Stuart Broad and Matt Prior might not have been the Ashes heroes us English folk so badly needed them to be this winter but I felt a great sense of British pride when I read the headlines today in sport. Amongst Man City preparing to host West Ham at the Etihad stadium, ex-Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger revealing he is gay, Schumacher hospital updates and talk of Paul Lawrie being in fine form with hope of another Ryder Cup this year there was a cricket update from Australia that didn't have us holding our heads in our hands (or banging it against a brick wall!).
As Broad and Prior were returning to their hotel after spending the evening at a Barmy Army fundraising event - they found a man, claiming to be from Cheltenham, on the edge of a bridge in Darling Harbour.
Prior was the hero of the hour, which is how long it took him to talk the man into coming down, before police arrived on the scene to take over.
Broad and a member of England's security was with the wicketkeeper who gave a modest statement saying, "We just did what anyone would do in that situation."
Broad, however, took to twitter to sing Prior's praises over what he did; "Matt Prior is a best friend of mine and I'm very proud of him. It was a tough situation but so glad he was there."
Wishing that man all the best and hoping he gets the help he needs.
Well done boys!
Ball on Willow.
Wednesday 8 January 2014
County Cricket News: Gloucestershire
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Overseas player and first team XI captain Michael Klinger has gone back to Australia to play for the West End Redbacks in a 50-over competition. The 33-year-old will return to play for the county side this year hoping to continue where he left off.
Michael Klinger's stats for 2013:
1105 Championship runs
702 YB40 runs
366 Flt20 runs
163 High score (vs. Hampshire)
6 centuries (11 half centuries)
Klinger spoke about his time with Gloucestershire; "It's been a highly competitive six months of cricket. It makes me more excited about coming back next year. I've loved my time here. I came here not knowing what to expect from a full season but it was great to play some hard cricket."
After being their top run-scorer last year, Klinger is still looking to do better; "I want to try and perform well next year and back it up, because sometimes it's difficult when the opposition get to know your strengths and weaknesses. From a personal point of view, to get another good season is what I'm after. But obviously it's more important for the team to keep moving forward. We've lost our way at times but if we can correct that next year and maintain it in the four-day game then we are going to be very hard to beat."
____________
IN
Tom Smith has made a move from Middlesex after a short-term loan in June has become permanent in a three-year deal. The left-arm spinner spoke about his new contract: "I am really excited about joining Gloucestershire permanently. It has been a great three months on loan and to be staying here for the next three seasons is a fantastic challenge for me."
The 26-year-old said he "thoroughly enjoyed [his] loan time and to have the opportunity to join this young and exciting squad was an easy decision to make."
Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell; "I am delighted Tom has agreed to sign a contract. We are pleased with the progress he has made since joining us and the all-round skills that he is starting to show. He controls the scoreboard when he bowls in all forms of the game and I rate him highly. His batting has been somewhat neglected in the past, but he has played a number of promising innings for us and will be useful in that respect too."
* * *
23-year-old Will Tavare has been offered a one-year deal with Gloucestershire CCC. After his return from playing in Melbourne this winter the right-handed batsman, right-arm medium pace bowler will move up to the first XI hoping to amass as many runs as he did for the second team (nearly 1000).
The nephew of former Kent, Somerset and England batsman: Chris Tavare spoke about his upbringing with the sport; "I come from a cricketing family and it has always been my ambition to play cricket professionally so I am very excited at the opportunity Glou. are giving me,"
John Bracewell commented on Tavare's impressive season with the second XI; "Will has been our leading run-scorer in second XI cricket. He deserves the opportunity to move up and provide extra competition for our batting places."
____________
Ball on Willow.
Overseas player and first team XI captain Michael Klinger has gone back to Australia to play for the West End Redbacks in a 50-over competition. The 33-year-old will return to play for the county side this year hoping to continue where he left off.
Michael Klinger's stats for 2013:
1105 Championship runs
702 YB40 runs
366 Flt20 runs
163 High score (vs. Hampshire)
6 centuries (11 half centuries)
Klinger spoke about his time with Gloucestershire; "It's been a highly competitive six months of cricket. It makes me more excited about coming back next year. I've loved my time here. I came here not knowing what to expect from a full season but it was great to play some hard cricket."
After being their top run-scorer last year, Klinger is still looking to do better; "I want to try and perform well next year and back it up, because sometimes it's difficult when the opposition get to know your strengths and weaknesses. From a personal point of view, to get another good season is what I'm after. But obviously it's more important for the team to keep moving forward. We've lost our way at times but if we can correct that next year and maintain it in the four-day game then we are going to be very hard to beat."
