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Cricinfo previews Australia’s prospects for the women’s World Cup 2009

Jenny Roesler07-Mar-2009
Karen Rolton will want to make it a sixth world title for Australia in what could be her last World Cup © Getty Images
Undoubtedly one of the tournament favourites, Australia hold both the trophy and home advantage. Two-time winner Karen Rolton leads them in her fourth World Cup, her first in charge, and likely to be her last as a player.There may only be four players left from the victorious team of 2005, and the side may have lost doughty campaigners such as Belinda Clark and Cathryn Fitzpatrick since their 2005 victory, but fresh and exciting talent has since come through, in the form of players such as Lauren Ebsary, Emma Sampson and Ellyse Perry. Meanwhile, key performers such as Lisa Sthalekar, Alex Blackwell and Shelley Nitschke have been steadily improving their averages and will be expected to make crucial contributions. All of their players have an all-round game par excellence, including some spot-on fielding.Also look out for new girls Jessica Cameron and Erin Osborne – Australia have acted as Australia do – and picked the form players. To this end, the two 19-year-olds, offspinner Osborne and batsman Cameron were pulled into the side for Australia’s pre-World Cup duties in New Zealand. Osborne performed well in particular; having been the domestic leading wicket-taker, she took three wickets in one match.Australia represent a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut in ODIs: they have not lost a series or tournament since being pipped at the post by New Zealand in 2000. But seemingly is the key word – they were run close by England last year and their neighbouring sisters New Zealand have given them plenty of cause for concern in recent times in their annual Rose Bowl face-off. This year New Zealand came the closest yet – taking a 2-0 lead before Australia dragged themselves back to 2-2, with the tantalising final match becoming an agonising wash-out.And though Australia’s track record would on paper suggest they should be shoo-ins for the cup, this tournament is deceptively wide open. New Zealand and England, in particular, will push them all the way. Nevertheless, Australia will expect to pick up easy carry-over pointsagainst South Africa and West Indies, and will be aiming to do their best in what will be Rolton’s last World Cup.Know your competitionNew Zealand: Without doubt the toughest competition for Australia in this group. But regardless of what happens in their encounter, both sides should be comfortably into the Super Sixes.South Africa: Have never beaten Australia and are unlikely to in their backyard.West Indies: Too raw a talent; Australia should easily beat them.Stars of 2009Lisa Sthalekar – it’s hard to ignore the world’s No. 1 allrounder.Playing in her home state and in her second World Cup, Sthalekar is doubtless a key player. Her off spin can take key wickets, while her batting ability is excellent.Shelley Nitschke – has also jostled to be the world’s premier allrounder. Superb in all three disciplines: her batting is technically correct, her bowling naggingly accurate, and her fielding is useful.Ellyse Perry is Australia’s not-so-secret weapon. Much-hyped, the definite poster girl of the tournament, but the pin-up is worthy of the attention. Broad shouldered, slender, with a slick of sunblock, this shining star bowls good pace, fields well and bats brightly.Squad: Karen Rolton (capt), Lisa Sthalekar, Alex Blackwell, Shelley Nitschke, Emma Sampson, Sarah Andrews, Leah Poulton, Lauren Ebsary, Jessica Cameron, Ellyse Perry, Erin Osborne, Leonie Coleman, Jodie Fields (wk), Rene Farrell, Delissa Kimmince.Group fixturesMarch 8 – Australia v New Zealand, North Sydney Oval
March 10 – Australia v South Africa, Newcastle
March 12 – Australia v West Indies, Drummoyne Oval

Arsenal got their first goal and their first win of the new Premier League season as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s strike proved enough to beat Norwich on Saturday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t produce a vintage display by any stretch of the imagination, but wore the Canaries down until their club captain pounced on basically the goal-line to give the north Londoners all three points.

However, while Aubameyang got the decisive goal, it was new signing and debutant Takehiro Tomiyasu who was arguably Arteta’s real unsung hero of the day.

