Collingwood dismisses retirement talk

Porterfield reprimanded for umpire outburst.

CHENNAI:

England’s Paul Collingwood has scotched speculation on his One-Day International (ODI) future after coming in to bat at number eight during the World Cup defeat to Bangladesh.

Collingwood quit Tests during the Sydney Test against Australia in January this year to allow himself to focus on ODIs and Twenty20 cricket. The Durham all-rounder has had an unimpressive run in the tournament so far, managing just 61 runs and one wicket from four matches.

“One reason I retired from Test cricket was to prolong the ODI side of things and I still feel I have major contributions to make,” said Collingwood.

“I’m still the Twenty20 captain. I want to continue that. It’s not in my mind to even think about things like this.”

Meanwhile, Ireland captain William Porterfield was reprimanded for criticising an umpiring decision after his side’s defeat to the West Indies. Porterfield had criticised the leg before decision handed to Gary Wilson at a crucial juncture during Friday’s crunch match.

As Porterfield accepted the sanction without contest, there was no need for a hearing, said a press release by the International Cricket Council.

“Although it may not be unusual for a captain to feel aggrieved or frustrated by what he feels is a rough decision, it does not give him any right to criticise the umpire as William did,” said match-referee Roshan Mahanama.

Kenya desperate for international rescue

Kenya captain Jimmy Kamande urged cricket chiefs to give his side more top-class matches in between World Cups after his team slipped to a 60-run defeat to Australia.

Kamande said, “One thing I know for sure is that if we keep playing against the Test-playing nations or their ‘A’ sides the improved performances will be there.

“But the thing is after this World Cup you might go and never see these teams again so it becomes very difficult.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2011.