____________
IN
Tom Smith has made a move from Middlesex after a short-term loan in June has become permanent in a three-year deal. The left-arm spinner spoke about his new contract: "I am really excited about joining Gloucestershire permanently. It has been a great three months on loan and to be staying here for the next three seasons is a fantastic challenge for me."
The 26-year-old said he "thoroughly enjoyed [his] loan time and to have the opportunity to join this young and exciting squad was an easy decision to make."
Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell; "I am delighted Tom has agreed to sign a contract. We are pleased with the progress he has made since joining us and the all-round skills that he is starting to show. He controls the scoreboard when he bowls in all forms of the game and I rate him highly. His batting has been somewhat neglected in the past, but he has played a number of promising innings for us and will be useful in that respect too."
* * *
23-year-old Will Tavare has been offered a one-year deal with Gloucestershire CCC. After his return from playing in Melbourne this winter the right-handed batsman, right-arm medium pace bowler will move up to the first XI hoping to amass as many runs as he did for the second team (nearly 1000).
The nephew of former Kent, Somerset and England batsman: Chris Tavare spoke about his upbringing with the sport; "I come from a cricketing family and it has always been my ambition to play cricket professionally so I am very excited at the opportunity Glou. are giving me,"
John Bracewell commented on Tavare's impressive season with the second XI; "Will has been our leading run-scorer in second XI cricket. He deserves the opportunity to move up and provide extra competition for our batting places."
____________
Ball on Willow.
County Cricket News: Glamorgan
GLAMORGAN
Glamorgan have acquired no new players for this summer but will have overseas player Jacques Rudolph if Cricket South Africa clear the request.
____________
Simon Jones has been released from the Welsh Dragons after he fails to secure a new contract. Jones has 18 caps for England and
____________
NEW CONTRACTS
Ruaidhri Smith, Ben Wright, Will Bragg, Andrew Salter and David Lloyd have all received new two-year contracts at Glamorgan CCC. They will be playing alongside captain Mark Wallace and veteran Glamorgan batsman and slow bowler Dean Cosker - under the direction of newly appointed head coach Toby Radford.
____________
Ball on Willow.
Glamorgan have acquired no new players for this summer but will have overseas player Jacques Rudolph if Cricket South Africa clear the request.
____________
Simon Jones has been released from the Welsh Dragons after he fails to secure a new contract. Jones has 18 caps for England and
____________
NEW CONTRACTS
Ruaidhri Smith, Ben Wright, Will Bragg, Andrew Salter and David Lloyd have all received new two-year contracts at Glamorgan CCC. They will be playing alongside captain Mark Wallace and veteran Glamorgan batsman and slow bowler Dean Cosker - under the direction of newly appointed head coach Toby Radford.
____________
Ball on Willow.
Monday 6 January 2014
Whitewashed
Whitewashed. Outplayed. Even the greatest of spin doctors would have a hard time giving this Down Under Ashes series a positive spin for England.
Australia truly crushed the visitors as England folded within three days in the final test to win the series 5-0 and take back the urn on home soil.
Ex-England batsman Geoffrey Boycott didn't mince his words when he spoke out about England's performance in the final test. "It's pathetic - there is no other word. It's humiliation. England have just disintegrated. How do you get bowled over in 32 overs? It's bad enough to lose, but its how you lose. This is a worse loss than when we lost 5-0 (in 2006-07) because they had great players like McGrath, Warne and Gilchrist last time."
England didn't last 3 hours at the crease in Sydney, Michael Clarke's men bowling Alastair Cook's out for a pathetic 166. A total nowhere near the required 448 to win.
So what went wrong? And can we do what we did after the 2006-07 series and bring the Ashes home once again?
Credit where credit is due...
Australia came out from day one with a ferocity that was severely lacking from their dismal summer performance.
One player of particular note in the Aussie side was Man of the Series left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. He took 37 wickets this series, a far cry from the bowler the British press loved to deride in 2009-11.
The only stand-out performance from the England camp I would consider is Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes. Although arguably wasted - his six wicket-haul in the first innings, averaging almost 40 in the two innings batting and taking a further two key wickets: danger-men Smith and Johnson - Stokes shows great promise for the future. The youngster has already had comparisons drawn to him and the great Freddie Flintoff. No pressure!
What's left to say?
...Better luck next time boys?
Ball on Willow.
Australia truly crushed the visitors as England folded within three days in the final test to win the series 5-0 and take back the urn on home soil.
