Test Rankings Update

With the New Zealand and England series ending the other day in an incredible draw, there is now a bit of a break until the next test assignments. Zimbabwe do host Bangladesh in April for a two test match series in a bottom of the table clash, but for the test purists, they will have to wait until May for any substantial action.

With this in mind, I thought now would be a good time to reflect on each team's form in the past five months (since November) and their current positions on the ranking table. I'll also detail the test series which will be played later this year.

South Africa
8 matches
6 wins 2 draws 0 losses
Captain Graeme Smith has just received the test mace and the $450,000 cheque that goes along with it. They thoroughly deserve these accolades as they have comprehensively beaten all team that they have played. The critical series against Australia in Australia was a challenge but a superb performance at the WACA sealed a hard fought 1-0 win. Their home summer was flawless with a 2-0 and 3-0 thumping of New Zealand and Pakistan respectively.

India
8 matches
5 wins 1 draw 2 losses
All of India's 8 matches have been played at home, and their results can be split into two categories. Their 1-2 defeat to England was disappointing and it showed that they had some things to address. Meanwhile their 4-0 hammering of Australia, although helped by the implosion of Australia, showed that they are still a force to be reckoned with in their home conditions.

West Indies
4 matches
4 wins 0 draws 0 losses
These results look sensational, but some context is needed. Their matches were played against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. So they were expected to win these four matches, but the ruthlessness they displayed at times is a sign that West Indies may be on a significant rise in test cricket.

Australia
10 matches
3 wins 2 draws 5 losses
Australia have come through an incredible rough trot after being hammered by India. Players being sent home, selection inconsistencies an rumoured player unrest have destabilized the team. The retirements of Ponting and Hussey would not have helped. All this was on the back of a decent home summer with a narrow 0-1 loss to the South Africans and a 3-0 cleansweep of Sri Lanka.

England
7 matches
2 wins 4 draws 1 loss 
England's win over India was a historic achievement and they thoroughly deserved their win with some outstanding performances. They have crashed back to Earth though, with a 0-0 draw against New Zealand. They were only one wicket away from losing the series, which would have been a major disappointment for England.

Sri Lanka
7 matches
2 wins 1 draw 4 losses
Sri Lanka's form has not been good, and there are signs that they may be on a downward trend in test cricket (their board's cancelling of tests will not help this). They were upset by New Zealand in Sri Lanka to draw the series 1-1, and were completely outplayed by Australia down under. The fact that they could only just beat Bangladesh shows where they are at.

New Zealand
7 matches
1 win 3 draws 3 losses
Despite only 1 win from the past 7 matches, things are starting to turn around for New Zealand. Their win in Sri Lanka was amazing, although was overshadowed by the Ross Taylor captaincy saga. Despite being smashed by South Africa, their performance against England showed that they have some good players coming through the ranks.

Bangladesh
4 matches
0 wins 1 draw 3 losses 
Bangladesh's form has actually been quite impressive. They posted their then highest test score in the first match against the West Indies and should have probably won that game. Their draw in the first match against Sri Lanka (while making 638) was a major highlight for them.

Pakistan
3 matches
0 wins 0 draws 3 losses
Pakistan have only played the one series which was against South Africa away. They were destroyed by the no.1 side with a real low-light coming when they were bowled out for 49 in the first test.

Zimbabwe
2 matches
0 wins 0 draws 2 losses
Zimbabwe played tests for the first time in over a year with a series away against West Indies. As expected they were brushed aside with relative ease, but the experience shall be good for them.

Some statistics from this in general are:
30 matches played (over the last 5 months)
2 four match series
4 three match series
5 two match series
Thought I'd include this breakdown as I really hate two match series. Who wouldn't have loved an extra match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand or even between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, giving Bangladesh the opportunity to play for a drawn series.

Of the 30 matches played, 7 have been drawn, which is around 23%. I reckon most of these were on roads of pitches. Adelaide comes to mind, as does matches played in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

The current rankings are as follows: (up to date as of now)

1 - South Africa    128
2 - England           114
3 - India                112
4 - Australia         110
5 - Pakistan          104
6 - Sri Lanka         92
7 - West Indies      92
8 - New Zealand   83
9 -  Bangladesh      1

The divide between South Africa and the rest is really prominent now, and really proves just how dominant they have been over the past five months. Australia have slipped from nearly being no.1 to now down to no.4. While West Indies have improved their ranking to 92 and are now within striking distance of leap-frogging Sri Lanka into 6th position. Bangladesh picked up a ranking point, while Zimbabwe are still unranked, although they could find themselves on the table after the Bangladesh series.

