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A superb all-round performance from Chris Jordan, who smashed 38 off 13 balls then took three wickets, spearheaded England’s 81-run win against Sri Lanka

The Report by David Hopps22-May-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:29

‘You’d put your mortgage on Chris Jordan’

For Sri Lanka, this was a one-day international that will not live long in the memory, a match ruined by rain. But that is only half the story. For England, it was much more than that. It was a match worth remembering: a match that uplifted spirits, created smiles and brought hopes that after a tormented tour of Australia all was not lost. And it was a match that insisted, not for the first time, that England had a new entertainer in their midst.England won not just because of the rain – although the second interruption, during Sri Lanka’s innings, came along at a convenient time – but because of Chris Jordan. His unbeaten 38 from 13 balls at the end of England’s innings swung the game in England’s favour. His three wickets confirmed that Sri Lanka would not remedy what had become an impossible situation. His fielding was pretty spritely, too.Several rain interruptions wrecked the game – just utter the words Duckworth-Lewis and people lose interest, the only thing worth analysing being the bottom of a warm pint of beer – but Jordan made a celebration of it all the same.With all the talk of a new start in place, with a new coach, Peter Moores, talking of encouraging individuality, Jordan was just what England needed: a blithe spirit. He ran riot in the closing overs and much later after another stoppage he browbeat Sri Lanka with three wickets. England, living off his positive mood, felt powerful again.Jordan’s ebullience has made him one of the most appealing faces in England’s new order. Sixty runs spilled from the last four overs as he smashed an unbeaten 38 from 13 balls, finishing with a length-ball six over long on against Lasith Malinga and a meaningful tuck of bat under arm, job done. As many as 93 came from the last seven overs. Malinga, so often England’s tormentor, had never conceded as many against them in an ODI: 71 from eight wicketless overs.Sri Lanka’s chase of what started as 259 in 39 overs – before that became something else – foundered from the outset. Lahiru Thirimanne, back as opener after Sri Lanka dropped Kusal Perera to find room for Dinesh Chandimal, fell lbw for nought to an inswinger from James Anderson in the first over; Kumar Sangakkara was not the first to work out the cranky bowling style of England’s left-armer Harry Gurney and dragged on.Then came the rain; then came Jordan. Three balls after the resumption, Tillakaratne Dilshan flung the bat at a wide one and perished to a neat catch by Gurney at third man. Chandimal and Kulasekara, promoted in desperation, both followed to catches at the wicket.There was a big wicket, too, for James Tredwell, so bereft of first-class form for the past year that he has been left out by Kent, but shrewd enough to sneak out Mahela Jayawardene at midwicket. He, too, finished with three wickets, but without the same pzazz. Such is his lot. “Poor effort by the whole team,” said Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka’s captain.Three wickets for Sachithra Senanayake, an offspinner with the additional sleight of hand rarely seen in the English game, had kept England in check until Jordan took charger. His variations were subtle, but certainly effective as he dismissed Eoin Morgan, Gary Ballance and Ravi Bopara to record 3 for 30, his best return in 30 ODIs.Ballance acquitted himself well at No. 3 with a punchy 64 from 72 balls, surviving the rain interruption midway through his innings. He is not the most elegant batsman in the world, but his impressive first-class form has suggested a good business brain and he exhibited that here.Ian Bell’s orderly half century brought tranquillity and a sense of organisation to England’s top order in the first of these five ODIs. He was dismissed to the last ball before rain intervened for the first time. Deceived by Mathews’ slower ball, he helped it to Malinga at short fine leg. He had survived a Sri Lankan review earlier in Mathews’ over: Mathews’ lbw decision refused both by umpire Rob Bailey and the TV adjudicator.Bell, whose most authoritative blow was an easeful straight six in Thisara Perera’s first over, was again the emollient figure at the heart of this England side: England’s favourite moisturiser to help them through a dry, sore phase in their history. Alastair Cook’s form needs more moisturiser than most: his awkward stay ended when he edged a wide one from Kulasekera to the wicketkeeper, Sangakkara and he was also dropped on 1 in Kulasekera’s first over, a tough chance to Dilshan, diving high to his right at backward point.Morgan was promoted to No. 4 after the skies cleared, but he fell third ball to Senanayake, chopping on a ball flicked out of the front of the hand. Ballance holed out at deep midwicket and Ravi Bopara, who was playing despite dislocating a finger just before the toss, fell lbw sweeping.A jaunty contribution from Joe Root, England thought, might only bring 225. At the end of the game, the discussion might be of Senanayake and of England’s frailties against unconventional spin. A lusty burst of rain, and an even lustier bout of hitting by Jordan soon put paid to that notion.

