Mike Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Eoin Morgan ruled out of Cricket World Cup

AFTER INDIAN pacer Praveen Kumar, one of the most consistent batsman for Australia, Michael Hussey as well as spinner Nathan Hauritz and England's batsman Eoin Morgan have also been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup due to injury.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that the Australian middle order southpaw Mike Hussey has been ruled out due to his hamstring injury. In the recently concluded Ashes series, Mike Hussey played some brilliant innings for his country. The 35-year-old Hussey has an impressive record in ODIs. In 151 ODIs he has scored 4469 runs with an average of 51.96. 26-year-old batsman Callum Ferguson has been drafted in the 15-member Aussies squad.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz, who is suffering from a shoulder injury has been replaced by off break bowler Jason Krejza. Krejza, who has played only one ODI, was not in the provisional Australian 30-man squad named in December. The Australian team will fly to India today, aiming for a fourth consecutive World Cup victory.

Like the Aussies, England's left-hand middle order batsman Eoin Morgan has been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 due to a broken middle finger of his left hand. Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara replaced Morgen in the England's 15-member squad.

Earlier on Tuesday, Indian speedster S. Sreesanth replaced injured Praveen Kumar in the Indian  squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Praveen Kumar has been ruled out due to an injured elbow.

Mike Hussey, Nathan Hauritz, Eoin Morgan ruled out of Cricket World Cup

AFTER INDIAN pacer Praveen Kumar, one of the most consistent batsman for Australia, Michael Hussey as well as spinner Nathan Hauritz and England's batsman Eoin Morgan have also been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup due to injury.

Cricket Australia has confirmed that the Australian middle order southpaw Mike Hussey has been ruled out due to his hamstring injury. In the recently concluded Ashes series, Mike Hussey played some brilliant innings for his country. The 35-year-old Hussey has an impressive record in ODIs. In 151 ODIs he has scored 4469 runs with an average of 51.96. 26-year-old batsman Callum Ferguson has been drafted in the 15-member Aussies squad.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz, who is suffering from a shoulder injury has been replaced by off break bowler Jason Krejza. Krejza, who has played only one ODI, was not in the provisional Australian 30-man squad named in December. The Australian team will fly to India today, aiming for a fourth consecutive World Cup victory.

Like the Aussies, England's left-hand middle order batsman Eoin Morgan has been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 due to a broken middle finger of his left hand. Essex all-rounder Ravi Bopara replaced Morgen in the England's 15-member squad.

Earlier on Tuesday, Indian speedster S. Sreesanth replaced injured Praveen Kumar in the Indian  squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Praveen Kumar has been ruled out due to an injured elbow.

Cricket World Cup 2011 Top 5 Wicketkeeper Batsman !

An all-rounder role is always very important in the cricket. Not only the test matches but also in the shorter version of the game like T20 and ODI and not many teams have the luxury of having a all-rounder in their line-up.

When it comes to name all rounders , mind strikes the names of Imran Khan, Kapil Dev, Richard Hadlee, Ian Botham, Gary Sobers and great Jacques Kallis.   But we can’t ignore the names of Adam Gilchrist or Mark Boucher or Romesh Kaluwitharana. This is the pity, that no wicketkeeper batsman with exceptional batting talent make up the list of great all rounders.

So, lets checkout which team is going into the 2011 cricket world cup with the best available wicket-keeper batsman? 
Here is the list of 5 top Wicketkeeper batsmen to watch out in action during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011:

5.  Brandon McCullum/Matt Prior – Their records are almost looking identical.  McCullum though have better reputation whereas Matt Prior is trying to fit in the role of batsman. His decent performance against the Australian side is a example of this.On the other hand Brandan McCullum is going through a rough patch, we still remember his batting during the 1st IPL season, and he too loves to bat on subcontinent wickets.

4. Brad Haddin – Young wicket keeper who got his chance after the retirement of Adam Gilchrist is making bowlers work hard for his wicket. Not so long ago he shifted to the role of opener and has some decent form before Cricket World Cup 2011. He can be dangerous as he got the ability to hit the ball a long way and play some unorthodox shots to make the front liners to think about their line and length while bowling.

3. AB DeVillers – He is the Successor of wicket keeper batsman Mark Boucher and fill in the shoes super fit!  We can compare him with any of the good batsman round and with powerful hitters. I have seen him hitting ball long way and changing the course of the game in few overs. Except keeping the wickets you can put this guy anywhere in the field and he is just brilliant in out fielding too. South Africa do have a lot of expectations from him, he could be the guy to help them win their first ever cricket world cup.

2. Kumar Sangakara – Sri Lankan skipper  Sangakara is a true star and his batting figures are consistent during his cricketing career till now.Though when he breaks through to the highest level his wicket keeping skills were under a lot of talks but as he got exposure and experience of international cricket he has done a really great job.Extra responsibility of captaincy may hurt a bit during the upcoming mega cricket event but we all hopeful to see him in his best.

1. MS Dohni – Indian cricket team found their long hair guy from Ranchi when a lot of experiments were going on with a lot of wicketkeepers to find a wicketkeeper batsman with decent batting ability. With his smashing starting ODI career helped him gain a permanent place in the Indian cricket side.Since then he has not looked back, his batting has improved over the period of time along with his wicket keeping skills.He took over the captaincy role and he delivered more than what selectors and Indian cricket fans would have demanded, today he is one of the most successful captain in Indian cricket history .

Cricket World Cup 2011: Form your opinion

Till, say, five years ago, expecting a cricketer from Bangladesh to have a wise head on his shoulders was like hoping that Pakistan would tackle terrorists with an iron hand. Wishful thinking!

Or so it was till Shakib Al Hasan emerged from the fishing hamlet of Jessore in the remote countryside of Magura. The all-rounder has outgrown the popularity and utility of stalwarts like Mohammad Ashraful — whose inconsistency has done him no favours — and the perennially-injured Mashrafe Mortaza.

Shakib, who will turn 24 during the World Cup, has, to a large extent, dictated his team’s fortunes at the big stage over the past few years. Believe it or not, but the youngster has scored a Test century, registered the best figures by a Bangladeshi to help them record their first overseas Test win, scored five ODI hundreds, led his side to a whitewash of New Zealand, besides, playing his part in bidding India goodbye in the 2007 World Cup.