Test Calendar for the rest of 2013:
April: Zimbabwe VS Bangladesh (Zimbabwe) - 2 match series
May: England VS New Zealand (England) - 2 match series
July/August: West Indies VS Pakistan (West Indies) - 2 match series
July/August: England VS Australia (England) - 5 match series
October: Bangladesh VS New Zealand (Bangladesh) - 2 match series
October: Zimbabwe VS Sri Lanka (Zimbabwe) - 2 match series
October: Pakistan VS South Africa (UAE) - 2/3 match series
November - January: Australia VS England (Australia) - 5 match series
December/January: South Africa VS India (South Africa) - 3/4 match series
December/January: New Zealand VS West Indies (New Zealand) - 3 match series
December/January: Pakistan VS Sri Lanka (UAE) - 3 match series

The two Ashes series are the main highlight, although Australia's problems could mean the series' aren't as closely fought as everyone would like. All the other nations are left to pick up the scraps with a glut of two match series. Although there is hope that Pakistan could play South Africa in a three match series, while Cricket South Africa are considering a four match series against India. The Bangladesh VS New Zealand series should be closely fought with the improvement of Bangladesh.

Let's hope for some exciting matches as well as some brilliant individual performances. On a side note it will be interesting to see whether Sachin Tendulkar continues playing, as India do not play another test series until South Africa in December. 

Ireland and Scotland establish respective inter-provincial series

Both Ireland and Scotland have announced in the past few months details of inter-provincial series. Both cricket boards have secured $1.5 million (US) funding over the next  three years which will go towards setting up domestic cricket.

For Ireland establishing a first class structure is key to succeed in their goal of playing test cricket by 2020. Implementing an inter-provincial structure this year is a good start. Ireland have established three teams for 2013 - the Leinster Lightning, Northern Knights and the North West Warriors. Although three teams may seem small, with the still limited funds available it is a good start.  The teams will play each other in three-day, 50-over, and 20-over matches across the Irish summer. In future years the number of team, and number of matches can be expanded.

Cricket Scotland have established two teams - the Highlanders and the Reivers to play each other in a mix of three day, 50-over and 20-over matches. Cricket Scotland Performance Director Andy Tennant believes that the possibility for a "cross-border competition" in future.

I think this is how European associate cricket can really improve significantly. For Ireland to become a test nation, a competitive first class competition is required. However having any more than four teams would probably stretch the playing pool and funds too thin. Ideally a Euro-League consisting of teams from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands should be implemented. For instance the league could feature 4 Irish teams, 3 Scottish teams, 2 Dutch teams, and perhaps a national team such as Italy, which would help their development. The ten teams could play across the season, with perhaps a T20 tournament played exclusively over a 9-10 day period. This could hopefully attract sponsorship and some international players.

I think there is no doubt that the heads of the Irish and Scottish Cricket Boards are definitely thinking about this, and the fixtures for 2013 are a step in the right direction.

Ireland Inter-provincial Series 2013 
(Fixtures from CricketEurope - http://www.cricketeurope4.net/CEIRELAND/ZONEMATCHES/IRELAND/2013/DOMESTIC/INTERPRO/about.shtml)

Three - Day

14th - 16th May: Leinster Lightning VS North West Warriors, College Park, Dublin

4th - 6th June: North West Warriors VS Northern Knights, Eglinton

25th - 27th June: Leinster Lightning VS Northern Knights, College Park, Dublin

30th July - 1st August: Northern Knights VS North West Warriors, NCU (TBC)

13th August - 15th August: North West Warriors VS Leinster Lightning, Bready

27th - 29th August: Northern Knights VS Leinster Lightning, NCU (TBC)

 

50 Overs

6th May: Leinster Lightning VS Northern Knights, The Hills
19th May: North West Warriors VS Northern Knights, Coleraine
1st June: Leinster Lightning VS North West Warriors, Malahide
15th July: Northern Knights VS North West Warriors, Comber
10th August: Northern Knights VS Leinster Lightning, NCU (TBC)
21st September: North West Warriors VS Leinster Lightning, Strabane