The Japan international showed exactly why the Gunners decided to seal a deadline day move for him from Serie A side Bologna, showing real power and purpose with everything that he did.

With his natural physical frame and height, it was no surprise that he looked imperious in the air, winning seven out of eight duels in the air and another three on the ground too.

Tomiyasu also looked a threat going forward, timing his runs well and giving fellow new signing Ben White an interesting runner to aim for – he had two shots, completed one dribble and found the target with his only cross of the game.

As per Football.London’s post-match player ratings, Kaya Kaynak gave him a seven, saying: ” A very promising debut from the Japanese international who often stayed deep as Arsenal attacked. Won plenty of aerial duels and looked tidy enough in possession, despite the occasional loose touch which we’ll put down to nerves. A nice volleyed effort on the stroke of half time showed some attacking threat too.”

Mitchell Dijks, his former teammate at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, dubbed him “very strong” and a “true Japanese warrior” at a press conference, via Tuttosport.

Speaking after confirmation of the 22-year-old’s signing, Arteta himself said: “Takehiro is a strong defender with good experience in Serie A and at international level. He’s a versatile defender with great defensive qualities, high technical ability and composure on the ball. He will be an important member of our squad. We look forward to Takehiro joining up with us when he returns from international duty.”

It’s no surprise the Arsenal boss was delighted to get his man, and while Aubameyang may get the headlines for scoring the winner, it was the Japanese ace who today showed Gunners fans what he could bring to the table.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are eyeing a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang successor in this star…

In a swift turnaround, South Africa has overtaken England as the preferred venue to host the IPL next month

Ajay S Shankar and Alex Brown23-Mar-2009In a swift turnaround, South Africa has overtaken England as the preferred venue to host the IPL next month. Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman, met with Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola in Johannesburg on Tuesday, and the pair will conduct a press conference to discuss the outcome of their meeting at 3pm GMT. Should South Africa be named the host nation, it is unclear whether Modi will continue with his scheduled trip to London on Wednesday.Weather has turned out to be the principal factor to have swayed the BCCI officials, a bulk of whom had been in favour of England until Monday morning when the realisation occurred that rain could seriously affect “as many as 70% of the matches” in the Twenty20 tournament, which runs from April 10 to May 24.Another reason for England’s chances receding is the assurance from top officials within the South African government and Cricket South Africa that the IPL will receive the full red carpet treatment, well-placed sources said.”The weather in South Africa seems to have become the deciding factor,” the sources said. “Besides, South Africa is working out to be a much cheaper option. The South African government’s interest in hosting the event is a major factor, too.” However, Modi is also scheduled to leave Johannesburg for London on Tuesday evening to meet ECB officials, who have also expressed interest in hosting the event.South Africa is also considered a better option when it comes to TV timings in comparison to England. For instance, the IPL wants to start its first match of the day at 4 pm IST, which would mean a 11.30 am start in England. In South Africa it would be a 12.30 pm start. The TV rights scenario is also less complicated in South Africa as Supersport owns the rights both for the IPL and for international cricket played in the country. Additionally, the cost of running the tournament in South Africa would be substantially less than in England. And the fact that the South African domestic season concludes a day before the IPL’s scheduled start date should lead to less logistical problems than in England, where the county season will be just underway.Modi and Majola are known to have a strong personal relationship, especially since the two boards became founding partners of the Twenty20 Champions League last year. It is believed that such a rapport would prove crucial in organising a tournament of this magnitude at such short notice. “This gives both the boards a lot of room for negotiations, adjustments and quick decisions, something that may not be possible with the ECB, which has to go by its board for almost every decision,” the sources said.Cricket South Africa (CSA) summoned their provinces to a teleconference on Monday afternoon, where they were updated on the latest IPL developments. “We have been told to expect a decision by Wednesday morning,” said a South African provincial official with knowledge of the conference call. “We have had some early discussions about what we might need to do to prepare for this, but as far as we are aware, no final decisions have been made.”Majola spoke cautiously on Monday evening when asked to assess South Africa’s chances of hosting the IPL’s second season. “Until I meet with Mr Modi and BCCI officials and know exactly what they want and how they think this should proceed, then I cannot say where we stand,” Majola said. “It has been strangely quiet since we were first asked by officials from the BCCI and IPL whether we can assist them, and to the best of my knowledge we remain just one of the options out there. We are interested in assisting, but we have not heard anything further.”Shaun Pollock, the former South African captain and current advisor to the Mumbai Indians, said he would be open to serving as a conduit between his IPL franchise and the KwaZulu-Natal board if approached. Pollock is currently in Durban with eight members of the Mumbai squad for a pre-season training camp.”I would love the Mumbai Indians to come to Durban,” Pollock said. “But, having said that, I don’t know who will decide which franchise goes where, or even if (the IPL) will come here. It’s hard to know at the moment. One person tells you it’s 60-40 in South Africa’s favour and another tells you it’s 60-40 to England. But if it were to come here, I would be happy to help Mumbai if they were interested in basing themselves in my home area and conditions.”As of Sunday evening, England had emerged as the preferred venue to host the tournament after a powerful lobby within the BCCI and the Indian team management felt that such a move would help in preparing for the World Twenty20 in June.However, that decision was almost entirely dependent on the ECB overcoming considerable obstacles related to costs and logistics and the approval of its stakeholders, including the counties, many of whom fear that their domestic schedule will be affected by the IPL.Apparently, there is also a certain amount of concern at the ICC level about the state of venues in England for the World Twenty20 starting on June 5. The IPL will run until May 24 alongside the English domestic season starting in April and the West Indies Test series in May. “It’s the beginning of the season in England and Wales and there is a lot of Twenty20 cricket being played including the ICC World Twenty20,” David Morgan, the ICC president, told . “I do think there will be great difficulties in relocating it.”

