Rankin Returns to Ireland Twenty20

Boyd Rankin and Tim Murtagh will lead the attack for Ireland at next month’s World Twenty20 after both were named in an experienced 15-man squad.

The paceman Rankin recently switched his allegiance back to Ireland after representing England since August 2012 and took six wickets in an ICC Intercontinental Cup win over Papua New Guinea last month.

Murtagh has reversed last May’s decision to retire from the shortest format of the game at international level and will be back on the biggest stage after missing last year’s World Cup with a foot injury.

William Porterfield will lead the side and he is one of five players playing in their fifth World Twenty20, alongside Kevin and Niall O’Brien, Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson.

“We are really looking forward to this World Cup, particularly with the return of Boyd Rankin,” said the Ireland chairman of selectors, Alan Lewis. “He gives our attack so much more balance and potency.

“As such a consistent performer, I am also delighted to see Tim Murtagh in the squad for an event like this, particularly as he missed the 2015 World Cup is such disappointing circumstances.

“These are the events that players want to excel in so hopefully with the lead time involved and the energy the team always shows, we can emerge out on top of the group in the first phase.”

Ireland will face Holland, Oman and Bangladesh in the group stage in India, with the winners advancing to the Super 10.

“Everyone has been given a real boost by the return of Boyd Rankin and Tim Murtagh’s rethink on retirement in this format,” said the head coach, John Bracewell.

“Porty [Porterfield] has plenty of options with the ball as so many of the squad are genuine all-rounders.

“It’s another great chance for the squad to showcase Irish cricket to a global audience and the guys are determined to prove they belong at the top level of the sport.”

Ireland squad for World Twenty20: William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Andrew Poynter, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.

Related articles

• Heavy snow tracks north, will miss the Quad-Cities
• 9 Website Credibility Killers
• The Creepy, Family History of the Ushers, Onstage at S.F. Opera

No KP at Twenty20 - Captain Morgan

Getty Images

Eoin Morgan has unequivocally ended any faint hopes Kevin Pietersen might have had of being selected in England’s ICC World Twenty20 squad on Wednesday.

Pietersen’s exile from the England team since the end of the 2013-14 Ashes has been well documented, with the England and Wales Cricket Board director, Andrew Strauss, citing a “massive trust issue” in ruling out a return last year.

The batsman’s outstanding form for Melbourne Stars in the Ram Slam T20 in South Africa and Australia’s Big Bash League led to speculation of a recall for the 35-year-old in the shortest format of the game.

But limited-overs captain Morgan told the Daily Mail: “That door is completely shut. Kevin will not be picked. That’s from me.”

Pietersen responded on Twitter: “Interesting he’s saying it’s HIS call! Very interesting! Hmmmmm...!”

Earlier, Pietersen championed the cause of his Melbourne Stars team-mate Luke Wright, who has not played for England in nearly two years but also impressed in the recently-concluded BBL.

Related articles

• IPL auction 2016: Mumbai Indians buy Jos Buttler
• Quetta beat Peshawar by 3 wickets in nail-biting PSL game
• Watch PSL live: Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators live streaming and TV information
• Renegades see Stars as they taste defeat in second derby
• IPL 2016 auction held in Bengaluru
• Performers, not stars, are season's flavour

South Africa Win Consolation Test

England capitulated on the fifth morning at Centurion as Kagiso Rabada inspired South Africa to a commanding consolation victory in the fourth Test.

The hosts took seven wickets for just 49 runs in little more than an hour’s play, sealing a 280-run success as the series ended 2-1 to the tourists. Twenty-year-old Rabada was again the star, taking six for 32 to finish with 13 wickets in the match – the second best match figures in South Africa’s history – but England were at least partial authors of their own downfall.

The tourists had already secured the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy at the Wanderers, but the ease with which they were brushed aside will serve as a timely reminder of their fragility.

Toppling the world’s No1 side on their home turf is a considerable feather in England’s cap, but they will leave South Africa on a familiar end-of-series blowout and with plenty of questions to answer.

None of Alex Hales, Nick Compton or James Taylor can consider their place in the batting order secure, while Jonny Bairstow’s wicket-keeping and Chris Woakes’s status in the pace-bowling hierarchy must also be reviewed.

Going into the final day, England would surely have looked to their great escape on this ground in 2010 for inspiration, when No11 Graham Onions batting out for an unlikely draw alongside Paul Collingwood. However, the script went awry almost immediately.