Graeme White took four wickets as Northamptonshire saw offGloucestershire to claim their first home win in the Friends Life t20in almost three years.

28-Jun-2013
ScorecardGraeme White, on loan from Notts, took 4 for 14•PA PhotosGraeme White took four wickets as Northamptonshire saw offGloucestershire to claim their first home win in the Friends Life t20in almost three years.After the weather saw the match reduced to 12 overs-a-side, Northantsbatted well in making 124 for 4 with Scotland captain Kyle Coetzertop-scoring by smashing 39 off 25 balls.Gloucestershire never looked like reaching their target as they collapsed to 83for 9 with Nottinghamshire loanee Graeme White taking a brilliant 4 for 14from three overs with Muhammad Azharullah claiming 2 for 23.This was the hosts’ first victory in this competition at Wantage Road sincethey defeated Lancashire in July 2010 and it gets this year’s campaign off to aflyer.Several rain delays meant proceedings eventually began at 8:10pm after thevisitors won the toss and chose to field. Dan Christian then dismissed Richard Levi for 2 in the second over when he chased a wide delivery and was taken by wicketkeeperGareth Roderick.Coetzer departed when he chipped Benny Howell to Gloucester captain MichaelKlinger at extra cover before the same bowler castled Cameron White after he hadclubbed 28 off 20 balls. Alex Wakely bludgeoned 36 off only 19 deliveries beforesmashing David Payne to Ian Cockbain at long-off with the last ball of theinnings.Chasing 125, Gloucestershire lost Hamish Marshall from the second ball whenhe got a leading edge from David Willey to Cameron White at midwicket before Chris Dent dragged Azharullah on to his stumps. The visitors then lost two wickets in consecutive balls in the eighth over, bowled by Graeme White, when Christian picked out Willey at long on. Klinger was taken at long-off by Matthew Spriegel after plundering 27 as thegame slipped away from the Gladiators.Five wickets then tumbled for just three runs as Howell was superbly runout by Willey at long-on before White caught and bowled Alex Gidman with the very next ball. White then bowled James Fuller before Azharullah repeated the doseto Cockbain and Gareth Roderick in the penultimate over to compound thevisitors’ misery.

A new four-day cricket tournament called the Bangladesh Cricket League will kick off on December 27

Mohammad Isam24-Dec-2012A new four-day cricket tournament called the Bangladesh Cricket League will kick off on December 27. The franchise-based tournament will be played between four teams, split by regions.Walton Central Zone, comprising players only from Dhaka Division and Dhaka Metro, Prime Bank South Zone (Khulna Division and Barisal Division), Islami Bank East Zone (Sylhet Division and Chittagong Division) and BCB North Zone (Rangpur Division and Rajshahi Division) will take part in the competition. Three of the four teams have been bought by companies but the fourth, North Zone, will be run by the BCB because it had no takers.The BCB has not yet initiated the process of obtaining first-class status for the BCL. The National Cricket League (NCL) still remains the country’s only first-class competition.The national selectors have picked 80 cricketers for the franchises to choose from, specifically from their regions. The tournament will be held at two venues, Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur and the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra, and will run till January 11. The rest of the tournament will be completed after the BPL.

