DANIEL TOWN, March 6: Marlon Samuels may be at the centre of an ICC and police investigation into alleged links with an Indian bookmaker, but his main aim right now is to become a match-winner for West Indies. Samuels revealed that West Indies captain Brian Lara has called for some of the other players to put their hands up and become match winners, and he is intent on grabbing his chance. "I am aware of it, the captain spoke to me, and he said he is looking for match winners, and I told him I have no problem doing that," Samuels said. "The captain asked for match winners and he is giving me the chance, and I'm relishing the opportunity. I see this as hard work plus opportunity now paying off for me." Samuels has had some success in the last three limited-overs internationals West Indies have won. His scores have been 100 not out against Pakistan, 98 against India, and 100 against Kenya on Monday at the Trelawny Multi Purpose Stadium. "Batting early, it gives me a chance to assess the conditions and the pitch and pace myself," he said. "It's difficult to score a lot of runs batting at number seven and eight. I love batting early. You get to express yourself and set up your team. "In the last World Cup I went in late and played only one game against Kenya, so this World Cup I am hoping I can get the opportunities to do well for my team, and put my best foot forward and ensure that my team wins. "I am not going in over-confident. I am going in as myself, backing myself, and staying positive." Samuels says he is filled with a level of pride when he does well and West Indies win. "You really can't ask for more than this, and it's a good feeling to score a hundred coming from a lot of distractions," he said in obvious reference to his recent troubles. "I've had a lot of distractions in my career, and I know how to take the negatives and turn them into positives. "The greatest thing was the support I have received from the people - both in Kingston and in the countryside. It was delightful." Samuels has another chance to be a West Indies match-winner, when they face India in their second warm-up match on Friday at the Trelawny Stadium.
courtesy:timesofindia
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground
Location: St. Augustine Trinidad & Tobago
Matches: warm up matches
Profile
The Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground is the premier cricket stadium in Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
The stadium is situated at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus in Trinidad replaced the Brian Lara Stadium as a warm-up venue for World Cup.
This ground, along with Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, were the two settings thought-out in place of the Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba. The ground was chosen mainly because of the remarkable condition of the pitch and outfield.
A sum of $1.5 million had been requested from the government budget and was authorised for the refurbishment of the Sir Frank Worrell Ground.
Matches: warm up matches
Profile
The Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground is the premier cricket stadium in Saint Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
The stadium is situated at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine Campus in Trinidad replaced the Brian Lara Stadium as a warm-up venue for World Cup.
This ground, along with Guaracara Park in Pointe-a-Pierre, were the two settings thought-out in place of the Brian Lara Stadium at Tarouba. The ground was chosen mainly because of the remarkable condition of the pitch and outfield.
A sum of $1.5 million had been requested from the government budget and was authorised for the refurbishment of the Sir Frank Worrell Ground.
| Date (March 2007) | Match | Between |
| Monday 5 | Warm-up matches | Ireland v South Africa |
| Tuesday 6 | Warm-up matches | Canada v Pakistan |
| Thursday 8 | Warm-up matches | Canada v Ireland |
| Friday 9 | Warm-up matches | Pakistan v South Africa |
Three Ws Oval
Seating Capacity: 3500
Matches : Warm up matches.
Location: Bridgetown ,Barbados
Profile
Named in memory of three great West Indies players - Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes- the 3Ws Oval is located on the grounds of the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies and will host four warm up matches of the 2007 World Cup.
A monument with the busts of the magnificent trio is found bordered by tropical flora in the park opposite the University campus.
Each of the three great players of the game were born within a couple of miles of each other and Kensington Oval and were knighted for their contributions to the game of cricket.
The 3Ws Oval is the latest addition to Barbados' cricket grounds and usually hosts local and regional matches, together with warm up matches for touring teams. The ground can seat 3,500 spectators and even has an indoor cricket school with practice nets and a small gymnasium.
Matches : Warm up matches.
Location: Bridgetown ,Barbados
Profile
Named in memory of three great West Indies players - Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes- the 3Ws Oval is located on the grounds of the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies and will host four warm up matches of the 2007 World Cup.
A monument with the busts of the magnificent trio is found bordered by tropical flora in the park opposite the University campus.
Each of the three great players of the game were born within a couple of miles of each other and Kensington Oval and were knighted for their contributions to the game of cricket.
