England can hurt India on turner, says Bopara.|india vs england|cricket world cup 2011.

Ashes-winning England have spinners who can cause a headache for India if Sunday's World Cup match is played on a turning track, batsman Ravi Bopara said on Thursday.

"If it is a spinning deck we have got our own spinners who can cause problems. A pitch that spins is going to cause trouble for any team. It is going to cause problems for India as well," said Bopara.
"A lot is going to depend on the conditions. If the conditions don't suit spin we don't have to worry about it. It is going to be a good game."

India are expected to include a second specialist spinner against England, especially after the success of their slow men against defending champions Australia in a warm-up game at the same venue.
England, who meet India in the day-night match in Bangalore on Sunday, are seeking their second successive victory after having defeated the Netherlands in Nagpur on Tuesday.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann was England's most successful bowler with 2-35 off 10 tight overs, but their overall bowling performance was below par as they conceded 292 against the non-Test-playing nation.
"We were not our usual self the other day. But there are a lot of positives from that game, particularly the chase," said Bopara. "A total of 293 is a big score against any side, especially in India where the wickets get slower and lower. It is harder to bat. We batted brilliantly especially at the top."

Bopara also played a key role in England's big chase, smashing a 20-ball 30 with one six and two fours."It (the knock against the Netherlands) does help the confidence. I felt a bit relaxed when I went in the other night. We always knew we were going to win the game, but I had to ensure I was there till the end to finish it off."

India boast of exciting stroke-players in Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but Bopara said his team had plans to keep pressure on the hosts' batting line-up.

"This is one of our toughest challenges in this tournament. We know what the Indian batsman are capable of, but we do have our plans to keep them quiet," said Bopara, who has so far scored 1,170 runs in 55 one-day internationals.

"Every match is big for us. Even the game the other night was big. Playing India in India is going to be huge. It's going to be massive for the fans. All the boys are looking forward to it. We have plans against each bowler and batsman but it is how the batsmen feel on the day. We generally play aggressive cricket. We know in places like Bangalore, there can be high totals like 270-300." Bopara said he was looking forward to playing a big match before a sizeabale holiday crowd.

"I have played in this atmosphere before in the IPL (Indian Premier League). It is very, very noisy. You struggle to have a conversation with a player on the field but it is fun," he said.

"The crowd are enjoying it. At the end of the day you are an entertainer and you want them to enjoy. When you set yourself high standards you don't drift away. The crowd does pump you up."

Bopara, who replaced injured Eoin Morgan at the last moment for a place in the World Cup squad, said he was keen to make the most of the opportunity.

"It is a big opportunity to get back into the side. I have got two opportunities so far, one in the warm-up game and then in the opening match," Bopara said, adding his Indian idol was Tendulkar.

Swann wants England to silence Indian crowd|england vs india|Graeme Swann|cricket world cup 2011

Graeme Swann wants to silence the passionate home crowd when England face World Cup co-hosts India in Bangalore on Sunday.

The Ashes-winning off-spinner returned to international action for the first time since the birth of his son with an impressive two for 35 during England's tournament-opening six-wicket win over the Netherlands on Tuesday.

But the 31-year-old's bowling was one of the few highlights in a lacklustre display in the field littered with dropped catches and wayward fast bowling on a good batting pitch.

India launched their campaign with an 87-run victory away to fellow co-hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka and are strongly fancied to add a second title to their 1983 World Cup trophy in front of their adoring fans.

"The fact it's against India in India is going to make it a huge game," said Swann after England saw off the Dutch with eight balls to spare.

"We had a very poor time of things in the one-day series here a couple of years ago, so that's certainly something we want to turn around because there is nothing better than silencing an Indian crowd."

"You don't want them to be screaming all day because its ear-shattering. Come Bangalore it will be a huge game and one we will need to raise our standards for, particularly in the field because, let's face it, we were like a bunch of schoolboys (against the Netherlands)."

