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Playing three spinners “a theme that we would like to follow”, says R Ashwin

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Apr-2019The obvious question after the toss in Mohali on Monday was why Kings XI Punjab had picked three spinners when Delhi Capitals had three seamers in their bowling line-up? One of them must have got it wrong.The answer was a combination of the pitch, the form of the three main spinners – R Ashwin, Murugan Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman – and, importantly, the importance of taking the pace off the ball while defending a target, which, incidentally, captain Ashwin didn’t want to do – he said he wanted to bat first.In the last two matches in Mohali prior to Monday’s game, teams batting second had chased down big scores: Aaron Finch’s Australia chased down 359 with 13 balls to spare in an ODI against India in March, while Kings XI chased down 177 with eight balls to spare in their first home game of IPL 2019, against Mumbai Indians.According to Ryan Harris, the Kings XI bowling coach, the idea was to take the pace off the ball and make scoring as difficult as possible.”It’s really hard to defend, we’ve seen that over the last couple of weeks,” Harris told the host broadcaster after the victory. “You have to get a big score on the board to try and defend and even that’s too hard, we saw in a one-day here a few weeks ago as well.”I think (we took) a bit of pace off the ball. Chris Gayle didn’t play today so we thought bringing Sam [Curran] in as well helped, but with Mujeeb coming back in as well it took a little bit of pace off the ball.”According to Ashwin, once Gayle had been ruled out, the decision to promote allrounder Curran as an opener was taken quickly. Ashwin said placing Curran in the top order also allowed him room to play three spinners, who he was confident would play a dominant role defending the target of 166, which he said was well short of the desired total.”We were probably about 25 short and we backed ourselves to defend it against this batting line-up against our spinners and that’s why we played three spinners and we also got Sam to open the batting,” Ashwin said to the host broadcaster after the dramatic win, where Delhi lost a record seven wickets for just eight runs.”We wanted to bat first and we wanted to back our spinners, because M Ashwin bowled really well in the last game and that’s a theme that we would like to follow but hopefully it depends on the wicket. We thought there was a bit of grip on this one.”All said, the three spinners were the most expensive of the Kings XI bowlers – Ashwin went at 7.75 per over, but the other Ashwin, Murugan, had an economy rate of 9.50, and Mujeeb at 9. Ashwin got two wickets, but the others did not, and Curran (4 for 11) and Mohammed Shami (2 for 27) made the difference in the end, Kings XI picking up seven wickets for eight runs as Delhi sank from 144 for 3 to 152 all out.”We probably haven’t nailed our starts with the ball,” Harris agreed. “We spoke about that a lot as well. (But) we came back well at the death, as we did again tonight. So if we nail our starts, we should be a hard side to beat.”

Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, called Kane Williamson’s century in Wellington his best in 12 months but lamented some poor batsmanship around him

Andrew McGlashan in Wellington04-Mar-2018New Zealand are pinning their hopes of being able to come from behind to take the one-day series against England on the recovery of Ross Taylor and reuniting him with Kane Williamson after his magnificent century in Wellington came just short of securing victory.Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, called Williamson’s innings his best in 12 months but lamented some poor batsmanship around him – echoing the views of the captain who said his side didn’t bat smartly – as the middle order subsided against Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. A stand of 96 between Williamson and Mitchell Santner put New Zealand in a position from where they could have won, but 15 off the last over proved a little too many.”Once the spinners came on, it was always going to be a challenge starting on that surface – Kane was the only player to get past 50 in the match, so, clearly, starting was difficult – but we lacked the batsmanship required yesterday,” Hesson said. “[The dismissals] were a bit different, some were very poor decision-making; others were a bit of a lack of execution.”There are positive vibes coming from the New Zealand camp over Taylor, who missed the Wellington match with a quad injury sustained being run out in Mount Maunganui, and having their two finest batsmen back together – and both in form – is much-needed for the Dunedin match on Wednesday. Since returning to the one-day side last year after eye surgery Taylor has averaged 57.27 in ODIs, with three centuries, the most recent in the first match of the series.”We have some very talented players, such as Mark Chapman, but at the moment they aren’t Ross Taylor,” Hesson said. “It’s looking promising for Ross.”Unsurprisingly, having returned from a hamstring injury, Williamson reported as feeling “stiff and sore” after being on the field for all but 2.1 overs in Wellington, but there are currently no concerns around him for Dunedin with the extra day between matches working in his and Taylor’s favour.”That’s probably the best Kane has played in 12 months in terms of the way he stuck to his game plan form ball one,” Hesson said. “As the only player to pass fifty suggests it was an outstanding innings. To get us to a point where we had a chance to win was testament to his quality.”The one aspect of Williamson’s performance that raised a few eyebrows was his use of Santner for only two overs with his left-arm spin. Instead, Colin Munro bowled eight overs; Williamson’s decision perhaps swayed by Colin de Grandhomme’s miserly spell of 10 overs for 24 runs and the presence of left-handers in the middle for the majority of the innings, who would have been hitting with Santner’s turn to the shorter boundaries at the Westpac.”It was a tactical decision made out there…you rely on guys to make decisions out there, the left-handers were out there for a long time,” Hesson said. “Colin Munro and de Grandhomme did the job of hitting the length at the time; I certainly support that.”