The soft-spoken, forever-smiling Shakib has found his name in the ICC rankings for Test and ODI all-rounders ever since he started playing international cricket in 2006. Consistency is his forte, but no cricket expert has ever failed the ever-dependable Bangladeshi. Nor did any IPL franchise find him worthy till KKR picked him up for $425,000 in January.

And that’s where Aaron Levenstein’s definition, ‘Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital’, fails to paint the entire picture. The fact is that the numbers (see table) aren’t lying, at least in this case. Shakib is the only player — think beyond Kallis and Vettori — who finds a place in both lists, that of in-form batsmen and bowlers, tabulated by taking into account the respective performances over the 10 last ODIs.

The Bangladesh skipper has scored a hundred and three fifties in his last 10 games, besides picking up a staggering 24 wickets at an ‘Akramesque’ average of less than 18. Well, that’s precisely why teams must stand up and take notice of Shakib’s recent comments. “We have been playing good cricket for the last 15 months, and if we qualify for the second round, why not think of something big?” he said. And given that his boys will play a lot of games at home, Shakib may have, well, spoken like a wise man.

When you talk of batsmen — form or class — can the discussion ignore Indians? Expectedly, four of them find a place in the list of batsmen in good touch, but here’s where Levenstein wins hands down. Sachin Tendulkar didn’t score too many in his last two ODIs (in South Africa) and the last time he registered a three-figure score was in Gwalior (200*) in February 2010. Having said that, Gautam Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan and Virat Kohli have all been in fabulous form over the past 8-10 months. Each of them is well and truly in dangerous form. Bring in the Sehwags and Dhonis and the batting line-up is a bookmaker’s delight.

Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate, with an average of over 88 and his teammate, Tom Cooper, are surprise entrants in the list which also comprises the heavily-consistent South African duo of Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla, besides southpaw JP Duminy and West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Among bowlers, Shakib — who else — is right at the top with Aussie Ryan Harris in second spot. Lonwabo Tsotsobe’s exploits against India have propelled him to No 3, even as countryman Morne Morkel finds himself in fourth position. Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, Thisara Perera, Wahab Riaz and Abdur Razzak also make the cut.

And not so surprisingly, there isn’t a single Indian bowler in the mix. It, however, remains to be seen if these players have already peaked or they will hit top gear sometime during the tournament. Levenstein will be watching.

Cricket World Cup 2011: Form your opinion

Till, say, five years ago, expecting a cricketer from Bangladesh to have a wise head on his shoulders was like hoping that Pakistan would tackle terrorists with an iron hand. Wishful thinking!

Or so it was till Shakib Al Hasan emerged from the fishing hamlet of Jessore in the remote countryside of Magura. The all-rounder has outgrown the popularity and utility of stalwarts like Mohammad Ashraful — whose inconsistency has done him no favours — and the perennially-injured Mashrafe Mortaza.

Shakib, who will turn 24 during the World Cup, has, to a large extent, dictated his team’s fortunes at the big stage over the past few years. Believe it or not, but the youngster has scored a Test century, registered the best figures by a Bangladeshi to help them record their first overseas Test win, scored five ODI hundreds, led his side to a whitewash of New Zealand, besides, playing his part in bidding India goodbye in the 2007 World Cup.

The soft-spoken, forever-smiling Shakib has found his name in the ICC rankings for Test and ODI all-rounders ever since he started playing international cricket in 2006. Consistency is his forte, but no cricket expert has ever failed the ever-dependable Bangladeshi. Nor did any IPL franchise find him worthy till KKR picked him up for $425,000 in January.

And that’s where Aaron Levenstein’s definition, ‘Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital’, fails to paint the entire picture. The fact is that the numbers (see table) aren’t lying, at least in this case. Shakib is the only player — think beyond Kallis and Vettori — who finds a place in both lists, that of in-form batsmen and bowlers, tabulated by taking into account the respective performances over the 10 last ODIs.

The Bangladesh skipper has scored a hundred and three fifties in his last 10 games, besides picking up a staggering 24 wickets at an ‘Akramesque’ average of less than 18. Well, that’s precisely why teams must stand up and take notice of Shakib’s recent comments. “We have been playing good cricket for the last 15 months, and if we qualify for the second round, why not think of something big?” he said. And given that his boys will play a lot of games at home, Shakib may have, well, spoken like a wise man.

When you talk of batsmen — form or class — can the discussion ignore Indians? Expectedly, four of them find a place in the list of batsmen in good touch, but here’s where Levenstein wins hands down. Sachin Tendulkar didn’t score too many in his last two ODIs (in South Africa) and the last time he registered a three-figure score was in Gwalior (200*) in February 2010. Having said that, Gautam Gambhir, Yusuf Pathan and Virat Kohli have all been in fabulous form over the past 8-10 months. Each of them is well and truly in dangerous form. Bring in the Sehwags and Dhonis and the batting line-up is a bookmaker’s delight.

Dutchman Ryan ten Doeschate, with an average of over 88 and his teammate, Tom Cooper, are surprise entrants in the list which also comprises the heavily-consistent South African duo of Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla, besides southpaw JP Duminy and West Indian Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Among bowlers, Shakib — who else — is right at the top with Aussie Ryan Harris in second spot. Lonwabo Tsotsobe’s exploits against India have propelled him to No 3, even as countryman Morne Morkel finds himself in fourth position. Graeme Swann, Stuart Broad, Thisara Perera, Wahab Riaz and Abdur Razzak also make the cut.

And not so surprisingly, there isn’t a single Indian bowler in the mix. It, however, remains to be seen if these players have already peaked or they will hit top gear sometime during the tournament. Levenstein will be watching.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 : A preview

Recently, most of us are awaited for the exciting, enthralling and sensational event the  Cricket World Cup 2011,which is just  few days  away  from spreading  its thrilling moments with all ooohhhss  and aahhhsss  for  all the  cricket fans to witness . The thing which makes it more special  this time  are the hosts, the three test playing  nations of the  sub continent for whom  cricket  is not just a mere game  but  it’s  a  religion. So, it is definitely going to be an awesome feeling to visualize the frenzied fanaticism of the millions of people, cheering for every single ball

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup will be the tenth Cricket World Cup which will include 14 teams that will have a tussle from mid Feb to early April to prove who is the best to lift the dazzling trophy . The  auspicious event of  the Opening Ceremony will be held in Bangabandhu  National Stadium in Dhaka,  Bangladesh on February 17, 2011 that is two days prior to the first match of the World Cup. In all, there are 49 matches scheduled in the tournament and the ESPN-Star network which has won rights to broadcast the tournament live will facilitate all the cricket fans, to savor the feast of   live match.

