Spirits Cricket

Paul Collingwood is yet to make a final call over his participation in the much hyped twenty 20 series that is going to be held on the Pakistani land.

Earlier it was reported that Collingwood had agreed to be a part of the Rest of the World squad that would take on Pakistan in the proposed series.

But, the former English all-rounder has clarified his position. While he has admitted that he has had a chat with Andy Flower who would be managing the Rest of the World squad, he stresses that he has not committed to Flower that he would definitely be there playing in that series.

As per Collingwood, it’s an exciting proposition, no doubt because he is not an active international Cricketer anymore. He bid adieu to the international game long back. But this is a chance to get involved in international Cricket again as all the games of this series are going to be counted as international games. (more…)

New England Test captain Joe Root says that the experience former skipper Alastair Cook will bring to the team would be helpful to the success of the team now and in the future.

Cook resigned from the role in February after record 59 games.

“I think Cook will be great. He’s done a fantastic job and I’ve inherited a side that’s so settled – he has to take a lot of credit for that. I’ve got fantastic senior players. Alastair is a great person to go to – he will let me get on with it and do it my own way.

“It’s in his DNA to help the rest of the guys out. He always led from the front which is what made him such a great leader. If he’s firing on all cylinders with the bat then we’ll be in a good position at the end of the summer,” Root said.

On the other hand, bowler James Anderson told the BBCSportthat he has no plans of retiring after the forthcoming Ashes series. The 34-year old Poms star fended off speculations that he might call it quits.

“If we win the Test series, I’ll be over the moon. It means we will have had an amazing year. But right now I have no interest in stopping,” the Lancashire swing bowler said. (more…)

England opener Alex Hales hit 110 from 107 balls and he was emotional after the achievement against West Indies. It was the third one-day international for the player in half a year. He missed the Bangladesh tour due to security concerns. He was also frustrated by the fracture of his hands early this year.

“The last six months have been frustrating, so to score a hundred in my first game back is a great feeling,” the excited 28-year old said. Hales said when he opted out of the Bangladesh trip, he knew he was offering others his spot in the team. He said the injury in India was bad timing so he is most pleased to return to the team. (more…)