Australia’s coach and selector Darren Lehmann said Nathan Lyon’s performance in the third Test in Sydney was “the best he’s bowled for a long period of time” and bodes well for their upcoming tour

Brydon Coverdale07-Jan-2017Two Tests into Australia’s summer, Nathan Lyon’s position appeared to be in jeopardy. The interim chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns, hinted ahead of the Adelaide Test against South Africa that had Steve O’Keefe not suffered a calf injury shortly before the squad was selected, he may well have taken the place of the struggling Lyon. Fast forward four Tests and Lyon is earning nothing but praise from within the Australian camp.If he was not exactly a match-winner at the SCG, he was at least a very valuable contributor, picking up five wickets in the victory. And with a four-Test tour of India beginning next month, Australia’s selectors are pleased to see Lyon returning to something close to his best. At the SCG, he often bowled in tandem with left-armer O’Keefe in what could be a preview of Australia’s spin attack for the India tour.”I thought Nathan was very good in Melbourne and brilliant in this Test match,” coach and selector Darren Lehmann said. “That’s the best he’s bowled for a long period of time. I think he’ll admit that. He used his variation really well, bowled well to right and left-handers, bowled over and around, and chopped and changed, which was really pleasing.”Sometimes he gets into the one way, he just wants to bowl over the wicket all the time. He was exceptional in this game and bowled really well. I’m looking forward to that sort of combination going to India.”Ashton Agar, who was part of Australia’s squad for the Sydney Test but was not included in the XI, also has a strong chance of being picked in the touring party. However, Lehmann also said that Victoria’s spin-bowling allrounder Glenn Maxwell would be another contender for a place in what is likely to be an expanded squad to cover for all eventualities.”He’ll certainly come under consideration with India coming up,” Lehmann said on ABC Radio on Saturday morning. “We know he plays spin bowling well and offers that extra dimension, and is a gun fielder. We want to see him make runs, and he’s had a reasonable start to the BBL. That’s the challenge for him, to keep going, and then hopefully [earn a place] in the one-day squad.”Glenn Maxwell, whose last Test was in 2014, could make a return to Australia’s scheme of things for the tour of India•Getty Images

Whichever spinners make the cut for Australia, they will need quickly to work out that bowling in India requires a very different approach compared to Australian pitches that offer plenty of bounce. Although Lyon was Australia’s leading wicket-taker on the 2013 tour of India, with 15 at 37.33, he had been dropped after leaking runs in the first Test in Chennai.”Nathan Lyon, at the moment, I think he is bowling very well,” Pakistan’s captain, Misbah-ul-Haq, said. “But if you compare Australian conditions with the Indian conditions, or any Asian conditions, there is difference of bounce, which normally spinners get in Australia. That’s why I think when our spinners come here, it is difficult for them because they have to get used to these conditions and utilize that bounce in their favour.”When the bowlers from here go to Asia, they find it difficult to utilize these sort of turning tracks, because there, under-cutter bowlers who bowl quicker are effective. Bowlers who bowl overspin and bowl slower normally get thrashed. It will be difficult for them. I think they can [do well], it’s about adjusting yourself to the conditions. The biggest challenge will be India’s strong batting line-up. They’re batting beautifully in their own conditions.”Australia’s batsmen will also face a significant challenge in India. The squad will spend two weeks in Dubai ahead of the tour, training on turning pitches at the ICC’s Academy and playing an unofficial three-day game there in an effort to acclimatise to Asian conditions. They then head to Mumbai for a tour match ahead of the first Test in Pune, which begins from February 23.”It’ll be a pretty tough camp,” Lehmann said of the Dubai leg of the journey. “Batting long periods of time is going to be the key. I think Alastair Cook summed it up really well on their tour, where they didn’t bat long enough. They got decent scores but still didn’t bat long enough. That’s going to be a challenge for the group.”We batted 135 overs in this first innings – we need to bat 150-plus in India, to post a big, big total. It’s a great challenge for the group going forward. They’re fit and strong, so they should be able to bat long periods of time.”