Though the cricket is said to be the game of uncertainties but lets try to check out the odds and chances of each team for winning this World Cup.

India:

India holding the tag of best Test team, and a second ranker in ODI is  certainly one of the favorites to win the cup. They are currently on top of their form with everyone making healthy contributions to the team. The team management will certainly be happy with the way things are proceeding. A series whitewash by a second string Indian team against New Zealand will certainly boosts their confidence. A tough tour of South Africa will certainly help in appraise the strength and weakness of each player and would help them sort out before the world cup starts. One major cause of worry is the No.7 batsman. Even though Yousuf Pathan have almost cemented his place for the No.7, it will be interesting to see what is in the mind of Dhoni. The strength of this team is their batting with everyone is in top form. The major weakness in this Indian team is runs they leak in the death overs and the power plays. If at all they can contain the powerplays, there is no reason why India cannot win this cup. Moreover playing in home conditions will certainly improve their chances of winning the cup. This team is certainly an improved unit than the one played in 1996 which was a one man army and that man is still playing and is in form of his life. Mostly for Sachin this would be his last world cup and everyone would be hoping for a magical farewell  for this deserving master !!

Sri Lanka:

Second of the three  host countries in the tournament. The last time the cup was played in the sub continent they were the champions. Under the astute leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, they romped home turning the phase of Srilankan cricket. 15 years later they are led by a similar astute captain, Kumar Sangakara. Bouyed by their success in Australia, their first series win down under, this team is certainly be one of the favourites to win the cup. Their main strength is their batting led by the classy   Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakara. These two will be key if at all they have any chance of repeating 1996. Their bowling is equally strong with Nuwan Kulasekara leading the attack. He is one of the most consistent bowlers around. Since they will be playing all their matches in their home, it is an added advantage for the lions.

South Africa:

If at all they have to win the world cup, they have to hold their nerves. Famously called as “Chokers”, they will certainly be keen in removing the tag. There is no reason why they cannot win the cup given the bowling attack they posses. Steyn and Morkel are supposed to be the best of the current bowling attack in the world. Hashim Amla and AB Devillers are in form of their life and you have ever reliable Jacques Kallis and all these players are led by a brilliant and astute Graeme Smith who plays a major role with the start he gives.  Even though they have the best new ball bowlers, there is no one to back up. They have Tsotobe, Parnell in the line up but not as lethal as Steyn and Morkel. Another big drawback is the absence of spinners in the team. Johan Botha is only spinner they have but he will be ineffective when he plays in sub continent.

Australia:

The performance at ashes, defeat in the hands on Sri Lankans and defending champions all add to the pressure. They are certainly not formidable as they were 4 years ago, but one cannot write away the Aussies for their ability to fight till the end. Their bowling looks strong with Bollinger, Harris, McKay, and Johnson. Their batting is equally strong with the likes of Watson, Ponting, Clarke and crisis man Hussey. The thing about the Aussies is the ability to rise to the occasion and nothing becomes demanding than a world cup. They would certainly want to play at home in 2015 as defending champions but recent form suggests they have difficult task ahead.

England:

Certainly on cloud nine after their performance in the first two test of the Ashes. They are at present playing brilliant cricket. They won their first ICC trophy when they lifted the ICC Twenty20 world cup in West Indies. Buoyed by their success they would like to repeat their feat in the 50 over format too. If at all they need to go through the quarter finals, the big man Kevin Pietersen should be continue his good form all through the tournament. Their bowling looks good with James Anderson and Graeme Swaan leading the attack. The crisis man Paul Collingwood should find purple patch before the world cup starts as he is one of the key member of the English team. Off all the players, Andrew Strauss should fire from all cylinders and lead from the front if at all they have any chance of making it to the semi finals. If they transform their test form into one  dayers, no doubt they are a key contender to lift the trophy.

New Zealand:

Certainly not the kind of preparation they would have liked to have. A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh and another  whitewash against the Indians. They have lost their last 9 ODI’s they have played. If at all they are to win the world cup, a miracle should happen and only 2 players can cause the miracle in their team, Daniel Vettori and Ros Taylor. Much will be depended on these two players if at all they have any chance of making it to the semi finals. Brendon McCullum will be a key player but his inconsistency should be a worrying factor for the Kiwis. Their bowling is good with the likes of Tuffey and Mills but I think it will be difficult for them to carry the burden on their shoulders.

Pakistan:

The most unpredictable team in cricketing history. If they play to their true potential, they are certainly world beaters but the infighting, spot fixing scandal, absence of Amir and Asif are going to be a serious blow in their preparation to the world cup. In the absence of the Amir and Asif, Umar Gul and Shoiab Akthar should lead the attack. But apart from these two, I don’t see any bowler giving good support to. Batting on paper looks strong with the likes of Younis Khan, Yousuf, Afridi, Umar Akmal but it all depends on the mood of the dressing room given the controversies surrounding the team. It is sad that the country which produced one of the greatest fast bowlers and all rounder is struggling with so many problems.

West Indies:

Any cricket follower and lover will certainly feel sad with the demise of once the greatest team to play cricket. The country which produced the greats like Richards, Marshal, Hall, Garner, Ambrose, Walsh, Lara is now struggling to even find a decent player. Apart from Gayle and Chanderpaul, I don’t see any one performing consistently. Not many would have thought Sammy to be the captain when he was not even a permanent player in the side.  If at all they are make in to the semi finals or even quarter finals, Gayle, Chanderpaul and Roach should play to their full potential else it will be another disappointing world cup the West Indies.

Bangladesh:

They are a good one day unit and on their day they can create an upset which was evident from 2007 world cup. They are currently on a roll after defeating NZL 4-0 at home. Shakib al Hasan, Abdur Razzak, Tamim Iqbal are some of the key players whom the team look for if at all they need to reach the quarterfinal stage.

Pakistan can be uncertain surprise in World Cup

In the 2008 edition of the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia, there was one Pakistan cricketer who was being talked to by the team coach. He stood there listening attentively to what his senior had to say. A few yards away, a couple of journalists who were on tour covering the World Cup were listening as attentively to a support staff member of Pakistan's squad.