The 3Ws Oval is the latest addition to Barbados' cricket grounds and usually hosts local and regional matches, together with warm up matches for touring teams. The ground can seat 3,500 spectators and even has an indoor cricket school with practice nets and a small gymnasium.
| Date (March 2007) | Match | Between |
| Monday 5 | Warm-up Matches | Scotland v Sri Lanka |
| Tuesday 6 | Warm-up Matches | Bangladesh v New Zealand |
| Thursday 8 | Warm-up Matches | Bangladesh v Scotland |
| Friday 9 | Warm-up Matches | New Zealand v Sri Lanka |
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua
Established: 2007
Seating Capacity: 20000 (including 10,000 temporary seats)
Matches: Super-8
Location: North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda
Profile
Sir Vivian Richards stadium will have a total seating capacity for around 20,000 of which 10,000 will be permanent seats.
The venue cost an estimated $60 million to build with the construction being financed by the People's Republic of China.The stadium is strategically built on a site half-way between the capital St. John's and the VC Bird International Airport and is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city depending on traffic.The stadium is made up of two main stands, the North stand and the South stand, as well as other minor stands which could be permanent or temporary.The stadium is among the top four cricketing venues in the world with facilities like an underground passage ways for the cricket teams to move about, training infrastructures and media center.
Seating Capacity: 20000 (including 10,000 temporary seats)
Matches: Super-8
Location: North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda
Profile
Sir Vivian Richards stadium will have a total seating capacity for around 20,000 of which 10,000 will be permanent seats.
The venue cost an estimated $60 million to build with the construction being financed by the People's Republic of China.The stadium is strategically built on a site half-way between the capital St. John's and the VC Bird International Airport and is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city depending on traffic.The stadium is made up of two main stands, the North stand and the South stand, as well as other minor stands which could be permanent or temporary.The stadium is among the top four cricketing venues in the world with facilities like an underground passage ways for the cricket teams to move about, training infrastructures and media center.
| Date | Match | Between |
| March 2007 | ||
| Tuesday 27 | 25th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, D2 v A1 |
| Thursday 29 | 27th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, D2 v C1 |
| Saturday 31 | 29th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, A1 v B2 |
| April 2007 | ||
| Monday 2 | 31st Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, B2 v C1 |
| Wednesday 4 | 33rd Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, C2 v B1 |
| Sunday 8 | 35th Match | Super Eights - TBC v TBC, A1 v C2 |
We're peaking at the right time: Yuvraj Singh
NEW DELHI, Feb 20: India's middle-order batsman Yuvraj Singh was injured during the Champions Trophy campaign last year, playing a game of kho-kho at a practice session. The freak knee injury gave rise to fears that the stylish southpaw could miss the World Cup. But Yuvi was determined to get back to peak fitness before the World Cup and get some matches under his belt. He returned during the West Indies series at home, and took his time to settle down. But his unbeaten 95 against Sri Lanka in last match of the series at Visakhapatnam showed that he is back to his best. When TOI spoke to Yuvraj, he sounded optimistic about India's chances in the World Cup. Excerpts from the interview:
How does it feel to get runs after recovering from the knee injury?
It feels great. After recovering from the injury, I needed some time in the middle. In fact, both Greg (Chappell) and Rahul (Dravid) spoke to me about how I needed to bat up the order. They had suggested that No.4 would be the ideal slot for me. I am glad that I could make some runs for my team in the last match before the World Cup.
What exactly went through your mind when you went to bat in the last game against Sri Lanka?
As I said, I needed sometime in the middle and the initial target was to make 30. It was something I tried doing in the Goa match as well. Somehow, it didn't work out. But I was not too worried. In the next match, when I again got the opportunity, I didn't want to miss it. In fact, when on 29, I was a bit hesitant and consumed 5 deliveries to reach 30 and once I was in the thirties, I got back my confidence and started timing the ball well. Thereafter, I enjoyed every bit of it at the crease.
Do you have any injury worries now?
Honestly, not at all. Earlier, I was a little concerned... didn't know how I would feel when stretching for a catch or stopping a ball. Even though I played a couple of club level matches, I could only test my fitness level in my first comeback game for India. Then again, in Kolkata, I had a slight niggle in my back and I went for a routine check-up. Fortunately, the scan report was okay. Now, I am completely fit.
How is Team India shaping up for the World Cup?
We all are very excited that we have started to peak at the right time. To start with, most of our top batsmen are among runs and almost every one in the team is hungry for big scores. From the bowlers perspective, Zaheer (Khan), Ajit (Agarkar), Munaf (Patel), Sreesanth and Harbhajan (Singh) are in tremendous form and have bowled according to the field. So, the balance between batting and bowling is our main strength.
What about the fielding standards?
We are working very hard on our fielding these days. We may not be the best fielding side in the world but we have improved a lot in last couple of months. We hope to set a good standard in the World Cup.