Scott Boland, who has been placed on standby to join Australia’s squad for the first Test against West Indies, has received high praise from his Victoria coach David Saker and national selector Rod Marsh

Brydon Coverdale01-Dec-2015You would not know it looking at Scott Boland now, but just a few years ago he tipped the scales at 118 kilograms. That is not quite in the realm of “The Big Ship”, Warwick Armstrong, the Australian captain of the 1920s who weighed in around 140kg, but nor is it in the league of most modern professional cricketers. Now 22kg lighter and a whole lot fitter, Boland may soon become a Test player.Boland has been placed on standby to potentially join Australia’s squad for the first Test against West Indies in Hobart, if there are fitness concerns around either Josh Hazlewood or Peter Siddle. Selector Rod Marsh has expressed doubts about Hazlewood’s ability to get through a full six-Test summer, and Siddle struggled with a sore back during the Adelaide Test. It may be that Boland’s baggy green hopes rest with his Victoria team-mate.”Sidds had a bit of a sore back during the Test, he’s having a scan today,” Boland told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday. “If he unfortunately is injured then I think I’ll come into the squad.”Boland likens his own bowling style to that of Siddle, while their state coach David Saker has been impressed with Boland’s consistency. A career-best 7 for 31 came at the perfect time for Boland, against Western Australia in the most recent round of Sheffield Shield matches, in front of national selector Trevor Hohns.”His pace in WA was right up,” Saker said. “The wicket probably helped that because there was some good bounce. But his consistency to bowl the one ball over and over again; any player who can do that in Test cricket has had good success. I’m sure if he gets the opportunity he’ll be perfect for it.”As he is on standby, Boland will only join the squad if there are specific concerns around Siddle or Hazlewood, with his Victoria team-mate James Pattinson likely to be part of the XI and Western Australia’s Nathan Coulter-Nile the probable 12th man. Marsh said Boland’s call-up was reward for a good start to the season, while he has also impressed as a consistent performer over the past couple of summers.”Trevor Hohns has seen him in three Shield games and he says he has been outstanding,” Marsh said. “Nothing was better than what he saw in Perth on Sunday when he bowled Western Australia out. He bowled fast, he bowled straight and he moved the ball.”I think the best way of putting it was one of the state coaches said to me ‘When he bowls and your team is batting, you never feel comfortable, you always feel as though a wicket’s about to happen’. It’s a little bit like when James Hopes bowls in Shield cricket, you always think a wicket’s not far away. That means they never really get taken [for runs], and if they’re not getting wickets they generally bowl very tightly.”Boland, 26, has collected 71 wickets at 30.14 since making his first-class debut in the 2011-12 season, his emergence having come after strong performances for Frankston-Peninsula in Melbourne’s premier cricket. Unlike many modern cricketers, Boland did not come through the under-age pathways, and had to embark on a fitness and healthy-eating regime to drop his weight to his current 96kg.”[Frankston coach] Nick Jewell said he wanted me to drop some weight because I was pretty big,” Boland said. “It was just him giving me a kick up the bum and that got me started.”My game has become a lot better, especially in the last couple of years, having Test bowlers in the squad, learning off Patto, Sidds, Hasto [John Hastings] and Clint McKay.”