"Aap dekh rahe hain, kitni khamoshi se sun raha hai woh?" (Do you see how quietly he is listening to the coach?) The manager pointed out to journalists " Lekin jaise hi woh wicket par pahunchega, yeh apni marzi se sab kuch karega. (But he will do exactly what he wants once he reaches the wicket.)

The young lad who was being talked about was the talented Umar Akmal. Younger sibling of Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran, Umar is fast gaining a reputation of being one the most explosive batsmen of the modern day, slam-bang kind of a game. At the same time though, he has become infamous for throwing away his wicket when the team requires his presence on the field. But as the member of Pakistan support staff at the Under-19 World Cup rightly pointed out, Umar will do exactly what he feels is right when on the crease. But he is not the only Pakistan cricketer who go by their instincts. Pakistan is a land full of such cricketers.

And that's Pakistan cricket. Unpredictable! miles away from what wise men call rational! even erratic at times. Controversies and cricket in Pakistan are like inseparable sisters. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had not even named a skipper till about Friday afternoon. But there is something about the Shahid Afridi-led Pakistan squad. At no point, the team can be written off. For, they are the eternal comeback boys of World Cricket.

A classic case is the 1992 edition of the World Cup. For a cricket enthusiast and purists alike, this edition of the World Cup will be remembered for the dramatic comeback Pakistan made. This despite the fact that two of their star performers - fast bowler Waqar Younis and opening batsman Saeed Anwar were consumed by injury. But they had an inspirational skipper in Imran Khan. And when Pakistan lost 4 of their first 5 matches and were barely a defeat away from being eliminated in the first round, an inspirational speech by Imran turned it around. The dashing Pathan, legend has it, told his teammates to fight like cornered tigers. It inspired the team to win five successive matches, including, most famously, the semifinal against hosts New Zealand and the final against England.

Pakistan went through some heart-stopping moments in the semis against hosts New Zealand. But an unknown 22-year-old named Inzamam-ul-Haq smashed a 37-ball 60 to help Pakistan win the match and set up a title clash with England. In the years to come, Inzamam went to lead Pakistan to several memorable wins.

That's the beauty of Pakistan cricket. Once a player is inducted into the national squad, he is never awed by the situation, opponent, or even an individual. And just like the 22-year-old Inzamam, there have been many cricketers who have delivered when it mattered.

Abdul Razzaq is one such player. Over a decade after making his international debut, Razzaq may not be spoken in the same breath today as a Kieron Pollard or perhaps a Yusuf Pathan. But this right hander can be equally destructive on his day. He has shown it time and again right from the time he burst onto the international scene in 1999. True, Pakistan have had many heroes. Zaheer Abbas, Majid Khan, Imran Khan, Inzamam, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar, Saqlain Mushtaq, Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Afridi, to name a few, but one thing that tilts the scale in Pakistan's favour decisively is the selection of Afridi as skipper. Afridi, also a pathan like Imran, is an inspirational leader. On his day, he sure is a match-winner. Add to it his ability to back his teammates. Just like Imran could get his boys to deliver at crunch situations and at the highest level, Afridi can extract the same commitment and dedication from his teammates.

All other captains post the 1992 World Cup triumph have failed to command the kind of respect Afridi and Imran have. Wasim Akram may have been a super bowler, but throughout his career, he was embroiled in controversies. Inzamam could win a match on his own, but his mood swings never really allowed his teammates to feel comfortable. Javed Miandad was another batsman who could get his teammates to deliver. But he too was involved in unnecessary petty issues with players and the management. Younis Khan led the team to the World T20 crown from a hopeless situation but soon fell out with the others.

Rameez Raja, Saleem Malik and others who captained the team had some problem or the other. The Pakistan Cricket Board have added to the team's woes in their own way. Imran not only got the team together, he also backed his players if they had issues with the board. Afridi too in his own way has never ceased to express his feelings if he feels the PCB is in the wrong. Obviously, people like Imran and Afridi will be looked up upon by their teammates.

Pakistan's squad sure has the balance, but it will be Afrdi, who has to ensure he brings about the best out of his players. Pakistan sure have the right man on the hot seat.

How Pakistan gained the notorious tag line unpredictable!

1975: Only 18 ODIs were played before this World Cup. The teams were divided into two groups of four teams with each one the group playing the other once. Top from the group qualified for the semis. Pakistan were not one among the four semifinalists.

1979: For the first time Pakistan made it to the semifinal in this edition of the Prudential World Cup. They were pitted against West Indies for a place in the final, but Asif Iqbal's men fell short by 43 runs, chasing a target of 293. In the league stages, Pakistan had defeated the might Australians by 89 runs.

1983: They made it to the semifinals for a second time. But it was deja vu for Pakistan. Led by the powerful Imran Khan, Pakistan went down to Clive Lloyd's West Indies by eight wickets.

1987: Three semifinal appearances in a row. Hopes in Pakistan went soaring. And there could have been celebrations galore back at home had Pakistan not fallen short by 18 runs against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium.

1992: Skipper Imran Khan had failed to shepherd his team into a World Cup final in back-to-back editions. And four defeats in five games suggested Pakistan would be eliminated in the first round itself. But Imran who had come out of retirement, delivered an inspirational speech. Pakistan won all the remaining matches to be crowned World Champions. Bingo! They were in an elite list now.

1996: They were on a high after their first World Cup triumph. But when pitted in the quarterfinal against India at Bangalore's Chinnaswamy Stadium, Aamir Sohail's men were pushed on the back foot by Bangalore boys Anil Kumble (3-48) and Venkatesh Prasad (3-45). Pakistan eventually fell short by 39 runs.

1999: In the semifinal against New Zealand, opener Saeed Anwar hammered a brilliant 113 to ensure Pakistan canter home with nine wickets to spare. They eventually lost to Australia in the final.

2003: A very bad edition for Pakistan. Elminated in the first round itself.

