Australia announce squad for ICC Cricket World Cup

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced the 15-man squad for next month’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

The Australia Team will be proudly sponsored by VB as it seeks its fourth consecutive ICC Cricket World Cup.

The squad is:

Ricky Ponting (c) TAS 36
Michael Clarke (vc) NSW 29
Doug Bollinger NSW 29
Brad Haddin NSW 33
John Hastings VIC 25
Nathan Hauritz NSW 29
David Hussey VIC 33
Mike Hussey WA 35
Mitchell Johnson WA 29
Brett Lee NSW 34
Tim Paine TAS 26
Steve Smith NSW 21
Shaun Tait SA 27
Shane Watson NSW 29
Cameron White VIC 27

Full story: Cricket Australia

 

Ian Bell’s century steers England to tour win

An unbeaten century from opener Ian Bell led England to a seven-wicket win in a rain-affected tour match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.

Bell continued his superb Ashes form with 124 off 102 balls as England eased to a revised total of 223, after the home side had posted 254-9.

Jonathan Trott, batting at number three, added a useful 48.

Earlier, Michael Yardy and Ajmal Shazhad were the pick of the England bowlers, taking three wickets each.

Full story: BBC Sport

Clarke defends Hughes over claimed catch

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Michael Clarke has defended Phillip Hughes against Ian Botham’s accusation of cheating and also cleared Ian Bell for not walking to a ball he was later shown to edge. Hughes was unsure whether he caught Alastair Cook at short leg, momentarily celebrating the dismissal before asking whether it had carried.

Cook, who was on 99, stood his ground and stayed when the replays showed the ball bouncing in front of Hughes. Botham was quick to criticise Hughes while commentating on Sky Sports. “Terrible,” he said. “Cheating. How much do you want it to bounce into your hands? He knows he hasn’t caught it.”

Full story: ESPNcricinfo

 

No-balls hurt Australia

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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

England hold the edge despite Johnson’s efforts

Mitchell Johnson did his best to keep Australia alive in the final Ashes Test with a vital half-century and two key wickets on an absorbing day, but England were handily placed on 3 for 167 in reply to 280. Andrew Strauss hit a sparkling 58-ball 60 to launch England’s reply following Johnson’s counterattacking 53, then Alastair Cook maintained his prolific form only to lose Kevin Pietersen shortly before the close.

Full story: ESPNcricinfo