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Mar

19

England confident ahead of decider with New Zealand

By Graham Clifford on March 19, 2008 9:38 AM |

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

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It's been a while since English cricket supporters have had anything to cheer about but victory over New Zealand at the weekend would be greeted with both relief and celebration across the country.

On Sunday England defeated the Islanders by 126 runs to level the series and set up a mouth watering tie beginning on Friday in the port city of Napier.

Despite the victory though supporters are still frustrated by the side's lack of fire power when it matters.

However One day International Captain Paul Collingwood believes that its only a matter of time before England's batsmen hit top form.

He said " We've proved we can play in all conditions and it's up to one of us to go out there and get a big score."

"I think we're one big ton away from hopefully opening the floodgates. I would obviously like to go on and get that big score and I feel it's just around the corner."

He added that competition within the England squad is fierce saying " Nobody's position is safe in the side but it's always been the same and there are always going to be players waiting in the wings. Thats obviously healthy for the England cricket team."

The third and final test against New Zealand begins on Friday evening UK time.

Jan

4

Prior dropped for England ahead of New Zealand tour

By Graham Clifford on January 4, 2008 1:41 PM |

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

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England have punished wicketkeeper Matthew Prior after a series of spilled catches in last year's defeat to Sri Lanka.

The Sussex gloveman has been dropped for the upcoming tour of New Zealand as England attempt to get back to winning ways.

Prior became the first England wicketkeeper to make a century on his test debut when he passed the three figures against the West Indies at Lords.

During the 2007 Indian tour of England, Prior was heavily criticised by many former players including Ian Chappell for his behaviour on pitch.

Andrew Strauss, who will bat for New Zealand state side the Northern Lights before the tour, returns to the Test squad after missing the Sri Lanka trip.

Kent spinner James Tredwell is named in the one-day squad for the first time.

Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara is also included in the one-day party, but has been dropped for the Test series, with Middlesex batsman Owais Shah retaining his place in both squads.

England will play their first game in New Zealand on the 1st of February when they face Canterbury in Christchurch.

Their first game against New Zealand comes in the Twenty20 series on the 5th of next month in Auckland.

Nov

30

England Cricket Captain remains tight lipped ahead of Sri Lanka test

By Graham Clifford on November 30, 2007 12:18 PM |

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Even when pushed by reporters England Captain Michael Vaughan kept his cards close to his chest in relation to the starting line up for tomorrow morning's first test against Sri Lanka.

Vuaghan said " Everyone's put their hand up and done well at some stage on the tour and in a way everyone warrants a spot in the starting side."

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It's widely expected that one of Steve Harmison and James Anderson will miss out on making the starting line up. They look likely to be replaced by Ryan Sidebottom and Matthew Hoggard.

Vaughan says that the side are very focussed and believe they can win in Kandy tomorrow.

He said " We are all feeling in a really positive state of mind.It's nice in a way that we're having to make difficult decisions.

Everyone is fit for selection so that's good. Its important that we do get the eleven right as we need to get off to a good start to the series."

England haven't had a test series win in Sri Lanka for six years.

And despite their recent one day success there, England will start the series as underdogs.

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