ESPNcricinfo previews the match between Pune Warriors and Rajasthan Royals in Pune

The Preview by Siddarth Ravindran10-Apr-2013

Match facts

Thursday, April 11, 2013
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)Marlon Samuels will miss out on Thursday’s game due to a groin problem•BCCI

Big Picture

Pune Warriors’ middle-order should be the envy of any Twenty20 team. Marlon Samuels, Yuvraj Singh, Ross Taylor and Angelo Mathews form the nucleus of what could be one of the most dangerous batting line-ups around but so far, Warriors have put up the two lowest totals of the season.When Yuvraj missed out on the game against Kings XI Punjab, they couldn’t even manage to reach triple-figures, managing only 99. The good news ahead of the match against Rajasthan Royals is that Yuvraj, who was recovering from a back problem, has been confirmed fit. They still won’t be able to field their first-choice middle-order, though, as Samuels has picked up a groin injury. Samuels’ absence opens up an overseas player’s spot and Warriors have Australia batsman Steven Smith, who was an influential performer for them last season, and England’s Luke Wright in their ranks. However, coach Allan Donald said on the eve of the match that big-hitting Australian opener Aaron Finch would come in.*In contrast, their opponents have got off to a flying start. Royals, as in every season, were written off before the tournament began, but have won two in two, with victories over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and another highly rated team, Delhi Daredevils. As usual, low-profile players have played crucial roles, including Trinidad & Tobago allrounder Kevon Cooper and Jharkhand fast bowler Rahul Shukla.

Players to watch

Sreesanth was out of action for more than a year after surgery on his toes and only returned to action in December, having watched a host of young fast bowlers leapfrog him in the queue to the Indian team. The IPL provides him a high-profile platform to remind everyone he’s still good enough to turn out for the national side. He’s begun well enough, bowling tight spells in the opening matches, and even showed off one of his typically exuberant celebrations.Robin Uthappa is one of Sreesanth’s best friends in cricket, with the pair even launching a cricket homestay together. Like Sreesanth, Uthappa too has fallen out of the national reckoning, and his failings in the IPL have not helped his cause. Two years ago, Warriors splashed out serious money to build the franchise around Uthappa and Yuvraj but Uthappa hasn’t been the match-winner the franchise expected him to be, yet.

Stats and trivia

• Warriors’ Manish Pandey has the most number of ducks in the IPL – eight, an wanted record he shares with Amit Mishra
• Royals’ Samuel Badree has the best economy-rate among all bowlers in Twenty20s, having conceded only 4.90 runs an over in his career

Quotes

“Manish Pandey and Robin Uthappa are attacking batsmen, but they seem to have gone into a shell during the Powerplay overs.”

*03.20GMT, April 11: The preview was updated after pre-match press conference quotes came in

Aleem Dar has joined the chorus for the mandatory use of the Hot Spot technology for all series to minimise umpiring errors.

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Apr-2012Aleem Dar, the ICC Elite umpire, has joined the chorus for the mandatory use of the Hot Spot technology for all series to minimise umpiring errors. Dar said he was fully supportive of the Decision Review System (DRS), and wanted consistency in the use of various technology.”In the recent Sri Lanka-England series the Hot Spot technology was not being used. To have the use of consistent elements of technology at each match would make it easier for players, spectators and umpires alike,” Dar told . “DRS ensures that most decisions can be corrected.”The two Tests in Sri Lanka had its share of controversies, most recently involving Tillakaratne Dilshan’s dismissal on the fourth day at the P Sara Oval. Dilshan was adjudged caught at slip off Graeme Swann by Bruce Oxenford and immediately signalled for a review. The third umpire, Rod Tucker, took an age looking at the images but without the infra-red cameras he ruled that there was no conclusive evidence to advise the on-field umpire if he had made an error.On the first day, England thought they had Thilan Samaraweera caught at short leg and asked for review, but it remained a not out decision. Following that, Steven Finn, who was the bowler involved, said he would like to see Hot Spot available all the time.Series involving India are usually free of DRS, given India’s vocal stance against the system since its inception in 2008. But cash-strapped members like Sri Lanka find it difficult to afford it because the high cost of the cameras has to be shared by the host country and broadcaster.Dar said on-field umpires should view the DRS as a tool to assist them, and not be ashamed to reverse a wrong decision.”I am human, I know I will make mistakes, but I just concentrate on the next delivery. I would say to any umpires out there that if you have made a mistake just concentrate on the next delivery and don’t let that earlier mistake affect your confidence,” Dar said.”I’m fully supportive of the DRS and other technology and don’t see it as interfering with my umpiring or detrimental to my performance. Even the best umpires will make mistakes and if technology highlights those mistakes and gets the right decision made, then that is good for the game of cricket.”Dar said he had made some recommendations to the PCB to improve the standard of umpiring in Pakistan, including using television footage in domestic matches as a review-tool for the officials.”I’ve said that regular fitness tests need to be done for all umpires in Pakistan,” he said. “At the moment the ICC carries out regular eye tests and hearing tests and that should also be done in Pakistan particularly before any major tournament.”I suggested to the PCB that if domestic matches or tournaments aren’t televised then at least get some video coverage of those matches so that umpires can watch the footage and also it will help the selectors and players too. Once you have that recording, it can help everyone including the umpires.”Another suggestion I have made is to ensure that they use the Kookaburra ball in domestic cricket, as whenever our cricketers use this ball in other countries they struggle to cope with it.”Edited by Kanishkaa Balachandran