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that he will be without three key defenders for Leeds United’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Leeds face important game

The Whites have made a disappointing start to the season, picking up just two points from their opening four league games.

On Friday evening, Leeds make the trip to Newcastle, with both sides desperate for points and the final outcome extremely tough to predict.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Trio missing for Whites

Speaking (via Leeds Live) to the media on Thursday ahead of the game, Bielsa confirmed that Diego Llorente and Robin Koch are both out injured, joining the suspended Pascal Struijk on the sidelines:

“Of the four centre-backs that we have, we are not able to count on Diego, Pascal or Koch but we’re in conditions to resolve the issue.”

It means Liam Cooper is Leeds’ only established centre-back option available at St James’ Park.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-16/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Far from ideal

It is an unfortunate situation for the Whites to find themselves in, making their task against Newcastle even more difficult.

It remains to be seen how Bielsa will deal with the defensive crisis, but Cooper could be paired with Luke Ayling at centre-back, with Stuart Dallas then filling in at right-back.

Ayling has been deployed in the middle over 100 times in his career, but he is far from an out-and-out central defender, however, so it to be thrown in against the almost unstoppable Allan Saint-Maximin, who averages five successful dribbles and 2.3 key passes per game, is going to be an uphill battle.

In other news, a Leeds player happy is unhappy for one key reason. Find out why here.

Bermuda’s fall from grace has intensified in the aftermath of their elimination from the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa

