BCCI finalises Indo-Pak series for December/January – Cricket News Roundup – Part 2 – July 16, 2012
Following the speculation and hype regarding the possible resumption of bilateral cricketing ties between Pakistan and India, the BCCI has finally announced a short series between the two countries, which is scheduled to be held in December/January this year.
“... it was decided to invite them [Pakistan] after December 22 when the England team leaves after playing the Twenty20 Internationals,” Shukla said.
The series, scheduled to be held in between the Test and ODI legs of England’s Indian tour, will consist of 3 ODIs (due to be played in Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata) and 2 T20Is (scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad and Bangalore).
The event marks the first bilateral series between the two nations since 2007, after which their relations came to a standstill owing to the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks. The decision has already attracted opposition from former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar, although former players such as Zaheer Abbas (Pakistan) and Bishan Singh Bedi (India) have hailed it as a welcome move.
Jacques Rudolph, middle-order batsman for South Africa, has stated that the absence of Mark Boucher from amongst their ranks will inspire the team to give it their all against England in their upcoming Test series.
“Bouch has played a big role in this team,” he said. “The fact that he is not here will give us a bit more inspiration to do well for him.”
Boucher injured his left eye in a freak accident earlier this month, when a dislodged bail hit him in the eye during a warm-up match against Somerset, forcing him off the field. The 35-year-old underwent eye surgery, but the severity of the injury forced him to announce his retirement from international cricket on July 10.
With AB de Villiers and Thami Tsolekile serving as replacements, the team is due to play a crucial Test series against England, starting on July 19 at the Kennington Oval in London. They will undoubtedly be drawing inspiration from former teammate Boucher as they attempt to claim the top spot on the ICC’s Test team rankings, which is currently occupied by the Poms.
New Zealand’s opener Rob Nicol has admitted that he needs to begin converting his starts into larger scores which can prove to be a solid base for the remainder of the batting order.
“... during the whole series, I've got myself into position but haven't been able to push on for the side,” said Nicol. “I need to start producing scores of 100+ for the side and batting in partnerships, like JW (NZ coach John Wright) says.”
The batsman’s highest score in the ongoing 5-match ODI series against the West Indies so far has been a 59, with other individual totals being 14, 15, and 35. The final ODI, due to be played today in St Kitts, is a dead rubber, with the Windies having secured the series 3-1. However, the Black Caps are determined to play for pride, and have the final say in what has largely been a one-sided series.
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