he is down.

Sledging has become the topic du jour after a number of heated exchanges in the third match, with most players on both sides saying they enjoy the contest on all levels.

But Prior said in his English newspaper column that Siddle went too far.

“The Australian fast bowler had launched a short-pitched round-the-wicket attack,” he wrote.

Full story: The Australian