Fast bowlers will have a critical role in World Cup: Ashish Nehra – World Cup Countdown

India’s death-overs exponent Ashish Nehra expects fast bowlers to play a critical role in the upcoming World Cup even though the wickets of the subcontinent are considered spinner-friendly. The lanky left-arm pacer, who made a sensational comeback to the team in 2009 after battling injuries for four years, says Indian pacers have performed well in home conditions in the last couple of years and that should encourage them to do well in the mega event. “The fast bowlers will play an important role in the World Cup even though the pitches in the subcontinent generally are on the slower side.

Troubled Kenya out to make impression in World Cup -Team Profile, World Cup Countdown

Kenya, the first non-Test playing nation to play in the semi-finals of a World Cup, are battling poor form, lack of sponsors and shoddy governance, and are keen on making an impact in the 10th edition of the quadrennial event starting Feb 19 in the subcontinent. Kenya, the surprise semi-finalists in 2003 in South Africa, hit a new low last year as they finished at the bottom of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Cricket League in the Netherlands. With veteran Steve Tikolo coming out of retirement to guide the young guns, the side captained by Jimmy Kamande has vowed to leave an impression in the mega event.

Playing at home motivates me: Virender Sehwag- World Cup Countdown

Swashbuckling batsman Virender Sehwag says playing to “pumped up” home crowds in packed stadiums “motivates me” as he prepares for the coming World Cup like he does for all matches – by creating a “virtual stadium in my mind”. “There is no pressure playing in packed stadiums at home, they motivate me to perform better. Wherever we play in India, the crowds are so pumped up, shouting ‘Veeru, Veeru and Sachin, Sachin,’ and that’s encouraging,” Sehwag  said in an interview.

ICC confirms Bangalore as venue for India-England match

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Monday confirmed that the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore will replace Kolkata’s Eden Gardens as the venue for February 27 World Cup match between India and England. The world organisation said that it will again inspect the Eden Gardens February 7 to check if the stadium can host the remaining three matches slated for March 15, 18 and 20. “The ICC today confirmed its decision to relocate the venue for the India vs.

Can unpredictable New Zealand spring a surprise? -World Cup Countdown

New Zealand will be returning to the subcontinent for the World Cup starting Feb 19 with the bitter experiences of a 4-0 thrashing in Bangladesh and 5-0 whitewash in the ODI series in India last year.

I would like to do something special for World Cup: Gautam Gambhir

When Gautam Gambhir was dropped from the 2007 World Cup squad, he was so disappointed that he almost quit cricket. As he makes his World Cup debut at home, one of the world’s most exciting opening batsmen says he would like to do something “special” for the home crowd, “like my unbeaten 150 against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2009″. The excitement of the coming tournament is palpable on Gambhir’s face as also the pressure of playing at home, although the 29-year-old says he prefers to keep things simple and wants to treat the mega event like any other tournament

Eden Gardens will not host India-England World Cup match

Kolkata’s Eden Gardens will not host the India-England World Cup tie slated for February 27 due to its unpreparedness, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said Thursday following an adverse report from the venue inspection team. The inspection team comprising tournament director Ratnakar Shetty, members of the Central Organising Committe (COC) and the ICC reported on the readiness of five outstanding venues after visiting the facilities. The team inspected Eden Gardens Tuesday.

India have good chance of winning World Cup: Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir believes India have a good chance to win the ICC World Cup to be held in the sub-continent from Feb 19 — given the favourable conditions and the crowd support.

Patiala house may jeopardise Priyanka’s new film

Coming February we will see Akshay kumar and Priyanka chopra battling it out at the box office. The stars latest releases Patiala house11feb and 7 koon maaf 18feb are releasing with in a weak difference

I am confident I can turn my form around: Clarke

Australia’s stand-in captain Michael Clarke feels he can turn around his form before the cricket World Cup starting Feb 19. The 29-year-old Clarke is desperate to play with the authority expected of an Australian skipper and vindicate the “nice” vote of confidence

Next Page »