Twenty 20

 21st June: Leinster Lightning VS Northern Knights, TBA
21st June: Leinster Lightning VS North West Warriors, TBA
21st July: North West Warriors VS Northern Knights, Bready
21st July: North West Warriors VS Leinster Lightning, Bready
22nd September: Northern Knights VS North West Warriors, Comber
22nd September: Northern Knights VS Leinster Lightning, Comber

Scotland Pro Series 2013 
(Fixtures from Cricket Scotland website - http://www.cricketscotland.com/news/article/cricket-scotland-pro-series-2013/) 

Three – Day

28^th July – 30^th July: Highlanders VS Reivers, Goldenacre

20^th August – 22^nd August: Reivers VS Highlanders, New Williamfield

50-over

28^th April: Highlanders VS Reivers, Myreside

8^th May: Reivers VS Highlanders, Titwood

22^nd May: Reivers VS Highlanders, New Williamfield

23^rd June: Highlanders VS Reivers, Forthill

18^th August: Highlanders VS Reivers, Mannofield

20-over

27^th June: Reivers VS Highlanders, Titwood

1^st September: Reivers VS Higlanders VS Cavaliers XI (3 match round-robin), Arbroath

Blog Update

I have just updated the Results, Fixtures, Tours and 2015 CWC Qualifiers pages on the blog. Check out all the results from the past few months, latest confirmed fixtures for the rest of 2013, excerpts from the Future Tours Programme, and how the associate and affiliate nations are progressing in their bid to qualify for the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Thoughts go out to Jesse Ryder and his family

I'm sure all you have heard about the terrible assault that happened to Jesse Ryder the other day. He has been in an induced coma the last day or so. New Zealand Police have stated today that they have made one arrest, with another man being questioned.

Thoughts go out to Jesse and to his family and friends, and for everyone's sake let's hope for a speedy recovery from him.

Bangladesh draw series against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh 184/7 (26.0 overs) defeated Sri Lanka 302/9 (183)
by 3 wickets (Duckworth- Lewis Method)

Bangladesh have drawn their ODI series against Sri Lanka overnight with an upset three wicket win overnight. Sri Lanka started off at a quick pace with Kusal Perera and Dilshan putting on 116 for the first wicket. Kumar Sangakkara came in and make a run a ball 48, while Dilshan continued on to hit his 16th ODI hundred - 125*. Bangladesh though recovered and managed to restrict the rest of the Sri Lankan batsmen. Abdur Razzak was the chief destroyer with a five wicket haul, in the process becoming the first Bangladeshi player to take 200 ODI wickets. Although Sri Lanka would have been slightly disappointed at their inability to compose a bigger score, they would still have been confident in defending 302.

Bangladesh, similar to Sri Lanka, made an impressive start with openers Anamul Haque and Mohammad Ashraful putting on 77 in 12.5 overs. Shortly after though the rain came, which forced the involvement of Duckworth and Lewis. After a significant rain of delay, the target was reduced to 183 off 27 overs. The batsmen seemed to lose some composure after this with regular wickets falling. Nasir Hossain (newly promoted to no.5) maintained his cool though with 33* to steer the chase. On a side note, Nasir is really starting to find his place in this team and a permanent promotion up the order may be in order. He now averages 43 in ODI's, as well as an impressive 44 in test cricket. Malinga, Matthews and Senanayake each took apiece, with the other wicket being a run-out. 

This was Bangladesh's first win against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. A remarkable achievement for them and continuation of a pretty positive tour for the visitors. The last match of the tour is a single T20I which is to be played on Saturday.