South Australia’s seam bowlers Joe Mennie and Daniel Worrall were rewarded for breakout seasons with the Redbacks at the SACA state awards night in Adelaide on Friday

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Apr-2016South Australia’s seam bowlers Joe Mennie and Daniel Worrall were rewarded for breakout seasons with the Redbacks at the SACA state awards night in Adelaide on Friday.Mennie took out the night’s major award, the Neil Dansie Medal as the outstanding SA player of the season, and also the venerable Lord Hampen Trophy as the best performed first-class player of the summer.A season haul of 51 wickets in the Sheffield Shield was a major reason for SA’s advance to their first final since 1996, even if they were unable to overcome Victoria over five days at Glenelg Oval.Worrall, meanwhile, was warded the Barry Jarman Most Improved Trophy, in recognition of a season in which he grew from a fringe member of the squad to a widely respected seam and swing merchant, as epitomised by a first innings haul of 6 for 96 in the Shield final. At 24, Worrall still has plenty more improvement left in him, and his brand of bowling may soon attract higher attention.Among other awards, Kane Richardson was named SA’s limited-overs player of the season, Adil Rashid and Sarah Taylor took out the Adelaide Strikers MVP awards, and Taylor also won the Andrea McCauley Trophy as the most outstanding WNCL/WBBL cricketer.In Sydney, New South Wales handed their major awards to Nic Maddinson and Ellyse Perry in a gala ceremony at the Hilton. Maddinson won the Steve Waugh Medal by the narrowest of margins ahead of Mitchell Starc, who played only one Sheffield Shield match for the summer but was unplayable during the early season Matador Cup limited-overs carnival.Maddinson was rewarded for an even spread of performances across the year, even if his Shield run-making was not at the level the national selectors had hoped for. Perry was a most deserving winner of the Belinda Clark Medal as the outstanding female cricketer in the state, having played a leading role for both the NSW Breakers and the Sydney Sixers in the WBBL.Speaking from India, where she is set to take part in the World Twenty20 final with the Southern Stars, Perry said she was extremely grateful for the honour. “This has been a fantastic season for cricket, especially women’s cricket this year with the start of the Women’s Big Bash League,” she said.”This was a huge moment for women’s cricket and to be part of that was an absolute honour and privilege. A huge thanks goes to Cricket NSW for their support of the women’s game. It is a great time to be playing cricket, and I am fortunate to be playing with such a great group of people.”In the BBL and WBBL player of the year awards, Usman Khawaja and Shane Watson shared the Thunder award in a season when the once derided side turned the tables and clinched the title. Stafanie Taylor clinched the women’s award ahead of Rene Farrell.For the Sixers, the opening batsman Michael Lumb squeezed ahead of Brad Haddin to claim the award after a season that disappointed the club’s players, coaches and management. Marizanne Kapp won the women’s award ahead of Perry.In Brisbane, the Queensland wicketkeeper and loyal servant Chris Hartley won his third consecutive Ian Healy Trophy as the Bulls’ most accomplished player for the season. Young batsman Matt Renshaw won Sheffield Shield player of the year, while Nathan Reardon was recognised for his Matador Cup efforts.Beth Mooney took out both women’s awards, as the best performed Queensland Fire cricketer and also the MVP for the Brisbane Heat in the WBBL. The night also featured tributes for the retiring James Hopes and Ryan Harris, who ended his career at the outset of last year’s Ashes tour.

Glenn Querl, the Unicorns’ fast bowler, and Gloucestershire spinner Jack Taylor have been suspended from bowling by the ECB with suspected illegal actions.

