Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Graeme Swann Ruled Out He Is Faces Surgery

England spin bowler Graeme Swann faces a race against time to be fit for this year Ashes double-header after injury forced him out of the Test series against New Zealand on Wednesday. 

Swann was a surprise omission from the tourist side to face the Black Caps in the chance Test in Dunedin, with officials later confirming a long-standing problem with his right elbow had flared up, require surgery.

Clearly could not get through the 5 days, England captain Alastair Cook said after Monty Panesar was named to replace Swann in the 1st Test, with James Treadwell joining the squad as cover for the rest of the series.

Swann had bone remains removed from his elbow in 2009 but the surgery was only partially successful and the 33-year-old said he experienced pain in the joint during a warm-up loss to a New Zealand XI match last week.In a column for Britain Sun newspaper this week, he said he feared the upsetting elbow could jeopardize his chances of playing in home-and-away Ashes series this year.

Two editions of the marquee series against Australia are being played back-to-back to avoid a clash with the 2015 World Cup setting up what Swann said was arguably England most year of Test cricket ever.It would be a massive pain in the reverse if my wonky elbow forced me to miss any of the Tests against Australia, he wrote.

I'm absolutely firm to be available for what might be my last 2 Ashes series and that means managing the elbow as well as possible.The England and Wales Cricket Board estimate Swann will be back by early summer after surgery in the United States next week, a tight limit if he is to make the squad for England home Ashes series starting on July 10.

Swann has earned 50 Test caps in a career that includes 2 victorious Ashes series, with the spinner playing a key role both times in prevent Australia from winning the urn.

Monday, March 4, 2013

ICC World Cup chief organizer death

James Strong, the chairman of the Organizing Committee of the ICC World Cup 2015 to be held in Australia and New Zealand, has passed away. The 68-year-old Officer of the Order of Australia passed away late Sunday night.

James possessed a passion and vision for the match that set the tone for the entire organisation. The staff of the Organising Committee is greatly saddened by the death of their chairman, an International Cricket Council statement said.

A world-class leader, he was always friendly and sociable, taking the time to get to know the staff and listen to their views.ICC World Cup chief executive John Harnden knew and worked with Strong for almost 20 years.

James has been a friend and a mentor to me over a long period and I will miss his company and advice. He has made a massive gift to sporting life in Australia and New Zealand. We extend our sincere commiseration to his family and many friends. We will continue the work he began on the World Cup and deliver a match in 2015 that would make him proud, said Harnden.