The worst moment was when Dutch all-rounder Ryan ten Doeschate, who went on to make a century, skied Swann on 47 only for James Anderson at long-on and Kevin Pietersen at long-off to leave the chance to each other as the ball fell safely between them.

"They both got the glare," Swann said. "When it goes 80 yards in the air and two of your best fielders stand and watch it land between them, it's never great as a bowler but I can't really complain because I dropped that high swirler near the end. Everything evens itself out."

Swann was England's lone spinner in a match where the frontline quicks, especially Anderson, whose 10 wicketless overs cost 72 runs, proved expensive.

England do have another slow bowler in left-armer Michael Yardy who, like Swann, performed well in the team that won the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean last year.

Swann though warned it was a mistake to think Indian pitches offered excessive help to spinners.
"I think it is hit or miss in India with spin. People always say that spin plays a massive part and wickets turn square over here. They don't and there was a little bit of spin (against the Netherlands) but it wasn't huge."

Swann, who had been struggling with a knee injury, was pleased by the way he bowled upon returning to international cricket "I'm delighted because I've let the team down a couple of times before after a bit of a break and promised I wouldn't do it this time, so I'm glad I lived up to my word."

Swann joined up late with the squad following the birth of his son, Wilfred, and he admitted: "Within two days of the little fellow coming into the world I'm saying a teary goodbye. That's our lot as international cricketers."

"On the plus side, I get to come here to play in a World Cup so in 18 years' time when he is giving me grief for not being there for the first six weeks I'll be able to say but I had to go and beat Holland."

Ponting reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach|world cup 2011| ricky ponting.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been reprimanded for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his team's ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 match against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad.

Ponting accepted the Level 1 charge and the proposed sanction from Roshan Mahanama of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees after an incident was brought to the ICC's attention through the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Gujarat Cricket Association.

He was found to have breached clause 2.1.2 of the code which relates to "abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during an international match". The charge was brought by the chairman of the Event Technical Committee David Richardson on behalf of the ICC Chief Executive, in accordance with the regulations.

The incident occurred shortly after Ponting was run out in the match when he caused some damage to a television set in the team dressingroom. The damage occurred when he threw down a piece of equipment which bounced off his kit bag and hit the corner of the television.

"Ricky knows that his action was in breach of the code, involving a brief moment of frustration. That said, it was clear that the damage he caused was purely accidental and without malice, he apologized shortly after the incident at the ground and immediately agreed to pay for the damage," said Mr Mahanama.

As Ponting accepted the offence and the proposed sanction, there was no need to convene a formal hearing. Level 1 offences carry penalties ranging from an official reprimand to 50 per cent of a player's match fee.

No turning back as Smith eyes South Africa triumph.

Graeme Smith is determined to end his reign as South Africa's one-day captain in a blaze of glory by leading the Proteas to a first World Cup 2011 triumph.

Smith, who will carry on as Test skipper, insisted there was no question of going back on his decision to relinquish a job he's held since succeeding Shaun Pollock after the ill-fated 2003 World Cup.
"It's my opportunity to lead the team and leave it all out here," said the 30-year-old, ahead of his team's opening Group B clash against the West Indies on Thursday.

"To be honest with you, I am excited to be able to lead the guys. I have gained good experience through the other tournaments. In 2007 (when South Africa reached the semi- finals), in particular, I gained a lot."
"I feel I am in the best place to lead the guys. I am really proud of the group that I have got around me. It will hopefully bode well for an exciting tournament."

Smith has led South Africa in more Tests (82) and one-day internationals (142) than anyone else, but victory in an International Cricket Council event has eluded South Africa.

They will be favourites to beat the West Indies in the Group B clash at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground, but Smith said on Wednesday that their opponents cannot be under-estimated.

He is wary that a one-off performance, just like the scare that England suffered at the hands of Dutch century-maker Ryan ten Doeschate on Tuesday, could derail his plans for a winning start to the marathon campaign.

