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Onions drafted in as cover for 4th test
Posted by: | CommentsDurham seamer Graham Onions has been called up to the England squad for the 4th test against India after Chris Tremlett was ruled out of the game having failed to recover from a back injury and Jimmy Anderson was diagnosed with a minor thigh strain.
Tremlett has been unable to take part in either of the last two test matches as England claimed a series win as well as the number one spot in the test rankings following victory at Edgbaston that moved the home side into an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
Anderson meanwhile complained of tightness in his thigh during the 3rd test at Edgbaston and is considered a doubt for the game at the Oval, although the injury will be monitored over the coming days.
Onions hasn’t played for England since the Cape Town test match against South Africa in January last year, before a bad run of injuries allowed the likes of Tim Bresnan and Steve Finn to move ahead of him in the pecking order, but the Durham bowler grabbed the attention of the selectors by picking up three wickets for the England Lions against Sri Lanka A earlier this month.
Finn is also in the squad and could be in contention for a call up should England decide not to risk Anderson with a T20 match against India being preceded by five ODI’s once the test series is complete.
“Unfortunately Chris Tremlett has failed a fitness test and won’t be available for selection for the fourth Test, despite showing strong signs of recovery over the past few days.” national selector Geoff Miller said.
“Chris’s absence in conjunction with what appears to be a minor injury concern with Jimmy Anderson has led to a call up for Graham Onions as precautionary bowling cover.”
“We are hopeful that Jimmy will overcome this niggle by Thursday but more time is required before a decision on his availability can be made conclusively.
“Steven Finn is obviously in the squad and he is now joined by Graham Onions who has been in good form for Durham since returning from a back injury at the start of the season.” He added.
By Pete South – a contributor to CricketFancast : the best place for great videos on England such as “England’s ascent to number 1”, along with the latest cricket news from around the world.
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Onions drafted in as cover for 4th test
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Can South Africa hold on to their World crown?
Posted by: | CommentsSouth Africa are less than a month away from beginning the defence of the World Cup trophy they won in 2007, but there is one hitch. They are in terrible form.
The Springboks have so far played three games in the Tri Nations that leads straight on to the World Cup and have lost all three as head coach Peter De Villiers continues to field inexperienced line ups to take on Australia and New Zealand, two of the strongest teams in world rugby at the moment.
There is huge pressure on De Villiers to turn around the fortunes of South Africa to the point that there have been suggestions he should be removed from his role before the World Cup – something that is highly unlikely- but is there any chance South Africa can pull off an unlikely turn around and be crowned World Champions once more?
Their third game against Australia was meant to be the real test of where they were as the side was reinforced with returning first choice players after 20 players were left at home for their first game against Australia, but the 14-9 defeat left most scratching their heads as to what to expect next from the Springboks.
In fact the team that took to the pitch was the most experienced in terms of the amount of caps on the field, but that couldn’t stop the Wallabies from picking up a win despite going in at half time 6-0 down.
With that defeat their hopes of winning the Tri Nations evaporated into thin air and now they can only think about planning for the World Cup – that and avoiding their first ever whitewash in the Tri Nations.
Most bookies place the Springboks at around 9/1 to retain their title, behind Australia and New Zealand, but there is a feeling even that is generous.
What will be a decent test of where they are is when they go up against Wales in their opening game of the tournament. Warren Gatland’s side have had an inconsistent run of form lately but showed against England they were well drilled and at their physical peak, and could take advantage of those in a Springboks RWC Jersey looking not only undercooked but unaware of what the game plan is.
They are 50/1 not to reach the Quarter final and while that may be a bit extreme, backing them not to make the semi’s may be a wise move. Either way it is looking highly unlikely South Africa can retain their world crown come the end of the 2011 World Cup, unless they do something very dramatic, and very soon.
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Can South Africa hold on to their World crown?
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