Taylor departed to the last ball of the third over, perhaps expecting low bounce but instead seeing a Morné Morkel lifter buck off a length and graze a glove. Like Hales and Compton in the top three, Taylor has hardly provided solid evidence that he should retain his spot in the summer.

Joe Root has no such concerns, and can reflect on another fine series for his country, but he was a walking wicket here. He was dropped off his first ball of the morning, nicking Dane Piedt into Quinton de Kock’s thigh, and beaten twice more before heading to the pavilion. All at sea against the sharply turning ball, he lunged at Piedt and sent a thick edge straight to Dean Elgar at slip.

That brought together Ben Stokes and Bairstow, the men whose 399-run stand in Cape Town will go down as one of the abiding memories of the trip. They attempted a brief reprise, scoring 25 runs in 24 balls together but it was never likely to last. Having crashed Rabada for a pair of boundaries Bairstow went hard at the seamer again and sent a high catch into the hands of AB de Villiers at slip.

Rabada celebrated his 10th of the match only for replays to show he had overstepped. Entirely unconcerned he returned to his mark, kept his foot behind the line and found the edge again with his very next ball.

Stokes’s tour ended on a bum note, lazily chipping a pull to deep midwicket to give Morkel a cheap triumph, and Rabada wrapped up England’s lower order. Woakes wafted away from his body and was held by De Kock, Broad drove loosely to slip and last man James Anderson bagged a golden duck as a swinging yorker rapped him on the boot.

England’s carefree surrender was an ignominious way to close what the series, but that is to take nothing away from Rabada. A young, athletic seamer with the world at his feet, he will already take some beating as cricket’s breakout name of 2016. He is already the youngest South African to claim 10 wickets in a match and his return over three Tests – 22 wickets at 21.90 made him the most effective bowler from either side.

Related articles

• Dhawan, de Villiers 'similar' players
• Five lessons for South Africa after their series defeat in India
• Steve Finn arrival on South Africa tour is 'fantastic news', says England team-mate Jonny Bairstow
• 3 Big Questions Facing England Ahead of South Africa Series
• Alex Hales' readiness for Test match cricket already questioned before he makes his debut
• NZ win toss, bowl in 2nd Sri Lankan Test

Dale Steyn Out of Third Test

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn is out of the third Test against England in Johannesburg with a shoulder injury.

Steyn was injured during the first Test in Durban, missing the second in Cape Town as England earned a draw to retain a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.

The third Test will start on Thursday without the 32-year-old, who has missed four of South Africa's last six Tests because of injury.

"I don't think it's the end of Dale Steyn," said coach Russell Domingo.

"All players will experience some sort of niggles."

South Africa had included Steyn in their squad for the final two Tests of the series in the hope that he would be fit.

Domingo added: "He is a great athlete. He is as fit as they can come. We know he is a great bowler. He is the best bowler in the world."

Related articles

• South Africa vs England: Dale Steyn passes fitness tests
• South Africa's Steyn passes fitness tests
• England v South Africa: Omens bode well for Alastair Cook's men ahead of winter tour
• Qatar Airways to launch Doha-Durban route from today
• 3 Big Questions Facing England Ahead of South Africa Series
• Alex Hales' readiness for Test match cricket already questioned before he makes his debut

South Africa Same for Final Test

Getty Images

South Africa have named an unchanged 16-man squad for the last two Tests against England.

Fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Kyle Abbott were ruled out of the drawn match in Cape Town through shoulder and hamstring injuries respectively, but will join the team in Johannesburg and both are expecting to be available. Nevertheless, their replacements in the XI for the Cape Town Test, Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris, have been retained, with uncapped Hardus Viljoen taking the seam bowling ranks to six.

JP Duminy and Rilee Rossouw are included as the spare batsmen in a squad captained by AB de Villiers, who has taken charge on a short-term basis following Hashim Amla’s resignation at Newlands.

“We were highly encouraged by the performance put up by the Proteas at PPC Newlands,” said convenor of selectors Linda Zondi. “The very fact that they were nearly able to force a win after conceding 600 runs on the first innings speaks volumes for the character of this group of players.

“We feel we have all our bases covered and also the options that will enable the team to exploit whatever conditions they encounter.”

South Africa have also named a 14-man squad for the five match one-day international series against England. It contains 11 members of the Test squad, augmented by Farhaan Behardien, Imran Tahir and David Miller.