2007: Just like India, Pakistan also crashed out in the preliminary stages of this edition of the World Cup

ICC appoints umpires and match referees for Cricket World Cup

THE APEX body of cricket, International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed umpires and match referees for the group stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, which is going to be held between February 19 to April 2 in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The International Cricket Council has appointed Aleem Dar, who was ICC Umpire of the years 2009 and 2010, four-time ICC Umpire of the Year Simon Taufel along with Ian Gould, Billy Doctrove, Daryl Harper, Steve Davis, Marais Erasmus, Tony Hill, Asoka de Silva, Rod Tucker, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Kumar Dharmasena, Bruce Oxenford, Asad Rauf, Amish Saheba and Shahvir Tarapore.

ICC also appointed Ranjan Madugalle, Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Roshan Mahanama and Andy Pycroft as match referees for ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. Here is the full list of umpires and match referees for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 until group stage.

Saturday 19 Feb – Bangladesh vs India (D/N), Dhaka- Steve Davis and Kumar Dharmasena, Billy Doctrove (third), Asad Rauf (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Sunday 20 Feb – New Zealand vs Kenya (D), Chennai – Rod Tucker and Marais Erasmus, Aleem Dar (third), Sudhir Asnani (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Sunday 20 Feb – Sri Lanka vs Canada (D/N), Hambantota – Ian Gould and Shahvir Tarapore, Tony Hill (third), Daryl Harper (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Monday 21 Feb – Australia vs Zimbabwe (D/N), Ahmedabad – Asoka de Silva and Richard Kettleborough, Amish Saheba (third), Simon Taufel (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Tuesday 22 Feb – England vs Netherlands (D/N), Nagpur – Asad Rauf and Brice Oxenford, Kumar Dharmasena (third), Steve Davis (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Wednesday 23 Feb – Pakistan vs Kenya (D/N), Hambantota – Tony Hill and Nigel Llong, Daryl Harper (third), Shahvir Tarapore (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Thursday 24 Feb – South Africa vs West Indies (D/N), New Delhi – Simon Taufel and Amish Saheba, Asoka de Silva (third), Richard Kettleborough (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Friday 25 Feb – Australia vs New Zealand (D), Nagpur – Billy Doctrove and Kumar Dharmasena, Asad Rauf (third), Bruce Oxenford (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Friday 25 Feb – Bangladesh vs Ireland (D/N), Dhaka – Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker, Billy Bowden (third), Marais Erasmus (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Saturday 26 Feb – Sri Lanka vs Pakistan (D/N), Colombo – Daryl Harper and Ian Gould, Nigel Llong (third), Tony Hill (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Sunday 27 Feb – India vs England (D/N), Bengaluru – Billy Bowden and Marais Erasmus, Rod Tucker (third), Aleem Dar (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Monday 28 Feb – West Indies vs Netherlands, (D/N) New Delhi – Amish Saheba and Simon Taufel, Richard Kettleborough (third), Asoka de Silva (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Monday 28 Feb – Zimbabwe vs Canada (D), Nagpur – Asad Rauf and Bruce Oxenford, Steve Davis (third), Billy Doctrove (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Tuesday 1 Mar – Sri Lanka vs Kenya (D), Colombo – Tony Hill and Shahvir Tarapore, Ian Gould (third), Daryl Harper (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Wednesday 2 Mar – England vs Ireland (D/N), Bengaluru – Aleem Dar and Billy Bowden, Marais Erasmus (third), Rod Tucker (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee )

Thursday 3 Mar – South Africa vs Netherlands (D), Mohali – Asoka de Silva and Richard Kettleborough, Simon Taufel (third), Amish Saheba (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Thursday 3 Mar – Pakistan vs Canada (D/N), Colombo – Daryl Harper and Nigel Llong, Tony Hill (third), Ian Gould (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Friday 4 Mar – New Zealand vs Zimbabwe (D), Ahmedabad – Aleem Dar and Marais Erasmus, Rod Tucker (third), Billy Bowden (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Friday 4 Mar – Bangladesh vs West Indies (D/N), Dhaka – Kumar Dharmasena and Steve Davis, Asad Rauf (third), Bruce Oxenford (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Saturday 5 Mar – Sri Lanka vs Australia (D/N), Colombo – Tony Hill and Ian Gould, Shahvir Tarapore (third), Nigel Llong (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Sunday 6 Mar – India vs Ireland (D/N), Bengaluru – Billy Bowden and Rod Tucker, Marais Erasmus (third), Aleem Dar (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Sunday 6 Mar – England vs South Africa (D), Chennai – Simon Taufel and Amish Saheba, Asoka de Silva (third), Richard Kettleborough (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Monday 7 Mar – Kenya vs Canada (D/N), New Delhi – Asad Rauf and Billy Doctrove, Bruce Oxenford (third), Steve Davis (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Tuesday 8 Mar – Pakistan vs New Zealand (D/N), Pallekele – Daryl Harper and Nigel Llong, Ian Gould (third), Shahvir Tarapore (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Wednesday 9 Mar – India vs Netherlands (D/N), New Delhi – Bruce Oxenford and Steve Davis, Billy Doctrove (third), Kumar Dharmasena (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Thursday 10 Mar – Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe (D/N), Pallekele - Marais Erasmus and Nigel Llong, Tony Hill (third), Ranmore Martinesz (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Friday 11 Mar – West Indies vs Ireland (D), Mohali – Asoka de Silva and Shahvir Tarapore, Bruce Oxenford (third), Steve Davis (fourth), Roshan Mahnama (referee)

Friday 11 Mar – Bangladesh vs England (D/N), Chittagong – Daryl Harper and Rod Tucker, Aleem Dar (third), Enamul Hoque-Moni (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Saturday 12 Mar – India vs South Africa (D/N), Nagpur – Ian Gould and Simon Taufel, Billy Doctrove (third), Kumar Dharmasena (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Sunday 13 Mar – New Zealand vs Canada (D), Mumbai – Shahvir Tarapore and Bruce Oxenford, Steve Davis (third), Asoka de Silva (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Sunday 13 Mar – Australia vs Kenya (D/N), Bengaluru – Asad Rauf and Richard Kettleborough, Billy Bowden (third), Amish Saheba (fourth), Andy Pycroft (referee)

Monday 14 Mar – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe (D/N), Pallekele – Nigel Llong and Tony Hill, Marais Erasmus (third),  Ranmore Martinesz (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Monday 14 Mar – Bangladesh vs Netherlands (D), Chittagong – Aleem Dar and Rod Tucker, Daryl Harper (third), Enamul Hoque-Moni (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Tuesday 15 Mar – South Africa vs Ireland (D/N), Kolkata – Kumar Dharmasena and Billy Doctrove, Simon Taufel (third), Ian Gould (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Wednesday 16 Mar – Australia vs Canada (D/N), Bengaluru – Amish Saheba and Billy Bowden, Richard Kettleborough (third), Asad Rauf (fourth), Andy Pycroft (referee)

