Not expecting Australia’s ODI captaincy: Bailey
Melbourne: Australia batsman George Bailey on Sunday said he is ready to resume his place in the middle-order following the retirement of Michael Clarke. But he added he’s not expecting captaincy on a permanent basis. The Tasmanian has led Australia’s One-Day International (ODI) side more than anybody else over the past two years. The 32-year-old also led his country in their World Cup opening fixture against England on February 14, scoring an important 55 with the bat as Australia won by 111 runs. “If I wasn’t in the team for this last six weeks, then I can’t imagine I would be skipper. I would love to remain a part of the team,” Bailey was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia (CA). “I certainly feel like I’ve got a number of good years of cricket left in me and hopefully a number of them are in Australian colours.” Overall, 29 of Bailey’s 57 ODIs have come as captain with a winning percentage of 55. Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey said the choice between Bailey and Steve Smith comes down to whether selectors want a ready-made replacement or a man for the future. “George Bailey’s done a fantastic job over a fair period of time now. You probably don’t have to look any further than that at the moment. I’m sure it’s something they’ll discuss, the long-term future of the one-day team,” Hussey said. Hussey said for long-term basis, Smith’s name might come up for captain’s role. “George has done a fantastic job but if they’re looking long-term, a lot longer term, Steve Smith’s name might pop up,” said the southpaw. (IANS)
I can fit into any role CSK will offer: Irfan
Chennai: Keen to resurrect his fledgling national career, all-rounder Irfan Pathan said that he is ready to fit into any role that his new franchise Chennai Super Kings is going to offer him in IPL-8. After going unsold in the first session during this year’s auction, Irfan, who last played for India in 2012 World T20, was lucky to be picked by the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led CSK. The Baroda southpaw wants to make the most of the opportunity. “Obviously, the dream is to play for the country again. But at the same time, I should make sure that I go there step by step and that is what I am doing. I did well in the Ranji Trophy. Hope I can do well well in the upcoming IPL as well. There are some matches coming up after the IPL season. Sooner or later, I will fulfill my dream. “In 2011, people talked that it was going to be difficult to make a comeback but I told them that I will make a comeback and I did. I am saying it again that I am going to return in the national team and I am working towards it,” said Irfan. Irfan of course, may face tough competition from other all-rounders in the side. “Having many all-rounders is beneficial for the team. I have had a discussion with Stephen Fleming and he gave an idea as to what kind of a role he wants me to play. That is a team talk. For me, I am feeling very confident. It is just a matter of what Dhoni thinks in terms of how he is going to utlise me and how the team wants me to play. I think with the experience that I have I can fit in any role. I just have to be ready mentally,” he said. (PTI)
East Bengal name defender Robert in squad for I-League away games
Kolkata: Struggling Kolkata giants East Bengal have named defender Robert Lalthalmuana in its squad for their I-League away matches in Pune against Bharat FC on April 8 (Wednesday) and Pune FC on April 11 (Saturday). Lalthalmuana has recovered from a leg injury that kept him out of his team’s previous matches. Dutch Coach Eelco Schattorie will be hoping for a turnaround after recent losses against league leaders Mohun Bagan AC and third-placed Royal Wahingdoh FC. The twin losses condemned the three-time champions to a lowly sixth spot in the standings with 13 points from 10 matches. The team will be missing goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury. (IANS)