ESPNcricinfo staff28-May-2013Glenn Querl, the Unicorns’ fast bowler, and Gloucestershire spinner Jack Taylor have been suspended from bowling by the ECB with suspected illegal actions.Both were reported on two separate occasions within a 12-month period and underwent independent analysis on May 20. The reports from the analysis were received by the ECB on May 28 and identified the bowling actions of each player as displaying elbow extension in excess of the permitted 15 degrees.As such, both players have been suspended from bowling immediately and must undergo remedial work on their actions and fresh independent analysis.Querl, 24, is a right-arm seam bowler from Zimbabwe who has played 14 first-class matches for Matabeleland and, having played one-day cricket in England for the Unicorns since 2010, was taken on trial at Hampshire.Querl was called for throwing in January by umpire Russell Tiffin playing for Matabeleland against Mashonaland. But Zimbabwe Cricket does not have the equipment available to test bowlers’ actions and Querl was allowed to play the two remaining Logan Cup matches.But in the first of those, the MidWest opening batsman initially refused to face Querl in the second innings and an anonymous source from the club said: “He should not be allowed to bowl, his action is suspect and his short ball endangers the lives of the batsmen. Our umpires do not have the courage to call him, only one umpire has done so.”Taylor is a 21-year-old offspinner who has come through the Gloucestershire academy and made his first team debut in August 2010. He began the 2013 season as Gloucestershire’s No. 1 slow-bolwer in the County Championship, taking six wickets in four matches.Both bowlers were subject to analysis of their actions that follows the same procedures used by the ICC. This marks a change for ECB testing whose previous analysis, conducted by the school of Sport, Exercise and Health Science at Loughborough University, was not recognised by the ICC.Dr Mark King, a senior lecturer at Loughborough, had previously used a different methodology to the ICC-approved testing at the University of Western Australia. Dr King, in research published in Issue 30 of The Journal of Sports Science, claimed the UWA testing was not as accurate and they had not published a validation of their procedure.

Corey Richards, the Bangladesh fielding coach, has become the third member of the support staff to tender his resignation in the space of eleven days

Mohammad Isam06-May-2014Corey Richards, the Bangladesh fielding coach, has become the third member of the support staff to tender his resignation in the space of eleven days after the BCB’s cricket operations committee chairman Akram Khan confirmed that he had received a resignation later from him.Richards’ exit comes after the head coach Shane Jurgensen and trainer David Dwyer had both quit late last month, leaving only the physio Vibhav Singh and computer analyst Nasir Ahmed left in the support staff.The BCB, however, has already formed a five-member special committee to look for new coaches, as well as a head for the National Cricket Academy which was vacated when Richard McInnes left last month.Richards was appointed in February last year on a two-year contract till the 2015 World Cup, a few days after Jurgensen was made full-time coach. But over the past few weeks, the BCB has been seeking specialist coaches in all three departments, leaving Richards, who was also the team’s batting coach, in an untenable position.”I have handed over my resignation to Akram and the required people,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “It has been accepted immediately and I will be leaving in a few weeks. The fact is that the BCB and I are going in different directions so I feel it was time to part ways.”There are a few reasons to take the decision and it has come up over the past few months. The final thing for me was when Shane [Jurgensen] resigned. But I have really enjoyed working with the players, Shane Jurgensen and the coaching staff, and the two programs – batting and fielding departments.”Richards said he is looking for a bigger role in coaching, particularly having been so successful in that position for the Sydney Sixers. “I am seeking more head coaching roles and the opportunity for that in Bangladesh doesn’t appear available in the immediate future.”With the experience and success that I have had in my head coach career to date, I am looking at potential opportunities to continue my development and career.”Richards will take back with him the memory of a successful 2013 where he blooded several youngsters.”The definition of success for a coach is to see the development of players,” he said. “Mominul Haque, Anamul Haque and Mushfiqur are such improved cricketers, and they are learning and trying to be better every day.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold is taking inspiration from a fellow Manchester City rival to learn the tricks following positional change at club and country.

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Alexander-Arnold studies Stones' midfield successSouthgate eyes Alexander-Arnold as a midfielderLiverpool's hybrid role propels him to follow the sameWHAT HAPPENED?