How do you rate the other teams in the World Cup?
When you are playing such a big event, you cannot take any side for granted. The Australians may have lost a few matches but you cannot really underestimate them. South Africa, of course, is in remarkable shape and so are New Zealand and England. Even Pakistanis are a capable team. But the dark horse of the tournament will be West Indies.
What was the impact of Ganguly's return?
It boosted the morale of the team. Sourav is a top cricketer for India. Now, of course, he has worked hard on his fitness level and like always, he is hungry for runs. The most striking aspect about his comeback is the way he is batting now. At the same time, he is bowling well in matches and giving 100 per cent on the field.
In the last over of the match at Vizag, did Ganguly tell you to round off the match in that over because he was suffering from cramps?
No. Sourav didn't say anything to me. It was a moment when I really started hitting the ball well and I enjoyed myself.
You have been a great finisher for India in the past. What are your plans for the World Cup?
The main plan is to work on the job given to me by the team management, which has always kept faith in me. Mind it, cricket is not an individual sport. If I am able to finish a match today, there has to be someone on the other side of the wicket. It's nice to talk about it and say you are a great finisher but there are other members in the team like Dhoni, who have done it quite often. In then end, when you are a middle-order batsman, one should ideally stay till the end to win a match for the team. In West Indies, my role will not be different. The good thing is that we there last year and we know the conditions well. Once we reach there, the focus will be on acclimatisation. In fact, the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka have helped us tremendously to get our rhythm back.
courtesy:timesofindia
How does it feel to get runs after recovering from the knee injury?
It feels great. After recovering from the injury, I needed some time in the middle. In fact, both Greg (Chappell) and Rahul (Dravid) spoke to me about how I needed to bat up the order. They had suggested that No.4 would be the ideal slot for me. I am glad that I could make some runs for my team in the last match before the World Cup.
What exactly went through your mind when you went to bat in the last game against Sri Lanka?
As I said, I needed sometime in the middle and the initial target was to make 30. It was something I tried doing in the Goa match as well. Somehow, it didn't work out. But I was not too worried. In the next match, when I again got the opportunity, I didn't want to miss it. In fact, when on 29, I was a bit hesitant and consumed 5 deliveries to reach 30 and once I was in the thirties, I got back my confidence and started timing the ball well. Thereafter, I enjoyed every bit of it at the crease.
Do you have any injury worries now?
Honestly, not at all. Earlier, I was a little concerned... didn't know how I would feel when stretching for a catch or stopping a ball. Even though I played a couple of club level matches, I could only test my fitness level in my first comeback game for India. Then again, in Kolkata, I had a slight niggle in my back and I went for a routine check-up. Fortunately, the scan report was okay. Now, I am completely fit.
How is Team India shaping up for the World Cup?
We all are very excited that we have started to peak at the right time. To start with, most of our top batsmen are among runs and almost every one in the team is hungry for big scores. From the bowlers perspective, Zaheer (Khan), Ajit (Agarkar), Munaf (Patel), Sreesanth and Harbhajan (Singh) are in tremendous form and have bowled according to the field. So, the balance between batting and bowling is our main strength.
What about the fielding standards?
We are working very hard on our fielding these days. We may not be the best fielding side in the world but we have improved a lot in last couple of months. We hope to set a good standard in the World Cup.
How do you rate the other teams in the World Cup?
When you are playing such a big event, you cannot take any side for granted. The Australians may have lost a few matches but you cannot really underestimate them. South Africa, of course, is in remarkable shape and so are New Zealand and England. Even Pakistanis are a capable team. But the dark horse of the tournament will be West Indies.
What was the impact of Ganguly's return?
It boosted the morale of the team. Sourav is a top cricketer for India. Now, of course, he has worked hard on his fitness level and like always, he is hungry for runs. The most striking aspect about his comeback is the way he is batting now. At the same time, he is bowling well in matches and giving 100 per cent on the field.
In the last over of the match at Vizag, did Ganguly tell you to round off the match in that over because he was suffering from cramps?
No. Sourav didn't say anything to me. It was a moment when I really started hitting the ball well and I enjoyed myself.
You have been a great finisher for India in the past. What are your plans for the World Cup?
