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Brian Viner: Pietersen has style of original Brylcreem Boy

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Andrew Strauss tells us that the South African origins of himself, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior and Jonathan Trott are "a non-issue" for England's cricketers. Which is fair enough, but you can bet your last rand that they won't be treated as a non-issue by the South Africans during the forthcoming series of five one-day internationals and four Test matches. If the South Africa captain, Graeme Smith, doesn't encourage his men to target these perceived turncoats in the England team, then he's not the chest-thumping patriot I took him to be. And even if he doesn't – for he does seem to be mellowing somewhat – the home supporters in Durban and Johannesburg will most certainly let the abuse fly at those biltong-flavoured Englishmen, reserving particular vehemence for Pietersen, who is scheduled to join the party next week.

Trott finds life in South Africa to his liking

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Conjecture that Jonathan Trott might be either overawed or intimidated on returning to play in his homeland always seemed fanciful. True, batting here in a warm-up match on a blissful early summer afternoon before an amiable crowd of students and toddlers was a different proposition from going out at the Wanderers next week when the real business of the tour begins. There, his perceived turncoatery in front of the most truculent fans in the world might be the object of more ardent scrutiny.

Sussex want to sign Panesar

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:26:08 GMT

Sussex have revealed they are keen on signing Monty Panesar and still hopeful of persuading Matthew Hoggard to join them.

Flintoff signs one-day deal with Lancs

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Andrew Flintoff's intended future as a have-bat-will-travel cricketer received its final confirmation yesterday. By signing a three-year deal with Lancashire to play limited-overs cricket, the all-rounder made clear his reasoning.

Tendulkar's heroics not quite enough to overhaul Australia

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Sachin Tendulkar's imperious 45th one-day century failed to prevent India going behind 3-2 in their series against Australia last night. While Tendulkar was at the crease, India had a realistic chance of overhauling their opponents' total of 350 for four, and as his predictably breathtaking innings went on they were clear favourites to do so.

Collingwood full of early optimism

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Almost all tours begin the same way. They have the freshness and optimism of the first day of spring. The players, whether they have had a week off or six months (some hope of that), are bright-eyed and rosy-cheeked, ready to resume their love affair with cricket.

Tendulkar crosses 17,000-run mark in ODIs

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:02:19 GMT

Sachin Tendulkar today passed the 17,000-run mark in one-day international cricket during the fifth ODI against Australia.

Lancashire seal Flintoff deal

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:03:21 GMT

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes is confident Andrew Flintoff will be fit to fulfil his new contract.

Wright keen to show his subtle side

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Luke Wright believes his display for England against Australia in last month's Champions Trophy showed he is a multi-dimensional batsman who has more to offer than just "crash, bang, wallop".

ICC confirm Ireland's full membership intentions

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:32:15 GMT

The International Cricket Council have received notification of Ireland's intention to apply for full member status.

Vaughan backs Wright for Test place

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:34:31 GMT

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Luke Wright for a place in the Test side against South Africa this winter.

Mahmood ready for fresh start

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

It was two years ago against South Africa in Barbados that Sajid Mahmood's England career appeared to reach the point of no return. With England's future in the World Cup at stake, the Lancastrian delivered four overs and two balls that cost 49 painful runs. England exited the competition and Mahmood was dispatched back to Old Trafford, the Duncan Fletcher hunch selection that failed to pay off.

South Africa will be our biggest test, says Strauss

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Andrew Strauss has played in two Ashes-winning sides, taken a telling role in a series triumph in South Africa and revelled in whitewashing West Indies, but to return home from South Africa in January clutching the Basil D'Oliveira Trophy will require a level of performance higher still according to the England captain.

Australia beat India to draw level

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:31:14 GMT

Injury-hit Australia staged a determined fightback to win the fourth one-dayer by 24 runs today and level the series 2-2.

Strauss excited by Pietersen return

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:20 GMT

Andrew Strauss is excited by Kevin Pietersen's return to the England fold next week ahead of the start of their international battle with South Africa.

England hopes rest on Broad shoulders

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:23:59 GMT

Stuart Broad's progress is likely to be one of the key factors in the coming months as England seek to ensure history does not repeat itself with another Ashes-winning hangover.

Strauss urges England to keep eye on ball

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

Andrew Strauss has demanded his England side view their Ashes triumph as only a stepping stone to become the world's best team.

Beat Boks and then we party, says Strauss

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 GMT

After England won the Ashes in 2005, they had a party to end all parties. Sometime during this, it could be said, any potential legacy of the great triumph was flushed down the toilet.

Locals aim to make it too hot for Trott

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 GMT

England will embark on a long and arduous tour of South Africa today accompanied by a joke. It will follow them around wherever they go and by the time they return in late January, win, lose or draw – maybe especially if they win – they will be heartily tired of it.

Pietersen says injury was a blessing

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:37:28 GMT

Kevin Pietersen has admitted he was "falling out of love" with cricket before being sidelined by an Achilles injury during the summer's Ashes series.

Vaughan claims Trott celebrated with South Africa

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:44:57 GMT

Michael Vaughan has accused Jonathan Trott of celebrating with South Africa's players after England lost in 2008.

Dhoni's speedy century leads India to huge win

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 GMT

A quickfire century by captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni set up India's 99-run victory over Australia yesterday in Nagpur as the home team levelled the one-day series 1-1.

David Shepherd: A life devoted to the spirit of cricket, not just its laws

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 GMT

It was always reassuring to see David Shepherd's name at the bottom of a scorecard on the first morning of a match you were playing in. Shepherd, who died on Monday at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer, brought calm authority and fun to every game of cricket he umpired . Working with him was a pleasure, and not just because I was the beneficiary of a few dodgy lbw decisions.

Dhoni leads India to victory

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:58:58 GMT

A sparkling century from Mahendra Singh Dhoni helped India defeat Australia by 99 runs in the second one-day international in Nagpur to level the seven-match series 1-1.

Former Test umpire Sheperd dies

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:07:10 GMT

Former Test umpire David Shepherd has died after a long battle with cancer, his former club Gloucestershire have confirmed.