If Dhoni’s yellow jerseys are to be beaten, Gichrist might have to roll back the years and do it all by himself

The Preview by Nitin Sundar12-Apr-2011

Match facts

Wednesday, April 13
Start time 1400 (1030 GMT)MS Dhoni’s men have begun from where the left off last year•AFP

Big picture

Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab finished at opposite ends of the spectrum last year, yet they produced two of the most memorable clashes of the season. First, both teams succumbed to the pressure of a tense finish to contrive a tie in Chennai, before Yuvraj Singh’s nerveless reverse-sweep against Muttiah Muralitharan sealed it in the Super Over. Next, with a semi-final spot on the line for Chennai, MS Dhoni played out of his skin in Dharamsala, catapulting sixes into the adjoining hills, before jabbing his own helmet in a rare display of boxer-like emotions. Can we expect another close game this time?That the best and worst teams of the season were separated by so little on the field was the USP of the first three seasons of the IPL. Going by the opening exchanges of 2011, things seem to have changed. The addition of two new teams has led to a visible dilution of talent, and Punjab might be one of the most severely affected. They are aiming at a reprisal of Deccan Chargers’ successful 2009 strategy, and have put Adam Gilchrist in charge of a bunch of not-so-big names. Their hammering at the hands of Pune Warriors in their opening game was an apt indication of just how much they will have to lift.Chennai have begun the season where they left off last year. They had no business winning their opening game after allowing Kolkata within nine runs of victory with eight balls left, but they kept hustling to pull off a last-ball win. The core of the team and the self-belief of 2010 was intact, and they did not let the absence of a few key players affect them. In Murali’s absence, Suraj Randiv stepped up to send down doosras from round the wicket. In Doug Bollinger’s absence, Tim Southee delivered a raft of made-to-order yorkers without breaking into a sweat. If Dhoni’s yellow jerseys are to be beaten, Gichrist might have to roll back the years and do it all by himself.

Team talk

Barring injuries, Chennai are unlikely to meddle with the combination that worked well for them in the opening game. Scott Styris was not tried with the ball against Kolkata, but he might continue to play ahead of Faf du Plessis, given that Chennai have cover in the spin department.If Ryan Harris is fit, he has to replace Nathan Rimmington in the Punjab side. With their middle order looking out of sorts against Pune, David Hussey or David Miller could hope to get a game.Predict the playing XIs for this match. Play ESPNcricinfo Team selector.

In the spotlight

Chennai’s decision to retain M Vijay ahead of the auction was a huge vote of confidence for a young batsman. Since then, Vijay has been prodigal with the opportunities that have come his way: his casual footwork led to failures in India’s one-day series in South Africa, where a couple of strong performances could have earned him a World Cup spot. He got out playing another lazy shot in the opening over against Kolkata. Can he temper his elegant ways with some discipline at the crease?Piyush Chawla got only one over in the thrashing against Pune, and in six balls he showcased all elements of his bowling. There was a rank short googly that was heaved for four, an over-pitched legspinner that was carved for six and a lovely wrong ‘un that nearly sneaked in. It didn’t get him a wicket though, and that over went for 12 runs. Chawla’s inability to land six balls on a spot dogged him during the World Cup as well. Can he correct things against Chennai?