Full scorecard here on Cricinfo: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/engine/match/602476.html

World Cricket Live Update

Apologies for the break in posts so below I have summarised the most recent results on the international cricket scene:

• New Zealand and England drew Test Series 0-0
• India whitewashed Australia 4-0 to end a horrendous tour for the visitors
• Sri Lanka secured a 1-0 series victory in their home test series against Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka lead their ODI series against the same team 1-0 with one match to play, after the second encounter was rained out
• West Indies completed their series whitewash with a 2-0 result in the test matches, after a 3-0 and 2-0 win in the ODI and T20I series respectively
• South Africa won the deciding game to seal a close ODI series with Pakistan 3-2

 

• Ireland clean-swept their tour of the UAE with a win in their Intercontinental Cup match, two World Cup Qualifiers and single T20I
• Kenya won both both WCL Championship matches against Canada, as well as the first class match, while the T20I series was drawn 1-1
• Scotland were smashed by Afghanistan with the Afganistan team winning the two WCQ's, the Intercontinental Cup match and the two T20I's

What an advert for Test Cricket

The England and New Zealand test match in Auckland came to a thrilling conclusion today with England holding on for a draw despite only having one wicket in tact. Tailender Monty Panesar had to survive for around 20 minutes with Matt Prior who hit a superb 110*. While his team-mates were going into the shells and defending, (i.e. Stuart Broad who took ) the English keeper scored at a brisk rate of 60 per 100 balls.

For New Zealand, they would be devastated after dominating most of the test. Perhaps Brendom McCullum left his declaration a little late yesterday, but its hard too lay too much blame on him. The commentators though made a comment at the end of New Zealand's innings on Day 4, that they wouldn't like to have England 9 down and run out of overs. ... Well, um, yeah...! I guess they turned out to have a pretty accurate crystal ball.

New Zealand deserve a lot of credit for the way they played in this match and the series overall. To hold the no.2 ranked side in test cricket to a 0-0 draw, and be only one wicket away from a series win is pretty fine achievement. This comes after New Zealand's disastrous showing in their last test series against South Africa. England meanwhile would be disappointed with their performance as they were heavy favourites to take the series. Their failure to do so means they lose ground on the no.1 ranked South Africans and fall back to the chasing pack of India and Australia. New Zealand are still 8th but gain ground on the 7th place West Indies.

The match today might have ended in a draw, but it was a match that highlighted the brilliance of test cricket and all its twists and turns. Tests may not have the bash and crash of T20 cricket, but in my opinion it still reigns supreme with its ability to produce an enthralling end after 5 days of play.

P.S. Special mention  to Peter Fulton who scored a century in both innings of the match!

*Photo from Getty Images - link to the photo on Cricinfo website: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/image/626823.html?page=1
**No copyright infringement intended

I think this photo really sums up the beauty of test cricket well. The players intently crowded around the bat, the sense of the batsmen being two up against 11, the contest between bat and ball and the supporters on the edge of their seats (albeit mostly England fans).

Bangladesh secure first test draw against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh have secured their first draw in a test match against Sri Lanka. People may think, oh wow, a draw, tell me when they win a match. However looking at Bangladesh's test record, (before this match) it doesn't take you long to work out that this has been an immense achievement.

75 matches
3 wins
65 losses
7 draws

Those wins have come against Zimbabwe and a weakened West Indies side. The draws have been against India, West Indies, New Zealand and Zimbabwe. In fact their only draw in a non-interrupted match has been against Zimbabwe. Therefore this result could be considered one of their best ever, as corrected by Cricinfo reporter Mohammad Isam. (http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/content/current/story/624731.html)

Angelo Matthews actually declared late on the final day setting Bangladesh a target of 268 in around 37 overs. Even Bangladesh realised that it was not worth chasing this total, perhaps learning from their fifth day capitulation against West Indies last November. Sri Lanka did manage to pick up one wicket, but even Bangladesh would not have had collapsed on the Galle pitch.

In relation to the pitch, some people may say Bangladesh's achievement should be discredited because of it. I disagree with this as even on roads before, Bangladesh have been totally outclassed and lost by innings, so for them to secure a draw is a good step. Nonetheless I do agree that this type of pitch is bad for test cricket. In fact it is horrible for test cricket. Test cricket to survive needs "result" pitches that offer a good balance between bat and ball. The pitch in Galle was terrible and hopefully will never be produced like that again.

The next (and final test unfortunately, man I hate 2 test series) starts on Saturday.

