Christchurch attacks 'gelled' Bangladesh, says Rhodes

Bangladesh coach Steve Rhodes spoke of his respect on Tuesday for the way his players handled themselves after the Christchurch mosque attacks earlier this year.

The team narrowly escaped the attacks that killed 51 people in New Zealand in March during their tour of the country.

Rhodes is preparing his side to face New Zealand at the Oval on Wednesday after they beat South Africa in their opening World Cup match.

"I have got so much respect for the players, the way that they have handled themselves after that event, the way that they have got themselves through it all," he said at his pre-match press conference.

"They are just celebrating Eid now, the end of Ramadan. That's been tough for many of the boys.

"The experience they went through, they went through together on that coach, and I think it somehow gelled them and I think that they have actually got solace from each other."

"There's a lot of smiley faces at the moment, and going back to that day in Christchurch, I was thinking, how do we get a team back together after," he added. "But they have done it."

Rhodes said Bangladesh did not want to get carried away with their victory against South Africa.

"We know the people back home are delighted and obviously jumping up and down with what we've done in beating South Africa," he said.

"But the team and the staff, they know that the task is going to be tough against some of these teams, and New Zealand are just one of those sides where they gave us a decent hiding this winter, and we're hopeful that we are in better shape.

"The answer is, we are in better shape, taking them on this time around. But they are a tough opposition, like many of the top four or five teams in the world, and it will be difficult."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Munir Uz Zaman

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Langer prepares Australia for West Indies World Cup pace test

Justin Langer has hailed the West Indies' "Calypso cricket", admitting they were his heroes when he was growing up as he prepares Australia to face their current battery of fast bowlers.

The two teams, who have won seven out of the 11 World Cups so far between them, meet at Trent Bridge on Thursday after both cruised to comfortable opening victories.

Head coach Langer said defending champions Australia would need to adjust their mindset to take on the West Indies quicks and other fast bowlers at the tournament in England and Wales.

"We've probably spent four months thinking and playing against spin bowling," he said on Tuesday.

"We have to adapt to West Indies no doubt, who have got a number of good, fast bowlers. South Africa will be same. England will be the same. Have to adapt our game plan and adapt pretty quickly.

"Obviously a very dangerous team the way they bat and aggressive bowling, but they've got weaknesses as well and we're playing pretty good cricket."

West Indies, who won the first two World Cups, in 1975 and 1979, were the dominant force in the world game for two decades and boasted a succession of world-class fast bowlers and thrilling batsmen.

"When I was a kid it was Calypso cricket, and I think we're seeing plenty of signs of Calypso cricket," said Langer said.

"Running and bowling fast. They're not necessarily going to be bowling the same spot every ball, but going to be exciting to watch. They all try to hit sixes most balls so Darren Bravo's probably a little bit more unorthodox.

"Always exciting playing the West Indies. When I was growing up they were my heroes."

Langer described veteran opener Chris Gayle, who scored 50 in the West Indies' seven-wicket victory against Pakistan, as a "brilliant player".

"They got a number of dangerous players," he said. "With him on the team they seemed to grow a leg. They take confidence from him. Again, hopefully don't take too much confidence on Thursday."

Australia were on the end of a thumping last year when England posted a world record one-day international score of 481 for six at Trent Bridge and Langer described the experience as "brutal".

"Had some really good times here at Trent Bridge and last year was a down," he said.

Langer welcomed David Warner's innings of 89 not out in Australia's win against Afghanistan, his first official international match since completing a one-year ban for ball tampering.

"You can see the look in his eyes," he said. "A lot of people are talking. Looks determined. For him to battle through 90 or 80, whatever it was, and to still be there at the end and get the job done for the team, that's a great sign for us."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar

West Indies vow to be positive in Australia World Cup clash

West Indies captain Jason Holder urged his side to be "as positive as we possibly can be" against Australia as he prepares for a potential World Cup classic.

Trent Bridge will play host to the match on Thursday as Holder's side and a hungry-looking Australia renew a rivalry dating back to the start of the event in 1975.

West Indies came out on top against Australia in the first World Cup final in that year and won the next tournament, also in England, four years later.

But since then Australia have won five titles to emerge as the undisputed kings of World Cup cricket.

Holder said he was ignoring the past to focus on maintaining the form that brought victory over Pakistan last Friday, with a tough test in store against an Australia side also on a high from victory over Afghanistan.

"It's always been a great rivalry between West Indies and Australia. I think everybody is expecting a really good contest," he said at Trent Bridge on Wednesday.