"We will go into the game expecting them to play well," said Smith.

"You have to, that's sports. On any given day, people can perform well. It takes one good performance, like from ten Doeschate, to put you in the game." "You can't afford to take people for granted. You need to make sure you prepare well for each game."

The South African skipper said he was not too worried about how the pitch would behave even though it had been largely tested.

The Kotla ground was banished from the international schedule in 2009 after a one-dayer between India and Sri Lanka had to be abandoned due to a "dangerous" playing surface.

"I think we are all aware of what has happened in Delhi," said Smith.

"It's been relaid, there's been a few games played on it but it's an unknown factor for all of us. But I think you can see they have made a really big effort out here."

"The field is looking good, you can see they have put a lot of work into the surface. You've got to commend them for that. Let's hope it all works out tomorrow."

New Zealand eye Aussie win to lift spirits.

New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori believes a World Cup win over trans-Tasman rivals Australia will help lift national spirits left shattered by the deadly Christchurch earthquake.

The 15-man squad desperately scrambled for news on loved ones caught up in Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude quake which killed at least 65 people, with the team admitting to being left shocked and numbed by the tragedy.

"The greatest thing we can do is beat Australia to hopefully help bring a little relief for the people who are going such a rough time at home," said Vettori.

"It's been a tough day. Five or six of the team and the management crew are based in Christchurch, so it's been a rough time for them finding out that their families are safe."

"We all have family or friends in Christchurch, it's been tough. We are feeling it too and the Canterbury community is in our thoughts and prayers."

"It's hard to deal with out of context. Guys will be thinking about wives and children at home who are dealing with the aftermath. It might be a distraction, it will be a testing time."

New Zealand's players, who face defending champions Australia in Nagpur on Friday, regularly used Twitter throughout the day in search of information and to offer condolences.

"Everyone's families are fine, but quite a numb and flat feeling in the squad," veteran player Scott Styris wrote. "Training was tough."

Opening batsman Martin Guptill said the squad's thoughts were with their compatriots.

"Thoughts go out to the people of Chch today. Terrible thing to have happened again," Guptill tweeted.
International Cricket Council chief executive Haroon Lorgat said that an appropriate gesture of respect would be made when New Zealand face Australia.

"At times like this, sport can only offer its support and its deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones during such a tragedy," said Lorgat.

"It's a helpless feeling but I will be discussing with the organisers of the World Cup how we can most appropriately remember those who lost their lives or have been injured and affected when the Black Caps play their next match against Australia in Nagpur on Friday.

"We have already contacted New Zealand Cricket's chief executive Dr Justin Vaughan to express our concern for him, his staff and the people of Christchurch."

"On behalf of everyone at the ICC and the World Cup we send our heartfelt condolences."
Among the New Zealand World Cup squad, fast bowler Hamish Bennett plies his trade for the Canterbury team in the devastated area while coach John Wright was born in the region.

The news would have also rattled Netherlands captain Peter Borren who was born in Christchurch. The Dutch were playing England on Tuesday.

Pressure nullifies India's home advantage: Kallis.| World cup 2011| cricket worls cup 2011| south africa| jacque kallis.

Perennial chokers they might be but South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis feels there is nothing called favourites in a big event like the World Cup and the huge pressure of expectation will nullify India's home advantage in the ongoing tournament.

Kallis said in World Cup no side can afford to take its opponent lightly, and the team which handles pressure at crunch situations, will run away with the coveted trophy.

"I don't think any team starts as favorites at the moment. A lot of people are talking about India but we know how hard it is to play under pressure at home. That probably negates their home advantage," the 35-year-old all-rounder told reporters during their practice session at the Feroze Shah Kotla here on Tuesday.

"Ultimately it boils down to how you play in the group stage and once you reach the quarterfinals, semifinals, final, anything can happen. I think all the teams are evenly matched."