The main plan is to work on the job given to me by the team management, which has always kept faith in me. Mind it, cricket is not an individual sport. If I am able to finish a match today, there has to be someone on the other side of the wicket. It's nice to talk about it and say you are a great finisher but there are other members in the team like Dhoni, who have done it quite often. In then end, when you are a middle-order batsman, one should ideally stay till the end to win a match for the team. In West Indies, my role will not be different. The good thing is that we there last year and we know the conditions well. Once we reach there, the focus will be on acclimatisation. In fact, the home series against West Indies and Sri Lanka have helped us tremendously to get our rhythm back.
courtesy:timesofindia
I'm naturally aggressive: Sreesanth
MUMBAI, Feb 21: Sreesanth is living a dream of representing India in World Cup. "It is more like a reality now," he says. In his fledgling cricket career, the Kerala paceman, who turned 24 a fortnight ago, has grabbed the headlines not only for his impressive bowling but also his antics on the field. Be it the dance after smacking South African pacer Andre Nel for a six or glaring at Sachin Tendulkar during a Challenger Trophy match or the seam position, Sreesanth is entertainment personified. He was in his elements during a freewheeling chat with TOI soon after unveiling the team's Nike World Cup uniform on Tuesday.
Excerpts:
Your record in One-dayers has not been that good as in Tests...
I have been hitting the right areas and been in good rhythm. As long as I am able to do that, I don't have any problems. You've got to accept that there will be good days and bad days. Which doesn't mean Sreesanth is a super cricketer one day and a bad player in the next. I've got to take it in my stride and work on the positives. I am still learning.
How important is aggression for you?
For a fast bowler it is important. Aggression comes naturally to me. Maybe, it was because I used to play cricket with my brother — who is 12 years older to me — and his friends. I celebrated every dismissal and it stayed with me throughout. Look, I play for myself. And I give my best in every game. I may lie to everybody else, but not to myself .
You look very animated while returning to you bowling run-up ...
Well, that is my routine. I've been doing it since my under-19 days. I say various things, 'I'm the best', 'relax', 'I can get him out'... I never walk back to my run-up with my head down. I always keep my spine straight.
But does it work?
It gives me joy and success follows joy.
Isn't it a batsman's game?
It is a cricketer's game.
That's how you look at it?
That's how you should look at it.
Did you watch the video of your dance after hitting Andre Nel for a six at the Wanderers?
I saw it on Google and laughed at myself. I normally don't hit sixes. Actually, I was enacting a horse ride, saying, 'I want to ride you'. All I wanted to tell him was 'I'm not scared of you' .
Take us through the incident involving Sachin Tendulkar in a Challenger match last year when you glared at him on you follow through?
Cricket is a legend and Tendulkar is God. But even if my dad comes to bat against me, I'll be Sreesanth, the fast bowler. All respect will be outside the field not inside it. I"ll never regret the incident (involving Tendulkar). I even talked to Sachin paaji about it. Besides, I didn't use any abusive language.
Have you been working on your batting?
Yes. I have been trying to improve my defence. The objective is to stay put and rotate the strike.
Excerpts:
Your record in One-dayers has not been that good as in Tests...
I have been hitting the right areas and been in good rhythm. As long as I am able to do that, I don't have any problems. You've got to accept that there will be good days and bad days. Which doesn't mean Sreesanth is a super cricketer one day and a bad player in the next. I've got to take it in my stride and work on the positives. I am still learning.
How important is aggression for you?
For a fast bowler it is important. Aggression comes naturally to me. Maybe, it was because I used to play cricket with my brother — who is 12 years older to me — and his friends. I celebrated every dismissal and it stayed with me throughout. Look, I play for myself. And I give my best in every game. I may lie to everybody else, but not to myself .
You look very animated while returning to you bowling run-up ...
Well, that is my routine. I've been doing it since my under-19 days. I say various things, 'I'm the best', 'relax', 'I can get him out'... I never walk back to my run-up with my head down. I always keep my spine straight.
But does it work?
It gives me joy and success follows joy.
Isn't it a batsman's game?
It is a cricketer's game.
That's how you look at it?
That's how you should look at it.
Did you watch the video of your dance after hitting Andre Nel for a six at the Wanderers?
I saw it on Google and laughed at myself. I normally don't hit sixes. Actually, I was enacting a horse ride, saying, 'I want to ride you'. All I wanted to tell him was 'I'm not scared of you' .
Take us through the incident involving Sachin Tendulkar in a Challenger match last year when you glared at him on you follow through?
Cricket is a legend and Tendulkar is God. But even if my dad comes to bat against me, I'll be Sreesanth, the fast bowler. All respect will be outside the field not inside it. I"ll never regret the incident (involving Tendulkar). I even talked to Sachin paaji about it. Besides, I didn't use any abusive language.
Have you been working on your batting?
Yes. I have been trying to improve my defence. The objective is to stay put and rotate the strike.