"We're up for the challenge. I think they're up for the challenge as well. I wouldn't really get too deep into rivalries."

The West Indies pacemen used the short ball to devastating effect against Pakistan in their World Cup opener, bowling them out for just 105.

But Holder said the tactics he deployed against Australia would depend on individual batsmen.

"If it's a situation where we feel a batsman may be susceptible to the short ball, then we're going to use it," he said.

"If it's a situation where that's not the case, then we'll find other alternatives. It's just not stuck on the short ball."

He said one-day cricket had seen some big hitting in recent years, with Trent Bridge the ground where England smashed the highest-ever one-day international total of 481-6 against Australia last year.

"We've all seen the way world cricket has gone the last two years," he said. "There have been some high totals and there has been some aggressive stroke play.

"We just want to be as positive as we possibly can be."

Big-hitting Chris Gayle and Andre Russell are both expected to be fit but Holder believes the dimensions of the ground are not as easy as they seem.

"I made a remark to one or two of the guys -- I felt like the ground was a little bigger than people think," he said.

"I always back the guys to go with their strengths first, no matter the dimensions of the ground. I think we've just got to hone in on our skills.

"The ground will be one way for both teams. That's one thing guaranteed. That's just our plan."

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India start World Cup campaign with a win thanks to Sharma’s classy ton

Rohit Sharma hit an unbeaten century as India made a comfortable start to their World Cup campaign with a six-wicket win over South Africa in Southampton on Wednesday that dealt a fresh blow to the Proteas' tournament hopes.

Chasing a modest 228, India cruised to victory on the back of Sharma's 122 not out as they won with 15 balls to spare and live up to their favourites tag in the showpiece event.

For South Africa, a third straight defeat in as many matches this World Cup left their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals on a knife edge.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal laid the platform for victory as India restricted an injury-hit South Africa to 227 for nine in 50 overs.

Chahal returned figures of 4-51 after Bumrah did the early damage by dismissing both South Africa openers.

Sharma, who survived a dropped catch on one by South Africa captain Faf du Plessis at second slip then anchored India's chase.

South Africa quick Kagiso Rabada struck early with the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan for eight but his team was short on runs to put pressure on the opposition batting.

Wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock came up with a stunning catch behind the stumps to send back India skipper Virat Kohli for 18 off Andile Phehlukwayo -- the first time in three World Cups the star batsman had not started the tournament with a hundred.

Sharma kept the chase on course, building partnerships that included an 85-run third-wicket stand with KL Rahul, who made 26.

The opener's well-judged mix of caution and aggression saw him reach his 23rd one-day century with a single off Tabraiz Shamsi, with Sharma hitting 13 fours and two sixes in total.

Sharma survived another reprieve on 107 after David Miller dropped a high but routine chance at cover to sum up South Africa's sorry performance so far before Chris Morris held a consolation caught and bowled chance, despite treading on the stumps at his end, to dismiss MS Dhoni (34).

Earlier, Bumrah, the world's top-ranked ODI bowler, had the ball darting around on a cloudy morning, openers Hashim Amla (six) and de Kock (10) both falling to slip catches off his bowling.

Chahal soon took charge as he bowled Rassie van der Dussen for 22 with the first ball of his second over to end a 54-run third-wicket partnership.

He then bowled skipper Du Plessis for 38 later in the same over.

Morris, batting at No 8, provided late spark with his fighting 42 during an eighth-wicket partnership of 66 with Rabada, who made an unbeaten 31 -- his highest ODI score.

South Africa have been hit by a spate of injuries, with pace spearhead Dale Steyn making an early exit from the tournament without playing a game.

India next play Australia at the Oval on Sunday while South Africa take on West Indies on Monday.

Chahal spin puts India on top in South Africa World Cup clash

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the pick of the bowlers as India restricted South Africa to 227 for 9 in their opening match of the World Cup in Southampton on Wednesday.

Chahal returned figures of four for 51 to rip the heart out of the South African batting line-up, to the delight of a large contingent of Indian fans.

Chris Morris, batting at number eight, provided late resistance with his fighting 42 during an eighth-wicket partnership of 66 with Kagiso Rabada, who made an unbeaten 31 -- his highest one-day international total.

Paceman Jasprit Bumrah did the early damage, dismissing both openers to put South Africa, who desperately need a win after defeats in their opening two games, in deep trouble.

Chahal bowled Rassie van der Dussen for 22 with the first ball of his second over to end a 54-run third-wicket partnership.

He then bowled skipper Du Plessis for 38 later in the same over.