Ex-England batsman Geoffrey Boycott didn't mince his words when he spoke out about England's performance in the final test. "It's pathetic - there is no other word. It's humiliation. England have just disintegrated. How do you get bowled over in 32 overs? It's bad enough to lose, but its how you lose. This is a worse loss than when we lost 5-0 (in 2006-07) because they had great players like McGrath, Warne and Gilchrist last time."
England didn't last 3 hours at the crease in Sydney, Michael Clarke's men bowling Alastair Cook's out for a pathetic 166. A total nowhere near the required 448 to win.
So what went wrong? And can we do what we did after the 2006-07 series and bring the Ashes home once again?
Credit where credit is due...
Australia came out from day one with a ferocity that was severely lacking from their dismal summer performance.
One player of particular note in the Aussie side was Man of the Series left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. He took 37 wickets this series, a far cry from the bowler the British press loved to deride in 2009-11.
The only stand-out performance from the England camp I would consider is Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes. Although arguably wasted - his six wicket-haul in the first innings, averaging almost 40 in the two innings batting and taking a further two key wickets: danger-men Smith and Johnson - Stokes shows great promise for the future. The youngster has already had comparisons drawn to him and the great Freddie Flintoff. No pressure!
What's left to say?
...Better luck next time boys?
Ball on Willow.
Thursday 2 January 2014
County Cricket News: Essex
ESSEX
Monty Panesar has signed a two-year deal with Essex following his loan there this summer. Sussex let go of the 31-year-old left-arm spin bowler after an internal investigation earlier this year.
The England spinner spoke about his time with Essex this summer. "I loved playing for Essex last season. I will always remember how the supporters and members gave me a heart-warming round of applause when I first came on to bowl at the Colchester last August. It helped me to feel respected and loved as a cricketer after experiencing a challenging time in my life."
Panesar took 14 first-class wickets in 6 matches for Essex whilst on loan, averaging 36. His best stats being a 4-wicket haul for 49.
Paul Grayson is the head coach for the Division Two side. He thought one or two clubs from Division One of the County Championships "might have too much money for [Essex to come out the winner]". But Monty said he wanted "to help the club build towards the kind of success they enjoyed in its glory days under legendary captains Keith Fletcher and Graham Gooch."
"I love the family feel of the club and value the role Essex has played in helping me move towards my best, and gain selection for this Ashes series."
____________
Seamer Maurice Chambers has been signed by the newly promoted Northants.
____________
Owais Shah retired from first-class cricket but Essex hope to sign him to play limited overs cricket.
____________
New contracts have been offered to Ravi Bopara, Greg Smith, Graham Napier and David Masters.
Ravi Bopara has extended his time with Essex until the end of 2014. The 28-year-old made his debut with the county in 2002 and has played for them ever since.
Bopara's first-class stats: 8338 runs, averaging 41.48 and has taken 150 wickets, averaging 41.75.
He was named in the England squad for the upcoming ODI's in Australia.
Paul Grayson said; "We know one of Ravi's key aims is to be playing for England but when in an Essex shirt, he's shown how devastation he can be."
* * *
30-year-old Essex all-rounder Greg Smith joined Essex at the end of 2011 from Derbyshire. He has agreed a new two-year contract with Essex after scoring a career-best of 177 against Gloucestershire and taking a 5-wicket haul for 42 against Leicestershire.
* * *
All-rounder Graham Napier has signed on for two more years at Chelmsford. The 33-year-old had an impressive last season after hitting 771 runs and taking 51 wickets in 17 games.
Napier's first-class stats: 4864 runs, averaging 32.64 and has taken 334 wickets, averaging 34.20.
In a YB40 match against Surrey, Napier took four wickets in four balls to help Essex win by 178.
Napier said; "To sign a new contract with Essex for the next two years is excellent and feels like a huge reward after the best season I have ever had in my career at the club."
Paul Grayson, Head Coach at Essex, said; "I am very happy that Graham has signed a new contract, especially after the sensational season he experienced last year. The 2013 season showed how important Graham is to the team when fully fit and I'm sure he will continue to be a key member of the side for the next two years."
* * *
Essex seam bowler David Masters has signed on for another year, keeping him with the county until 2015.
Masters was named as Essex's top wicket-takers for the fourth season in a row. The 35-year-old had a best innings wicket-haul of 6-41 against his former club Kent.
David Masters spoke about playing cricket "for as long as [he] can continue to perform on the pitch." He said; "This will take me up to the age of 37 and I want to play for as long as I can. There is also a lot of responsibility for me now to help the younger players coming through at the club and pass on my experience of the game."