Thursday 17 Mar – England vs West Indies (D/N), Chennai – Asoka de Silva and Steve Davis, Shahvir Tarapore (third), Brice Oxenford (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

Friday 18 Mar – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (D/N), Mumbai – Richard Kettleborough and Asad Rauf, Amish Saheba (third), Billy Bowden (fourth), Andy Pycroft (referee)

Friday 18 Mar – Ireland vs Netherlands (D), Kolkata – Simon Tuafel and Ian Gould, Kumar Dharmasena (third), Billy Doctrove (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Saturday 19 Mar – Australia vs Pakistan (D/N), Colombo – Tony Hill and Marais Erasmus, Nigel Llong (third), Tyron Wijewardena (fourth), Chris Broad (referee)

Saturday 19 Mar – Bangladesh vs South Africa (D), Dhaka – Daryl Harper and Aleem Dar, Rod Tucker (third), Enamul Hoque-Moni (fourth), Jeff Crowe (referee)

Sunday 20 Mar – Zimbabwe vs Kenya (D), Kolkata – Billy Doctrove and Kumar Dharmasena, Ian Gould (third), Simon Taufel (fourth), Ranjan Madugalle (referee)

Sunday 20 Mar – India vs West Indies (D/N), Chennai – Steve Davis and Bruce Oxenford, Asoka de Silva (third), Shahvir Tarapore (fourth), Roshan Mahanama (referee)

ICC World Cup 2011 schedule & tickets details: Ready to begin surprises!

One of the major sport extravaganzas, ICC World Cup 2011 is all set to start in less than a month. It starts with the opening match at Bangladesh’s Mirpur on Feb 19. The matches will be held during March and the final will played at the momentous Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on April 2.

The 2011 World Cup is being hosted yet again in India. Firstly, it was made-up to be hosted mutually by India-Pakistan however terrorist attacks mostly the firing on Sri Lankan team forced the authorities to move matches and give them to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The layout comprises 2 groups with 7 teams each. Four teams will be eligible from every group. These 8 teams will play subsequently 4 matches in the quarter finals. The four winners will play in the semi final at Colombo and Mohali on March 29 and March 30. The final will be played on April 2.

The Groups are divided into two: Group A including Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Canada and Kenya. On the other hand, Group B including England, India, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh and Netherland.

Here, full schedule of the ICC World Cup 2011:

    * Thu 17 Feb 08:30 IST opening ceremony at Dhaka, Bangladesh

    * Sat 19 Feb 02:00 PM IST IND vs BAN at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
    * 2Sun 20 Feb 09:30 AM IST NZ vs KEN at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
    * Sun 20 Feb 02:30 PM IST SL vs CAN at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
    * Mon 21 Feb 02:30 PM IST AUS vs ZIM at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
    * Tue 22 Feb 02:30 PM IST ENG vs NED at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
    * Wed 23 Feb 02:30 PM IST PAK vs KEN at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
    * Thu 24 Feb 02:30 PM IST SA vs WI at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
    * Fri 25 Feb 09:30 AM IST AUS vs NZ at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
    * Fri 25 Feb 02:00 PM IST BAN vs IRE at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
    * Sat 26 Feb 02:30 PM IST PAK vs Sl at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Sun 27 Feb 02:30 PM IST IND vs ENG at Mumbai
    * Mon 28 Feb 09:30 AM IST ZIM vs CAN at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
    * Mon 28 Feb 02:30 PM IST WI vs NED at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
    * Tue 01 Mar 02:30 PM IST SL vs KEN at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Wed 02 Mar 02:30 PM IST ENG vs IRE at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
    * Thu 03 Mar 09:30 AM IST SA vs NED at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
    * Thu 03 Mar 02:30 PM IST PAK vs CAN at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Fri 04 Mar 09:30 AM IST NZ vs ZIM at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
    * Fri 04 Mar 02:00 PM IST BAN vs WI at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
    * Sat 05 Mar 02:30 PM IST AUS vs SL at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Sun 06 Mar 09:30 AM IST SA vs ENG at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
    * Sun 06 Mar 02:30 PM IST IND vs IRE at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
    * Mon 07 Mar 02:30 PM IST CAN vs KEN at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
    * Tue 08 Mar 02:30 PM IST PAK vs NZ at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
    * Wed 09 Mar 02:30 PM IST IND vs NED at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
    * Thu 10 Mar 02:30 PM IST SL vs ZIM at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
    * Fri 11 Mar 09:30 AM IST WI vs IRE at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
    * Fri 11 Mar 02:00 PM IST BAN vs ENG at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
    * Sat 12 Mar 02:30 PM IST IND vs SA at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur
    * Sun 13 Mar 09:30 AM IST NZ vs CAN at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
    * Sun 13 Mar 02:30 PM IST AUS vs KEN at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
    * Mon 14 Mar 09:00 AM IST BAN vs NED at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong
    * Mon 14 Mar 02:30 PM IST PAK vs ZIM at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
    * Tue 15 Mar 02:30 PM IST SA vs IRE at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
    * Wed 16 Mar 02:30 PM IST AUS vs CAN at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
    * Thu 17 Mar 02:30 PM IST ENG vs WI at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
    * Fri 18 Mar 09:30 AM IST NED vs IRE at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
    * Fri 18 Mar 02:30 PM IST NZ vs SL at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
    * Sat 19 Mar 09:00 AM IST BAN vs SA at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
    * Sat 19 Mar 02:30 PM IST AUS vs PAK at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Sun 20 Mar 09:30 AM IST ZIM vs KEN at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
    * Sun 20 Mar 02:30 PM IST IND vs WI at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
    * Wed 23 Mar 02:00 PM IST A1 vs B4 (1st Quarter Final, C) at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
    * Thu 24 Mar 02:30 PM IST A2 vs B3 (2nd Quarter Final, D) at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium, Motera
    * Fri 25 Mar 02:00 PM IST A3 vs B2 (3rd Quarter Final, E) at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
    * Sat 26 Mar 02:30 PM IST A4 vs B1 (4th Quarter Final, F) at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Tue 29 Mar 02:30 PM IST Winner C vs Winner E (1st Semi Final) at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
    * Wed 30 Mar 02:30 PM IST Winner D vs Winner F (2nd Semi Final) at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
    * Sat 02 Apr 02:30 PM IST SF1 vs SF2 (Final) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