Spin partner Kuldeep Yadav also chipped in with the wicket of JP Duminy, trapping the batsman lbw for three as South Africa slipped to 89-5.

David Miller and Andile Phehlukwayo then put on 46 runs to slow India's charge and keep the scoreboard ticking over.

But Chahal once again made the breakthrough, dismissing both batsmen. Miller was caught and bowled for 31 while Phehlukwayo was stumped on 34.

Earlier, Bumrah, the world's top-ranked one-day international bowler, had the ball darting around on a cloudy morning in Southampton as he sent back Hashim Amla for six.

Amla, who missed South Africa's previous match against Bangladesh, defended a delivery with extra bounce from Bumrah but got an outside edge and was caught at second slip by Rohit Sharma.

Bumrah then struck again in his next over, with Quinton de Kock, who made 10, edging to skipper Virat Kohli at third slip, meaning South Africa were two down for 24.

But some counter-attacking batting late in the innings from Morris, who hit a boundary and two sixes during his 34-ball knock, gave the South Africans something to bowl at.

South Africa have been hit by a spate of injuries, with pace spearhead Dale Steyn making an early exit from the tournament without playing a game.

India, among the favourites, are playing their first game in the round-robin event, which concludes on July 14 in London.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dibyangshu Sarkar

World Cup adaptability is key, says New Zealand's Latham

Wicketkeeper Tom Latham said Tuesday that adaptability was the key to World Cup success and that New Zealand were "lucky" to have had recent experience of playing Bangladesh.

New Zealand reached the World Cup final for the first time four years ago but had to settle for a runners-up finish against Australia.

They started in impressive fashion at this year's tournament in England and Wales, steam-rollering Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in Cardiff at the weekend.

"We play nine games at nine different venues around the country," said Latham. "It's important to adapt to every surface, every team, as quick as possible.

"The way we usually play a series back home, you play two or three games against a side and you're able to try to work out the way they go about things.

"But in a World Cup and this situation, you run once and it's important that you adapt really quickly to what that side offers."

He said New Zealand would benefit from recent knowledge of playing Bangladesh, whom they face at the Oval on Wednesday.

"I guess we're lucky with a side like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who we have played recently in our home summer," he said. "We are sort of familiar with them."

Latham predicted a tough contest against Bangladesh, who beat South Africa in their first match of the tournament to get off to a flying start.

"I think the way we went about things against Sri Lanka was ideal, but we know we're going to be put under pressure tomorrow and throughout this tournament," he said.

"So I'm certainly looking forward to the challenge of doing it all again tomorrow."

Latham said it would be "great" to see Bangladesh in London after the Asian nation cut short their tour of New Zealand earlier this year following the Christchurch mosque attacks.

"I'm sure both sides are looking forward to getting out there and getting back to the cricket field around what we love doing," he said.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Geoff Caddick

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Asif thanks family for World Cup chance after daughter's death

Pakistan batsman Asif Ali has credited his family for convincing him to play at the World Cup after the tragic death of his infant daughter last month.

The 27-year-old had to leave Britain after the fifth one-day international against England when he learned of the death of his 19-month-old daughter Dua Fatima from cancer in the United States.

Asif, who was not in the preliminary squad for the World Cup, forced his way into the final 15 with two half-centuries against England during the recent series between the two countries. Asif said his wife and family helped him deal with his daughter's illness.

"I was informed of my daughter's health during the Pakistan Super League in February," Asif told a news agency. "It was shocking and heart breaking but my family stood by me in those difficult times and they eased it by convincing me that I should play for the country and they will take care of her. They told me 'don't waste a chance of playing for the country' because only lucky ones get that chance. Whatever Allah did, it was for her betterment."

The son of an ironsmith in Pakistan's industrial city of Faisalabad, Asif was spotted as a hard-hitting batsman by former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq. His role is to give impetus to an innings towards the end.

"If I score runs in the team's performance then it's good for all of us," he said. "I am not worried because what role I am given I will play according to the conditions."

Asif said he was happy to score runs in the recent series against England despite a 4-0 defeat for Pakistan. "I need to score quick runs in the final overs and you may have seen my game during the series where I got more overs to bat," he said.

"I got 20-25 overs and that's why I scored two fifties. If you bat up the order then it's relatively easy to hit out as you get settled."

Asif hopes Pakistan will carry forward the momentum of their victory against World Cup hosts England in Nottingham on Monday.

"Beating England was awesome," said Asif of Pakistan's 14-run win, which followed a seven-wicket mauling at the hands of the West Indies in their first match, also in Nottingham. England have a strong batting line-up, so the win was very good. We now have the momentum and we will take it with us in the next games."