South Africa squad for third and fourth Tests v England AB de Villiers (c), K Abbott, H Amla, T Bavuma, Q de Kock, JP Duminy, F du Plessis, D Elgar, M Morkel, C Morris, D Piedt, K Rabada, R Rossouw, D Steyn, S van Zyl. H Viljoen.

South Africa squad for one-day international series v England AB de Villiers (c), K Abbott, H Amla, F Behardien, Q de Kock, JP Duminy, F du Plessis, I Tahir, D Miller, M Morkel, C Morris, K Rabada, R Rossouw, D Steyn.

Related articles

• 3 Big Questions Facing England Ahead of South Africa Series
• Five lessons for South Africa after their series defeat in India
• Dhawan, de Villiers 'similar' players
• England v South Africa: Omens bode well for Alastair Cook's men ahead of winter tour
• IND v SA: South Africa broken like a stump in thumping series defeat
• Josh Hazlewood dazzles in Hobart to enter top 10 rankings

Matthew Hobden #RIP

Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden has died at the age of 22.

In a statement, the club said it was "deeply shocked and saddened". The cause of death has not been given.

Born and educated in Eastbourne, seam bowler Hobden made his first-class debut in 2014 and represented Sussex in all formats of the game.

England's lead fast bowling coach Kevin Shine said: "His potential was huge. He was improving rapidly and I'm certain that he would have played for England."

England's players are wearing black armbands on day two of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Sunday as a mark of respect for Hobden, who made his final appearance in a one-day match against Essex last August.

He took 23 wickets at an average of 47.30 in 10 County Championship Division One games last season.

A Sussex statement read: "Matthew was an exciting young cricketer with a big future ahead of him in the game.

"He was a fantastic individual who had progressed through Sussex's Youth and Academy ranks, having been born locally in Eastbourne.

"Sussex would like to offer their deepest condolences to Matthew's family and friends at this difficult time."

Angus Porter, chief executive of the Professional Cricketers' Association, said: "Matt was a young seamer with immense potential.

"The PCA will work closely with Sussex to ensure that their players and coaching staff are supported during this difficult period for the club."

Former England and Sussex wicketkeeper and batsman Matt Prior wrote on Twitter: "One of those days when u get a call that puts perspective on things. Live life and love everyday as much as you can! So sad! #RIPhobsy"

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it was "shocked and saddened" by the news.

A right-arm bowler, Hobden was selected for the Potential England Performance Programme for the past two winters.

"As a player, I remember the first time I saw him just thinking 'wow'," added Shine. "He was the strongest, most powerful cricketer I've ever seen on that programme.

"He contributed to the group as much as I've ever seen a player contribute. All the lads, and the staff, loved him."

#RIPPhobsy

Related articles

• County cricket chiefs could push for change to disciplinary process after Craig Overton received lenient ban after Ashar Zaidi row
• Alastair Cook tells young England bowler Craig Overton to learn from abuse punishment
• Sevens fan in race-related attack
• Derbyshire Long Course County Championships.
• Snapshot Fredericksburg
• Kleinveldt returns to Northants

No Rum for Captain Morgan

Captain Eoin Morgan thinks his England side are better than they showed during their 59-run defeat to Australia in the first one-day international at the Ageas Bowl.

The hosts reduced Australia to 193-6 but then allowed them to reach 305-6 as Matthew Wade (71 not out) and Mitchell Marsh (40 not out) made hay.

England then reached 112-1 in response, only to lose their way and slump to 194-7, before eventually being dismissed for 246.

And Morgan had no doubt that the batting side of the equation was where England really fell short.

Asked where the game was lost, he said: "The 10-15 overs in the middle of the chase where Australia bowled pretty well.

"I thought if we had come out of that period where they did bowl well unscathed, we should have chased it down quite easily.

"We got off to a fantastic start. Alex Hales and Jason Roy (67) set the tone early and, when we get off to a start like that, we should be chasing down 305.

"I thought Australia defended the score pretty well and put us under the pump but I think we are a better side than that."

Roy and James Taylor (49) were England's two top scorers but the one-day side have generally batted well this summer and Morgan was not too angry about the fact no one recorded a really big score.

"It is frustrating, but I don't want to take anything away from the way the guys play naturally," he said.

"We have seen what they can do, we just want to see more of it."

Australia plundered 93 off their last 10 overs and Morgan added: "You can always do things differently.

"We will look back at our plans and our execution of them and see how they look on replays and obviously try and improve them for Lord's (on Saturday).

"But, certainly, at the start of the game, we would have taken that score (305)."