"The team which plays the best game under pressure will come out on top," he added.

Asked about the chokers tag associated with the Proteas in ICC tournaments, Kallis said, "A lot is being made in the media about the chokers tag. But we players don't even think about it."

"Everytime the team loses, people say the team has choked. But it is certainly not something which haunt us. We have a young team, 11 out of the 15 have never played in a World Cup.

"So it doesn't bother us. We are just worried about playing good cricket."

Kallis, who is the numero uno all-rounder in ODI cricket with 11,002 runs and 259 wickets, said he has completely recovered from his rib injury and will feature in the opening clash against the West Indies here on Thursday.

"So far, everything is going according to plan. I have been bowling for about a week. I am 100 per cent fit for the match."

"In fact, most of the guys are in good condition, raring to go. The good thing is that we have all the 15 to pick from," he said.

Although South Africa boast of a good record against West Indies in recent times, the right-hander said the match is evenly-balanced and the Proteas need to be on top of their game on Thursday.

"They are a dangerous side. They have got a few players who can change the game. We need to be on the top our game."

"You can't take any side lightly because one bad result against you can put pressure," Kallis said.
Kallis, however, was apprehensive about the under-fire Kotla wicket producing a high-scoring affair on Thursday.

"I haven't had a look at it as yet. I have seen it during the IPL and it wasn't too bad. Probably it's not gonna be 300-350 wicket," he said.

He also seemed excited with the fact that South Africa have packed their squad with three specialist spinners.
"We know that the wickets are going to help the spinners. It's nice to have three quality spinners in our side. I think it's an advantage."

"Certainly we haven't had a leg-spinner (Imran Tahir) in a very long time. So that brings something different. We have an off-spinner, we have a leg-spinner and the variety we've got to choose from is fantastic. I think we covered all our bases," Kallis insisted.

Kallis also dismissed suggestions that South Africa may be little rusty going into Thursday's match, saying their preparation so far went of well.

"It has been a fantastic two-and-a-half weeks for us. We have already had our preparation for the game; it's just the finishing touches we need to take care of.

"As far as preparation goes, we have been as well prepared as we have been in any other World Cup. The guys are in a lot more relaxed frame of mind, probably better prepared than any other World Cup," he said.

 "The team has spent a lot of time together as well. Each guy knows his role in the team. That to me is a major positive. As a senior player, I am telling the youngsters to go out there and enjoy the World Cup," Kallis added.

Just one of those days, says ton-up Ten Doeschate.

A jubilant Ryan ten Doeschate said it had been "one of those days" after lashing 119 runs against England to get the Netherlands' World Cup campaign off to a flying start on Tuesday.

The Dutch came into the match in Nagpur as underdogs but with confidence after a win against England at the 2009 World Twenty20.

South African-born ten Doeschate, who owns the highest ODI average in international cricket, took the ragged England attack apart, striking nine fours and three sixes in a devastating show of power.

 
"For the past six weeks I've struggled with the bat but I've worked really hard in the last two weeks and it was just one of those days," said the batsman who helped his team to an impressive 292-6.

"It is a really good deck and I picked up the ball pretty early and it was one of those days when everything came naturally."

Ten Doeschate said the team had done well to score quickly in the last 10 overs to build on their solid start, adding: "If we bowl well we'll have a chance of winning the game."

The Essex all-rounder, snapped up by Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders, for 150,000 dollars, had scored 1,234 runs at a formidable average of 68.55 coming into the England match.

Gayle eyes magical 200-run mark!!!

West Indies batting star Chris Gayle wants to emulate India's Sachin Tendulkar and notch up one-day cricket's second double-century at the World Cup.

Tendulkar rewrote the record books in February last year by hammering an unprecedented 200 not out against South Africa.

Tendulkar's team-mate and opening partner Virender Sehwag came close to matching his feat in India's opening World Cup match against Bangladesh last week before being dismissed for 175.