The International Cricket Council has ruled out the significant Eden Gardens in Kolkata as the venue for a key 2011 World Cup match between India Vs England after the stadium unsuccessful to meet the deadline for overhaul. The tickets of World Cup 2011 matches are available here

Pepsi plans to 'change the game' of cricket

Ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup, PepsiCo India has launched a high decibel and path-breaking campaign called 'Change the Game'.  “Change the Game is a big idea in the context of cricket. With this campaign, we will inspire the youth to ‘change the game’, be innovative, take risks and do things differently even if it has not been done before. We are the official sponsors of the ICC World Cup, but with this campaign we also want to be the official sponsors of everything that is unorthodox, exciting, innovative about cricket,” said, Sandeep Singh Arora, executive vice-president, marketing, cola, PepsiCo India.

Calling ICC Cricket World Cup the single biggest event that unifies millions of passionate 'youngistaanis', Deepika Warrier, marketing director, PepsiCo Beverages, India, said, “Our 'Change the Game' campaign celebrates the same passion and the newage mantra of cricket, which is irreverent, unorthodox, fun, challenging and unmistakably Pepsi.”

He further said, “We are confident that the unique campaign will appeal to the youth and inspire them to be the game changers in their own lives.”  Agnello Dias, creative director, Taproot India, said, “Pepsi has always been the fearless voice of uninhibited youth. A belief that needed to be interpreted even as the official partner of the event. Only Pepsi could turn this official status on its head by standing up for the brave new, unorthodox face of the modern game. The unplugged, organic face of contemporary cricket that is a reflective of everything that the youth of today live by. That it's not the textbook that matters but the result at the end of the day. Because the game can always change.”

The campaign is being launched across various mediums and channels to ensure complete 3D activation across all verticals. It will be supported by a 360-degree approach including thematic ATL and outdoor, consumer engagement programmes, special edition packaging, in-stadia amplification and digital engagement programmes.

Cricket World Cup 2011: Matt Prior out to make one-day job his own

There is a vitality about Matt Prior that suggests Duracell has dumped its bunny and is using him to advertise its long-life batteries. He was reinstalled in the England changing room yesterday and energy levels that might have dipped in Tasmania's quiet beauty moved upwards.

The man who could have put his boots up after a gruelling and personally satisfying Ashes series opted, instead, to play for Victoria's Bushrangers in the Twenty20 Big Bash.

Now he is back, in place of the dropped Steven Davies, to play in England's remaining six ODIs against Australia and, beyond that, the World Cup, which will begin in February and drag its feet into April, like a house guest who will not go away.

This is Prior's fourth incarnation as England's one-day wicketkeeper-batsman and this time, like his mentor Alec Stewart, he intends to take out a long lease on the role. "I am delighted to be here," he said. "I said from the minute I was dropped that I wanted to get back, that I would go back to Sussex and work on my game, hopefully improve my game, and come back a better player. Thankfully I have that opportunity to show where I have improved and hopefully I can make that place my own."

There was a time when a wicketkeeper knew his place. And it wasn't only behind the stumps. He was the dogsbody of the team who did most of the fielding and hardly got a bat at the end. Now, it seems, every wicketkeeper is the exception.

He is expected not only to bat, but to bat well and often aggressively. He must also be the side's cheerleader and primary energy source.

The England coach, Andy Flower, made it clear this week that Prior was being brought back not only because he would be a physically stronger batsman on the flat tracks of the subcontinent but also because "he suits the high-energy fielding game that the team have developed over the last couple of years".

Prior, who last played one-day cricket for England almost a year ago, said: "Hopefully the batting will look after itself. But from a fielding point of view, certainly from the Test matches, I have taken it on myself to almost manage the fielding unit, and I know it's my role to manage the intensity and energy levels.

"Fielding is something this squad takes a lot of pride in and the standards we set ourselves are something we take a lot of pride in as well.

"I think the keeper's role in this day and age is to make sure you manage and make sure you are the person that makes sure those standards stay where they need to be. It's a role in the Test matches I enjoy and it's what I will continue doing in one-day cricket."

Most of all, though, this England one-day side needs a high energy level at the top of the order. Prior was once considered too orthodox a batsman to meet the innovatory demands of the shorter game. But there is no doubting his clean striking ability. "I don't think I have to change my game hugely from how I play in Test cricket. Obviously there will be times when I need to take more risks."

He has fond memories of his brief adventure with Victoria's Bushrangers. "I was quite nervous as the overseas player, especially an Englishman going into the opposition dressing room. But they couldn't do enough for me.

"It was awesome to work with a different coach as well, with different ideas on the game, and different senior players. I sat down and had a couple of beers with Peter Siddle, so that was great. He has ended up being a really good bloke as well, so that was good.

"It was an eye-opener going into a different dressing room, certainly an Australian dressing room, and seeing their attitudes on cricket and different situations. That's why I was so keen to get involved. I want to keep learning, I want to keep getting better and that's one of the ways of doing it."

The despondent Davies, meanwhile, is plotting his own return to the side. "Naturally I'm very disappointed to miss out on selection for the World Cup, and it's been a tough couple of days, but all I can do is accept the decision the selectors have made and continue to work hard to get back into the England side.

"I'm aware that there are areas of my game I need to work on and intend to spend the next few months doing just that and prove to the selectors that I have the ability to perform at the highest level in international cricket." If Prior has his way, the Surrey keeper is in for a long wait.

Cricket World Cup 2011 squads in full

The 14 teams to contest the World Cup are obliged to name their 15-man squads no later than Wednesday 19 January ahead of next month's tournament in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh host India in the opening group game at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka on 19 February.

Australia

Batsmen: Ponting (capt), Clarke, D Hussey, M Hussey, White. All-rounders: Hastings, Smith, Watson. Wicketkeepers: Haddin, Paine. Bowlers: Bollinger, Hauritz, Johnson, Lee, Tait.