Australia have stolen a march in the five-match series but Morgan was not too downcast and, when asked if the defeat was a major setback, he replied: "Absolutely not.

"Australia are a very strong side and we will have to play very well to beat them. Today was an opportunity that has gone amiss but we are certainly looking forward to Lord's.

"The games come thick and fast, we are excited about playing the world champions, and it is another opportunity."

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid impressed for England, removing the top four in the Australia order as they slipped back after a good start and finishing with 4-59.

Morgan said: "Adil has come on leaps and bounds since the start of our summer.

"He bowled well in the New Zealand series, he has been working really hard at Yorkshire and, obviously, he has been in and around the Test team.

"For him to hold his nerve today against a very good batting line-up, I was very impressed."

Related articles

• One Day International England v Australia line-ups
• Australia vs England 1st ODI: Place, Time and Live streaming
• Australia bundle up England at 246 to take lead in ODI series
• England v Australia ODI: Matthew Wade steals the show with unbeaten 71 runs for visitors
• Aust to bat first in ODI opener v England
• Aust to bat first in ODI opener v England

Anderson Breaks Botham Record

Getty Images

James Anderson has surpassed Sir Ian Botham’s record to become England’s leading Test wicket-taker of all time.

The Lancashire seamer achieved the milestone in his 100th Test when Alastair Cook caught Denesh Ramdin for 57 with just under 19 overs left on day five of the opening Test against the West Indies in Antigua.

The historic moment wasn’t the catalyst for an England victory though as Jason Holder dug in to score his maiden Test century as the tourists – who began the day on 98-2 after being set 438 to win – survived on a flat pitch to salvage a draw, reaching 350-7 at stumps.

Anderson, 32, began the final day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on 382 Test wickets, one behind Botham, whose career spanned 102 matches.

He moved level with the former all-rounder and Sky Sports pundit by dismissing Marlon Samuels for 23, James Tredwell taking a fine catch at gully, with the second ball of the 16th over of the day to leave the home side on 127-4.

But England claimed only two more wickets in the next 55 overs – those of Shivnarine Chanderpaul (13) and Jermaine Blackwood (31) – before Anderson struck again, skipper Cook taking a sharp chance at first slip to spark jubilant celebrations and words of congratulation from former all-rounder Botham.

"I can't think of anyone better to go past me because people don't realise the amount of hard work that goes in to bowl as he does,” he told Sky Sports.

"It's great to watch, it's great entertainment and it's an art - it really is. He's worked hard to be that good."

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Bob Willis, who sits third in England’s all-time list with 325 wickets from 90 Tests, said Anderson should now aim to improve his tally to 500 scalps.

“I can’t overestimate the scale of James Anderson’s achievement – it is truly fantastic,” he said. “It’s quite something for a fast bowler to play 100 Test matches, but an incredible feat for Jimmy to get past Ian Botham’s record.

“There’s nothing to stop Jimmy going on to take 500 Test wickets. I’m sure he’ll want to do that.”

For all England’s efforts, they could not force victory though as Holder shared a 105-run stand with Ramdin in 32.1 overs before posting his hundred off 146 in an innings containing 15 fours.

The Windies were wobbling at lunch after losing three wickets in the morning session – Devon Smith (65) holing out off Tredwell, before Joe Root trapped Chanderpaul lbw after Samuels fell to Anderson.

But Ramdin and Holder mounted a superb rearguard action in the afternoon session after Jermaine Blackwood (31) swiped across the line at Chris Jordan and got a thin edge behind.

Cook rotated his bowlers consistently in search of earning the four wickets necessary for victory in the final session but Ramdin and Holder each posted half-centuries as their hundred stand came up off 177 balls.

Anderson finally prised out Ramdin, thanks to a superb outswinger that found the edge of his bat and the seamer thought he had another when Kemar Roach was given out caught down the leg-side only for the decision to be overturned on review.

The final say belonged to Holder, who beat his chest as he reached three figures to close the door on England's victory hopes.

Related articles

• West Indies vs. England, 1st Test, Day 5: Highlights, Scorecard and Report
• West Indies vs England LIVE Cricket: Follow the action from the third day of the first Test in Antigua
• Holder ton helps Windies to draw
• Live Cricket Score of West Indies v England, 1st Test at North Sound (Apr 13-17): England Tour of West Indies 2015
• West Indies hold off England charge
• Jimmy Anderson breaks Sir Ian Botham's England wicket record as West Indies salvage draw