Gayle, also an attacking opener, believes he can achieve the magical mark if he bats out the 50 overs.
"The master-blaster (Sachin Tendulkar) got it. A guy like Sehwag can get it. These are the guys who can get it once they get off to a good start. You bat through the 50 overs and it becomes a possibility."

"If I get a chance, I'll definitely chase it," said Gayle, whose highest score in one-day internationals is the 153 not out he scored against Zimbabwe in 2003.

The left-hander is also keen to polish his all-round skills and contribute to his team with his off-spinners, which have fetched him 156 wickets from 223 ODIs.

"I want to be the best all-rounder in the World Cup," said the 31-year-old. "I should be able to do a bit of bowling and get a few wickets as well and also set up a good total for the team."
Gayle was realistic of his team's chances at the showpiece tournament.

"The preparation has been good. We came from Sri Lanka, of course things didn't go according to our plan but at the same time it is a big occasion and we want to get a winning start."
"The key is to get a good start and in this new format, the top four get to the quarterfinals. That would be our objective and then anything is possible."

West Indies drew all the three rain-hit Tests in Sri Lanka before losing the following one-day series 2-0.
In the World Cup, West Indies have been drawn in Group B alongside Bangladesh, India, England, South Africa, the Netherlands and Ireland.

Their first match is against South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday.
Gayle said he was hopeful his team will script a turnaround in their fortunes this time.

"We have not done well in the two World Cups that I played and I hope things turn around here. We need to have the self belief. We have to take responsibility."
"We have to go out there and not just put up a fight but get victories."

Tendulkar cleared to play after scan on left knee.

India's key opening batsman Sachin Tendulkar has undergone an MRI scan on his left knee but he should be fit for their next World Cup game, the team's manager said on Monday.

Tendulkar, the biggest scorer in the history of the game, stayed behind in Mumbai for the scan on Sunday when the rest of the squad flew to Bangalore for their game with England on Sunday.

Ranjib Biswal told Reuters: "It's an old injury. It was just a niggle. It's nothing to worry about. The (MRI) report is all clear."

India won their first match in Dhaka on Saturday, beating Bangladesh by 87 runs. Tendulkar was run out for 28.

Bring on Pakistan, say confident Sri Lanka.

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena said his team was looking forward to their first real test in the World Cup against Pakistan after crushing Canada in their opening match.

Jaywardena gave the 1996 champions a flying start with an 80-ball century to help his team to a solid 332-7 before dismissing Canada for 122, taking their opening Group A match by a huge 210-run margin.

They next face 1992 champions Pakistan in a glamour match on February 26 in Colombo.
"The first game in a tournament is always very important. We started with the right tone and now we look forward to our next match against Pakistan who are a very good side," said Jayawardena.

"Pakistan have got some great individial players and we play them quite often and we know how dangerous they can be, so we have to do our homework right and prepare ourselves and go in with a very positive mindset.

"I think everyone is looking for an opportunity to play against Pakistan."

Jayawardena, whose century was the fourth fastest in the tournament's history, admitted he didn't know he had also made the quickest World Cup hundred by a Sri Lankan.

"I didn't know that until the last minute when they told me, but I am quite happy it was a good start for us," said Jayawardena, who beat Sanath Jayasuriya's 85-ball hundred against Bangladesh at Port of Spain four years ago.

Jayawardena also praised Canada's initial bowling efforts.
"There were a few nerves before the game started just to get on with the World Cup, especially in front of our home crowd," said the veteran batsman.

"It's not easy to play a team like Canada. You need to make sure and they bowled well initially," he said.
Jayawardena praised his players' attitude.

"I think the boys had a right attitude going into the game. We were very positive with the ball on the field as well, and the most important thing was to keep wickets in hand and then Kumar (Sangakkara, 92) and myself gave impetus."

Jayawardena added an invaluable 179 for the third wicket with his skipper after Tillakaratne Dilshan set the platform with a brisk 50.