Bangladesh

Batsmen: Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Ashraful, Shahriar Nafees, Tamim Iqbal, Raqibul Hasan. All-rounders: Mahmudullah, Naeem Islam, Shakib Al Hasan (capt). Wicketkeeper: Mushfiqur Rahim. Bowlers: Nazmul Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Suhrawadi Shuvo, Abdur Razzak.

Canada

Preliminary squad: Ashish Bagai (capt), Ahmad, Aulakh, Akshay Bagai, Baidwan, Bastiampillai, Bhatti, Broadhurst, Cheema, Chohan, Davison, Desai, J Gordon, T Gordon, Gunasekera, Hansra, Jyoti, Kumar, Limbada, Osinde, Patel, Pervez, Rao, Manrick Singh, J Siddiqui, Z Siddiqui, Surkari, Tariq, Whatham, Zaheer.

England

Batsmen: Strauss (capt), Bell, Morgan, Pietersen, Trott. All-rounders: Bresnan, Collingwood, Wright, Yardy. Wicketkeeper: Prior. Bowlers: Anderson, Broad, Shahzad, Swann, Tredwell.

India

Batsmen: Gambhir, Kohli, Raina, Sehwag, Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh. All-rounders: Y Pathan. Wicketkeeper: Dhoni (capt). Bowlers: Ashwin, Chawla, Harbajhan Singh, Kumar, Nehra, M Patel, Khan.

Ireland

Batsmen: E Joyce, Porterfield (capt). All-rounders: Botha, Cusack, Johnston, Jones, K O'Brien, Van der Merwe, White. Wicketkeepers: N O'Brien, Wilson. Bowlers: Dockrell, J Mooney, Stirling, Rankin.

Kenya

Batsmen: Mishra, Obanda, R Patel, Tikolo, Waters. All-rounders: C Oboya, Kamande (capt), Odoyo. Wicketkeepers: D Oboya, Ouma. Bowlers: J Ngoche, S Ngoche, Odhiambo, Ongondo, E Otieno.

Holland

Batsmen: Cooper, De Grooth, Kervezee, Swarczynski, Zuiderent. All-rounders: Borren (capt), Bukhari, Ten Doeschate. Wicketkeepers: Baressi, Buurman. Bowlers: Kruger, Loots, Raja, Seelaar, Westdijk.

New Zealand

Batsmen: Guptill, How, Ryder, Taylor, Williamson. All-rounders: Franklin, N McCullum, Oram, Styris, Vettori (capt), Woodcock. Wicketkeeper: B McCullum. Bowlers: Bennett, Mills, Southee.

Pakistan

Batsmen: Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Younis Khan. All-rounders: Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi. Wicketkeeper: Kamran Akmal. Bowlers: Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz.

South Africa

Batsmen: Amla, Duminy, Du Plessis, Ingram, Smith (capt). All-rounders: Kallis, R Peterson. Wicketkeepers: De Villiers, Van Wyk. Bowlers: Botha, M Morkel, Parnell, Steyn, Tahir, Tsotsobe.

Sri Lanka

Batsmen: Dilshan, M Jayawardene, Kapugedera, Samaraweera, C Silva, Tharanga. All-rounders: Mathews, T Perera. Wicketkeeper: Sangakkara (capt). Bowlers: Fernando, Herath, Kulasekara, Malinga, A Mendis, Muralitharan.

West Indies

Batsmen: Barath, DM Bravo, Chanderpaul, Gayle, Sarwan, DS Smith. All-rounders: DJ Bravo, Pollard. Wicketkeeper: Baugh. Bowlers: Benn, Miller, Rampaul, Roach, Russell, Sammy (capt).

Zimbabwe

Batsmen: Coventry, C Ervine, Taylor, Williams. All-rounders: Chigumbura (capt), S Ervine, Lamb. Wicketkeepers: Chakabva, Taibu. Bowlers: Cremer, S Masakadza, Mpofu, Price, Rainsford, Utseya.

Luke Woodcock in New Zealand World Cup squad

New Zealand have named uncapped allrounder Luke Woodcock in their 15-man squad for the World Cup that begins in the subcontinent on February 19. Jacob Oram, who has been battling to recover from surgery in time for the tournament, has also been included in the mix.

Woodcock, 28, made his international debut in the recent Twenty20 series against Pakistan and was rewarded for his good form for Wellington in New Zealand's domestic one-day tournament, where he is averaging 26.00 with the bat and 20.00 with his left-arm spin. He was the one unfamiliar name in a squad that included six players who competed in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

Mark Greatbatch, New Zealand's head selector, backed Woodock's temperament and floated the possibility of playing three spinners - Woodcock, Daniel Vettori and Nathan McCullum.

"Luke Woodcock has worked hard for his chance after forging an impressive record with Wellington over a number of years," Greatbatch said. "He has a good head on his shoulders and his selection provides the option of playing three spinners, which could be useful in the subcontinent."

Oram has been ravaged by injury throughout his career and after a recurrence of a patella-tendon problem during the tri-series in Sri Lanka in August 2010, he opted for surgery with the sole aim of being fit for the World Cup. His big hitting and nagging medium pace made his an ever-present when fit in the New Zealand team and his inclusion was a boost ahead the World Cup.

Hamish Bennett, the 23-year-old fast bowler, was also returning from injury, having picked up a groin strain during his debut Test in India last November. He impressed by bowling around 140kph and adds pace to an attack packed with steady bowlers.

Greatbatch was relieved to have both Oram and Bennett available and felt the squad can continue New Zealand's good record in World Cups. They made the semi-finals in two of the last three tournaments.

"It's great to see the bowling attack bolstered by the return of Jacob Oram and Hamish Bennett, who have both been sidelined with injury," he said. "Jacob has been a key performer over a number of years and his experience will be invaluable at the World Cup. Hamish made a good start to his one-day career and deserves the opportunity now that he is fully fit.

"We have kept faith with the bulk of the team which played the five-match ODI series in India and believe that, despite recent one-day form, the squad is very capable and owe it to themselves and the New Zealand fans to put in a huge performance at the World Cup."

New Zealand are presently playing Pakistan at home and will play six ODIs at the conclusion of the ongoing Test series. Their coaching staff was bolstered by the arrival of Allan Donald, the former South African fast-bowler, as bowling coach.

Squad: Daniel Vettori, Hamish Bennett, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Jamie How, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jesse Ryder, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Luke Woodcock.