Cricket

IPL will be more than happy to have Symonds full time, says Lalit Modi

IPL will be more than happy to have Symonds full time, says Lalit ModiBrisbane/Mumbai, Feb. 9: Indian Premier League Commissioner and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Lalit Modi has said he would more than pleased to have troubled all-rounder Andrew Symonds participate full time in the second edition of the IPL, which is slotted for April-May this year.

Despite the former Test star''s off-field controversies, Modi said Symonds would not be blacklisted from competing in the 20-over extravaganza.

Bichel announces retirement from cricket

Bichel announces retirement from cricketBrisbane, Feb. 9: Former Australia fast bowler Andy Bichel has announced his retirement from cricket at age 38.

Queenslander Bichel, who played 19 Tests from 1997-2003, decided on Monday to hang up his boots after a long battle with a shoulder injury.

A bustling fast bowler and hard-hitting lower-order batsman, Bichel took 58 wickets at 32.24 as he played the bulk of his Tests as the first-change bowler to Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie.

Symonds on the mend with blazing 137

Symonds on the mend with blazing 137Brisbane, Feb. 9 : Out of favour Australian cricket all rounder Andrew Symonds has started the process for his comeback into the national squad with a blazing knock of 137 in a Brisbane club cricket match.

Playing for the Gold Coast Dolphins, Symonds spanked the Beenleigh-Logan attack to all parts of Dauth Park on his way to 137 off 111 balls.

It was the 33-year-old''s first century in any form of the game since his 162 not out against India 13 months ago.

Happy Ponting says Haddin can open ''as long as he likes''

Happy Ponting says Haddin can open ''as long as he likes''Sydney, Feb. 9 : Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has said that wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin can open the batting for "as long as he likes" after scoring his maiden one-day international century to set up Australia''s victory against New Zealand at the SCG on Sunday night.

The victory, just Australia''s second win in eight one-day matches this summer, and their first in three against New Zealand, keeps alive the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy series with matches to come in Adelaide on Tuesday and Brisbane on Friday.

Australian cricketers have to ensure that they stick together: Kim Hughes

Australian cricketers have to ensure that they stick together: Kim HughesMelbourne, Feb. 8: The Australian cricket team is probably going through its toughest phase in 14 years, losing both home and away Test series, and a one day series at home in the last four months, but former captain Kim Hughes says that sticking together will be the key factor to facilitate a return to the position of world champions.

Black Caps not ready to get cocky against Aussies just yet

Black Caps not ready to get cocky against Aussies just yetSydney, Feb. 8 : The New Zealand cricket team that is in Australia to compete for the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, is optimistic, but not ready to be cocky about handing out a possible 5-0 score line to the Kangaroos.

According to middle-order bat Ross Taylor, the Kiwis are well aware of Australia's capability to bounce back when their backs are pinned to the wall.

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