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Ashes doubt for fatigued Australia Test opener Burns

Australia Test opener Joe Burns has been diagnosed with fatigue and burn-out stemming from a viral infection last year, throwing his chances of playing in this year's Ashes into serious doubt.

The 29-year-old, who scored a career-best 180 during Australia's last Test in February against Sri Lanka at Canberra, called time on his stint with English county side Lancashire last month for "personal reasons".

Queensland Cricket said in a statement he was dealing with "a protracted post-infectious fatigue disorder dating back to an October 2018 viral infection".

Burns, who has played 16 Tests and was a contender to open with David Warner against England in the five-match series, is recuperating.

"A definite prognosis for recovery is unavailable at present; however it is anticipated he will be fully available for cricket in the near future," added the statement.

Whether he recovers in time for the first Test at Edgbaston on August 1 remains to be seen, but his problems could open to door for Marcus Harris or Cameron Bancroft.

Coach Justin Langer told reporters it would be tough to select Burns, given how much county cricket he will miss.

"He's one player we were hoping would play six, seven, eight games of red-ball cricket," he said.

"That was the plan initially. Sometimes plans change, and we'll just have to monitor that over the next a little bit."

Burns was replaced in the Lancashire squad by fellow Australian Jake Lehmann, son of former national coach Darren Lehmann.

Feature image courtesy: Ishara S. Kodikara

Rohit played his best ever ODI innings today: Virat Kohli

A clinical display with the ball was well complimented by Indian vice-captain Rohit Sharma who scored a match-winning century to ensure his team started their World Cup campaign with a win. The 32-year-old carried the bat for team India, building healthy partnerships with MS Dhoni and KL Rahul to make sure India chased down the Proteas’ total of 228 on a tricky surface at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl.

Speaking about that knock in the post-match press conference, Indian captain Virat Kohli said “I think in my opinion this is by far his best ODI innings because of the kind of pressure the first game brings from a World Cup point of view.”

Sharma started off slowly and avoided attacking the South African quicks Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris during the powerplay overs, owing to the ball swinging and bouncing in the beginning. He maintained his composure and stayed firm at the crease despite the Indian’s losing Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli early on in their innings. He ended with a 122* off 144 balls as India won the game by six wickets.

Speaking on that, Kohli said “as a batsman, when you go in and a few balls bounce like that, it's not easy to gather yourself again and play in a calm manner.

“A lot of times batsmen tend to hit their way out of the situation. But he was very composed, he's played so many games, we expect a lot of maturity and a lot of responsibility from someone like him. "I think controlling the game so beautifully from one end and allowing the others to display themselves and string in small little partnerships, looking at the fact that they were only chasing 228, he played the perfect innings for that kind of a situation on that kind of a wicket.”

Speaking on his own performance, the Indian vice-captained was quoted saying in the post-match “Couldn't play my natural game. You have to take your time. Certain shots that I like playing, I had to cut out and play close to the body, and follow the basics properly - try and leave as many balls as possible on a pitch that is doing a bit.

It wasn't a typical Rohit Sharma innings, but I had to play out the overs initially to make sure that the job is done," he concluded.

Australia's Finch backs concussion subs in international cricket

Australia captain Aaron Finch says he would welcome the introduction of concussion substitutes in international cricket.

A report in Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper said the International Cricket Council could allow concussion subs from October 1 this year. At present, substitutes in international matches can only field and are not allowed to bat or bowl. But a two-year trial of concussion substitutes in various domestic cricket competitions around the world started in October 2017, allowing players to bat and bowl.

The issue was thrown into sharp relief at the ongoing World Cup in England and Wales when South Africa batsman Hashim Amla was struck on the head by a bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer and had to retire hurt even though he was wearing a protective helmet.

He resumed his innings later on but was left out of the Proteas' second game, against Bangladesh, on medical grounds. Finch said on Wednesday that he had no qualms with allowing replacement batsmen or bowlers to take over from a concussed player at international level.

"I know that it has worked in Australia in domestic cricket," the skipper said at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, a day before his side's World Cup match against the West Indies.

The opening batsman added: "The last thing you want is people getting hit, obviously, but if there is, you also don't want the game to be determined by someone getting hit and then being out of the game. If that happens in the first over, that's a huge disadvantage."

In English domestic cricket the rule is that only like-for-like replacements are allowed, so a fast bowler cannot come in for an injured spinner. "If everyone plays ball, I think it's a good decision," said Finch. "It's all about the safety of the player and at the end of the day, the game of cricket isn't as important as someone's health."