Prime numbers

• In seven prior encounters between these sides, Chennai have won six times. The seventh match was tied before Punjab won in the Super Over
• Adam Gilchrist only managed 289 runs in 16 matches in IPL 2010, with a solitary half-century
• After Irfan Pathan, who took 15 wickets in IPL 2010, Piyush Chawla was Punjab’s highest wicket-taker last year, with 12 scalps

The chatter

“It is a new and a tough challenge for me and I am ready for it. I am sure many teams will face the similar challenge due to the shuffling of players.”

The counties will be playing one less competition this season but more days of cricket. With such a mixture of four-day, 20-over and 40-over cricket squads will be stretched to the limited.

Andrew McGlashan and Sahil Dutta07-Apr-2010Can Steve Harmison spearhead another Durham title push?•Getty Images

Derbyshire

Captain Chris Rogers Coach John Morris Overseas Chris Rogers (Aus), Loots Bosman (SA – T20)
There was precious little for Derbyshire fans to cheer about last season and they will struggle again this year to make a real impact in any of the formats. Yet the strength and depth in batting, led by Chris Rogers, should make them tough to beat in the Championship. Winning games will be more of a problem given the slim bowling resources. Charl Langeveldt has departed but another South African import, Robin Peterson, will bring experience and nous to the attack and they will need another big season from Graham Wagg. SD
Key man Chris Rogers – 1461 runs at 73.05 last season was miles ahead of the rest of his team and the captain will have to score equally big to give his side a sniff.
Keep an eye on Tim Groenewald – A South African-raised allrounder, his bustling medium pace was a revelation last year with 34 wickets in nine first-class games.
Winter surprise The players will have to remember to stand in the right place after the pitch was turned to avoid the setting sun.
Silverware? The bowlers probably lack the quality to secure silverware in any of the formats.

Durham

Captain Will Smith Coach Geoff Cook Overseas Albie Morkel (SA), Ross Taylor (NZ, TBC – T20 only)
Can they do the hat-trick? No county since Yorkshire between 1966-1968 has claimed three Championship titles on the bounce, but it would be a brave person to bet against Durham. They were so far ahead of the pack last season that their nearest challenges are going to have make significant strides to catch them. International calls will mean seeing little of Paul Collingwood and Graham Onions, but the squad has depth to cover their absence. In a sign of confidence they haven’t signed an overseas player for the Championship and instead will show faith in the likes of Gordon Muchall and Ben Stokes. Once again, though, it’s the pace attack that makes them favourites with Steve Harmison and Liam Plunkett leading the pack. Don’t rule out one-day success, either, from a squad that has that winning habit. AM
Key man Steve Harmison – The man himself wants another Ashes chance, but selectors are likely to think differently. However, he remains hungry for domestic success and county line-ups will pay the price.
Keep an eye on Ben Stokes – A young allrounder who impressed with England Under-19s. Gives the ball a hefty thump and bowls useful medium-pace
Winter surprise Have decided not to recruit from overseas for four-day cricket. Will that prove costly?
Silverware? Will take some stopping in the Championship and a one-day trophy for the taking as well if they can stand the pace.

Essex

Captain Mark Pettini Coach Paul Grayson Overseas Danish Kaneria (Pak)
Promoted on the final day of last season after Ryan ten Doeschate slammed a 59-ball 108 against Derbyshire, Essex’s first challenge is to ensure they don’t become a yo-yo team that goes straight back down. It will be a tough ask for a side that looks a little thin in a few areas – especially the bowling. With Ravi Bopara back in England favour they will also need to cover for his runs, although Alastair Cook will be available while the World Twenty20 is on. They need a big season from Tom Westley and regular contributions from the likes of James Foster, Graham Napier and ten Doeschate. The one-day route appears to be their best chance of success with the clutch of allrounders capable of winning Twenty20 matches.
Key man Matt Walker – Needs to produce a consistent output in a line-up than is missing a big name if Cook and Bopara are absent. AM
Keep an eye on Tom Westley – Time for him to kick on after showing glimpses of his potential
Winter surprise Grant Flower was named Zimbabwe’s batting coach, but will play this season before taking up his role.
Silverware? Championship survival will be a success, but don’t be surprised to see them compete for 40 and 20-over trophies.Gloucestershire will need a big haul from the fiery Steve Kirby to challenge for promotion•PA Photos