The England full-back has been deployed as a defensive midfielder by Jurgen Klopp at Anfield which has forced him to watch and learn closely from John Stones who has also adapted to playing in an advanced role from being a centre back.

Gareth Southgate believes in the potential of Alexander-Arnold and envisions the Liverpool star's future in midfield amid stiff competition in the right-back position from Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James.

Getty ImagesAdvertisementWHAT TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID

Alexander-Arnold revealed that he keenly follows the game of Stones, is an admirer of Rodri and watches legends from the past like Steven Gerrard to get a grip on his position.

"I think as someone who plays the inverted role, or whatever people want to call it, then obviously John Stones is the example of who to watch," he said.

"He is exceptional and I’ve admired his game for a long time. I look at a lot of his clips and even when I’m watching City play, I will sit and focus on him. I admire Rodri. He is pivotal to City and massively underrated. They are not the same without him. l’ll also watch midfielders from the past to learn from; Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, Stevie G. They are players I have always enjoyed."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Alexander-Arnold was labelled a midfielder by The FA and the player revealed he has held extensive talks with the team management about his new role and the classification isn't just for show.

"The conversations I’ve had with the England manager and staff, I go there as a midfielder," he said.

"That is where I train and where I try and play on the pitch, barring the last Australia game. It helps me because I’m not playing midfield every week with Liverpool. Being in midfield is a lot different to at the side of the pitch. I am learning how to receive the ball in central areas."

While talking about his role at Liverpool he added: "The way I see it and has been explained to me, it is almost when we have the ball I am a midfielder, and when we don’t I am a right-back. Sixty per cent of the game, I am in midfield. It’s about playing with freedom to get on the ball and try and create and make things happen, to progress us up the pitch. And when the ball advances towards us, it becomes more about protection and stopping counter attacks."

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Getty WHAT NEXT FOR FOR TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

Alexander-Arnold will be eager to put his best foot forward when England host Malta on Friday in a Euro 2024 Qualifier before taking on North Macedonia two days later away from home.

In the morning, Marcus North announced his retirement. By the end of the evening he was being toasted by Western Australian cricket for another reason, as the winner of the Laurie Sawle Medal

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-2014In the morning, Marcus North announced his retirement. By the end of the evening he was being toasted by Western Australian cricket for another reason, as the winner of the Laurie Sawle Medal.North’s award reflected the ending of his Australian first-class career on a most satisfying note, having reinvented himself as an opening batsman after losing his state team place the previous summer.Other WA award winners included Mitchell Johnson as the Gold Cup winner for most outstanding WA cricketer across al forms of the game, Craig Simmons as the Perth Scorchers player of the year, and Shaun Marsh as domestic limited overs player of the season. Nicole Bolton won the Zoe Goss medal as the best WA female cricketer.The WA awards night followed those for South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, each recognising top performers for their states. Tom Cooper, most recently part of Holland’s World Twenty20 squad, was named the most outstanding Redback of the season, while Callum Ferguson won the Lord Hampden Trophy as the best Sheffield Shield performer.Shield champions NSW added a second surprise winner of the Steve Waugh Medal in as many seasons, as the young allrounder Sean Abbott was recognised for his improvement across all formats the year after Gurinder Sandhu had taken out the award. Abbott had narrowly missed selection for the Shield final, tipped out by the return of Moises Henriques from South Africa.Ryan Carters, meanwhile, was rewarded for his move north from Victoria by winning the award as the best NSW Shield player of the summer. Establishing himself as an opener for the Blues, Carters compiled 861 runs at 53.81. Leah Poulton claimed the Belinda Clark Medal as the best NSW women’s crickter of the season, in which the Breakers won their ninth consecutive national title.Tasmania’s major award, the Ricky Ponting medal, was handed to the bowling allrounder Evan Gulbis after he followed up a strong domestic limited overs showing by clouting a staggering 229 not out against South Australia in the Tigers’ final Shield fixture of the season. It is the highest score by a No. 8 batsman in Australian first-class history. Gulbis then plucked 4 for 7 as Tasmnaia ended their summer with a victory.Queensland’s state awards took place on Saturday evening, with their captain James Hopes earning his third Ian Healy Trophy as the Bulls player of the season. Hopes season included a new personal mark of 38 Shield wickets at 24.28, while he also led the team to a second consecutive win in the domestic limited overs competition.