Cricinfo staff17-Apr-2009Bermuda’s fall from grace has intensified in the aftermath of their elimination from the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa, with their fast bowler Kevin Hurdle earning a one-year ban from international cricket following a row with the team manager, Lionel Tannock, during their tour of the Caribbean earlier this year.According to the Bermuda Cricket Board, Hurdle was caught smoking inside a pavilion by Tannock and, after being asked to go outside, fired a volley of obscenities in the manager’s direction.”Subsequent to the recent World Cup qualifiers tour and the reports fromtour management; Kevin Hurdle was found guilty of using obscene, offensiveand insulting language to a Team Official,” a BCB statement said.”The disciplinary committee levied a penalty of a one-year ban frominternational and domestic cricket. The sentence was appealed and the domestic ban was reduced to a three-game suspension. The one-year international ban was confirmed.”Hurdle will be 33 when the ban is lifted, and so the incident effectively ends a career which was already hanging by a thread after he failed to prove his fitness for the World Cup Qualifiers. In his absence, Bermuda crashed out of the competition in the first round after a shock defeat to Afghanistan, and so lost their coveted ODI status as a consequence.The Hurdle episode adds further weight to the criticisms that Bermuda’s manager, Gus Logie, levelled at his squad in a no-holds-barred interview with Cricinfo last week – comments which have since been reiterated by the man himself and backed up by Reggie Pearman, the board president.”The government has put a lot of money [US$11m] into development of the sport on the island, and therefore they deserve to have some sort of success out of it,” Logie told Cricinfo. “We have had professional people come in from all walks of life to come and work in Bermuda … but the general interest has been so low, that these guys aren’t interested in coming back. No one seemed to really care that much.”

Michael Clarke called Australia’s performance “brilliant” in the win over Pakistan in the second ODI

Cricinfo staff25-Apr-2009Michael Clarke called Australia’s performance “brilliant” in the win over Pakistan in the second ODI but the stand-in captain wants more from his team when the series switches to Abu Dhabi on Monday. The five-match contest is level at 1-1 following the encounters in Dubai, where Australia hit back after their disappointing opening loss.”It was a very important game,” Clarke told AAP following the six-wicket success. “We had a really good chat after the [first] game and then the batters got together yesterday after our training just to talk about a few things and come up with a few ideas.”The meetings worked and Andrew Symonds showed he could still perform in the international arena following his suspension from the side. He picked up 2 for 12 in a couple of overs as Pakistan were restricted to 207 and then top scored with 58 in the run-chase. Clarke also chipped in with an unbeaten 39 to finish the game.Australia are touring with a new-look team, with Doug Bollinger and Ben Laughlin playing in Dubai, and are missing senior players in Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Despite the changes in personnel, Clarke has high expectations for the outfit.”We expect a lot as the Australian cricket team because we expect to win every single time we play,” Clarke said. “Guys have been out of the team for a long time or haven’t played much international cricket, it’s hard against very good opposition to come in and expect to do well straight away.”But that’s the standard we set, that’s why we want to be the best we can be, that’s probably why we are as good as we are. I don’t think we can look too deep into it, we played brilliantly here, it’s 1-1 in the series and we’ve still got a lot of work to do to win this series.”Younis Khan was impressed with Australia’s performance and said they remained the best team in the world, even though their current ranking is No. 3. “They have a couple of good allrounders and they still have a batsman like Symonds, now he’s in form,” he said. “So I think they’re still the best team in the world.”

Many Liverpool fans have been reacting to a claim that Naby Keita is set to reject contract talks if he isn’t handed a more prominent role in the team.

The 26-year-old central midfielder has been at the Merseyside side since his July 2018 move from RB Leipzig and has made 82 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

However, Keita has struggled to become an instrumental part of the Reds squad and has only started 45 games of his 82 Premier League fixtures – with players like Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago often ahead of him in the pecking order.

Speaking on BILD Sport, Christian Falk has claimed the Guinea international is set to snub contract renewal talks with Liverpool if he isn’t handed a more key role in the side. His current contract runs out in 2023, so he has just over a year before he is free to talk with foreign clubs over a possible free move.

Keita came on in the 62nd minute in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and scored the Reds’ third goal with a thunderous strike, before being replaced at half-time in Tuesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich City.

Liverpool fans flock to Keita news

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to react to the latest news regarding their midfielder, with one fan claiming the loss of Keita would not be ‘much of a loss’.

“He needs to stay fit and well before seeking a more prominent role.”

Credit: @okekemezie1

“Needs to earn it, so far he hasn’t done near enough for me.”