Full scorecard from the 1st test: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/engine/match/602472.html

Australian crisis continued (media reaction)

Shane Watson has arrived at Sydney Airport to a barrage of questions from the media. Essentially he's stated that he has flown home solely because of the impending birth of his first child. However this appears contradictory as he then goes on to say that he needs to have a think about his cricketing future. Watson also attacked Pat Howard who had said that Watson and Clarke's relationship needed to be worked on. Watson's bitterness towards Howard would not have been helped by Howard saying that Watson was a team player only "sometimes." To be honest I think Howard should keep his mouth shut in relation to provocative statements like that. His job is to oversee a structure that allows for the Australian team to perform at a high level (which is clearly not happening), not cause rifts with players.

The Australian media's reaction to this whole issue has been interesting though. As the news broke the majority of the media were in favour of the dumped players and thought that the punishments were too severe. Allan Border and Mark Waugh in particular found the decision ridiculous. However in the past 24 hours as news has filtered through about slipping standards in relation to missing team meetings, missing the team bus, and fluctuating skinfolds, the general consensus has changed. I think now the media is quite critical of the players, as well as the overall structure in place. Below I have posted some of the pages in leading Melbourne newspaper the Herald Sun, as well as a video from YouTube (MrCurrentvideo Channel) of Watson at the airport.

 I don't have any photos but the back page of the Courier Mail was titled "Fat, Late and Lazy."

*Two photos are from the Herald Sun - no copyright infringement intended

- link to Herald Sun website here if you are interested:http://www.heraldsun.com.au/

**YouTube Video from the user "MrCurrentvideo" - again no copyright infringement intended

- link to this channel here if you are interested: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrCurrentVideo?feature=g-hist

Update: Australian Crisis

Michael Clarke has said that the latest misdemeanour was not an isolated incident and there had been numerous examples of players failing to meet standards during this tour. That's pretty damning if players are being sloppy in their preparation for a big test series. Mickey Arthur just said the other day that before the tour he told the players that this would be the toughest test series of their lives. You know what their response was. They laughed. That really does sum up the current attitude and culture that exists in the team. So in that regard at least a stand is being made.

Shane Watson has flown home, although it is due to the impending birth of his first child. He has said he is going to consider his cricketing future and there are rumours that he may in fact quit test matches. Whether this happens or not is debatable, but one thing that would be likely to happen is for him to be replaced as vice-captain. I don't think a vice-captain of the team should be failing to meet standards, so his long-term future in the role would be in some danger you would think.

Part of what Michael Clarke said here: http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/australia/michael-clarke-slams-suspended-teammates-for-showing-lack-of-respect-to-coach-mickey-arthur/story-fn2mcu3x-1226595210642#.UT5FpVdxXIU

World Cricket Live Update

Plenty of cricket going on at the moment so here is an update on live world cricket!

1st Test: New Zealand VS England 
Match Drawn
New Zealand 460 drew with England 167 and 421/6
England despite being dominated by New Zealand in the first test have managed to hold on for a draw. After letting New Zealand get a lead of 293, England came back strong with both openers Cook and Compton scoring centuries. For Compton it was his first test century and would have helped silence some of the doubters. Nightwatchman Steven Finn managed to stick around the next morning to make his highest test (and first-class) score of 56. Trott also contributed and made 52. Neil Wagner again impressed with a three wicket haul. If the first day wasn't washed out, New Zealand would have really had a great chance to push for a win. Nonetheless they would be impressed with the way they played. England would be happy that they managed to escape with a draw after their inept batting display in the first innings. With the series still 0-0, the next test starts on the 14th.

Full scorecard here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/engine/current/match/569243.html

1st ODI: South Africa VS Pakistan
South Africa won by 125 runs
South Africa 315/4 and Pakistan 190 
Apologies for not posting a series preview for this; I just haven't had the time. In summary for South Africa it is an important series as it is their last major matches before the Champions Trophy. After their loss to New Zealand they will be hoping for an improved performance. They have slipped to 4th in the rankings so will be hoping to get back near the top. For Pakistan they will be hoping to put on a better show after a 3-0 whitewash in the test series. They are ranked in 6th in ODI's and they will be also be wanting to put in a good performance ahead of the Champions Trophy in a few months.

Back to this match, and South Africa really dominated. They piled up 315/4 off their 50 overs with Colin Ingram making an unbeaten 105*. De Villiers made a run a ball 65. They took their batting powerplay immediately in the 11th over which was a nice change from the usual in ODI cricket of wating until the 36th over. Pakistan were never really in the hunt and were struck out for 190 in 36.2 overs. Rory Kleinveldt took four wickets in a good spell.