Paul Grayson thinks he "is instrumental in leading our bowling attack".
____________
Alastair Cook has been awarded a benefit year by Essex to captain England.
The 28-year-old said he "was honoured to be awarded a benefit year by Essex" pledging to donate at least half of what he makes to four different charities; The David Randall Foundation, Chance to Shine, Outreach Uganda and Mind.
Chief Executive Derek Bowden said: "He is a player with immense talent and has proven to be one of the best cricketers Essex CCC has ever produced. He has always shown his admiration for Essex and is a role model for supporters of the club at all ages. I'm sure I can say on behalf of the club, members and supporters that we wish Alastair the best of luck for 2014."
Ball on Willow.
Monty Panesar has signed a two-year deal with Essex following his loan there this summer. Sussex let go of the 31-year-old left-arm spin bowler after an internal investigation earlier this year.
The England spinner spoke about his time with Essex this summer. "I loved playing for Essex last season. I will always remember how the supporters and members gave me a heart-warming round of applause when I first came on to bowl at the Colchester last August. It helped me to feel respected and loved as a cricketer after experiencing a challenging time in my life."
Panesar took 14 first-class wickets in 6 matches for Essex whilst on loan, averaging 36. His best stats being a 4-wicket haul for 49.
Paul Grayson is the head coach for the Division Two side. He thought one or two clubs from Division One of the County Championships "might have too much money for [Essex to come out the winner]". But Monty said he wanted "to help the club build towards the kind of success they enjoyed in its glory days under legendary captains Keith Fletcher and Graham Gooch."
"I love the family feel of the club and value the role Essex has played in helping me move towards my best, and gain selection for this Ashes series."
____________
Seamer Maurice Chambers has been signed by the newly promoted Northants.
____________
Owais Shah retired from first-class cricket but Essex hope to sign him to play limited overs cricket.
____________
New contracts have been offered to Ravi Bopara, Greg Smith, Graham Napier and David Masters.
Ravi Bopara has extended his time with Essex until the end of 2014. The 28-year-old made his debut with the county in 2002 and has played for them ever since.
Bopara's first-class stats: 8338 runs, averaging 41.48 and has taken 150 wickets, averaging 41.75.
He was named in the England squad for the upcoming ODI's in Australia.
Paul Grayson said; "We know one of Ravi's key aims is to be playing for England but when in an Essex shirt, he's shown how devastation he can be."
* * *
30-year-old Essex all-rounder Greg Smith joined Essex at the end of 2011 from Derbyshire. He has agreed a new two-year contract with Essex after scoring a career-best of 177 against Gloucestershire and taking a 5-wicket haul for 42 against Leicestershire.
* * *
All-rounder Graham Napier has signed on for two more years at Chelmsford. The 33-year-old had an impressive last season after hitting 771 runs and taking 51 wickets in 17 games.
Napier's first-class stats: 4864 runs, averaging 32.64 and has taken 334 wickets, averaging 34.20.
In a YB40 match against Surrey, Napier took four wickets in four balls to help Essex win by 178.
Napier said; "To sign a new contract with Essex for the next two years is excellent and feels like a huge reward after the best season I have ever had in my career at the club."
Paul Grayson, Head Coach at Essex, said; "I am very happy that Graham has signed a new contract, especially after the sensational season he experienced last year. The 2013 season showed how important Graham is to the team when fully fit and I'm sure he will continue to be a key member of the side for the next two years."
* * *
Essex seam bowler David Masters has signed on for another year, keeping him with the county until 2015.
Masters was named as Essex's top wicket-takers for the fourth season in a row. The 35-year-old had a best innings wicket-haul of 6-41 against his former club Kent.
David Masters spoke about playing cricket "for as long as [he] can continue to perform on the pitch." He said; "This will take me up to the age of 37 and I want to play for as long as I can. There is also a lot of responsibility for me now to help the younger players coming through at the club and pass on my experience of the game."
Paul Grayson thinks he "is instrumental in leading our bowling attack".
____________
Alastair Cook has been awarded a benefit year by Essex to captain England.
The 28-year-old said he "was honoured to be awarded a benefit year by Essex" pledging to donate at least half of what he makes to four different charities; The David Randall Foundation, Chance to Shine, Outreach Uganda and Mind.
Chief Executive Derek Bowden said: "He is a player with immense talent and has proven to be one of the best cricketers Essex CCC has ever produced. He has always shown his admiration for Essex and is a role model for supporters of the club at all ages. I'm sure I can say on behalf of the club, members and supporters that we wish Alastair the best of luck for 2014."
Ball on Willow.
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