Credit: @AaronFitzLFC

“Hahahah let him go. I was so for Keita but it’s time we accept the project has failed

Credit: @kajeinn

“How about producing more prominent performances then he’ll get his prominent role.”

Credit: @RedRivelino

“Lot of nerve from a guy who just hurt himself kicking the ground”

Credit: @KeeganLMoyer

“Off you pop”

Credit: @zenmakiin

In other news, Liverpool fans have bemoaned links with this PL winger. Find out more here.

John Buchanan believes Australia should have picked a squad of specialists for the World Twenty20

Cricinfo staff07-May-2009John Buchanan, the former national coach, believes Australia should have picked a squad of specialists for the World Twenty20 instead of relying on regular campaigners in a move that could harm their Ashes defence. Buchanan, whose side Kolkata is struggling at the bottom of the current IPL, would have pushed for Adam Gilchrist or Matthew Hayden to lead the side in England next month rather than having Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke in charge so close to a major series.”If I was a selector I would not be risking, wherever possible, key Ashes players such as Ponting, Clarke, Hussey, Hughes, Haddin, Watson, Clark, Katich, Siddle, Johnson,” he told the Age. “Have them embark on a combination of rest, physical and then technical preparation for the Ashes while this tournament is underway.”Buchanan wanted more specialists in the unit, including Shane Harwood, Cameron White and Shaun Tait, while recalling old stars. “Selectors should have been talking with former players to make themselves available for this particular event,” he said. “I would be looking at Warne or Gilchrist as captain.”After two seasons in charge of an IPL team, Buchanan said the current Twenty20 format was not suitable for regular international competition. “Given the ICC have chosen to cash in on the excitement of Twenty20 and the potential revenues that can be made, then Australia or any country should treat it for what it is,” he said. “It is a one-off tournament that will occur periodically in the world tournament schedule, and in my opinion has little to do with long-term developments of player squads apart from the inclusion of possibly one or two under-19 or ‘new’ players who are included for experience around an Australian environment.”Australia’s 15-man outfit was chosen on Tuesday and included Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee and Shane Watson. The opener David Warner was the only Twenty20 specialist in the line-up.

Newcastle United have suffered a major injury blow to Joe Willock ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford.

What’s the story?

The Magpies have endured a difficult start to the new top-flight campaign, remaining winless in their opening five matches and currently lying 18th in the table.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “Joe Willock picked up an injury in this week, unfortunately, and Jamaal Lascelles hurt his thigh. So they, unfortunately, go on to the injured list, which makes that about five or six of our first team.

“Not that healthy, I have to say. Disappointed. Joe’s was a complete fluke, unfortunately he kicked the ground, damaged his toe. He’ll not make this week, and probably touch and go whether he’ll make next week as well.”Massive blow for Newcastle UnitedMake no mistake about it, being without Willock is arguably the second-biggest absence the Magpies could have faced, outside of Allan Saint-Maximin of course.The former Arsenal starlet arrived on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window, and in his initial loan spell at St James’ Park, he showed exactly why he’s a real match-winner. He bagged eight in 14 games following his winter arrival and set a new record by becoming the youngest player in Premier League history to score in seven consecutive matches.That ability to get into the box at the right time to finish things off is something which has been hailed by Owen Hargreaves, too, praising him after his goal-scoring display for Arsenal against Dundalk in the Europa League last season.The former England midfielder said: “The point is, he can do so much, he gets in the box in the right place at the right time. He wants it to feet, he’s always on the half-turn, which is nice to see. Today I saw a bit more athleticism rather than just coasting in there. His overall game is really good.”While Willock has yet to find the net so far this season, he has still shown his importance to Bruce’s side with a squad-high 4.3 tackles per game, while only Saint-Maximin has averaged more dribbles per match (SofaScore).Without him in the starting line-up against Watford, it really looks like it will be more the same of having to rely on Saint-Maximin for a moment of inspiration.Newcastle fans must be gutted over the injury to the 22-year-old gem, especially considering the freakish circumstances in which it came about.Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a move for this Championship ace…