Everything you need to know about the Dutch superstar!

Memphis Depay is a Dutch professional footballer who is a forward for La Liga club Atletico Madrid and the Netherlands national team. He was born in Moordrecht, Netherlands, on February 13, 1994.

Memphis began his football journey at a young age, joining the youth academy of his local club, VV Moordrecht. His talent quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his move to the esteemed youth academy of PSV Eindhoven in 2006. He rose through the ranks, impressing with his performances and eventually making his senior debut for PSV in 2011 at 17.

During his time at PSV, Memphis showcased his immense potential, playing a pivotal role in PSV's Eredivisie title triumph, scoring 22 goals in 30 league appearances and earning the top scorer award. His impressive performances also attracted the attention of top European clubs.

In 2015, the then-teenager secured a move to Manchester United in the Premier League. However, his time at the club did not go as smoothly as expected. He struggled to adapt to the demanding nature of English football and faced inconsistent form. After two seasons with limited playing time, he joined Olympique Lyonnais in France in January 2017.

Memphis' move to Lyon revitalised his career. He flourished in Ligue 1, becoming the focal point of the French outfit's attack. Known for his dribbling skills, pace, and powerful shooting, he consistently delivered impressive performances, contributing with goals, and assists. Depay's time at Lyon also saw him develop as a leader, serving as the team's captain and guiding them to multiple top-four finishes in the league.

In 2021, the 29-year-old joined FC Barcelona on a free transfer. It began well for him as a regular joining forces with his former national team coach Ronald Koeman – scoring 12 league goals in his first season – but he became a bit-part player under new boss Xavi Hernandez, who preferred other attackers.

He then joined Barca's La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid for a nominal €4m fee in search of regular playing time in January 2023. However, he has endured an injury-plagued second half of the season.

Memphis has represented the Netherlands national team since 2013 on the international stage. He first burst onto the scene at the 2014 World Cup, and has been a regular fixture in the senior squad ever since, leading their attack in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup (2022) and the UEFA European Championship (2020).

But what are the 13 things you absolutely need to know about the Dutch attacker?

Tough upbringing led to him selling drugs

The Dutch star has had a difficult journey to the top. He did not have a carefree childhood there at his hometown, Moordrecht. His Ghanaian father, Dennis, left the family when Memphis was three years old. His mother, Cora Schensema, remarried in 2002 to a neighbour. But things didn't go well either: when his stepfather won the lottery, he too disappeared. His mother spent several months in a mental health centre and Depay lived with his maternal grandparents.

There he forged his personality during an unconventional and challenging childhood. Being a withdrawn and untrusting child, he had constant fights with his all too many stepbrothers, which did not help him to open up to others.

He ended up being involved in drugs and hanging out with criminals for a short time, but his football talent came to his rescue once more. When he turned 15, Memphis decided to quit school and concentrate on his career as a footballer.

AdvertisementCould've signed for Liverpool

A young Memphis was attracting widespread attention, following a campaign that saw him score 28 goals and set up another eight in 40 games for PSV Eindhoven in 2014/15, when the Reds emerged as leading candidates ahead of Manchester United and PSG.

Memphis was all set to join Liverpool from PSV in 2015 for a fee of €30m, and then Reds boss Brendan Rodgers praised him as a very talented player, confirming that Liverpool need a goal threat for the following season. But a confusing approach saw the deal fall through, as the club decided to focus on Christian Benteke instead.

Getty ImagesWhy Memphis doesn’t want to be called by his surname?