Glamorgan

Captain Jamie Dalrymple Coach Matthew Maynard Overseas Mark Cosgrove (Aus), Shaun Tait (Aus – T20)
Glamorgan’s search for trophy success has them looking again to Australia. Jason Gillespie, their overseas player in 2008, has helped persuade the express Twenty20 specialist Shaun Tait to go to Cardiff, fresh from his pursuits in the IPL. Glamorgan’s intentions are clear – they are searching T20 silverware and an opportunity to collect Champions League riches after disappointing in all formats last year. Two wise-heads at the helm in Jamie Dalrymple and Matthew Maynard, alongside the evergreen Robert Croft, who turns 40 in May, means there is plenty of guidance for the younger members of the squad. If Mark Cosgrove can continue his good form from last year a shot at promotion may not be out the question. SD
Key man Michael Powell – They will need plenty of runs from an experienced batsman to help along the younger players.
Keep an eye on James Harris – The 19-year-old played for the England Lions against Australia last year and has the responsibility of leading Glamorgan’s pace attack
Winter surprise That Maynard has kept his job after rumours of a behind-the-scenes problems
Silverware? Their best chances lies with Tait and the Twenty20.

Gloucestershire

Captain Alex Gidman Coach John Bracewell Overseas James Franklin (NZ)
Gloucestershire have nurtured a lively attack led by the ever-fiery Steve Kirby, but to improve on last year’s ‘almost’ season they need some backbone to their batting. Jonathan Batty’s arrival from Surrey will add to an impressive think-tank led by former New Zealand coach John Bracewell. James Franklin, a fellow Kiwi, will strengthen both the lower order and the bowling attack but there may still be a touch of class missing from both. They remain a competitive one-day unit, but have lost that unbeatable quality from the beginning of the last decade. SD
Key man Steve Kirby – Surely destined to be a nearly-man for England now, if can stay fit and find some support could lead the push for promotion.
Keep an eye on Vikram Banerjee – A left-arm spinner rated highly enough to be part of the Performance Squad.
Winter surprise Ian Saxelby’s dislocated shoulder when appealing during a practice session.
Silverware? Having reached the semi-final of the FP Trophy last year Gloucestershire could push for one-day honours this season.

Hampshire

Captain Dimitri Mascarenhas Coach Giles White Overseas Ajantha Mendis (SL), Rangana Herath (SL), Shahid Afridi (Pak – T20), Abdul Razzaq (Pak – T20)
For the sake of a competitive Championship race Durham need some close challengers and Hampshire may just provide that. They flirted with relegation last season, but have the core of a strong side especially after the signing of Kabir Ali. If Ajantha Mendis appears for his spell bowling sides out shouldn’t be a problem. Runs have often been harder to come by, but with Michael Carberry unlikely to feature regularly for England he can anchor the top order alongside Michael Lumb, while James Vince and Liam Dawson can cover for John Crawley’s retirement. Dimitri Mascarenhas will miss the start of the season, but when he returns his one-day skills will also make Hampshire a force in the shorter formats. With their new ties with Rajasthan Royals, Twenty20 success is likely to be high on the agenda. SD
Key man Michael Carberry – If he can churn out the regular runs again it will keep in the selectors’ thoughts and also help Hampshire to commanding totals.
Keep an eye on James Vince – Some of his strokeplay in the Pro40 last season took the breath away and he’s another of the new generation of fearless, young batsmen.
Winter surprise Becoming part of the world ‘global’ sporting franchise after linking with Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals as Twenty20 shows no sign of slowing down.
Silverware? They should compete on all fronts and it may all depend on the club’s priorities. Four-day or Twenty20?On the outside: Joe Denly has been dropped by England so needs a profitable season for Kent•Getty Images