I was confident of WC berth after Cuttack knock: Karthik
MUMBAI, Feb 20: Young middle order batsman Dinesh Karthik said his match-winning half-century that helped India beat the West Indies at Cuttack was crucial in winning him a berth in the World Cup squad. "Definitely my chances increased after I got runs (top-score of 63) in the Cuttack game (on January 24). I really started believing then that I will make the team. But if one year ago anyone had said so (that he would make the team), I would have called it a big joke," said Kaarthick. The 21-year-old, who has been chosen as a specialist middle order batsman who can keep wickets, had rescued the team from a sorry-reading 66 for six by joining forces with Ajit Agarkar (40) to help India recover and win the second tie of the four-match series. The Chennai-born player, talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to unveil the new team clothing for the World Cup, however, said the Twenty20 game in South Africa was the turning point as it provided him confidence about his batting ability. "In some respect that was the turning point. I realised that I could turn a game around after that. It gave me a lot of confidence," said the youngster about his crucial knock of 31 which helped India score their first win on the tour after four straight losses in the ODIs. Kaarthick, who was sent in as number three from his usual number six or seven in India's fourth and final one-day international against Sri Lanka at Visakhapatnam and flopped, said he would definitely deliver the goods if given another chance to bat in that slot. "I am looking forward to the challenge (of batting at number three). I got out to a good ball (off Dilhara Fernando). That happens in cricket. You do get a good ball that's uncomfortable. But I will definitely try and make sure there's no chink in my armour the next time I go in to bat at no three," he said. Kaarthick said at number six or seven a batsman should be aware and mentally prepared to encounter three types of situations.
"Either the side is under pressure at say 110 for five, or you go out needing to get 120 runs or so in the last twenty overs or you come in to bat in the 40th over and have to try and get as many runs as possible. You have to be mentally prepared to face these kinds of situations. Then anything else you encounter should be easy (to negotiate)", he said. The Tamil Nadu youngster said that he was enjoying fielding in front of the wicket after having stood behind the stumps all through his career so far. "It feels different from standing behind the wickets which I have done right through my career. But I am enjoying it and as long as you enjoy doing something you tend to find it that much easier to do," Kaarthick said. The Chennai player credited India coach Greg Chappell of encouraging him to take fielding in front of the wicket very seriously during the South African tour. "In South Africa Chappell told me 'if you work harder on your fielding abilities you can make the (one-day) team as a batsman.' That's what I have been doing," he said. Kaarthick said he enjoyed a very healthy relationship with first choice 'keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "I enjoy a very healthy relationship with Dhoni. Like Dhoni has said there are four wicketkeepers in the side - Rahul Dravid, Robin Uthappa, myself and Dhoni. Between me and Dhoni the relationship is as good as it can be. He's a very friendly guy and I go to him for help with my batting or 'keeping," he said. Kaarthick said the seniors in the team have been advising him to keep his batting simple and not complicate things. "I have been talking to seniors like Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid), people who I look up to and who have played the game for a long time and undergone such situations. "They give advice to keep my batting simple and not do things which are complicated for myself. That itself is of great help. They also have advised me to play my natural game," he added.
courtesy:timesofindia
"Either the side is under pressure at say 110 for five, or you go out needing to get 120 runs or so in the last twenty overs or you come in to bat in the 40th over and have to try and get as many runs as possible. You have to be mentally prepared to face these kinds of situations. Then anything else you encounter should be easy (to negotiate)", he said. The Tamil Nadu youngster said that he was enjoying fielding in front of the wicket after having stood behind the stumps all through his career so far. "It feels different from standing behind the wickets which I have done right through my career. But I am enjoying it and as long as you enjoy doing something you tend to find it that much easier to do," Kaarthick said. The Chennai player credited India coach Greg Chappell of encouraging him to take fielding in front of the wicket very seriously during the South African tour. "In South Africa Chappell told me 'if you work harder on your fielding abilities you can make the (one-day) team as a batsman.' That's what I have been doing," he said. Kaarthick said he enjoyed a very healthy relationship with first choice 'keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "I enjoy a very healthy relationship with Dhoni. Like Dhoni has said there are four wicketkeepers in the side - Rahul Dravid, Robin Uthappa, myself and Dhoni. Between me and Dhoni the relationship is as good as it can be. He's a very friendly guy and I go to him for help with my batting or 'keeping," he said. Kaarthick said the seniors in the team have been advising him to keep his batting simple and not complicate things. "I have been talking to seniors like Sachin (Tendulkar) and Rahul (Dravid), people who I look up to and who have played the game for a long time and undergone such situations. "They give advice to keep my batting simple and not do things which are complicated for myself. That itself is of great help. They also have advised me to play my natural game," he added.
courtesy:timesofindia
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