Revamped India look for Twenty20 success
Two-match series starts today with hosts eye ranking improvement.
India need to move on from their humiliating Test series loss against England and regroup quickly ahead of the first of the two Twenty20 internationals which begin today.
Captain MS Dhoni, who is getting a lot of heat after India’s first series-loss against England in 28 years, needs to put the issues behind him and motivate the team. The younger players, some which were not part of the Test squad, will give the hosts an edge and an enthusiastic approach.
Meanwhile, England have made changes to their squad as well, with Test captain Alastair Cook being replaced by Eoin Morgan. The tourists have included Twenty20 specialists Alex Hales, Jos Butler, Jade Dernbach, James Tredwell, Michael Lumb, Luke Wright and Danny Briggs.
Meanwhile, India also have a chance of climbing to the top of the International Cricket Council Twenty20 championship table if they win all four matches scheduled to be played against England and Pakistan before the end of this year.
Pietersen set to earn full contract
England coach Andy Flower is convinced that Kevin Pietersen has done enough to earn a full annual contract.
Following the successful Test series, Flower has made it clear all parties are satisfied with the controversial batsman and there will be no hitches in awarding Pietersen a full ECB deal.
“Kevin has been excellent in every way. We don’t all always get on with people all of the time — any of us in any walk of life - and everyone has made an effort to make it work,” said Flower.
Players want Fletcher out - reports
Meanwhile, after India’s humiliating loss in the Test series, several Indian players have apparently spoken to the board regarding coach Duncan Fletcher.
A senior official denied that any players had come to the board to speak out of their disappointment with the coach.
“We will have a chat with him after the Pakistan tour and see how things pan out but yes, Fletcher has been disappointing,” said a senior board official.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2012.
Captain MS Dhoni, who is getting a lot of heat after India’s first series-loss against England in 28 years, needs to put the issues behind him and motivate the team. The younger players, some which were not part of the Test squad, will give the hosts an edge and an enthusiastic approach.
Meanwhile, England have made changes to their squad as well, with Test captain Alastair Cook being replaced by Eoin Morgan. The tourists have included Twenty20 specialists Alex Hales, Jos Butler, Jade Dernbach, James Tredwell, Michael Lumb, Luke Wright and Danny Briggs.
Meanwhile, India also have a chance of climbing to the top of the International Cricket Council Twenty20 championship table if they win all four matches scheduled to be played against England and Pakistan before the end of this year.
Pietersen set to earn full contract
England coach Andy Flower is convinced that Kevin Pietersen has done enough to earn a full annual contract.
Following the successful Test series, Flower has made it clear all parties are satisfied with the controversial batsman and there will be no hitches in awarding Pietersen a full ECB deal.
“Kevin has been excellent in every way. We don’t all always get on with people all of the time — any of us in any walk of life - and everyone has made an effort to make it work,” said Flower.
Players want Fletcher out - reports
Meanwhile, after India’s humiliating loss in the Test series, several Indian players have apparently spoken to the board regarding coach Duncan Fletcher.
A senior official denied that any players had come to the board to speak out of their disappointment with the coach.
“We will have a chat with him after the Pakistan tour and see how things pan out but yes, Fletcher has been disappointing,” said a senior board official.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 20th, 2012.