Aaron Redmond’s half-century and cameos from Scott Styris and Martin Guptill ensured that the weakened New Zealand batting did not slip did not slip on a banana skin and completed a comfortable 83-run victory

The Bulletin by George Binoy11-Jun-2009
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out
Aaron Redmond’s early blitz gave New Zealand an advantage they never relinquished•Getty ImagesA spate of injuries forced New Zealand to call up Aaron Redmond to their World Twenty20 squad at short notice and throw him into action straightaway against Ireland in their Super Eights’ opener at Trent Bridge. He answered their call with an astonishing innings, piercing gaps in the infield with pinpoint accuracy to blast 63 off 30. His half-century and cameos from Scott Styris and Martin Guptill ensured that a weakened New Zealand did not slip on a banana skin and completed a comfortable 83-run victory.New Zealand were without three of their best players – Jesse Ryder was ruled out of the tournament with an infection while Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori had hamstring and shoulder injuries – so they sent an SOS to Redmond, playing in the Bolton League in England. He’d never played a limited-overs international but opening in a World Twenty20 match was a seamless transition.Wearing Brendon McCullum’s shirt with the name blacked out, Redmond began by driving a full ball from Peter Connell to the cover boundary, the first in a glut of boundaries. He hit two more fours off Connell’s first over towards backward point and third man before turning his attention to Trent Johnston, who was returning after missing the game against India. The first two balls raced to the point and straight boundaries and the last two were dispatched to square leg and midwicket. Redmond had hit seven fours off his first ten balls.Johnston changed ends but to no avail. Redmond flicked the first ball of Johnston’s second over to the midwicket boundary and lofted the second down the ground. Redmond had contributed 40 out of New Zealand’s total of 44 when Brendon McCullum finally decided to make an appearance and pulled Kevin O’Brien to hit the tournament’s 100th six. However, he failed to clear mid-off while stepping out to Kyle McCallan and holed out soon after.The focus shifted back to Redmond who brought up his fifty, off 23 balls, by reverse-sweeping McCallan for consecutive fours. He had hit no sixes but had 13 fours. Those who watched him struggle during the Tests in England last year would have been surprised for Redmond managed only 54 runs in three matches on that tour. Those who watched him ransack 100 off 56 balls for Otago against Central Districts in the State Twenty20 in February would not.Redmond was eventually lbw to Alex Cusack, playing across the line but had done more than enough to set up the innings. Styris made Ireland pay for Regan West’s missed caught-and-bowled chance by hammering 42 off 25 balls and Guptill launched the ball into the stands four times during his 45 off 32. New Zealand didn’t manage 200, but their total of 198 was beyond the range of Ireland’s guns.Ireland needed a combination of magnificent batting and luck to get near New Zealand and they got neither. Their opener William Porterfield was run out in the first over while backing up too far after Kyle Mills got his fingertips on to Gary Wilson’s firm drive before the ball crashed into the stumps. Their best batsman in the win against Bangladesh, Niall O’Brien, dragged a length delivery straight to mid-on in Mills’ second over.A collapse from 15 for 2, though, was averted by a steady partnership between Wilson and Andre Botha but they were unable to match the asking-rate and had reached only 42 by the end of the Powerplay. The blows that sealed Ireland’s fate, however, came in the space of four balls. Wilson’s attempt to loft Styris over long-off was held by James Franklin and Botha was run out attempting a non-existent single, leaving Ireland on 58 for 4.The ensuing slide was swift and Ireland lost wickets quickly even as the required run-rate soared to 15 an over and beyond. Nathan McCullum prospered, picking up 3 for 15, while his brother Brendon was outstanding in the infield. He scored direct hits to run out John Mooney and Johnston, and took a sharp catch to his right at midwicket to dismiss Cusack. New Zealand may have appeared weak on paper but their performance at Trent Bridge on the day was anything but.