County Cricket 2010: Ones to Watch Captains
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:41GMT

Cricket captains do not always get the commendation they deserve even though the role requires greater sophistication compared to that of its sporting peers. In an age where statistics are in fashion, simple figures can help you to assess the potency of a batsman or bowler, but captains are more complex to assess. Nevertheless, in the final instalment of the lsquo;County Cricket 2010: Ones to Watchrsquo; series, Sport.co.uk examines the skippers who will fall under the spotlight this season.nbsp; Smith eyes Durham hat-trick Will...

Strauss voices county concerns
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:40GMT

England captain Andrew Strauss has called for a shake-up to the domestic cricket fixture list to avoid the danger of burn-out to county players.Strauss believes that all formats need to be scrutinised and a reduced workload introduced in the near future.He commented: "The lack of preparation for games which the schedule allows is something that needs to be addressed."I think there are two things - reducing the overall volume of cricket would be useful, as long as those days off are...

Afridi happy to miss out on IPL circus
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:38GMT

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi believes that his countrys players will eventually benefit from missing out on this seasons Indian Premier League.Afridi and his colleagues are preparing for the defence of their ICC World Twenty20 title and the talented all-rounder is pleased with the way things are going.He commented: "No I dont have any regrets at all. In a way it is a blessing in disguise for all our players that we are not playing in the IPL before the World Cup."Given...

Sussex secure McCullum signing
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:36GMT

Sussex have snapped up New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum for this summers Twenty20 Cup, having lost the services of Tillakaratne Dilshan due to international commitments.Twenty-seven-year-old Black Cap McCullum is one of the most highly-rated players in the shortest form of the game and is one of only two men to have scored an international T20 century.Professional cricket manager, Mark Robinson, told the countys official website: "Brendon was always on our shortlist for 2010 and once New Zealands tour to Zimbabwe was...

Saker named as England bowling coach
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:34GMT

Former Tasmania and Victoria seamer David Saker has been named as Englands new fast-bowling coach.The 43-year-old has been a coach with Victoria for the last six years, but is relishing the chance to fill the gap left by Ottis Gibsons departure in February - with the latter taking charge as head coach of his native West Indies.Saker told the ECBs official website: "Ive long held ambitions of coaching at international level, so the prospect of working with the England team is...

Cook agrees new Kent contract
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:32GMT

Experienced seamer Simon Cook has signed a contract extension with Kent.The 33-year-old paceman is now under contract at Canterbury until the end of the 2011 campaign."Securing the services of an experienced player like Simon is great news for the club," explained team director Paul Farbrace."He is a quality bowler and is fast becoming Kents mister reliable."Meanwhile, Kent have also snapped up teenage bowling prospect Ashley Shaw on a two-year professional contract.Farbrace added: "Ashley is an exciting prospect. He has a good...

Police investigate Essex players
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:31GMT

Two unnamed Essex players are helping police with their enquiries into match irregularities.The allegations are reported to involve betting on some of Essexs games, although few details have been released by the county or the England Wales Cricket Board.A statement from Essex Police read: "Following allegations received about two Essex County Cricket players involved in match irregularities, we have initiated an investigation and are working closely with Essex County Cricket Club and the English Cricket Board."Essex got their new county...

Rogers enjoys hitting first century
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:29GMT

Derbyshire captain Chris Rogers was a happy man after notching the first century of the new County Championship season.The Australian left-hander, who only recently recovered from a hand injury cracked a superb unbeaten 178 against Surrey at The Oval, as Derbys reached 306-5 by the close of play on day one, having won the toss and elected to bat first.Rogers told the Derby Telegraph: "John Morris (head of cricket) said to me as I walking out for the toss that it...

Australia recall the target for Jaques
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:27GMT

Left-hand opening batsman Phil Jaques is desperate to impress with Worcestershire as he bids to earn a recall to the Australia national team set-up.The 30-year-old has played in 11 Test matches and six one-day internationals for the Baggy Greens, scoring a century on his last Test outing against the West Indies in June 2008.Jaques commented: "I wouldnt be playing cricket if I didnt have ambitions and my ambition is to get back to the highest level you can achieve - that...

Warne backs England appointment
Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:25:25GMT

Australian spin legend Shane Warne believes England have made an excellent addition to their coaching staff in compatriot David Saker.Saker was unveiled as Englands new fast-bowling coach earlier in the week as a replacement for Ottis Gibson.Gibson left his role with the England and Wales Cricket Board in February in order to take the reins as head coach of his native West Indies."He is a fantastic bowling coach and he will definitely help England," said Warne."He will be excellent for the...