So far, you might've noticed one thing in particular while reading this fun facts piece, we've not referred to Memphis by his legal surname Depay. No, that's not a mistake or an accident. That's because the forward has already made it clear that he does not want to be referred to by that name due to his family history.

Footballers carry stories of perseverance and grit. Dutch forward Memphis is one of them, as he has a big reason not to use his surname on the back of his jersey or even his Twitter profile (@Memphis).

Speaking to the BBC following his decision to drop his surname in 2012, he said of his Ghanaian father, who abandoned him: “I will never forgive him.

“Do not call me Depay, call me Memphis. No, I don’t want to explain exactly what happened at home because I don’t want to make people feel ashamed. And that’s how it will remain because I’ve already moved on.”

Virgil van Dijk's story is quite similar – Depay's national teammate refused to wear jerseys with his last name since his father was not around for many years and never really contributed to the centre-back's career success.

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GettyCR7 is his idol

Cristiano Ronaldo has inspired some of world football's biggest stars over the years, and Memphis is certainly one of them.

Some in his home country even labelled a young Memphis "The Dutch Ronaldo" thanks to his scoring ability, stature and confidence. After signing for Manchester United in May 2015, Memphis revealed Ronaldo was indeed his footballing inspiration.

He told BBC Sport: “It’s an honour to have a name like that but you have to be real and I am down to earth,”

“He is my idol and a big, big player – maybe the biggest in the world. I watched him a lot. I look at his free-kicks and how he moves.”

The World Cup could finally begin for James Faulkner at the WACA on Wednesday. His availability for Australia’s fourth group match against Afghanistan in Perth will hinge on how he pulls up after bowling in the side’s optional training session on Monday a

Abhishek Purohit in Perth02-Mar-20152:30

Changes likely for Australia

The World Cup could finally begin for James Faulkner at the WACA on Wednesday. His availability for Australia’s fourth group match against Afghanistan in Perth will hinge on how he pulls up after bowling in the side’s optional training session on Monday afternoon. He has been out since suffering a side strain during the tri-series final against England on the same ground on February 1.”I am going to have a bowl today, half a dozen overs in the nets and hopefully I am available for selection, and hopefully I get picked,” Faulkner said. “If I get through today I will be available for selection.”Last week I bowled a couple of overs pretty much pretty close [to full tilt]. The difference is in the intensity of an ODI. I will look to have a solid day today and hopefully recover well and be ready on Wednesday afternoon.”Cummins to be monitored

Fast bowler Pat Cummins’ availability for Australia’s World Cup group games against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be monitored by medical staff over the next few days. Cummins felt a niggle in his left side following the team’s previous game against New Zealand. A team spokesperson said that precautionary scans had shown there was “nothing serious”.

Even as he gradually builds his bowling workload, Faulkner said that there had been little let-up in his batting practice due to the injury. “I have been batting since five-six days after the injury to be brutally honest and although they told me to ease back on in the first two weeks I was pretty much going 100% in the nets which is a good thing. I think I was lucky being a left-hand bowler and a right-hand batsman, it was not the same side.”Faulkner admitted that it had not been easy watching the action from the sidelines as his team-mates faced England and New Zealand, either side of the washout against Bangladesh, but chose to look at the positive side of the forced break.”Hopefully it does not have much of an impact at all. Three or four weeks, you look at it different ways. It has given me some time to freshen up and get my body feeling good again and hopefully it holds me in good shape come the back end of the tournament.”I’d be lying if I said I was not frustrated at the start. Any time you get injured is a shocking feeling and to do it at the time it happened, the same like last time before the World T20, was obviously quite hard to take at the start. I could not do much about that except continuing my rehab and I have been in good hands with the physios and team doctors to get me back in this position. Hopefully it all pays off.”When I have had an injury, my knee and my side, they have not been little niggles that are one or two-weekers. Having said that, I have not been injured that much in my career, and you have to always try and look at the positives all the time, as hard as it is to swallow. The positive is that I am back sooner rather than later.”