The next match is in four days.

Full scorecard here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-pakistan-2013/engine/current/match/567368.html

1st Test: Sri Lanka VS Bangladesh
Bangladesh lead Sri Lanka by 27 runs
Bangladesh 638 and Sri Lanka 570/4dec and 41/1

On the road of a pitch in Galle, Bangladesh piled up their highest test score of 638. Mohammad Ashraful could not go on to make a double (he was dismissed on 190), but it was his captain Mushfiqur Rahim who did going on to make an exact 200. It really was a unbelievable innings and he became the first Bangladesh batsman in test history to score a double century. Nasir Hossain coming in at no.7 picked up where Ashraful left off and even managed to score a ton himself. The Sri Lankan bowlers were ineffective but they did manage to restrict Bangladesh's lead to 68.

Shahadat Hossain has picked up the early wicket of Karunaratne but unless something unthinkable happens this test will end up drawn.

Current scorecard and Cricinfo commentary here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/engine/current/match/602472.html

1st ODI: Kenya VS Canada
Canada 227/8 (50.0 overs)
Both of these teams lie in the bottom three of the World Cricket League Championship. Although it is still mathematically possible, it is virtually impossible for these teams to finish in the top two to automatically qualify for the World Cup. In all honesty both Kenya and Canada will need to focus on keeping their ODI status by finishing in the top four of next year's Cricket World Cup qualifier, or even by just finishing in the top eight and keeping their High Performance Program funding.

Canada managed to score 227/8 on the back of a 72 by opening batsman Ruvindu Gunasekera. Raza-ur-Rehman also scored a 70 in his ODI debut. Elijah Otieno picked up 4/33, while Nelson Odhiambo secured two wickets, including of dangerous batsman Rizwan Cheema for 2. Kenya will like their chances of chasing down the total, but it will be close.

Full scorecard here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/wcl-championship-2011-13/engine/current/match/592266.html

Update: Australian crisis

The four players Watson, Pattinson, Khawaja and Johnson have apparently been dumped for failing to fill out a questionnaire following the second test defeat. All 16 players were given a week to answer some questions and reflect upon the test match. They then needed to make a presentation of some kind saying why they should be in the team and what they need to improve on. The other 12 players did; these four players did not and have consequently been stood down. Mickey Arthur has described it as being a "line in the sand" moment in the team.

There are two schools of thought on this. One, it is an incredibly tough punishment for what they have done. I was thinking that their had been a behaviourial related incident or perhaps regarding the consumption of alcohol. But no, essentially they haven't done their homework so have been given a detention.

On the other hand, one can agree with Mickey Arthur and realise that they deserve their punishment. The team culture needs improving and if they thought they were too good to partake in a reflection then so be it.

I am leaning more towards the latter viewpoint, as it is just staggering how they could have just decided not to do something all the other players did. For Shane Watson in particular, it beggers belief. He is the vice-captain of the team and should be leading by example. This incident and his poor form of late could in fact be the death knell of his test career.

Phil Hughes will be one in a brighter mood though as he now has a good chance of being retained for the third test and given another opportunity to score some runs.

Australian cricket is really in a shambles at the moment and it doesn't look like ending anytime soon. After this series, they play 10 consecutive matches against England, 3 in South Africa and then 3 in the UAE against Pakistan. If these cultural issues are not improved and the team's form continues on, Australia might find themselves going through a horror trot of five series losses (worst case scenario 0-17 w/l ratio).

Edit (Cricinfo article with more details):  http://www.espncricinfo.com/india-v-australia-2013/content/current/story/624494.html

Breaking News: Four Australian players dumped from third test

Just came across this on Cricinfo. Absolutely unbelievable news! Apparently vice-captain Shane Watson, James Pattinson, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson did not comply with team orders so have consequently been axed from the third test.

I have absolutely no idea what they have done, but the fact that the vice-captain was in on it, doesn't look good for the culture of Australian cricket. This tour for Australia is just getting worse and worse, and without their best bowler for the third test, a massive defeat almost appears certain.

