Tracking the Daredevils - (Aug 25, 2009) - Vettori is now also a selector
Christchurch, Aug 25: Delhi Daredevils spinner and New Zealand captain, Daniel Vettori, has in a first-of-its-kind decision, been made a National selector, too.
The New Zealand selection panel has Glenn Turner as the convener. Dion Nash has stepped down because of business and family commitments and John Wright has stepped aside to concentrate on the development area. Mark Greatbatch has been brought in alongwith coach Andy Moles and Vettori.
Thus far, Turner, Wright and Nash picked the New Zealand team with Vettori advising them, but he had a full say along with Moles when the side played overseas.
The old panel in its final decision named the New Zealand one-day squad for the Champions Trophy in South Africa from September 22.
The team: Daniel Vettori (captain), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, Brendon Diamanti, Grant Elliott, Martin Guptill, Gareth Hopkins, Brendon McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Jeetan Patel, Jesse Ryder, Ross Taylor, Daryl Tuffey.
Gambhir is again World No. 1 Test batsman
New Delhi, Aug 25: Delhi Daredevil’s star opener, Gautam Gambhir has once again become the No. 1 Test batsman as Kumar Sangakkara and Michael Clarke slipped down the rankings ladder because of their none-too-impressive form in the recent matches.
Gambhir, who was ranked third before the chart was updated, moved up two rungs after Sangakkara, who was leading the chart, failed to fire in the first Test against New Zealand at Galle.
Clarke could have benefitted from Sangakkara's loss but the Australian vice-captain's disappointing showing in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval has opened the door for Gambhir, who returned to the number one spot.
Gambhir had earlier became the top ranked batsman in July this year.
Modest Ashes series for Collingwood
London, Aug 25: In Kennington Oval, Daredevil Paul Collingwood scored 24 and one in the two innings against Australia in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series. England won the final Test 197 runs to win the Ashes after a 16-year gap.
Collingwood had a modest series with 250 runs in nine innings in five Test matches. He scored three fifties with 74 as his highest.
He also took one wicket and four catches in the series.
Dilshan sizzles as opener, adjudged Man of Match against Kiwis
Galle, Aug 23: Delhi Daredevils batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan’s ruthless batting in both innings (92 and 123 not out) was the key to Sri Lanka’s 202-run win over New Zealand at Galle last week. He was adjudged the man of the match, and another Daredevil, rival skipper, Daniel Vettori said Dilshan was the difference between the two teams.
Vettori himself played a valiant role for New Zealand. He scored 42 and 67 in the two innings besides taking four wickets in first innings and one in second. He also ran out Kumar Sangakkara in second innings.
Dilshan opening the innings for the first time in Test cricket scored 92 runs in 72 balls in the first innings and added 118 runs for third wicket with Mahela Jayawardene (114). Lanka scored 452 as T Samaraweera (159) also scored a century.
Vettori, leading the Kiwis, took four for 78 in 37.4 overs.
In the second innings, Dilshan was again in sizzling form scoring 123 not out in 131 balls and he added 101 runs for second wicket with skipper Kumar Sangakkara (46). Vettori took one for 81.
New Zealand chasing 413 for victory were dismissed for 210.
Scores: Sri Lanka 452 and 259 for four declared; New Zealand: 299 and 210.