Kent

Captain Rob Key Coach Paul Farbrace Overseas Malinga Bandara (SL)
One of most financially strapped counties on the circuit they continue to have a small playing staff which hasn’t left Paul Farbrace, back at Kent after his time with Sri Lanka, much room to manoeuvre. Their promotion was a fairly comfortable affair and with a following wind they could mount a challenge in the top division, but there is also the potential for things to unravel quite quickly. At least the batting order led by Rob Key, Joe Denly and Martin van Jaarsveld – not to mention a revitalised Geraint Jones – should mean decent totals and all are destructive one-day players as well. It’s easy to forget that Amjad Khan played for England a year ago and he should form a potent new-ball attack with Robbie Joseph. The problems will come if they are injured, but Malinga Bandara will help cover for James Tredwell. AM
Key man Joe Denly – Has failed to establish his England place during the winter and motivation to impress the selectors could benefit Kent.
Keep an eye on Sam Northeast – Earmarked as a rare talent since a schoolboy he started to score consistently last season but may have to wait his chance.
Winter surprise Not so much a surprise, as many saw it coming, but the losses of £800,000 hurt.
Silverware? Injuries will test the bench-strength, but if they hold it together through the middle part of the season another dip at the Twenty20 title is in the offing.

Lancashire

Captain Glen Chapple Coach Peter Moores Overseas Ashwell Prince (SA), Kumar Sangakkara (SL)
The best news for Lancashire during the off season came in early March when Trafford Council approved their development plans for Old Trafford. Barring any late problems, the club can now start the desperately needed work to secure their Test future. There have been subtle touches to the team itself rather than major work and, by and large, it is a familiar group of players who will try to end Lancashire’s trophy drought. Each season begins with the same expectation and Peter Moores’ honeymoon period is now over. The loss of Mal Loye and Faf du Plessis will put pressure on import Stephen Moore to find his feet quickly, but Ashwell Price and Kumar Sangakkara (if he remains available) should fill their boots. Wickets are a bigger issue and Gary Keedy will hope for a dry summer. Meanwhile, the wait for Andrew Flintoff’s return goes on. AM
Key man Sajid Mahmood – Seemingly been discarded by England again, he needs to lead the attack in all forms. Has the pace to trouble county sides and needs to aim for 60-wicket season.
Keep an eye on Steven Croft – A developing allrounder who pushed for England Lions honours last year. Outstanding in the field.
Winter surprise Daren Powell – The former West Indies quick was a shock acquisition to join the pace attack.
Silverware? If Mahmood and Keedy fire they can push Durham and should challenge on the one-day front. But that’s said every year.

Leicestershire

Captain Matthew Hoggard Coach Tim Boon Overseas Andrew McDonald (Aus), Brad Hodge (Aus – T20)
After enduring a torrid bottom-of-the-table finish last season, their first since 1962, Leicestershire decided on a winter spending spree. In came Matthew Hoggard to captain the side, Will Jefferson to bolster the batting and the Australian duo of Andrew McDonald, for the whole season, and Brad Hodge for the Twenty20. They add experience to a talented young side which, under Hoggard’s quirky leadership, could bring a turn-around in fortunes at Grace Road. Hodge was key to the club’s previous Twenty20 success and they could surprise a few teams once again. SD
Key man Matthew Hoggard – May have lost his ‘nip’ but he remains as canny as ever, his wickets and leadership will be crucial.
Keep an eye on James Taylor – As the ‘one-to-watch’ last year he duly delivered a barnstorming county season, making 1184 runs at 65.77. How he copes with ‘second season syndrome’ will be critical.
Winter surprise That they saw captaincy material in Hoggard – it will be nothing if not interesting.
Silverware? Silverware could be beyond them but a sneaky charge at promotion is not out of the question.

The Netherlands batter signed off with a spectacular save against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2024Sybrand Engelbrecht has announced his retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old South-Africa-born batter made his Netherlands debut in 2023, and played 12 ODIs and 12 T20Is.Related

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Netherlands’ defeat to Sri Lanka on Sunday night, which knocked them out of the T20 World Cup 2024, was Engelbrecht’s last international appearance. He marked the occasion with a spectacular boundary save that went viral on social media, racking up over a million views on Instagram reels.That effort was characteristic of a player known for his brilliance on the field – he first came to prominence in 2008 when he took a flying, two-handed screamer at backward point while playing for South Africa against Papua New Guinea in the Under-19 World Cup.