Therefore the playing XI will be the following:

1 David Warner
2 Ed Cowan
3 Phil Hughes
4 Michael Clarke
5 Steve Smith
6 Brad Haddin (Matthew Wade is in doubt)
7 Moises Henriques
8 Mitchell Starc
9 Peter Siddle
10 Xavier Doherty
11 Nathan Lyon/Glen Maxwell (obviously Maxwell would bat higher)

All of a sudden on a more pace friendly pitch Australia have only two pacemen to choose from. These misdemeanors would have to be quite significant considering.

I'll blog soon when more details come through

Ashraful and Mushfiqur pummel Sri Lanka on Day 3

Stumps at Day 3: Bangladesh 438/4
Stumps at Day 2: Bangladesh 135/2 trailing Sri Lanka 570/4dec
Stumps at Day 1: Sri Lanka 361/3

After toiling hard in the field while the Sri Lankan batsman dominated, Bangladesh have come out and done the exact same, if not more. Two batsman in particular have owned Day 3 of this first test match. There names are Mohammad Ashraful and the captain Mushfiqur Rahim. Ashraful, once a former captain and wonder child of Bangladesh cricket, came back into the team for his umpteenth return to test cricket. With an average 22.60 many thought that he had his fair go. Including this blogger who said:

Mohammad Ashraful returns again to the national side for the umpteenth time. Let's be honest here, despite his potential shown as a youngster he is now 28. He has batted 111 times in tests for a pitiful average of 22.60. In First Class cricket he only averages a touch better with 28. He has scored some runs in domestic cricket recently, but his repetitive failures over the last 5-6 years at international level should mean a permanent line is put through his name.

Well for the time being I am eating my words. Mohammad Ashraful is unbeaten at stumps on Day 3 on 189*. He has faced an unbelievable 398 balls and has been at the crease since the score was 23/1. Ash as he is commonly well known has beaten many records (which I'll touch on later) in this fabulous knock. His partner in crime though has been the skipper Mushfiqur Rahim who is also unbeaten on 152*. He has faced 236 balls in his excellent knock. These two batsmen have put on an unbeaten 261 run stand in 82 overs. Simply stunning! 

People may wonder why I am appearing to celebrate these achievements so much when Sri Lanka had three centurions in their first innings. The answer to that is that this is Bangladesh we are talking about. They are the perennial underachievers in world cricket and sit dead last on the Test Rankings Table with 0 ranking points. Yes, Sri Lanka had an impressive first innings and yes, this pitch makes concrete look like a minefield, but for Bangladesh to completely dominate a day of test cricket like they have just done (303/2) deserves incredible recognition and praise.

For those unaware of the Sri Lankan centurions in the first innings they were Sangakkara with 142, Thirimanne with 155* and Chandimal with 116*. Sri Lanka's innings was dominated by these three batsmen, but the Bangladesh fielding effort played a part. There were absolute sitters dropped and Chandimal was dropped numerous times in single figures. 

In the context of the game Bangladesh still trail by 132 runs with only two days left to play. The most likely result is a draw, but Bangladesh would probably like to bat for the majority of the day tomorrow to avoid batting for a second time in this match. They would ideally like to bowl at Sri Lanka on the last day with a 150-200 run lead, despite this meaning they would have to make in excess of 720. On the flipside a quick collapse tomorrow would leave a result still open for Sri Lanka and with a fifth day wicket ... who knows what will happen? 

Full scorecard here: http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-bangladesh-2013/engine/current/match/602472.html

 Records/Statistics
- Highest partnership by Bangladesh (261*)
- Highest individual score by a Bangladeshi batsman
- Mohammad Ashraful's highest test score (189*) 
- Ashfraful's 398* balls faced is the highest amount by a Bangladeshi batsman in a single test innings
- Mushfiqur Rahim's highest test and first class score (152*)
- Highest fifth wicket stand against Sri Lanka by any side
- Bangladesh' highest score outside Bangladesh (416 previously)
- Ashraful has now scored five of his six centuries against Sri Lanka
- Ashraful is now the first Bangladeshi batsman to score 1000 runs against another country (1047)
- Highest partnership at Galle Cricket Ground

Impending records
- 26 runs off the highest partnership against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka
- Ashraful is 11 runs shy of being the first Bangladesh batsman to score a test double century
-  118 runs off their highest test score ever (556 against West Indies only last year)

I would imagine there would be heaps more, let me know if you know any!